Dragon DRR63144 Chinese Volunteer Army T-34/85 Medium Tank - "White 215", Unidentified Unit, Korea, 1950 (1:72 Scale)
"Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun."
- Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mao Tse-Tung
After the Battle of Kursk in the summer of 1943, panic began to spread in the ranks of Soviet tank units. They had met the German Panther for the first time on the field of battle, and the mighty Tiger I was being encountered in increasing numbers. The Soviets desperately needed a tank with a longer arm so-to-speak, and the solution offered up by a crash development program was a T-34 with a larger turret and a larger gun. This new tank was known as the T-34/85, which featured an 85mm anti-tank gun (derived from an anti-aircraft gun of the same caliber) mounted in a larger three-man turret. This more powerful tank entered service from March 1944 onwards and it was an immediate hit since it could now stand toe-to-toe with the more powerful tanks being fielded by the Wehrmacht.
Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a Chinese Volunteer Army T-34/85 medium tank that was deployed to Korea during 1950.
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Dimensions:
Length: 3-1/2-inches
Width: 1-1/2-inches
Release Date: September 2023
Historical Account "People's Hero Tank" - T-34-85 "No.215" achieved historical significance during the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's participation in the Korean War. No.215 took part in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, also known as the Battle of Seokhyeon-dong Northern Hill in July 1953, against the 1st Brigade, 7th Infantry Division. No.215 accidentally drove into muddy terrain while spotting a U.S. tank column at 1,400 meters while travelling at night. The crew immediately camouflaged the tank to avoid aerial reconnaissance by U.S. planes and successfully ambushed 3 U.S. tanks the next day, destroying two and seriously damaging 1. During the retreat, it exchanged fire with a few pursuing tanks, destroying two additional U.S. tanks. Throughout the Korean War, the tank crew of No.215 destroyed five tanks, nine mortars, one military vehicle, 26 enemy bunkers, one tunnel, and one command post. It also successfully provided infantry support in 7 combat operations.
The Chinese Army awarded the prestigious title "People's Hero Tank" to the T-34-85 No.215 tank in appreciation of its significant military achievements, and all crew members were given the first-class merit award. The decommissioned tank is now on exhibit in the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution for public viewing.