Soviet heavy tanks updated

Here come the heavies!
The Soviets had an early obsession with heavy multi-turreted tanks. They turned out to be quit ponderous and practically unusable in battle.

• SMK
• T-100
  
• T-35
  
• TG

Soviet medium tanks and tank destroyers updated

The Soviets wisely stuck to the basics with their tank designs. They had a successful chassis in the T-34 and with modifications created more power medium tanks and some very potent tank destroyers.

• SU-100
• SU-85
• T-44
• T-34/85

Soviet Union's T-34/76 medium tank updated

The most famous Soviet tank of World War II was probably the T-34/76. It came as a complete shock the the invading Germans. Large factories were moved out of the way of the Germans and Soviet citizens produced them in massive quantities under very trying conditions.

Soviet Union's A-32 and T-32 medium tank updated

Next in line, leading up to the T-34, were the A-32 and T-32. As a result of the war with Finland it was found that the existing models had too little armor and not a big enough gun so it was decided by Stalin to proceed with the development of the new medium tank.

Soviet Union's A-20 medium tank updated

The A-20 was one, though not the only, of the precursors to probably the most famous of all the Soviet tanks to come out of World War II, the T-34/76. It did run on tracks or wheels like the BT series, and only could carry a 45 mm gun.

Soviet BT series updated

The Soviet Union, due to its wide spaces needed a tank that could go long distances. The Soviets adopted the Christie design for their BT series. I've made quite a few updates to the BT series.

• BT-7
  
• BT-5
• BT-4
• BT-3
• BT-2
• BT-1

Soviet Union's T-28 medium tank updated

The T-28 was designed to be an infantry support tank. The crews gave them the nicknames: Betka (beetle), Betushka or Tri-Tankista (three tank men).

Soviet Early Medium Tanks added and updated

Stalin was very supportive of the burgeoning tank designs that were developed during the 1920s and 1930s. I've now added two new pages and updated a couple more. If anyone has photos I'd be happy to use them!
More to come!

• T-12
  
• T-22
  
• T-24
• MS-3

Soviet Union's SU-76 Samokhodnaya Ustanovka updated

The Soviet Union produced over 12,000 of the SU-76 self propelled guns during World War II. They weren't popular with their crews and earned the nicknames Suka (bitch) and Golozhopil Ferdinant (naked ass Ferdinand) which was a reference to it being similar to the German Ferdinand tank destroyer.

Soviet T-70 and T-80 light tanks updated

The Soviets kept on trying to improve their light tank designs. The next one was the T-70, which many felt wasn't an improvement over the T-60. The last one, the T-80 was built in small numbers in 1943. Unfortunately I don't have much information on it.

Soviet T-40 and T-60 light tanks updated

The T-40 was a decent amphibious reconnaissance vehicle that was too often, used as a regular tank. The T-60 was a much better light tank that was easier to build in large numbers. I've added some historical and specification updates.

Another batch of Soviet Union light tanks updated

Here's the next set of light tank updates for the Soviet Union.

• T-38, T-37, T-50, T-46, T-38, T-60, T-26

More Soviet Union updates!

I'm starting through another source of Soviet armored vehicles and these are the updates so far:

• ISU-152
• T-27
  
• T-18, MS-3
  
• History

Soviet self propelled guns updated and photo added

The next self propelled guns produced were the ISU-122 and the ISU-152. The penetration tables have also had some minor updates added.

Soviet Heavy Tanks updated

I've added some updates for the following heavy tanks used by the Soviet Union in World War II.

• IS-1
• IS-2
• IS-3

Soviet Union's SU-152 self propelled guns photo added and updated

The Soviets saw the successful application of the German self propelled guns and worked on a design of their own. The result was the affective SU-152. It had a 152.4 mm howitzer-cannon that was very successful.

Soviet Union's Su-85 and SU-100 Tank Destroyers and T-44 Medium Tank updated

I've made some additions to the following Soviet vehicles:

• T-44, SU-100, SU-85

Soviet tanks and self propelled gun updates

Ok, last updates for today! Yes, more Soviet vehicles!

• SU-122, T-34/85

Soviet tanks and self propelled gun updates

I'm still working my way through updating Soviet vehicles used during World War II.

