Tank tales

This Japanese tank is live evidence that Japan was planning to open an Eastern front against the Soviets in WWII. Under the tank chassis, there are special wheels that were designed to ride on Russian train tracks, which are wider than train tracks in other countries. The plan was to take these tanks through Siberia to attack the Ural Mountains and then meet up with the Germans in Moscow.

"Ferdinand" – this German tank was designed by Ferdinand Porsche for Hitler’s birthday. 89 of these tanks were deployed during the Battle of Kursk (the largest tank battle in history) and destroyed a total 320 Soviet tanks.

IS-2, aka Iosef Stalin 2. This Soviet tank was so powerful that German generals prohibited their tanks of engaging it. However, it was very vulnerable if it missed its first shot, since a German tank could fire three times during the same time it took the IS-2 to shoot once.

SU-152 – Stalin ordered that this self-propelled gun be designed in 26 days. When the minister of defense said it was impossible, Stalin replied: “Comrade, you may not be alive in 26 days, but this tank will”. The tank was built in 25 days and the minister survived.

Panhard – this French tank could reach speeds up to 80 km/h (approx. 50 mph). I guess it's for the French to retreat as fast as possible.