Museum of Military and Labor Glory (Saratov). Part 2.
However, we won’t be able to walk straight along this alley for long. Slightly to the side, on a separate platform, a small cluster of tanks is visible—and we need to take a closer look at them.
Previous report: Museum of Military and Labor Glory (Saratov). Part 1.
Another T‑34 is nearby — though not as an exhibit, but as an attraction.
However, Russians have no need for additional aids: they climb onto the exhibits even without them.
Personally, I don’t like it—though I, too, am sometimes guilty of it—but who cares? Especially since, in this particular spot, there isn’t a single prohibitory sign to be found.
But it’s time to leave this site, because there are still many others, no less interesting, ahead.
We find ourselves back on the alley and can continue our leisurely tour of the exhibits.
Next came the light tanks of the Great Patriotic War era.
An elegant chronological transition from history to the present day is effected by two anti-tank guns: the 76.2mm ZiS-3 (Model 1942) and the 100mm MT-12.
The modern era opens with a command-and-staff vehicle based on the BTR-50.
and continues with two variants of the BMP-1,
as well as their airborne counterpart.
Undoubtedly, it is impossible to do without an armored personnel carrier (BTR-70)in this lineup.
If you’ve started thinking that you can see the whole exhibition just by strolling along this wide paved road, you’re mistaken. From our asphalt, you can’t even see all of Russia!
If you turn off the beaten path, you can, albeit with difficulty, see a T-34 tank in combat readiness.
In defense, the tank is not alone, but together with self-propelled and towed artillery.
Plus, there are equipped trenches
аnd heavier guns are already being brought up (a Stalinets tractor and a 122mm D-1 howitzer, Model 1943).
There is ample reason for a defensive stance—for lurking in the bushes is an enemy self-propelled gun: a StuG 40 Ausf. G.
it is equipped with local road conditions in mind.
Incidentally, this is the only example of enemy hardware in the park. The role of the defeated German armored personnel carrier, judging by its color, is assigned to the wheelless hull of the BTR-40.
The fact that it is actually Soviet and post-war doesn’t bother anyone. And I must admit, he fits the role.
We “emerge” from the bushes near the monument to child victims of fascism.
and an unexpected naval-themed location featuring dummy naval mines and torpedoes
and the small submarine Triton.
To be continued: Museum of Military and Labor Glory (Saratov). Part 3.