• T-34
• T-34 1940
• T-34 1941
• T-34 1942
• T-34 1943
• T-43
• A-20
• T-32
• SU-76
• T-80
• T-70

Soviet Union's light tanks updated

The Soviets made use of thousands and thousands of light tanks during World War II. I've made some updates to these:

• T-60
• T-50
• T-40

Soviet Union's T-35 heavy tank updated

The T-35 was a massive heavy tank that was built in small numbers before World War II.

Soviet Union medium tanks updated

Yes, you guessed it, more Soviet Union updates.

• T-29
• T-28
• BT-7

Soviet Union's BT series updated

I'm starting to make my way through the BT series of tanks that were used by the Soviet Union before and during the early years of World War II.

• BT-5
• BT-4
• BT-2

Soviet Union's T-26 light tank updated

Over 12,000 T-26s were constructed before World War II. It was used in the Spanish Civil War, in Finland, and against the Japanese.

Soviet Union updates stop for the night

Ok, added some more additions to the Soviet pages tonight. Here they are:

• T-38
• T-26
• T-37
• T-27

Going to bed now, so good night!

Soviet Union updates continue

I decided to crack open a couple sources that I haven't looked at in a couple years. One to update the sources and see if I can glean any additional information out of the books. Here's the first set of updates:

• T-24
• MS-1
• History
• KV-2
• KV-1
• T-35
• T-100

More Soviet Union updates

Continuing the updates to the Soviet Union's section.

• T-34/76
• A-20
• T-32
• History
• T-29
• T-28

Soviet Union updates

I've done a bunch of minor updates to the following:

• BT-7
• BT-5
• T-35
• T-28
• T-37
• T-26
• T-27

Soviet Union's T-70 and T-80 light tank updates

Last of the specification updates for the Soviets is now done! Whew! Don't worry there will be more updates! The T-70 and T-80 light tanks finish it off for this round.

Soviet Union's T-60 light tank updated

Have added additional specification information for the Soviet T-60 light tank.

Soviet Union's T-50 light tank updated

The T-50 was found to take as much effort as it was to build a medium tank so it was never put into major production like many of the other Soviet light tanks in World War II.

Soviet Union's T-40 light tank updated

Most models of the T-40 were amphibious. Probably under 500 were produced.

Soviet Union's T-46 light tanks updated

The T-46 was similar to the T-26, but had the familiar Christie suspension that many Soviet designs had.

Soviet Union's T-26 light tank updated

The Soviets built nearly 12,000 T-26 light tanks that were used in the Spanish Civil War and in the war with Finland.

Soviet Union's T-38 light tank updated

Continuing with the progression of Soviet designs, next came the T-38, which was also an amphibian.

Soviet Union's T-37 light tanks updated

The Soviets, more so than any other country during World War II, developed a long line of light amphibious tanks. Which seems to make sense since the Soviet Union did have a lot of areas crisscrossed by water without roads, so to get quickly around those obstacles an amphibious tank was used. One of the earliest models was the T-37.

Soviet Yakovlev Yak-9 fighter updated

The Yak-9 saw service starting with the Battle of Stalingrad in late 1942 and into the Korean War in 1950.
I've updated it's specs and history too.

Soviet Yakovlev Yak-7 fighter updated

The next in the Yakovlev line was the Yak-7. It started out to be a trainer but was developed into a very capable ground attack and low level fighter.
The specifications and historical information is now updated.

Soviet Yakovlev Yak-3 fighter updated

Where I only had a photo before, there's now historical and specification information on one of the top Yakovlev fighters produced during World War II, the Yak-3.

Soviet Yakovlev Yak-1 fighter updated

The Soviets started the was with an excellent fighter aircraft, the Yak-1 that paved the way for the most successful designs during World War II.
I've added additional historical and specification information.

Soviet Union's Tankette T-27 updated

The Soviets also produced carriers (or tankettes) in large numbers during World War II. One of these the T-27 was a copy of the British Carden-Loyd carrier.

Soviet Union's IS-1 and IS-2 heavy tanks updated

In the ever increasing arms race on the Eastern Front the Soviet Union developed a new series of heavy tanks, the IS-1 and IS-2. Though they had a heavy gun and heavy armament they were handicapped by the large shell sizes of their main armament allowing only a small number of shells to be carried.

