Headed down to Fort Benning tomorrow, early. Are there any specific requests? I’m looking for
- gun tube length
- main gun data from teh breeech ring
- vehicle SNs and related data (perhaps a data plate)
- General update of progress
Saddle Up!
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First pass-
- We know it was the one in front of the NCO Academy on Graf (FRG)
- We know the French had it before the US picks it up for Graf
- We know it is SN 37903 [fourth PSC M4A1(76)w made!]
- and we know the parking brake lever is missing, and the gearbox is locked!
Pics to follow
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This is the SN! Located in the Driver’s Compartment, to his or her left, stamped into the metal inside a small rectangular (ish) frame. I’d heard this was common on PSC vehicles, and it was easier than trying to read the hull.
The very first batch of M4A1 (76)w VVSS were PSC, and the batch numbers started at 37900. This is 37903, the 4th tank in the serial. So it is representative of a very early version w/ a big-hatch, no ventilator turret.
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Ted I have a request if I may:
Is it in its original OD color and, most importantly, is it correct?
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NO!
We are painting it per the In The Mood scheme taken in early sep 1944: two tone. Will it be correct?
Depends on the sunlight!
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Some transmission / driver’s compartment shots.
Friday, we tried to rotate the sprockets. The first trick was to get the beastie in neutral. Done: we had a volunteer (young LT Daniel) who along with his dad (Matt) are trained on driving the M4 at the WW2 Armor group in Florida. After finding neutral (not Nemo) the sprockets were still snugly uncooperative. Well, the fun began when we confirmed that 1) the parking brake (PB) was set, and 2) someone had removed the PB Lever. OR, we need to learn how to use a steering lever-type PB pedal. Hmm. Too little time to investigate further Friday.
We are not amused (said the King of Restorations, retired WO5 Bob).
We have a few other issues: the cupola bearing races are jammed/corroded. We want to get them serviceable and put the loader cupola “gun forward” (see the M2 spigot on the exterior in pic above). The TC all-around vision cupola is a mess. Alas! We have 8-10 Lieutenants eager to move it and a few other specialty vehicles forward!
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