7/19/2020 Identifying Variants of the T-34/85

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The T-34/85 in
the Great Patriotic War
Part One

T-34/85 Model 1945

Treloar Technology Centre, Australian War Memorial (Photo B. Green)

Identifying Wartime Variants

of the T-34/85
By Brett Green

While researching the T-34/85 kits released by Zvezda, RPM and Dragon/DML, I encountered some
trouble identifying variants of this very significant tank. For example, DML/Dragon's "Model
1944" release is very clearly a Model 1945. This is not particularly surprising, as the sub-types of
Soviet tanks were not as strictly categorised and labelled as German, British or American armour.
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I was therefore keen to catalogue a list of distinguishing features to help identify different styles of
T-34/85.

Fortunately, a number of valuable texts are available which provide much of this information. My
thanks also go to Cookie Sewell who filled in a number of important gaps.

Photographs from Andreas Lärka and Vasily Goncharov further clarify key areas of identity.

Part Two of this series already appears on HyperScale. It is a detailed construction article based
on DML/Dragon's 1/35 scale T-34/85 Model 1945.

Part Three will be a walkaround (crawlaround?) of the interior of the T-34/85 at the Australian
War Memorial, and Part Four will discuss the "Sotka" - the T-34/85 in Finnish Service. Detail
photos of three of the surviving Sotkas may be found on Andreas Lärka's excellent website.

Contents
Introduction

The T-34/85

Identifying Features of T-34/85 Variants

Table 1: Turret Identifying Features
Table 2: Hull Identifying Features

Wheels and Tracks

Conclusion

References

Introduction

The T-34 was one of the most significant armoured fighting vehicles of World War Two. Its
production run spanned from 1940 until well after the end of the "Great Patriotic War", and it
spawned a further generation of Soviet Medium Tanks including the T-54 and the T-55 which
remain in service today.

Over 35,000 T-34s were produced during World War Two. Production of the T-34 alone
significantly outnumbered the total production of all types of German tanks. Considering this
enormous production run, the vehicle remained remarkably standardised.

All T-34s shared a welded hull featuring very advanced, ballistically effective, sloped armour on all
sides; a 500 horsepower 12 cylinder "V-2" diesel engine combined with a four speed transmission
(plus one reverse gear) powering rear-mounted drive sprockets; "Christie" sprung suspension; five
large paired roadwheels on each side of the vehicle and a wide, two-part track link. Apart from
minor details, this basic configuration remained unchanged for the entire production run.

The main variations between T-34 models were in armament, turret design, roadwheels and track
links.

The first production version of the T-34, the Model 1940, was equipped with an L-11 76.2 mm gun
as its main armament. Even this early, relatively short gun was more than a match for contemporary

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German armour. The Model 1941 introduced the "F-34" model 76.2 mm tank gun of 42 calibres.
This remained the main armament for all subsequent T-34/76 variants.

The T-34/85

A programme to replace the T-34 was initiated in 1941. The new developments concentrated on
improving armour, suspension and crew ergonomics. However, during the battle of Kursk in
summer 1943, the Red Army first encountered the Tiger and Panther tanks. These heavy Panzers
proved a shock to Soviet tank troops, whose previously superior T-34 tanks were ineffective against
the big German newcomers.

The F-34 76.2 mm gun was now useless against the heavy frontal armour of the Tiger and Panther,
so priority was redirected away from a T-34 replacement and toward supplying more punch for the
basic T-34 chassis. The T-34/85 was the Soviet's expedient answer to these powerful new
adverseries.

It is a credit to the basic design of the T-34 that it was possible to add a heavier, three man turret
and a more powerful main gun on a virtually unaltered chassis and turret ring.

Identifying Features of T-34/85 Variants

The designations commonly used to describe different types of T-34/85s did not originate with the
Soviets. Most variations were due to local production techniques or minor design improvements.
There was never any official label for different T-34/85 "models".