Soviet Union's KV-2 heavy tank updated

The Soviets designed the KV-2 to go up against field fortifications, specifically the ones they went up against in Finland.

Soviet Union's KV-85 heavy tank upgraded

In an attempt to carry a bigger weapon, the KV-85 was created to carry an 85 mm gun. However, once the IS series came into production the KV-85 was phased out.

Soviet Union's KV-1s heavy tank updated

The Soviets tried to update their KV-1s to be less heavy and more maneuverable by creating the KV-1s. But the T-34/76 still outperformed the KV-1s so production concentrated on the T-34s.

Soviet Union's KV-1 heavy tank updated

When the Germans went up against the KV-1 Heavy Tank they were in for quite a shock. Nearly invulnerable to all anti-tank weapons the infantry had (except for large caliber anti-aircraft and artillery guns) a single KV could stop the progress of the Germans for hours if not days.

Soviet Union's T-35 heavy tank updated

The Soviets definitely liked to design very large heavy tanks. The T-35 was a multi-turreted beast that was to go through the heavy defenses of the enemy. It was built in small numbers.

Soviet Union's T-32 heavy tank updated

I have very little information on the T-32 heavy tank but I was able to update some of the specifications.
If anyone has photos or more information, by all means, send it my way!

Soviet Union's T-44 Medium Tank updated

It was going to be the successor to the T-34/85, but the T-44 wasn't as successful so it only produced in very limited quantities.

Soviet Union's T-34/85 Ob 1943 medium tank updated

Probably one of the few tanks developed during World War II that went on to being used into the 1990s, the T-34/85 was produced in large quantities and was well rounded in the sense of being fast, having good armor, and a good gun.

Soviet Union's T-43 medium tank updated

The Soviets worked on upgrading the armor on the T-34/76 and came up with the T-43. It was produced in small numbers as the T-34/85 was to replace the T-34/76 series.
Unfortunately I don't have any photos, so if anyone has some they can send me. . .

Soviet Union's T-34/76 medium tank updated

The Soviets were able to produce an incredible amount of tanks before and during World War II, far out producing the Germans. The T-34/76 had over 35,000 produced which was far more than any model of German tanks produced.

Soviet Union's T-28 medium tank updated

The Soviets also produced some very large tanks, the T-28 was one of them. It was much too big and slow for the fast paced war fought against the Germans.

Soviet Union's BT-7 Bystrochodnij Tankov (Fast Tank) updated

If the Soviet military hadn't been decimated by Stalin's purges, and given enough training in better tactics, the Soviets, using such tanks as the BT-7 might have made a better showing against the invading Germans. They might have not stopped them, but maybe slowed them down more? Of course one will never know.

Soviet Union's BT-5 Bystrochodnij Tankov (Fast Tank) updated

Another in the line of the BT series was the BT-5 which had around 5,000 produced.

Soviet Union's BT-3 Bystrochodnij Tankov (Fast Tank) updated

The BT-3 was the next in the series of Fast Tanks developed by the Soviets in World War II.

Soviet Union's BT-2 Bystrochodnij Tankov (Fast Tank) updated

The Soviet Union was very progressive in its tank development between the World Wars. One class of tanks that they produced a great many of was the BT series. The first one to go into major production was the BT-2.

Soviet Union's BT-7 Bystrochodnij Tankov (Fast Tank) photos added

The last in the Soviet Union's Fast Tank models was the BT-7. Over 2,000 were produced during World War II.

Soviet Union's OT-130 flame thrower photos added

Despite some impressions given, the Soviet Union did develop specialized armored vehicles during World War II. One of these was the modification of the T-26, the OT-130 flame thrower. It was in the border wars with the Japanese and in the invasion of Finland.

Soviet Union's T-70 light tank photo added

The Soviet Union was able to out produce the Germans in light tanks during World War II. The T-70s had over 8,200 produced, numbers that the Germans could only dream of.
I've now added another picture.

Soviet Union's T-60 light tank improved photo added

Another light tank the Soviets used in World War II was the T-60. Though not a new photo, it's a better one than the one I had previously.

Soviet Union's T-40 light tank photo added

The Soviets had several amphibious light tank designs that were used during World War II. One of these was the T-40.

