Operable engine hatch hinges

[Guest]

Those on the M10 were not, though — neither the driver’s hatches nor the engine deck hatches had springs on them. About the only hatch that was easy to open on it, would be the escape hatch in the floor, behind the co-driver’s seat

[Sander69]

A lot of them are spring assisted.

Interesting

[Sander69]

Those on the M10 were not, though — neither the driver’s hatches nor the engine deck hatches had springs on them. About the only hatch that was easy to open on it, would be the escape hatch in the floor, behind the co-driver’s seat

Didn’t the m10 driver’s hatches open kind of like a Lamborghini countach door? Kind of slide up sideways somehow?

[KarlW]

Didn’t the m10 driver’s hatches open kind of like a Lamborghini countach door? Kind of slide up sideways somehow?

IIRC the hinge was/is at an angle so the hatch open position was almost vertical.
Edit: Here is a picture.

[rtfoe]

IIRC the hinge was/is at an angle so the hatch open position was almost vertical.
Edit: Here is a picture.
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Based on the angle of the hinge you basically pushed forward at a 45 degree angle. Like pushing something out of the way as opposed upward. The problem with hatch lying in that position I can guess the turret would be in the way.

Cheers,
Richard

[Guest]

Didn’t the m10 driver’s hatches open kind of like a Lamborghini countach door? Kind of slide up sideways somehow?

See the photo Karl posted above: it’s got a hinge at the front outside corner and opens to a strange, almost vertical position. There’s a hook on the outside (not visible in that picture) that should be fastened to keep it from knocking out the driver in rough terrain

Another detail that Karl’s photo captures well but many modellers don’t, is that there should not be a periscope in an open hatch (this goes for M4 medium tanks as well). American practice was to remove the periscope before opening the hatch, then re-inserting it after the hatch was closed. British troops, OTOH, appear (from photos) to usually have left periscopes in place (as would Americans sometimes, of course).

[KarlW]

@Jakko
Nice video, cheers.

[stillp]

Another detail that Karl’s photo captures well but many modellers don’t, is that there should not be a periscope in an open hatch (this goes for M4 medium tanks as well). American practice was to remove the periscope before opening the hatch, then re-inserting it after the hatch was closed.

It looks in the video as if the periscope is part of the hatch locking mechanism?
Nice video. The driver got a bit wet in that first water splash!
Pete

[Sander69]

IIRC the hinge was/is at an angle so the hatch open position was almost vertical.
Edit: Here is a picture.
[ATTACH]402019[/ATTACH]

Thank you VERY MUCH for the picture. That explains much of my confusion on the driver's hatches. I have several reference books on the M10 and I still didn't know how the driver's hatches opened. I love it!

My Great Uncle was commander of a M-10 through Northern Africa and into Italy. He was well honored at his funeral by his (remaining) tank crew at his funeral. They say he blew up three German tank in one day and his reward was to clean the m-10's barrel. I always being around my uncle and that is why I'm trying to build a very accurate M-10. All of the respondents of this post are helping a great deal. THANK YOU!

[Sander69]

Based on the angle of the hinge you basically pushed forward at a 45 degree angle. Like pushing something out of the way as opposed upward. The problem with hatch lying in that position I can guess the turret would be in the way.

Cheers,
Richard

Yes, Richard, you are correct. The driver could not open the hatch when the turret was facing directly forward. I learned this on the YouTube show Inside the Captain's Hatch.

Look at the time index 3:29.

Another for the interior

Enjoy! And thanks again!

[Jim F]

Thank you VERY MUCH for the picture. That explains much of my confusion on the driver's hatches. I have several reference books on the M10 and I still didn't know how the driver's hatches opened. I love it!

My Great Uncle was commander of a M-10 through Northern Africa and into Italy. He was well honored at his funeral by his (remaining) tank crew at his funeral. They say he blew up three German tank in one day and his reward was to clean the m-10's barrel. I always being around my uncle and that is why I'm trying to build a very accurate M-10. All of the respondents of this post are helping a great deal. THANK YOU!

Hi Steven, I don't want to cause more confusion but do you know if he served in a standard M10 or the British version the M10 Achilles ? regards Jim

[Sander69]

Well I don't know. Were there any American units that drove the Achilles?

Until I get some information on his time overseas I don't think I will be able to answer that. His daughters inherited all of his papers, photographs, and metals and they are not keen on sharing even a photo-copy. I know the story about the three tanks because I went to his funeral at Arlington and was able to meet his tank mates. My mother has some information, but she cannot find it. It's in the attic of her house, so it will be a long time before we stumble upon it.

I wish I knew more. Sorry, Jim.

And re-reading my post - I apologize for my horrible grammar and misspellings.

[Jim F]

Hi Steve, I'm no expert on Allied armour but I believe the main difference was the gun the British Achilles used a 17 pound gun and the US was a 76.2mm. So if your Uncle served in the US army it would be the standard US vehicle. regards Jim

[KarlW]

I didn't think the 17pdr was around in the desert. Happy to be corrected though.

[Jim F]

I didn't think the 17pdr was around in the desert. Happy to be corrected though.

Hi Karl the M10 production started in 1942 so I doubt they made North Africa but the 17 pounder's production didn't start until 1943 so wouldn;t have been used in North African campaign, as stated I do not profess to being an expert on Alllied armour and my original post was to alert Steven to both variants as he wants to reproduce an accurate version of his Uncles vehicle. regards Jim