"Sometimes things that are not true are included in Wikipedia. While at first glance that may appear like a very great problem for Wikipedia, in reality is it not. In fact, it's a good thing." - Wikipedia.
Just noticed something odd. This is an M1917, but it's started with a crank handle. I thought the M1917 had an inboard electric starter. Have I misunderstood?
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"Sometimes things that are not true are included in Wikipedia. While at first glance that may appear like a very great problem for Wikipedia, in reality is it not. In fact, it's a good thing." - Wikipedia.
I think the tank has been modified for an external crank - you're right - the original Buda engined M1917 had an electric starter. The Renault FT was cranked
from inside the tank - the position of the crank on the tank in the video would not be possible with a tail fitted.
Curious. There are lots of illustrations of the FT showing the crank handle in situ at the rear of the vehicle, on the outside, even with the tailskid fitted. The vehicle in the clip certainly seems to be a M1917 hull - as well as the exhaust being on the left, the armour around the driver's faceplate slopes M1917-style. The tailskid is hinged to allow the crank starter (which shouldn't be there) to operate. This is all a bit higgledy-piggledy. Can anyone i.d. the tank? Is it a restored vehicle that has been cannibalised?
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"Sometimes things that are not true are included in Wikipedia. While at first glance that may appear like a very great problem for Wikipedia, in reality is it not. In fact, it's a good thing." - Wikipedia.
Early cars that had electric start also tended to retain provision for hand-cranking, if memory serves; I think electric starting was first introduced to cars in 1912, possibly by Cadillac - so when the M1917 came along around 1918, it would still be early days and a back-up system would have been beneficial.
If you look at the M1917 article on Landships II, you'll see the provision for hand-starting at the back of the tanks - one even has a folded crank handle in situ; hopefully these tanks have all been correctly identified as M1917s (), but certainly they seem to wear their exhausts on the left.
Regarding FTs, they seem to have been provided with a crank handle inside, plus the ability to be cranked from outside, as shown here.
-- Edited by TinCanTadpole on Wednesday 26th of September 2012 12:21:40 AM
"Sometimes things that are not true are included in Wikipedia. While at first glance that may appear like a very great problem for Wikipedia, in reality is it not. In fact, it's a good thing." - Wikipedia.
I think there are a couple of FTs there with M1917 turrets,
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"Sometimes things that are not true are included in Wikipedia. While at first glance that may appear like a very great problem for Wikipedia, in reality is it not. In fact, it's a good thing." - Wikipedia.