Soviet Union's BT-5 Bystrochodnij Tankov (Fast Tank) photo added

The Soviet Union seemed to have realized the potential for armored tanks much earlier than many of the countries of the world in the early 20th century. They were quite advanced on their designs and just sheer numbers of tanks produced. One of those early designs was the BT-5 Fast Tank which was produced in large numbers. Despite the vast quantities of tanks that the Soviets had, numbers didn't make up for training.

Soviet Union's T-35 heavy tank photo added

The Soviets did produce some very large tanks before and during World War II. One such heavy tank is the T-35 Heavy Tank. It's multi-turreted design was the way some tank designs were headed during the 30s, but the T-35 took it to a new level. Less than 100 were produced (probably likely around 60).

Soviet Aces added

With the fierce fighting on the Eastern Front in World War II many Soviet Aces were created. I've now started the list of them.

Soviet, Easy Models 36289, KV-1 Model 1942, Russian Army added

I've added a page for Easy Models' 36289 KV-1 Model 1942 plastic 1/72 scale model.

Soviet Union's Katyusha BM-13 132 mm Rocket Launcher added

One of the most terrifying weapons to the German soldiers was the Soviet Union's Katyusha rocket launcher, or as the German's called it, "Stalin's Organ."
I've now added a new page for it, and I might add more trucks and other non-armored vehicles to the site in the future.

Soviet Union's ISU-152 self propelled gun updated

The Soviet Union used the very potent ISU-152 extensively as an assault gun.
I've made some minor additions.

Soviet Union's BA-64 armored car updated

One of the few armored cars used by the Soviets after World War II was the BA-64. Over 9,000 were produced from 1941 - 1945.

Soviet Union's BA-27 armored car updated

The Soviet BA-27 armored car was used a lot against the Japanese during the 1930s and 1940s.
I've now added some additional specifications and design data.

Soviet Union's BA-20 armored car updated

In the late 1930s the BA-20 was the most numerous armored car used by the Soviet forces. These were first used in combat against the Japanese as Khalkhin Gol.

Soviet Union's BA-10 armored cars updated

The BA-1 was the most numerous of the heavy Soviet BA series of armored cars. Around 1,400 were produced and many were captured by the Germans and Finns.

Soviet Union's BA-6 armored cars added

I've now added a new page for the Soviet Union's BA-6 armored car. Unfortunately I don't have any photos so if you have some, send'em to me!

Soviet Union's Military Ranks updated

I've corrected the Soviet military ranks and added a source.

Soviet Union's T-34/76 Medium Tank series updated

I've made significant updates to the T-34/76 series. Also the A-20 and T-32, the design predecessors of the T-34.

Soviet SU-85 and SU-100 (Samoknya Ustanokova) tank destroyer

The SU-85 and SU-100 were the best tank destroyers used by the Soviet Union during World War II. I've added quite a bit of new information and reorganized the pages a little.

Soviet Tupolev Tu-2 bomber updated

The Tupolev Tu-2 was a very good attack bomber but it's development cycle and lack of production saw it not being used as extensively.
I've now made some additions to the variants developed and some new specification data.

Soviet Tupolev SB-2 bomber updated

I've updated my page for the Tupolev SB-2. Still don't have a photo so if anyone has some please send them my way.

Soviet Tupolev TB-3 bomber updated

I've added additional specification and historical information for the Soviet Tupolev TB-3 heavy bomber. It was a very advanced bomber for the early 1930s when it was first designed and produced.

Soviet Polikarpov I-16 fighter updated

One of the few monoplane aircraft that Nikolai Polikarpov designed the Polikarpov I-16 Rata did make up 2/3 of the Soviet fighter force when Germany invaded. Even with the success of the I-16, Polikarpov still designed biplane aircraft.

Soviet Polikarpov I-153 fighter updated

Unfortunately for Nikolai Polikarpov he couldn't keep up with the modern ideas of the late 1930s and kept designing bi-planes (his design bureau was later purged). One of these was the Polikarpov I-153 fighter that was used in the early years of World War II. It suffered heavily during the German invasion.
I've added quite a bit of new information to my previously sparse information.

