The first generation T-34 medium tank made its debut in combat during the summer of 1941, when the Wehrmacht launched its invasion of the Soviet Union. The T-34 easily outclassed the German PzKpfw III and IV models, thanks to its hard-hitting 76.2mm main gun, thick frontal armor, wide tracks, and overall superior mobility. The first T-34s were assembled at Kharkov, Leningrad, and Stalingrad, then moved behind the Ural mountains when the German advance encircled Leningrad, overran Kharkov, and invested the "City of Stalin". Legend has it that some T-34s rolled off the Stalingrad assembly line unpainted and even unfinished to prevent the Nazi invaders from capturing the city.

This particular 1:72 scale replica of a Soviet T-34/76 medium tank, was attached to the 30th Guards Tank Brigade, then deployed to the Leningrad Front in 1944. This new model includes a winter paint scheme that is suitably weathered and worn. It also has several special markings - the Order of the Red Banner, a tactical number ('116'), and a name written in Cyrillic that translates as "Leningradets". Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 3-1/2-inches
Width: 1-1/2-inches

Release Date: May 2006

Historical Account: "The Longest Siege" - The Defense of Leningrad encompassed an area of some 450 km and involved 517,000 men. The actual battle began on July 10th, 1941, and lasted over three years. The Germans, along with the Finnish army, attacked with 38 divisions and were opposed by Soviet units of the Northern and Northwestern Front. On July 10th, the Russian State Committee for Defense combined the two Russian Fronts, forming the Northwest Axis. Immediately, the Northwest Axis fortified the Krasnogvardeisk and Slutsk- Kolpino regions outside the city.

The first phase of the battle lasted from July 10th to late September. Although outmatched, the Russian defenders held their positions. Fighting was continuous through August 8 when the enemy attacked Krasnogvardeisk and broke through to the outskirts of Leningrad. Once again, however, the heart and pride of the Russians held off the Germans. On August 30th, the Germans managed to seize the nearby railroads, which cut Leningrad off from the rest of Russia. By September 8th, the only means of aid available were by air drops or by crossing Lake Ladoga.

Between November 1941 and October 1942 during the siege of Leningrad, 641,803 people died of starvation. Because of the shortages in food and supplies an offensive to break the blockade was impossible. Fortunately, a successful Russian counteroffensive at Stalingrad drained the enemy of resources needed to carry out a new attack on Leningrad that was being planned. Though the Germans would never take Leningrad the defense of the city would be one of the costliest for Russia in the war. Finally, in November 1942, the Soviet of Working People's Deputies laid a roadway across the frozen Lake Ladoga, enabling supplies to be brought in and the evacuation of over 550,000 people. At this point in the war, the Russians were in a favorable position to begin launching huge offensives to push the Germans back.