Nevertheless, despite significant ambiguity and an apparently endless range of combinations, there
are a number of common configurations that justify categorising similar vehicles.

The turret holds most of the clues needed to identify T-34/85 variants.

Model 1943
The T-34/85 Model 1943 was a stopgap measure while acceptance trials were being finalised for
the ZiS-S-53 85mm gun.

The Model 1943 turret displayed a unique style of bolted collar and was equipped with the shorter
D-5T 85mm gun. This interim model also featured a rounded front-hull join, rounded front fenders
and no turret fillet. Approximately 800 T/34/85 Model 1943 were produced at Gorkiy early in
1944.

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Model 1944
The Model 1944 was equipped with the definitive ZiS-S-53 85mm gun, a redesigned mantlet and
altered turret interior. The alternate turret layout required the commander's cupola to be relocated
40cm aft of its original position. All but the first production batch of the Model 1944 featured this
relocated cupola.

From the Model 1944 onward,

the hull was adapted to the larger
turret by the addition of steel
fillets welded to the upper hull
directly below the turret
overhang at the front and sides.
The front fillet joining the glacis
plate and lower hull was also
changed to a sharp angle, and
fenders were sometimes
simplified and squared off.

A number of different
construction techniques became
evident during Model 1944
production. The "standard"
Model 1944 developed flattened lower-mid turret sides; while significant numbers were produced
in a composite (using two separate castings) or laminate steel finish. Other Model 1944 T-34s
featured a diagonal join at the turret side front instead of the more common step join and welded
rectangular fillet.

Model 1945
The Model 1945 T-34/85
actually entered service during
1944. It featured a larger
cupola that extended very
close to the port edge of the
turret, requiring a tiny "lip"
underneath on the turret side.
The cupola hatch was revised
from the original two-part split
hatch to a large, single "flap"
hatch. The lower turret sides
had a "flattened" lateral profile
on vehicles produced at
Nizhniy, Tagil and
Chelyabinsk. A small,
rectangular bulge was added
to the casting for the Model 1945 and all subsequent models to accommodate an electric turret
traverse. Smoke racks and dispensers were added to the rear hull of this model as a standard item,
although late-production Model 1944s were also equipped with these. (Photo Courtesy of Vasily
Goncharov)

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Model 1946
The Model 1946 entered service during 1945 and saw front-line action in the closing days of "The
Great Patriotic War".

It could be distinguished from the

Model 1945 by its "fuller" lower
turret sides and the new
configuration of ventilator domes.
Previous models of the T-34/85 had
twinned ventilator domes toward
the rear of the turret roof. The
Model 1946 introduced separate
domes - one at the rear and one
toward the front of the turret roof
(note that some Model 1944
Laminate Turret T-34/85s shared
this feature).

The hull was similar to previous

models but stowage of on-vehicle
equipment was revised. Later Model 1946 T/34s reduced the external fuel drums from three to two.

(Photo James Blackwell)

The features described above relate to external differences. Many internal modifications took place
over the same period, but these will not be covered in this article. A summary of the external
distinguishing features is provided in the following tables:

Ta b l e 1 : Tu r r e t I d e n t i f y i n g F e a t u r e s

Variant Lower Forward Cupola Bulge Roof Other

Turret Join (Note 1) Domes Distinguishing
Features

Model 1943 Slight, angled Split hatch. No Twin Shorter D-5T 85mm
step - no fillet Gun - Bolted collar
Cupola located and different mantlet
further forward
than later variants

Model 1944 Right-angle Split hatch. No Twin ZiS-S-53 85mm gun

(Early step join and and revised mantlet
Production) fillet Cupola located introduced for this
further forward and all subsequent T-
than later variants 34/85 models

Model 1944 Step join and Split hatch. No Twin Lower mid turret
fillet sides "flattened"
(Mid to Late Cupola relocated
Production) towards rear of

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turret

Model 1944 Split hatch. Cupola No Twin Laminated steel

(Laminate) located towards turret composition
rear of turret (Note 2)

