See The Soviet T-34 Tank at Bygone Times for a Glimpse Into History! | Bygone Times

Oh yes, we did!

Bygone Times are thrilled to announce that we have acquired an authentic Soviet T-34 Tank that now stands guard of our Lancashire antiques centre, creating an unmissable spectacle for visitors and history enthusiasts.

Providing a glimpse into the bleak annals of war and history, the Soviet T-34 tank from World War II has been utilised by numerous forces in various historic conflicts and battles worldwide.

A medium tank with a 76.2mm tank gun that was more powerful than many contemporary models, the T-34 had a huge impact on the Eastern Front conflict during WWII, including the bloodiest and costliest battle in human history; the Battle of Stalingrad.

One of the most famous tank models of all time, the T-34 has been cited as one of the most important weapons for the Soviet Union’s victory over the Germans in WWII.

Currently positioned right outside our front door, make sure you don’t miss the real Soviet Union T-34 Tank one your next visit (SPOILER: It’s impossible to miss it).

Visit the Soviet T-34 Tank at Bygone for Experiences in Lancashire

At Bygone Times, our priority is offering an unforgettable experience, with antiques, collectables and artifacts that tell a story and bring history to Lancashire. A jaw-dropping design that adds a unique layer of historical gravitas to your visit, Bygone Times are calling on locals and tourists to visit and experience a legendary piece of 20^th century in-person! It makes for a cracking photograph or selfie, too!

If you have a fascination with war and history, do not forget to visit the Bygone Times War Museum! A free attraction for all visitors, respecting and commemorating our armed forces personnel past and present, the Bygone Times War Museum contains WWI & WW2 memorabilia, Navy and Air Force relics, and uniforms, as well as a recreated air shelter!

Bygone Times is also home to various independent sellers of war memorabilia, accessories and collectables.

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History of the T-34 Tank

An iconic piece of 20^th century history, the T-34 Tank is widely considered by historians and experts as one of the most effective and influential tanks from WWII. A medium tank first used by the Red Army, the T-34 Tank was the most-produced tank of the war and is the second most-produced tank of all time.

The first production models began rolling off the assembly line in 1940. In 1941, when Germany launched Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, the T-34 was a nasty surprise to the German armed forces.

German commanders had quickly realised their armoured divisions were outclassed, as the T-34 offered an impressive balance of firepower, armour protection and mobility superior to any German medium tank class of that period.

Instrumental in all major Eastern Front WW2 battles, including Stalingrad and Kursk, the latter of which was the largest tank battle in history, the T-34 has gone onto prove as one of the most successful tanks ever designed.

After WWII, the T-34 has been used by numerous Soviet client states and conflicts around the globe for decades afterward.

Some of the wars and battles where the T-34 has been used include;

• The Korean War (1950-1953)
• Middle Easter Conflicts (Suez Crises (1956), Six-Day War (1967) and Yom Kippur War (1973))
• Vietnam War (1955-1975)
• Bay Of Pigs (1961)

Astonishingly, the T-34 is still being used in the ongoing Yemini Civil War (2014-present). Though vastly inferior to modern tanks, the fact it is used by various factions in the ongoing Yemini Civil War is a testament to the tank’s eternal ruggedness.

Design of the T-34 Tank

The T-34 is not only a monument of history, but is an incredible piece of military hardware of that is reflective of the Soviet’s determination and industrial war effort.

With revolutionary 60-degree sloped armour to provide excellent protection and a 76.2mm tank gun that was more powerful that many contemporary models, the T-34 provided excellent mobility and terrain performance.

Manufactured with increased effective thickness, the T-34 was able to deflect or ricochet enemy shells, and with wide tracks to distribute its weight and lowered the ground pressure, the T-34 could operate on muddy or snow-covered terrain.

The initial models of the T-34 were armed with a high-velocity 76.2mm gun, which was more powerful than the contemporary German tanks.

Though the T-34 was an innovative design, it was a relatively simplistic design that allowed for quick and high-volume production, meaning the Soviet Union could manufacture tens of thousands of T-34 to overwhelm the numerically inferior German tanks.

Despite its prestige and effectiveness during WWII, there was a brutal reality for Soviet tankers to face. Inside the T-34 tank, conditions were cramped and very noisy due to the near constant roar of the powerful V-2 diesel engine near the crew compartment.

T-34 Tank at Bygone Times: Take a step back in time

Wanna see it for yourself?! Visit Bygone Times and check out a metallic monster of history!