been working on DML's excellent T-34/76 1941 model.

The long stowage bins to be slung on the sides of the hull have these scalloped openings on one side. Should these be there (e.g. for air flow?) or is this a goof and should I fill them?


R

hi
i think that you will find those stowage boxes are diesel tanks, will try and find out about the scallops, don't have a photo to hand just now.

The T34 only had 2 storage boxes, both placed on the fenders - the left one containing cleaningrods for the main armament, the other one... well don´t no - maybe vodka or something.

Some of the early t34´s had some very small boxes on the side of the hull, but that only lasted for a short period as the couldnt hold very much.

On the early T34s there was some square boxes on the rear hul, that was fuel tanks, on later models the tanks was moved to the side of the hull, and was round barrels with one on the left side an 2 on the right side.

Hi
I don't want to get into an argument here, I am just stating a fact,.
The four long boxes on a T34/76 mod 40/41 angled hull sides are fuel tanks, and that is a fact that is stated in most T34 reference works.
Thats it.
Best Wishes
Tim Roberts8 U.K.

[email protected]

What do you mean when you refer to long storage boxes. Do you mean the rectangular boxes, or the fuel tanks?
Here is a picture i took it might help.

That's correct Tim - the long boxes on the Model 1940 ARE fuel boxes. They were issued when the rectangular boxes were in short supply. Think of them like barrels - not very efficient ones either. :-)

I've never seen a picture of the long wooden tank with any scalloping - in fact it had only one hole in it as far as I know - it was never connected to the fuel system, and had to be pumped or syphoned out, then transferred to the internal fuel tanks.

Slava, you have some good pics there :-) they are of the later '85 gunned version, which as far as I know was never fitted with either the long wooden boxes, or the rectangular rear boxes.
In fact your pics show a good post war possibly Polish '85 fitted with the 1945 turret.
On the hull the 'notek' style light and the infantry signalling button (under the rear left fuel tank) are sure recognition points.

You can also see on the rear the electrical plumbing and part of the mount for the smoke pots - little cylindrical tanks which DID have scalloped edges that held the smoke pot in the tube When it was fired the cap was blown off and the contents spewed dense black smoke for a quick withdrawal... Perhaps a bit of artistic licence got in from the original model maker here...?

yes those are nice photos.
both tanks have fittings typical of czech army t34/85, namely the headlightguard, which is moveable, and the infantry call button on the left rear hull, just behind the fuel tank.
best wishes
tim

I'd also think that the spare tracks tucked in the turret hand grip are a set dressers touch - I'd be very surprised if it happened in real life as the slightest movement would cause the track to jump out and fall on the tank riders clustered around on the hull...
Does anyone have any proof that it did happen in wartime? I don't mind being wrong, but I'd hate to do a dio with incorrect info on it

thanks for the clear-up guys. Yes I guess they are fuel tanks. I found a few photos, and no scalloping, so I went ahead and filled them in.

In response to spare tracks being wedged behind turret grab handles; yes it appears that it did happen in wartime. In Bean and Fowler's
"Russian Tanks of WW 2"
there is a photo of a T 34/85 rolling down a rail bridge through Dresden, and it has one spare link behind each of the grab handles on the turret. (this is on pg 99).

Im not certain if this was a staged shot, but judging from the blurriness, and the awful condition the tank is in, I doubt it. Hope that helps.

Ralph

Thanks for the follow up Ralph, that's interesting about the track links. I'll track down that book.