Model 1944 Curved Split hatch. No Twin Two large separate

following line of Located as Mid castings. Sharp angle
(Composite) lower turret side Prod. Mod. 1944 of flat rear turret
overhang. Mid-turret
sides not flattened

Model 1944 Diagonal Angle Split hatch. No Twin Step join and fillet at
Located as Mid front of turret
(Angle Prod. Mod. 1944 (Note 2) replaced by diagonal
Jointed) join

Model 1945 Step join and Larger single Yes Twin Large cupola
fillet hatch. requires slight
extension over port
Located as Mid side of turret,
Prod. Mod. 1944 creating a tiny lip.

"Flattened" sides on
turrets of vehicles
produced at Nizhniy,
Tagil and
Chelyabinsk

Model 1946 Step join and Larger single Yes Separate Large cupola
fillet hatch. requires slight
extension over port
Located as Mid side of turret,
Prod. Mod. 1944 creating a tiny lip.

Turret sides "fuller"

than Model 1945

Note 1: The bulge on the turret side was to accommodate an electric turret traverse

Note 2: Late production laminate and angle jointed turret T-34/85 examples were seen with separate domes

Ta b l e 2 : H u l l I d e n t i f y i n g F e a t u r e s

Variant Front Glacis Front Fenders Smoke Hull Fillets Other Hull
Plate Fillet Dischargers Distinguishing
Features

Model 1943 Rounded or Rounded No No Long grab-handles

Sharp Angle

Model 1944 Sharp Angle Either Rounded Late Yes More, shorter grab-
or Angled production handles
only

Model 1944 Sharp Angle Either Rounded Late Yes

(Laminate) or Angled production
only

Model 1944 Sharp Angle Either Rounded Late Yes

or Angled production
(Composite) only

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Model 1944 Sharp Angle Either Rounded Late Yes

or Angled production
(Angle only
Jointed)

Model 1945 Sharp Angle Angled Yes Yes Smoke racks

Model 1946 Sharp Angle Angled Yes Yes Smoke racks,

alternative tool
stowage.

Wheels and Tracks - Identifying Features

For such a standardised vehicle, the T-34 sported a surprising diversity of wheels. The T-34/85 was
fitted with five distinctly different types of wheels and two different styles of tracks.

Wheels
It was common for T-34/85s to wear either a matching set of wheels or a combination of wheel
types. No firm rules apply for the type of wheel fitted to the particular type of tank.

The diameter of the combined wheel and tyre was XXX mm for all types. All T-34/85 wheels were
secured to the suspension by six bolts around the hub. All wheels also featured a small, domed hub
cap attached with five small bolts.

The terminology used to describe these wheels is based on common usage and common sense. The
names are not official.

Early Dished Wheels

The "Early Dished Wheel" was a solid dished steel wheel with a solid
rubber tyre. The tyre was perforated at the edges and along the outside
walls. These wheels were commonly seen on Model 1943 and Model
1945 T-34/85s.

(Photo Courtesy Andreas Lärka)

Late Dished Wheels

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t34wheel_4.jpg The "Late-Dished Wheel" was similar to the "Early Dished" style, but
the tyre did not have perforations. The "Late Dished Wheel" was
(17088 bytes) sometimes seen on very late-war T-34/85s, but more commonly on
post-war vehicles.

