Qayyuum's Soviet T34 tank

This is a friend's tank. It was not operational for a long time due to his preference to another tank, the Soviet KVI - leaving this machine here broken. Much of the parts inside were becoming oily and affected the electrical component as well as the board. What I did apparently was I dry cleaned everything, especially the electrical parts, the board and treatment for the gearbox. It's currently operational and ready for action. I took a few photos early in the morning before I return the tank.

A brief history of the T34:
The T34 tank is a medium type tank produced in the Soviet Union and fielded extensively by the Red Army throughout WWII, and continued to be used during the Cold War. It was produced by the KMBD, and is revolutionary to all tank designs during and after the Great Patriotic war. T34 tanks were formidable, and proved to be superior compared to earlier German medium type tanks such as the Panzer III and IV tanks - proven during the second half of Operation Barbarossa (June 1941 - January 1942). As it was relatively simple and cheap to produce, coupled with the Soviet abundant workforce and resources, the Soviet T34 tank reached a peak of more than 80,000 units produced, marking a history as the most produced tank in the world. Important to note, 39 other nations also used the T34 tanks post 1945.

A few photos:

Notice the antenna modification, which is positioned exactly in front of the commander's cupola. It's now slightly thicker and black in color.

A friend's Mid Production Tiger I tank

The Tiger I tank left a massive impact in the armored world; when it was introduced in late 1942 nothing on the field matched its design and performance.It was just ahead of its time. Like all German tanks, the Tiger also had variants, but not too much as the sub models of the Panzer III or the Panzer IV. The Tiger I tank had three different variants - all models were practically the same with some minor but slightly obvious revision. From 1942 to mid 1944, there were the Initial Tiger I, Mid Production Tiger I (pictured) and Late Production Tiger I. The latter had very apparent revision with the road wheels distinguished it from the two predecessor models. 

What we are seeing here is a friend's Mid Production Tiger. Historically, it was developed in 1943 and saw action during or after Italian Campaign and prior and during the Allied invasion of Normandy (June 1944). What distinguished it from the earlier model were the headlights location - the Mid Production Tiger had its headlight mounted on the middle, while the initial production had two headlights mounted on both sides. The cupola hatch and height were also revised, now became shorter and commanders opened the hatch by swinging it to the left in contrary to the previous version where commanders opened it the traditional way. Last but not least, the Feifel filters were completely removed.

The owner of this model bought this from Bremen, Germany. He decided not to modify this vehicle as it's considered rare here in Brunei. Our local dealer only sells the Early variant Tiger I - which I own around 3 units.

Attention to details is very impressive.

Tamiya 1/16th Wehrmacht machine gunner figure

A wonderful combination

The figure is precisely designed for 1/16th scale

The figure holds an MG34 machine gun

Rear view of the Tiger II. Notice the antenna relocation - historically correct!

German WWII tank destroyer Jagdpanther

The Jagdpather was a German tank destroyer, developed and fielded pretty late in the war and spanned over two variants over its production life, the early and late G model - altogether 415 units rolled off the assembly line. The Jagdpather used the hull and chassis of the existing Panther medium tank. At 45 tons and mounted with the powerful 88mm PAK gun, the Jagdpanther is considered to be the best tank destroyer of WWII. 

My 1/16th scale WWII German Jagdpanther tank from Heng Long brand. The model is a generic resemblance Jagdpanther issued to the 654 schwere Panzerjager Abteilung that participated during Germany's last major offensive in the West, the Ardennes Offensive or later developed to be the Battle of the Bulge. The offensive, together with a total of 45 strength Jagdpanther was launched in Europe's densely forested area of Belgium and Wallonia on the 16th December 1944. The High command of the German Army hoped to capture the strategically important port of Antwerp.

An artist's historical illustration

This is not a wartime photo, but that's exactly the camoflage pattern painted by crew during the war. The Jagdpanther was one of the Jagdpanthers participated in the 'Watch on the Rhine' or the Ardennes Offensive in December 1944. It was captured by the U.S Army and is currently preserved at Arbedeen tank ground in the United States.

Here is my Tiger II Henschel. The word Henschel actually refers to its turret, in which another variant of turret was also produced by Porsche mounted on the exact similar hull. Adolf Hitler chose Henschel design over Porsche because of the frontal 'round' shape of the Porsche turret which allows easier bullet access to the crew and disabling its rotation.

This one here is from Heng Long 1/16th line. It's still factory fresh and the only modification I made was the relocation of antenna, which I designed based on historical accuracy. Apparently, there are still plenty more to study. This will just take time.

Henschel King Tiger or Tiger II, historically and academically known as the 'Production turm'. Notice the figure over there - a highly detailed German Wehrmacht machine gunner carrying an MG34. A new transmitter over there as well.

Syafig's U.S Sherman's overhaul, cleaning and maintenance

My German Leopard 2A6 MBT

My German Leopard 2A6 MBT stops during a meet in 2014. An artillery could also be seen.

My Leopard 2A6 after mild weathering. I used Tamiya product.

The tank's rear view prior to firing test in 2014.