The T-34 was simplistic in design in many areas, but also innovative in many others. With its diesel engine, simple running gear and sloped armour, it took the Germans by surprise when it was first encountered in combat. On the defensive at one point of the conflict, the Russians were reported to be so fraught, that T-34’s were rolling out of the factory lines, straight into battle with their paint still drying. This solid design went through many upgrades and refinements and was used by many counties both during and after WWII.