A selection. I think PDA was enquiring about some details of the stern.
Point of interest: the method of steering using the secondary gears was explained, but I still can't say I understand it. To my surprise, I learnt that the process involved, in addition to everything else, a lever on the roof that was operated by the Commander. It's the red-painted thing top left in the last pic.
"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.
Thanks for those - it has Hotchkiss MG ammunition boxes, looks as if the hole is probably big enough for the Lewis gun ammunition boxes though (Hotchkiss tins are smaller)
The lever you refer to, James, I have read about recently: it locks/unlocks the differential. Apparently the differential was locked for straight-ahead travel, so that the tank would keep moving if one track lost grip - and keep a straighter course, rather than wriggling around as grip varied; for geared turns (large radius turns), the diff was unlocked (although I would have thought it would still turn alright with the diff locked, as the different gear ratios on each side would accomplish the job). I have read that the tank had to stop to change the secondary gears or apply the brake to one track, however I have seen footage somewhere (criticalpast, perhaps?) showing a MkIV changing course without stopping. Maybe it was only for large changes of bearing that it was necessary.
Great pictures, showing the interior in angles I have not seen before. The more I read about the handling of these machines, the more respect I get for the guys that fought in them.
Thanks, TCT. It can be seen more clearly in picture 3. I've read repeatedly the description in The Tanks At Flers, but still can't picture the full process. Not understanding gears, differentials, transmissions, clutches, and most principles of engineering and physics doesn't help, either.
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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.
Well, from the ground up, really. I haven't read the description in The Tanks at Flers, which is the most comprehensive I've found, for quite a while, but I remember feeling not very much wiser. And the introduction of the lever on the roof has confused me even more. I shall have another read in the next few days, but, as I say, my basic mechanical ineptitude is a considerable obstacle. If there is no improvement, I shall ask you to take pity on me and guide me through the process. Your kindness is much appreciated.
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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.
