Designed between 1937-1940 & developed by KhMDB, The T-34 had a profound effect on the conflict on the Eastern Front in the Second World War, and had a lasting impact on tank design. When introduced in 1940, the T-34 had an unprecedented balance of firepower, mobility, protection and ruggedness. Its 76.2 mm high-velocity tank gun was more powerful than its contemporaries while its 60 degree sloped armour provided good protection against anti-tank weapons. Although its armour and armament were surpassed later in the war, it has been described as the most influential tank design of the war.
The T-34 was the mainstay of Soviet armoured forces throughout the war. Its general specifications remained nearly unchanged until late 1944, when it received a firepower upgrade with the introduction of the greatly improved T-34/85 variant. Its production method was continuously refined to meet the needs of the Eastern Front, making the T-34 quicker and cheaper to produce. The Soviets ultimately built over 80,000 T-34s of all variants, allowing steadily greater numbers to be fielded despite the loss of tens of thousands in combat against the German Wehrmacht.
Replacing many light and medium tanks in Red Army service, it was the most-produced tank of the war, as well as the second most-produced tank of all time (after its successor, the T-54/55 series). With 44,900 lost during the war, it also suffered the most tank losses ever. Its development led directly to the T-54 and T-55 series of tanks, which in turn evolved into the later T-62, T-72, and T-90 that form the armoured core of many modern armies including the Russian Federation. T-34 variants were widely exported after World War II, and as recently as 2019 more than 130 were still in service.
Mould Tools made in 1968, pack Illustration by Roy Cross, 1968. Enjoy the nostalgia with Airfix Vintage Classics.
This kit represents the T-34 in 1943 Soviet Red Army colours & includes Soviet decals.
This kit comes in moulded grey plastic. Construction & Painting is required
We recommend the use of Deluxe Plastic Kit Glue when building this kit
Scale | 1:76 |
---|---|
Length | 95mm |
Width | 40mm |
No. of Parts | 58 |
Decal Options | 1 |
Era | WW2 1940-1945 |
Skill Level | 2 |
Flying Hours | 1 |
Age Suitability | 8+ |