The M3A1 had the new hatch with periscopes integrated into it. The opening and top deck was rectangular, just like earlier models and on the M2A1. A couple TM pics and some TM info on it from further up.
Thank you for the detailed reply. I have a schematic representation of the hatch. I was hoping that someone had the photos in the archive. I bought an M3a3 from Kinetic as a donor, but there is a hatch in a late configuration, with additional armor and, it seems to me, a slightly different shape. by roadwheels - now there is an understanding. thank you.
The Magic Factory M3A3 Tow loader’s hatch on their M7A3 kit, which is an M3A3 converted to an M7 BFIST, also has separate armor. It actually looks like a copy of Meng’s hatch assembly.
Yes. I hurried to glue an additional armor when assembling the hatch on the Mang :)). but I can always cut it off.
I’m more confused by the interior geometry of the hatch - it differs from the photo you showed above - especially the side and back walls.
Recently I have looked into 1/72 Meng M2 kit and what surprised me was a large gapping hole in the right side turret armor. At first I thought it was a mould defect, but checked with photos and other kits and it’s there for real. Anyone has an idea what it’s for?
Ejection ports for the guns . The coax ejects shells and links through here while the main gun ejects links ( 1 port for each feed, AP and HE) here and shells through a recess in the mantlet, this being a characteristic of the chain gun and the need to eject duds.
If you mean could rat climb out through the hole from the gunner’s station, then no. The turret is sealed, not hermetically, but well enough for the overpressurized NBC system to work.
I thought that photo looked familiar…
