![]() ![]() In the autumn of 1942, STZ’s output began to diminish as a result of the heavy fighting enveloping Stalingrad, but in August, production had been extended to Tankograd where T-34 (76-mm gun) production continued until April 1944. Eventually, rubber-rimmed wheels were used in the first and fifth positions because with all-metal wheels in these positions, harmonic vibrations were set up when the tank was moving at high-speed, which loosened parts and caused other damage. In 1942, Russia faced a severe shortage of rubber which forced STZ to begin producing its T-34s with all-metal road wheels, and the other plants followed suit. Where fine machining was required for moving parts, it was provided. Indeed, an inspection of a T-34 Model 1942 provided to the British School of Tank Technology in 1943 found the armour quality to be equal or superior to British armor. Both the T-34 Model 1942 and T-34 Model 1943 had a distinctly rougher appearance than the wellcrafted T-34 Model 1940, but the apparent crudity of many of the welds and joints did not detract at any point from the integrity of the armor. There were a number of production variations between the products of the different factories. Production of the Model 1942 and Model 1943 took place simultaneously, with the other two facilities continuing to manufacture the T-34 Model 1942 until later in 1942. ![]()
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