Tank riders (Soviet)

Description

The Soviet Red Army made extensive use of tank-riding infantry, known as tankodesantniki, during the Second World War. This tactic, called tank desant, involved infantry squads riding on tanks—typically T-34s—into battle, dismounting just before or during combat to support the assault.

It was a practical solution to the Red Army’s chronic shortage of armoured personnel carriers and trucks and also provided the tank with additional protection from hidden enemy. Infantry squads were often assigned to specific tanks and trained alongside their crews to improve coordination. A typical medium tank up to 8–10 soldiers, who provided close protection against enemy infantry and anti-tank teams.

While effective in achieving surprise and maintaining momentum, the tactic was highly dangerous, exposing riders to artillery, small arms, and the tank’s own exhaust and gunfire. Despite the risks, tank desant was widely used in major offensives from 1943 onwards, particularly in urban and fortified terrain. The tactic remained part of Soviet doctrine into the post-war era.

• Country/Army: Soviet
• Material: UV Cured resin
• Painted by: MarDav Miniatures and FroggyPaints
• Original Designer: RKX Miniatures
• All models are produced under license with the original designer.
• These models are designed for modellers and collectors. They are not toys and are not suitable for children.
• Model supplied unassembled and unpainted. Additional finishing may be required during assembly.
• Finished colour of the product may vary from images shown due to material availability and differences in batches.
• Photos show 28mm models unless noted otherwise.
• All dimensions are complete with weapons unless otherwise stated.
• Other scales and dimensions may be available upon request.
• Models supplied at scales smaller than 20mm may be an alternative design more suitable for small scale prints. These may be sourced from a different designer to the one noted above and the model may differ in details such as lacking camo netting, stowage, having a chunkier weapon barrel, tracks etc.