T-34/85 Medium Tank – Soviet WWII Plastic Model | Bolt Action
T-34/85 Medium Tank
THE ICON OF SOVIET VICTORY
The legendary tank that changed armored warfare forever - rugged, reliable, and produced in overwhelming numbers.
Add to CartRevolutionary Design
The T-34 series, with its sloping armour, changed the principles of tank design during the war. The sloping, angular layout of the T-34 increased the effective armour thickness and also saw a larger proportion of shells deflected away than penetrated its armour. The introduction of the T-34 into action saw German tank design follow suit with similarly angled armour on the likes of the Panther and King Tiger.
As German tank design came to the fore, the Soviet war machine once again raised the bar with the T-34/85. The T-34/85, the very symbol of Soviet military strength in the Second World War, had a new turret to house the more powerful 85mm ZiS gun. A supremely rugged and reliable tank, the T-34/85 had excellent off-road capability, especially in the marshland or snow of the Eastern Front, and was easy for the crew to operate and maintain.
The T-34/85's great strength lay in its adaptation of the T-34/76 tank design which preceded it. This ensured a far smoother and faster production line than would have been the case with a completely new design.
Design Innovations
Sloped Armor
The T-34's heavily sloped armor increased effective thickness without adding weight. This revolutionary design forced enemy shells to encounter more armor at an angle, increasing the chance of deflection.
Powerful 85mm Gun
The upgraded 85mm ZiS gun gave the T-34/85 the firepower to engage late-war German tanks effectively. This weapon could penetrate a Tiger I's frontal armor at combat ranges.
Wider Turret
The T-34/85 featured a larger three-man turret, allowing for a dedicated commander. This significantly improved combat effectiveness by freeing the tank commander from loading duties.
Excellent Mobility
With its robust suspension and wide tracks, the T-34/85 had exceptional cross-country mobility, particularly in mud, snow, and soft ground - conditions that often immobilized German tanks.
Technical Specifications
T-34/85 Specifications
Production Advantage
The Soviet Production Miracle
Another major advantage of the relatively simple design is the sheer number of tanks the Soviet tank factories could produce - by the summer of 1944 the Soviet war machine could produce more T-34/85s in a month than the Germans had Panther tanks in the whole of the Eastern Front!
With over 21,000 of the 57,000 T-34s built during WWII being T-34/85s, the Russian credo was clearly one of quantity over quality, although it was an unwise Panzer commander who discounted the ability of the T-34/85.
| Tank Type | Total Produced | Monthly Production (Peak) | Production Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-34/85 | 21,000+ | 1,200 | 3,000 |
| Panther | 5,976 | 380 | 55,000 |
| Tiger I | 1,347 | 80 | 300,000 |
T-34 Combat History
First T-34/76 models enter service with the Red Army, shocking German forces with their combination of firepower, armor, and mobility.
In response to new German tanks like the Panther and Tiger, the Soviets upgrade the T-34 with a larger turret and more powerful 85mm gun, creating the T-34/85.
T-34/85 production reaches peak efficiency, with Soviet factories producing over 1,200 tanks per month. The tank becomes the backbone of Soviet armored offensives.
T-34/85s lead the final Soviet advance into Berlin, with thousands participating in the capture of the Nazi capital. The tank becomes an enduring symbol of Soviet victory.
120 T-34/85s were used during the invasion of South Korea. They proved highly effective in the early days of this action until newer NATO tanks arrived in theatre.
Box Contents
What's In The Box
- 1 Highly-Detailed Plastic T-34/85 Tank Model - Assemble and customize your Soviet medium tank
- Bolt Action Stat Card - Ready-to-use game statistics for your T-34/85
- Damage Markers - Track battle damage during gameplay
- Informational Leaflet - Historical background and painting guide
- Full-Color Waterslide Decal Sheet - Authentic Soviet markings for your tank
This vehicle can also be used in games of Achtung Panzer!, the game of close-quarters tank-on-tank combat. Its rules can be found in the Achtung Panzer! rulebook.
*Note: Models supplied unassembled and unpainted*
Gaming Performance
T-34/85 in Bolt Action
Regular: 180 points
Veteran: 225 points
9+ (Medium Tank)
HE (1")
Recce (if your force selector allows)
1× 85mm main gun with co-axial MMG
1× hull-mounted MMG
Command Your Own T-34/85!
Add this iconic Soviet medium tank to your Bolt Action army and experience the rugged reliability that helped win the Eastern Front.
Add to Cart*Models supplied unassembled and unpainted. Colors and contents may vary from those shown.
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