http://game.worldoftanks.eu/news/general_news/kursk_operation

The Battle of Kursk that took place on the Eastern Front in July and August 1943 was a severe period during World War II for both, German and Soviet forces. The Battle of Kursk is a name of a whole range of combat operations including the Battle of Prokhorovka. Being a significant tank battle the Battle of Kursk couldn’t but be noted by WOT development team.

Starting July 1st and till July 4th the following bonuses will be available:

- experience received for the first victory will be multiplied by 5;

- a 7-day premium account can be purchased for the price of a 3-day premium account.

Starting July 1st and till July 8th the following bonus will be available:

- Consumables can be purchased with a 50% discount.

Only for EU. US had their 5x weekend.

and the damn awful new voice acting!

I restored the old voice files - there is a link on the WoT forums for the download and instructions.

I am playing this like crazy.

Finally got my PzIV and am working towards putting a nicer cannon on her.

I turned off the voice sounds in the audio menu.

Btw - a tip for people:

Your reticle marker (the V) turns different colors when you move it over an tank. From red (little chance of damage), orange (decent chance) to green (good chance) depending on which tank, your gun and where on the tank.

I just started this. How long does it take to get out of the first tank. That thing is a rolling casket!

It's a fun game but man, I've got no chance most games....

Should be able to "get out" of the starter tanks fairly easily, about 5-10 battles IIRC. The "grind" is easy until levels 5-6 on most tanks or level 4 on arty.

As for "chance," that all depends on the matchmaker and which tanks you're in. It's a bit skewed for some tanks but others will give you decent matches. Remember that the matchmaker has to deal with who else is online and what tanks they're bringing (no AI tanks here) so if you're on a low-level tank and 95% of the other players are on higher levels, you may get a very skewed fight.

You could always buy a 'Premium' tank although this will cost you real money.
I have the Churchill and the Lowe and find them pretty good credit makers,especially with a fully trained crew and mods.

If I have one complaint with the game it's the fact that you need gold to convert experience to free experience.
That's why I am working on getting my crews fully trained in all skills rather than continue down the research tree.

I need some contacts in this game...

Add me, Snapdad, so we can do some damage together mates.

US or EU server Snapdad?