For instance, the tracks on most of the German tanks were connected by pins with locking mechanisms that required special tools for field maintenance. The T-34 tracks were connected with pins without locking mechanisms. Instead, the pins stayed in place using the track’s motion and a welded striker plate on the tank’s hull. If a pin was lost, it was replaced by using the most basic tool, a hammer. Naturally, this was very time and cost-efficient.

This is absolutely one of the most hilariously simple - and at the same time logically pragmatic - solutions I think I’ve ever come across in the field of mechanical design.

[–] Regrettable_incident@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

I've been enjoying watching this guy recently, and he made exactly the same point about the track pins.

[–] 100_kg_90_de_belin@feddit.it 3 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Didn't the Soviets simply use a pencil to write in space instead of designing a pen that could work with zero gravity?

[–] gravitas_deficiency@sh.itjust.works 21 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yes - but at the same time, the issue with pencils is that the graphite can break off and get into fun and interesting places, and graphite is highly conductive, so there’s a substantial risk of FOD when in zero-G

[–] 100_kg_90_de_belin@feddit.it 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Ground control was ready to pull a Laika on them

[–] gravitas_deficiency@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

There’s also the bit where the first Soviet spacewalk almost ended in the first dead guy in space because the suit blew up like a goddamn balloon, and he had to stab his own fucking glove (!?!?!?!?!) to decrease pressure enough so he could fit back in the hatch. Say what you will about the Soviet Union, but the early cosmonauts had absolutely fucking MASSIVE balls.

[–] vaultdweller013@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 year ago

It's a surprise they could even get them into space given the raw tonnage their balls added in.

[–] atomicbocks@sh.itjust.works 9 points 1 year ago

In addition to what the other commenter said, it’s also a common misconception that NASA had anything to do with the development of the Fisher Space Pen.

[–] vxx@lemmy.world 9 points 1 year ago

That's an urban legend I believe

[–] The_v@lemmy.world 14 points 1 year ago (1 children)

A lot of the old Soviet stuff works poorly with lots of relatively easy repairs, but didn't give a fuck about the health and safety of the people operating them.

[–] ThrowawayPermanente@sh.itjust.works 7 points 1 year ago

In the Soviet Union steel was scarce and humans were plentiful.

[–] orbituary@lemmy.dbzer0.com 10 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I mean, dig on Russian shit, sure... but I drive a 50 year old car and it's not dying anytime soon. Of course, it's German, so there's that.

[–] chunkystyles@sopuli.xyz 6 points 1 year ago (2 children)

If you value your life, you shouldn't drive a 50 year old car. They are death traps in accidents.

[–] Agent641@lemmy.world 5 points 1 year ago

Just don't have accidents

[–] orbituary@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 year ago

OK.

[–] invertedspear@lemm.ee 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Same initial thought, but then I considered that I trust a Cold War era jeep that’s been stored for decades to still work with a bit of quick off-the-shelf maintenance items than I would any Hummer era military vehicles to work after even a short span in storage.

[–] Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 6 points 1 year ago

Most ww2 jeeps just need some new tyes, some replacement hoses, oil and a new battery, and they're ready to go.