T-26B tank from the Armoured Vehicles Museum makes its public debut

The Armoured Vehicles Museum of the 12th Armoured Brigade “Guadarrama” has shown off to the public its latest acquisition: A T-26B tank donated by the General Military Academy. It was in the course of the celebrations in honour of the patron saint of the Infantry corps, the Immaculate Conception, on 8 December, at the base “El Goloso” (Madrid).

First Sergeant Ángel Rodas, who is in charge of maintenance at the Museum, worked with his team to repair and restore this unique piece. Thanks to their efforts, the T-26B roared its GAZ T-26 8-cylinder gasoline engine on the occasion of Infantry Day. Looking straight out of a time tunnel, the tank covered the first few metres at walking pace then accelerated, flaunting its still powerful engine.

The Soviet-made T26-B tank took part in the Spanish Civil War and was in service until the mid-fifties, when it was gradually replaced by US-made models. Incidentally, this particular piece appeared in the film La Vaquilla (1985), directed by Luis García Berlanga.

The T-26B tank in action (Photo: BRIAC XII)