The T-34 battle tank, known as "Sotka," was one of three similar tanks brought to Finland along with two others. These tanks were transported here because during the filming of the movie "Stalingrad," nature played a trick and the snow melted too early. Finland still had snow, so the scenes were shot here. The production company did not transport the tanks back, so they were left in the forest. This particular tank was salvaged and restored to working condition, although it had been used in the film as a tank to be destroyed. Pyrotechnics had been placed inside the tank, which then burned everything inside. However, funding and a repairer were found to fix the tank. This specific tank was manufactured in the 1950s in Czechoslovakia.
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Here is the translated text of the article:
The Sotka tank arrived in Finland blackened and damaged-here's how it looks now
"Sotka has been featured in exhibitions and displays," Jesse Kallio shares.
"Sotka has been featured in exhibitions and displays," Jesse Kallio shares. Photo: Laura Määttänen
May 16, 2024, 09:02
Laura Määttänen
In 1992, four Soviet tanks from World War II were flown from Czechoslovakia to Finland. They appeared in a German Stalingrad war movie, filmed in part in Kajaani. Initially, the film was to be completed in Czechoslovakia, but after the director was injured, the snow had melted.
After filming, the T-34 tanks were auctioned off, and one was sold to the War Veterans' Heritage Foundation in Joensuu. The North Karelia Arms Historical Guild took ownership in the mid-1990s. The now-restored tank resides in a hall built in the yard of Wanha Mesta in Kontioniemi.
EVERY YEAR on Ascension Day, the tank's long winter ends. That's when the guild's volunteers check how it has fared through the winter, perform basic maintenance, and take it for a test drive.
Space is limited, as it must accommodate five men and ammunition boxes.
Space is limited, as it must accommodate five men and ammunition boxes. Photo: Laura Määttänen
The tank appears to be in good condition after the winter.
- "Last summer, we did some clutch repairs and will continue to do so, but we have managed with surprisingly minor repairs. It is, after all, a very old machine, and parts are not readily available at every Motonet," says Jesse Kallio, the guild's vice-chairman.
The Sotka tank had arrived in Czechoslovakia in 1968 during the occupation. Filmmakers had acquired it from the country's army. When it came to Finland, the tank was filled with soot, as a fire had been set inside it during the movie. Electrical wires and devices had suffered severe damage.
In Joensuu, it was restored to driving and firing condition. It can fire demonstration shots, and this has been done occasionally. Black powder and fuel create a loud bang and a large fireball.
- "The interior, numbers, and markings have been copied from a similar tank left on the front. The radios are so old and rather complicated, that we dare not tamper with them," Kallio explains.
MAINTAINING THE TANK is not straightforward, as service manuals are scarce, and if available, they are written in Cyrillic alphabet.
- "Practically, the tank is a big pile of simple things," Kallio characterizes.
Otto Nyholm (in front) is dressed in a World War II-era m36 armored troops uniform. Jesse Kallio is on the tank.
Otto Nyholm (in front) is dressed in a World War II-era m36 armored troops uniform. Jesse Kallio is on the tank. Photo: Laura Määttänen
This is quite a rarity, as there are reportedly only a few operational Sotka tanks in Finland, with a few more in existence.
The tank has participated in exhibitions and displays. Last fall, it was in Siilinjärvi at Tolokun Jotos, and at Möhkön Ruukkipäivä, people could explore it.
THIS MONTH on the 25th, Wanha Mesta will host Rompepäivät, when the public will have the opportunity to ride in the tank.
- "We'll drive about a 300-meter loop on a forest road. We prefer not to take it on asphalt," Kallio says.
- "No other events are currently scheduled for the Sotka, but there will likely be more."
The North Karelia Arms Historical Guild was founded in 1985, so it will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.
It has about 50 members, with around twenty active. Previously, joining the guild was a slow and difficult process, as there could be only three probationary members at the same time and new members were infrequently accepted. Since then, it has been easier for new members to join, and younger people have been involved in the activities. The guild organizes shooting competitions with old weapons that are not otherwise used in competition.
"Driving requires strength," Jesse Kallio shares.
"Driving requires strength," Jesse Kallio shares. Photo: Laura Määttänen
The tank is a favorite among many guild members.
- "It interests the volunteers and others the most. It's quite a spectacle," Kallio says.
14 июн 2024
