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Forums - Research / WW2 |
This WW2 forum is intended for asking and discussing reference or historical related issues pertaining to WW2 (1939-1945) subjects. |
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| Subject: | Re: Perspective and Equilibrium |  |
| Date: | Jul 21, 2002 |
| From: | Saul Garcia | |
Hi Ken,
As the one who pointed out the comment ("Have Academy got their beautiful
new M3 Stuart "HONEY" all wrong??????????") which started this thread,
perhaps I can offer some info'.
This is not to say I know if Bellman was equipped but these points were
brought out on the 20th of September of 1941. I hope it is of use...
"Dear Colleagues
It has already been noted that the interior of the new Academy M3 General
Stuart is incorrect for an early production M3 and is in fact that seen on
the M3A1. Thus, for those wishing to correct the interior, the question
becomes one of what modifications were incorporated in the Western Desert.
Here I may be able to assist. Whist researching Australian M3 General
Stuarts I came across a series of documents provided to the Australian Army
describing the Western Desert modifications. The series of documents were
based around a meeting of the Middle East Motor Transport Advisory Committee
of 20 September 1941. The purpose of the meeting was 'to consider proposed
modification to the M3 light Tank and Infantry Tank Mk. II'.
The Terms of Reference of the Committee was to:
a) To examine and report to the DCGS, MEF on all proposed modifications
which it is suggested should be fitted to the American Light Tank M3; and to
indicate whether, in there opinion, modifications should be adopted or not
b) To draw up a schedule of modifications which they recommend should be
fitted in the USA before despatch
Attendees at the meeting were:
Brig. White DDOS(E)
Brig Russell DAFV
Capt Colby USA Representative
LT Col Winberg Chief Instr RAC Schools
Lt Col Berkley Miller AFV Branch
Lt Col Barlow SD5
Maj Cracroft HQ, 4 Armd Bde
Maj Hobson AFV Branch (Secretary)
One of the documents is titled, American Light Tank M3 - modifications. This
states
"In addition to the Desert Equipment the following modifications are carried
out on the Light Tank M3 arriving in the Middle East.
A) A hinged prop and catch are provided for the cupola flap, inclining this
above the horizontal in order to facilitate closing.
B) A lever control is provided for the opening and closing of the drivers
and gunners shields from the inside.
C) A bracket is fitted to the right hand corner of the engine compartment to
accommodate a 1-gallon can of and the lubricating of can.
D) The traverse wheel is re-positioned on the left hand side of the turret
and the turret lock refitted to the rear of the traverse wheel.
F) Brackets are provided for: - (i) Cleaning rods on the left hand turret
wall. (ii) Spare gun parts on the left hand hull wall. (iii) Clearing plugs,
on the right hand hull wall and beside the lap gunner, right hand side.
G) A signal pistol holster is secured to the left hand wall of the turret.
H) Three additional 37 mm ammunition racks are fitted: -
(i) Attached to the transmission tunnel - 6 rds
(ii) Attached to the right hand wall of the turret - 6 rds
(iii) Attached to the left had sponson - 6 rds
(& 12 rds 1 inch signal cartridges)
I) A sling seat is provided for the tank commander.
J) The wireless transmitter is fitted with an angle iron frame to prevent
damage from stepping on.
K) An electrical system of internal communications is fitted, produced by
Phillips, and can be used with or without the W/T.
L) A rack for Tommy gun magazines is fitted to the right of the lap gunners
seat to accommodate 1twelve 50-rd magazines.
M) An AP plate is bolted over the hole in the right hand sponson caused by
removal of the gun when fitted the W/T set (Sic). A similar plate is fitted
to the left hand sponson if that plate is removed also.
N) A bag to accommodate the Tommy gun is also supplied.
O) A 'Dummy Aerial' arrangement is fitted for use with the W/T.
P) The hole in the rear of the left hand sponson is filled in with a bolt
and nut of suitable size'.
A further document titled, American Light Tank M3 - Principle Defects,
includes:
'The following modifications have been completed as a result of practical
experience: -
A) The provision of a 200 rd ammunition tray for the co-ax browning machine
gun.
B) It is considered advisable to fit a deflector bag to the Lap Gun, since
empty cases are liable to jam the clutch controls.
C) The PHILLIPS system of internal communication proved to be very
unreliable and very poorly constructed.
D) It is necessary to raise the blanket box approx ¼ inch on asbestos pads
to avoid scorching of the contents. The ration box on the side of the engine
compartment had to be moved out 2 inches for the same reason.
E) 37 mm rds fitted in the additional 6-rd racks in the turret tend to
vibrate and eventually the shell falls out of its case. This is primarily
due to insufficient crimping of the case in the first place.'
Finally, a another document, Committee on Modifications to M3 Light Tank -
Report to Chairman, states:
'Nearside Fixed Browning - This gun should not be removed unless it is
necessary to make space for a water tank within the hull.'
Have fun with the info
Shane
Canberra, Australia"
Saul Garcia
I AM a rivet counter. I just prefer to let others judge whether they want
to put the same work into a model as I do. |
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|
 | Where is the Good? - Pete Gay - Jul 19, 2002 |
| . . . Re: Where is the Good? - Ed Kusiak - Jul 18, 2002 |
| . . . Re: Where is the Good? - Steve Frost - Jul 18, 2002 |
| . . . Re: Where is the Good? - Kurt Laughlin - Jul 19, 2002 |
| . . . . . . My US$0.02, before inflation.. - Mike D - Jul 20, 2002 |
| . . . . . . . . . Re: My US$0.02, before inflation.. - Paul Roberts - Jul 20, 2002 |
| . . . Perspective and Equilibrium - Tim Streeter - Jul 19, 2002 |
| . . . . . . Re: Perspective and Equilibrium - Warrink - Jul 19, 2002 |
| . . . . . . Re: Perspective and Equilibrium - Ken Schofield - Jul 21, 2002 |
| . . . . . . . . . Re: Perspective and Equilibrium - Saul Garcia - Jul 21, 2002 |
| . . . . . . . . . Re: Perspective and Equilibrium - Andy Herbert - Jul 21, 2002 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Perspective and Equilibrium - Andy Herbert - Jul 21, 2002 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Perspective and Equilibrium - Paul Roberts - Jul 22, 2002 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Perspective and Equilibrium - Andy Herbert - Jul 22, 2002 |
| . . . . . . . . . Re: Perspective and Equilibrium - Paul Roberts - Jul 22, 2002 |
| . . . Sorry - Peter Gay - Jul 19, 2002 |
| . . . . . . Re: Sorry - Andy Herbert - Jul 19, 2002 |
| . . . . . . Re: Sorry - Tim Streeter - Jul 19, 2002 |
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