Soviet Polikarpov U-2 bomber, trainer updated

The Polikarpov U-2 / Po-2 was used by the Soviets throughout World War II, which is unusual for a bi-plane. It was used all the way until the taking of Berlin.
I've now added some additional specifications and historical information for it.

Soviet Petlyakov Pe-8 bomber added

The Soviets had a history of producing heavy bombers in the 1920s and 1930s but there wasn't much development during the Great Patriotic War. One heavy bomber that was developed in very small numbers was the Petlyakov Pe-8. They could carry 8,818 lb / 5,000 kg of bombs for a distance of around 2,300 - 3,000 miles, which is very good for a heavy bomber.

Soviet Petlyakov Pe-2 bomber updated

The Petlyakov Pe-2 was one of the most successful aircraft used by the Soviet Union in World War II. It was used as a bomber, ground attack, reconnaissance, and fighter bomber.

Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-1 and MiG-3 fighters updated

I've now updated my pages for the MiG-1 and MiG-3. The MiG-1 was a poor performer but the MiG-3 was much improved and turned out to be quite a good fighter against the Germans at high altitudes.
I still don't have any photos of the MiG-1, so if anyone has some, please send'em my way!

Soviet Lavochkin La-5 and La-7 fighters updated

I've added quite a bit of new information for the La-5 and La-7.

Soviet Lavochkin LaGG-3 fighter updated

I've added some new information on the Lavochkin LaGG-3.

Ilyushin Dalni Bombardirovshchil ("long range bomber") DB-3 / Il-4 bomber updated

I've now updated my page on the Soviet Il-4.

Soviet Ilyushin Il-10 Shturmovik ground attack added

Even with the success of the Il-2, the Soviet Union designed and produced its successor towards the end of World War II. It was the Ilyushin Il-10.

Soviet Ilyushin Il-2 Shturmovik close support updated

The Soviets mass produced their main close support aircraft the Ilyushin Il-2.
I've now added additional specification and historical information.

North Vietnam's T-55A, Hobby Master 3304 added

I've added pictures of my new Hobby Master 1/72 diecast armor, 3304, T-55A that was produced by the Soviet Union and used by the North Vietnamese.

Easy Models 1/72 Armor 35019, Soviet BTR-80, Russian Army added

I've been neglecting the 1/72 model pages with new releases and ones that I've acquired. Hopefully over the holiday break I'll get them up to date.
I've added pictures of my new Easy Model 35019 Soviet BTR-80. My primary focus has been World War II equipment but I have been picking up the occasional piece that falls out of that time frame. Despite what some diecast purists say about Easy Models I do like the variety of what they release and how well they've brought the model to life, even if it is "only" plastic.

Soviet Yakovlev Yak-9 fighter updated

I've added some additional information for the Yakovlev Yak-9 fighter.

Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3 fighter updated

I've updated the information for the Soviet MiG-3 fighter.

Soviet Lavochkin La-5 and La-7 fighters updated

I've now added corroborating specifications and historical information for the Lavochkin La-5 and Lavochkin La-7 fighters.

Soviet Lavochkin LaGG-3 fighter updated

I've added additional specifications and collaborating information on the Lavochkin LaGG-3 fighter.

Soviet Beriev MBR-2 flying boat added

The Soviet Union used the Beriev MBR-2 float plane for coastal reconnaissance throughout World War II. It was a design from the early 1930s.
Unfortunately I don't have any photos of it, so if you do, send them my way!

Soviet Yakovlev Yak-1 and Yak-9 fighter updated

The Soviet Union built a war winning fighter in the Yakovlev Yak-9. It was the most numerous fighter in the Soviet arsenal.
I've updated the page for the Yak-9 and a very minor update on the Yak-1 page.

Soviet Tupolev Tu-2 bomber updated

The Soviet Union's Tupolev Tu-2 attack bomber was still being developed when the Germans invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941. It later was used at Stalingrad and Kursk to good affect.
I've added the specifications for the Tu-2 model and some variant information.

Soviet Tupolev SB-2 bomber added

The Soviet Union used the Tupolev SB-2 bomber starting in the Spanish Civil War and going through to the end of World War II.
I've now added a new page for the SB-2 and it's specifications and historical information, but unfortunately, I have no photos of it. Feel free to send me some if you have them!