RA013- T34 Question (1 Viewer)

[Currahee Chris]

Hey guys-

I picked up the T34 yesterday- Great tank!! As much as it pains me to say this, this may be my all time favorite tank offering of KC's since 1999. Still think the Churchill tank is the best crew.

But anyway, there appears to be bedframes welded to the turret and side armor of the tank. I have seen pictures of the Russians doing this as well. However, what was the purpose?? (This question acutally comes from my wife) I explained it to her as follows

It is either;

1.) The Russians wanted to have good sleeping arrangements while invading Germany so they brought their bedframes with them. The mattresses, I presume were stored inside- no, well, she didn't buy that either;

2.) Perhaps to deflect incoming Panzerfaust/Schreck rounds?? If so, did this actually work?? Could this innovation be viewed as the grandfather of kevlar reflective armor of today??

Thanks for any input.

CC

 

[Rob]

I had always heard that it was to deflect or take a little of the 'Punch' out of incoming shells.Whether they work or not i guess depended on the range of the weapon in question.But it must have made some difference.

I agree with you both about the T34 and the Churchill crew,now if we could just get a churchill crocodile

Rob

 

[panda1gen]

Chris, I think it was for hollow charge weapons like panzerfausts - cheap 'skirts'?

 

[Capitolron]

Chris

Did you get the Tank Riders too?

I think I might have to buy that T34 as well - but I know I would want those Tank Riders - they look cool

 

[Eazy]

I've got the T34 and don't even have it on display. I must be crazy cause it's a really good looking piece. I just don't have anything to go with it and have other priorities before I can think of getting any Russian tank support.

 

[Rob]

I'm in the same boat james,doesn't seem right having it on its own surrounded by U.S/Brit stuff.

Rob

 

[Halo]

The T34 looks great and is on display, along with the riders. It adds to the surrounding collection. I recommend both sets.

 

[Capitolron]

Guys if you are displaying TANKS ONLY - like I do one shelf in my curio cabinet - I think it would look great!

 

[Currahee Chris]

Chris

Did you get the Tank Riders too?

I think I might have to buy that T34 as well - but I know I would want those Tank Riders - they look cool

Hey Ron- hope you are well.

Y'know, I don't own any of the tank riders- Russian, American, German,etc sets. Not sure why not but I just never bought any. This T34 (and Katyusha) were my first ever Russian purchases- my wife and kids picked me up some of the older ones back in like 00 or 01. Of course, they never scored me the old t34

 

[Capitolron]

Chris

I really like the whole TANK RIDER concept - it really makes a tank come to life a little bit more IMO.

I hope to get that T34 soon.

 

[Combat]

Good to see some love for the Eastern Front. Now we need the best tank of WWII - the JS-2! A real beast.

 

[Rob]

Yes what a monster,i would love to see a JS-2.Added together with the T34 would give our Russian allies fearsome firepower.

Rob

 

[Currahee Chris]

Chris

I really like the whole TANK RIDER concept - it really makes a tank come to life a little bit more IMO.

I hope to get that T34 soon.

Perhaps that can be your next $100 to spend

Regarding tank riders- any tanker or track person will tell you that it is INGRAINED in our heads to have three points of contact on a tracked vehicle- at all times- 2 feet and one hand at least. Not having three points of contact is almost unforgiveable- hitching a ride on a tank- that is unforgiveable!!

So, while it is historically accurate, I want my collection to reflect my support of proper military safety- no riders allowed!! Grunts can follow the trails only

 

[Capitolron]

Chris

Spoken like a true Armor Guy !

I bet you werent good at sharing your toys when you were young...

 

[jazzeum]

I'll have to be the dissenting voice and say this is not my favorite tank. Doesn't really seem to do anything, no sparkle, and the tracks are not very good. Perhaps it suffers by comparison to the new T 34, which looks very, very good.

 

[OldCelt]

Brad. I'll agree the new t34/76 is a bit better looking than it's earlier /85 cousin. But,I must admit I Love 'em all . Some more than others. Maybe it's the over size turret as well as the treads that make look strange.
Then take the Lee tank so ugly it's cute!
The great thing for us is that each successive K&C piece gets better looking then it's "kith and Kin!.

 

[lenswerks]

Chris--

The Panzerfaust is a shaped charge so that its detonation prematurely by hitting the bed frame verses the turret would defeat its concentrated energy from a single point on the armor. That shaped charge will melt anything it front of it for several inches. Sloping armor helps as well.

That's what the guy on the Military Channel told me.

Donnie

 

[Alexdakar]

Its one of my favorites and I even made a little diorama for it.

 

[Rob]

Now that is a realistic looking dio.Very nice work Alex.

Rob

 

[Capitolron]

Alex

Once Again - Great Work !

Where did you come up with that building ?? It looks great.

Ron