I did too, even had a Cox gas powered flying model of a Corsair. I built B-17's, Spitfires, P-51's, ME-109's, JU-87's. If it was WWII and had wings, chances are I built a model of it...
I also recall that the Russians debuted their T-34 on the Eastern Front near the end of the war. 1 single 34 took out a couple dozen Tigers, before it was taken out.
This was the first Russian tank to enter Berlin.
My Father was with the first American troops sent into Berlin shortly after the Russians captured it. It was blown up at night a couple of days after this picture was taken, also only a few days after the monument was completed. That is him sitting on the monument.
"I also recall that the Russians debuted their T-34 on the Eastern Front near the end of the war. 1 single 34 took out a couple dozen Tigers, before it was taken out."
Do you mean the JS-III tank?
Interesting topic to research:
"quote:
The first test group of IS-3's left the factory gates in mid-May 1945. Despite western opinion (usually I hear about IS-3's seen on the streets of Vienna), IS-3 tanks weren't involved in battles on the Eastern Front. The participation of IS-3's in Far Eastern Front battles (in August 1945) is still unverified: at least one tank regiment of IS-3 tanks was sent, but Soviet combat records don't confirm any actual combat. "
"The JS III was used in combat one was knocked out at the Florisdorf Bridge Bridgehead in Vienna 12 April 45 by SS Obersturmfuhrer Arnold Friesen, as well as quite a few other bits of ruskie kit.
He was commanding a Panther!!!!"
I'd love to see some photos to document the claim.
I've heard arguments for both sides of this issue, but the release of Soviet military operational records seems to side with the Russian position that they were only sent to the west after the war was over.
quote:
On September 7th 1945, the allied nations were staggered by Russia's disclosure of their JS-3 heavy tank at a victory parade in Berlin. (very true)
Officers of the 2nd SS Panzerdivision "Das Reich" discuss the defense and evacuation of Vienna on 13 April 1945. The officers are conferring on the Vienna side of the Danube River, at the foot of the Floridsdorfer Bridge.
One of the last Pzkw. IV tanks of Panzerdivision "Das Reich" guards the Vienna side of the Floridsdorf railroad bridge (Nordbahnbrücke). Otto Weidinger (in overcoat) walks toward the camera in the center of the photo.
Assaulted by the 5th Guards Tank Corps from the NW and the 9th Gds.Mechanized Corps from the south, most of Das Reich's panzers were backed up against the Donau Canal, just north of Vienna during the second week of April. The division's last significant tank battle was fought there on the 13th.
Early that morning, Oscha. Barkmann's Panther was put out of action, not by enemy fire, but by driving into a bomb crater and damaging its steering. In the vicinity, near the west end of the Floridsdorf bridge across the Donau Canal, a lone 6th Pz. company Pz.IV fought on, but soon was silenced. Ostuf. Karl-Heinz Boska, c/o of that company, rounded up 3 Panthers on the other side of the bridge and led them toward the German's dwindling bridghead. The 3 tanks made it halfway back across the bridge before they were knocked out and Boska wounded. Das Reich's panzer force had virtually ceased to exist.
--------------------
Andy Magee
Maj, OD
US Army (Ret)"
So this topic is unresolved so far.
OK..back to the Me-262..I didn't intend to change the subject here.