(Photograph Coutesy Vasily Goncharov)

Half Spider Wheels

The "Half-Spider Wheel" was a cast steel wheel featuring 12 large
lightening holes around the outer edge of the rim, 6 smaller lightening
holes closer to the hub, and 6 narrow reinforcing ribs radiating out
from the hub to the rim between the holes. The rubber tyre was
perforated in the same manner as the "Early Dished Wheel". "Half-
Spider Wheels" entered production in late 1943, and therefore may
have been fitted to any T-34/85 variant. (Photograph Courtesy
Andreas Lärka)

Full Spider Wheels

The "Full-Spider Wheel" was similar in design to the "Half-Spider"
variety, but with 12 small lightening holes close to the hub instead of
6. The full-radius reinforcing ribs also doubled to 12. The "Full-
Spider" tyre was solid rubber with no perforations. Curiously, the
Full-Spider Wheel" entered production at about the same time as the
"Half-Spider" variety, although it is more common to see this type of
wheel installed on very late-war and post-war vehicles. (Photo Brett
Green)

Starfish Wheels
This cast steel wheel is reinforced by incorporating a "wave" pattern
around its radius. One lightening hole correspond to the highest point
of each of five "waves" near the wheel’s rim. Tyres are of the non-
perforated variety. It is possible that some late-war vehicles may
have been fitted with this style of wheel. There is at least one
photograph which seems to support this claim. However, it is more
usual to find this style of wheel on very late post-war vehicles.
(Photo Brett Green)

Once source suggests that at least one T-34/85 was equipped with the rubber-saving, all steel
wheels. However, it is likely that this would have been a very isolated occurance if it happened at
all.

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Tracks
There were 11 main categories of T-34 tracks, with a few additional sub-types. Of these, only 2 are
thought to have been fitted to the T-34/85.

The first, and most common type, is the 500mm wide M-1942 "Waffle Track". This type of track
was in fact the most common track for all T-34s and their variants. It was a two-part, cast steel track
with one hollow guide tooth on every other link and a raised waffle pattern on the outside of each
link to maximise traction.

M-1942 Pattern Waffle Track.

This is the guide-horn link viewed

from the front (outside). Note the
cast texture and the raised
sections polished by road
contact. Also note the hollow
guide horn with the bar cast over
the top of the empty space.
(Photo Brett Green)

M-1942 Pattern Waffle Track.

This is the "flat" link without the

guide horn. The holes in the
edges of this link allow
attachment of ice grousers.
(Photo Brett Green)

The M-1944 "Waffle Track" was also fitted to some late-war T-34/85s. This track was identical to
the M-1942, except where the waffle pattern was extended and reinforced on the guide-tooth link to
improve the rigidity of the link.

Conclusion

This is by no means a conclusive or comprehensive list of T-34/85 disctinguishing features.

However, it should supply enough information to allow identification of the major T-34/85 sub-
types.

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References

"BT/T-34 Tank Vol. 1"Ground Power Magazine (no. 013 - June 1995) by Hirohisha Takada, Delta
Publishing Co Ltd, Tokyo, Japan. ISBN Not Known.

T-34/85 in The Post World War Two Era - Museum Ordnance Special Number 6 by Adam Geibel,
Darlington Productions, Darlington, Maryland, 1995. ISBN Not Known.

Don't let the title stop you from buying this excellent, inexpensive booklet if you are building
a WWII vintage T-34/85. This reference has some excellent detail shots of engine, suspension,
interior and other details which will be relevant to all interested in any variant of the T-
34/85.

T-34 In Action by Steven Zaloga and James Grandsen, Squadron/Signal Publications, Carrollton,
Texas, 1983. ISBN 0-89747-112-1

A good, inexpensive general reference on T-34s. Also the only book I know that seriously
attempts to explain the subtle differences between T-34/85 variants.

Soviet Tanks In Combat 1941-1945 The T-28, T-34, T-34/85 and T-44 Medium Tanks by Steven J.
Zaloga, Jim Kinnear, Andrey Akensov and Aleksander Koshchavtsev, Concord Publications
Company, Hong Kong, 1997. ISBN 962-361-615-5

Chock full o' pictures and great colour plates. More photos of T-34/85s than you will find in
any other single source. Buy one.

Copyright © 1998 by Brett Green

This article originally appeared on Track Link in 1997
Additional Photographs by James Blackwell, Andreas Lärka and Vasily Goncharov
Page Created 18 August, 1998
Page Last Updated 27 January, 2005

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reference Library

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