T-34 Tankovy Company

The T-34 was the most-produced tank of World War II. When the German Wehrmacht first encountered it in battle in 1941, German tank generals von Kleist and Guderian called it "the deadliest tank in the world."

The fast-moving T-34 tank was the mainstay of the Red Army's tank force throughout the war. Entering battle in 1943, the improved 1942 model fought in every major engagement for the rest of the war. Despite improvements in enemy equipment, its 76mm gun was still adequate to deal with German medium tanks like the Panzer IV, especially as the T-34 outnumbered them two or three to one.

After encountering the Tiger and Panther tanks at Kursk, it was decided that the T-34 needed to be upgraded. This was done by creating a new turret that allowed an extra crew member to be added and replaced the 76mm gun with an 85mm gun, creating one of the most successful tanks of the war.

With a three-man turret, the commander was free to command the tank, leaving the operation of the gun to his gunner and loader.

The T-34/85 was still not a one-on-one match for a Panther, but the Soviets always had numbers on their side.

The T-34/85 remained the standard Soviet medium tank, with uninterrupted production until the end of the war.

Miniatures are supplied unpainted and may require assembly.