Name that tank?

[mmcv]

I was doing a distillery tour today and the guide happened to mention that the owner liked to collect old vehicles and tanks and pointed out a Russian tank behind the warehouse. So of course after imbibing a few samples of their whisky, gin and poitin while the weather cleared I had a dander down for a nosey. The tour guide didn't know for sure what it was, said various designations at different times, usually a T-32, T-34 or T-36. I've only started getting into 20th century warfare so my knowledge is limited in the matter. I'm sure the esteemed members of this forum will know better:





What is this tank?

They mentioned he owned quite a few and was considering opening a bit if a museum on the grounds in the future, will be good if they do!

I also came home to my delivery of 2mm Crimean Russians, so good day all around!

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

T34-85

[mmcv]

Thanks!

[jimduncanuk]

Yes, T34/85 without a doubt.

My daughters could have answered that one.

[Dr Dave]

My daughters could have answered that one.

Look, this is schoolboy stuff. You should know this stuff MMCV. You're probably thinking it's not your thing, but show me a stick with a sharp metal end and I know it's a spear... or a pike... or a javelin thingy. I can spot a pilum, or a group of pila? Anyhow, you need to start revising.

So what's the difference between a javelin and a throwing spear thing? I have no idea. 

[Norm]

Nice find.

[mmcv]

My daughters could have answered that one.

Glad to hear your daughters are well educated in 20th century warfare!

Look, this is schoolboy stuff. You should know this stuff MMCV. You're probably thinking it's not your thing, but show me a stick with a sharp metal end and I know it's a spear... or a pike... or a javelin thingy. I can spot a pilum, or a group of pila? Anyhow, you need to start revising.

   

Alas, mid century Russian tank nomenclature wasn't on the syllabus when I was at school..I've been self educating but have only got up to the T-26 so of course a T-34 is a little beyond my current understanding. 

So what's the difference between a javelin and a throwing spear thing? I have no idea. 

My thinking is a throwing spear is a broader term of a number of spears that could be thrown but potentially also used as a standard spear. A javelin would be a fairly light throwing spear and not much use hand to hand so was very much specialised to throwing. But of course when it comes to the thousands of years of human warfare where spears have been used there's a lot of variety. Not like the modern stuff which can be pinned down to name, model, serial number, country, factory and what the foreman had for lunch that day!

Nice find.

Yes was a bit of a surprise, not at all what I expected to find at a distillery!

[petercooman]

Yes was a bit of a surprise, not at all what I expected to find at a distillery!

A man has to protect his booze...

[mmcv]

A man has to protect his booze...

Well this is it, was positioned beside where they kept the whisky barrels. My question is where are the other tanks stored, I can only assume carefully hidden in tactical positions ready to pounce on any potential liquor thieves...

[fsn]

Was it delivering or picking up?

[mmcv]

Was it delivering or picking up?

Maybe be was trying to convert it to run on vodka, like the crew would have.

[hammurabi70]

Maybe be was trying to convert it to run on vodka, like the crew would have.

Vodka was normally stored in the radiators.

[mmcv]

Interestingly enough they do make some feckin' vodka* there. Maybe he keeps a stash in the tank radiator for emergencies. Perhaps it adds to the flavour.

_{*I'm not being crude, that's the name of the vodka.}

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Vodka is unflavoured gin, which is unflavoured whiskey...

Now that should start a fight where you do need a t-34!

[mmcv]

Vodka is unflavoured gin, which is unflavoured whiskey...

Now that should start a fight where you do need a t-34!

Gin is the cheap drinkable perfume that all the new whisky distilleries are making to pay the bills while they're waiting for their golden nectar to take it's time maturing to its full glory.