what's the purpose of this, being on the top side length of merk guns? saw it mentioned of idf-modelling but no explanation

Could the answer be here ?


http://www.flamesofwar.com/hobby.aspx?art_id=4155

could be. there's mention of an air recognition marking, but it doesn't specify it can be found on top the length of the gun tube

Could be to show anyone looking out of the turret hatches the direction of the gun barel at night - I doubt a fast-moving jet would find it terribly easy to spot a stripe a few inches wide on the top of a barrel. The air recognition stripes (e.g. on halftracks, where they occupied the central panel of the bonnet) tended to be much wider.

Hi Bob,

How are you doing these days? You're correct in that it is a line of sight indicator for the TC.

Tom

yeah, LOS would make sense, but why would some tanks have it and not others?

the white stripe on top of IDF tank barrels its just a guide for directing the barrel at night.It helps a lot during dark nights,specially in small streets when the gun cannot traverse without hitting a wall,or another vehicle.

I don't get why no one explained that on idf-modelling. can't be a state secret if it's known here lol

i've read it years ago on an OSPREY book ,it was a 6 days war special.

Actually, it's been discussed on idf-modelling.com several times over the years. As for why some have and some not, it's typical for IDF markings. Some have a complete set, while others only part or virtually none. Just the way it is, I guess. It's recommended to duplicate the markings in photos, rather than making assumptions.

Tom

there's a thread there explaining unit marking, with just one mention of the kind of stripe. didn't find anything else on it, tho