T34 stowage

[Rocketman]

Hi gang

Thoughts please. Just finishing off a T34 and have reached the point where I'd normally start loading up with stowage. However on trawling through Google images all the T34,s seem devoid of clutter. Any ideas why? The best I've found is a few rolled up tarps. There's no bags no ammo boxes or any of the normal crap you see on other tanks. I've seen inside a T34 and it's not exactly roomy, what's the deal?

[HERMAN BIX]

Im assuming that the high turn over of tanks and crew meant that there simply was not the longevity of either to display that lived in look.
Far from being a long service machine, the later T34/85 vehicles were destroyed or broke down before to long.
Various accounts elude to the '85 being destroyed before needing an oil change..............

The usual ammo ignition that see pictures of completely shattered Soviet tanks- despite being diesel not petrol, is another indicator................the new tank with its new crew would stow its own gear for the brief time they existed.
Look at the loss ratio figures for T series machines...........mind blowing losses.

Plus, the more gear stowed on the outside of the tank= the less room for infantry to catch a ride in support of the armoured attack..........I know what I would prefer.

Either that or the Soviet looting system meant they just picked up what they needed from the opulent German living standard as they went.................

[c.rainford73]

Here are some photos of my T-34 85 it's obviously not a standard Russian version but maybe you can use these pictures for an idea. I realize that the Germans did utilize more add on stowage and applique armor like plates and added tracks.

I have many painted track spares heavily weathered if interested.









Have fun- Carl

[Afrikakorps]

Hi Rocketman,
I think that Herman is on the mark with his answer.
Pictures of T34's with lots of stowage are not common. I have examples with logs, buckets, boxes, tarps etc. but few with everything.
Here are a few examples that may help you.
Cheers
AK

[Raminator]

Nice collection of photos, Afrikakorps. Looks like the stowage centres around reliability and range: fuel tanks, track links, ropes/chains/cables.

Plus, the more gear stowed on the outside of the tank= the less room for infantry to catch a ride in support of the armoured attack..........I know what I would prefer.

The comfort of the desantniki comes before the comfort of the crew, it's one of those "happy wife, happy life" type deals.

[Rocketman]

Oooo, love those pictures. Thanks so much! im just looking at the pic with the massive oil drum balanced on the back, i played with thet idea and rejected it as it looked so unrealsitic. just goes to show how life can be stanger than fiction.....

K