My question is, did tank crews ever ride on the outside of their tanks like infantry did. In Fury the loader is constantly seen riding up near the turret with the commander and gunner. I know movies aren't accurate so I wanted to ask if this actually happened. The reason I ask is that in a diorama I am building, a Firefly in Normandy is going to be driving down a dirt road, and will be paired with the Tamiya British infantry on patrol. I want to see if the way I have posed my tank crew is accurate, I was originally going to use the guy sitting on the lower hull as the driver, but he is Ultracast and quite nice so I didn't want to waste that detail. My idea is that he is the gunner/loader and is outside the tank since it is not expecting contact. (and he didn't want to be lonely in the tank by himself.

Well, MiniArt and Dragon both make tank crew sets that feature tankers riding outside, so they apparently think its okay.

Just a few examples :

"A Sherman tank passes through Nicastro, 11 September 1943."



(from https://docalexander.wordpress.com/tag/miracle-tank-of-motta/)





H.P.

The conditions inside a tank is always less than pleasant, it is loud, claustrophobic, and often permeated with nauseating odors of sweat, piss, gun smoke, exhaust, lubricating oil and fuel.

I think the crew would choose to ride outside whenever the weather is pleasant and threat of stray bullet or immediate action was small.

Your tankers look fine but their relaxed stance might clash with the some infantrymen in that Tamiya kit who are ready for action with weapons at the ready.

Use the two figures (of the five) who are walking more casually, I would say.

All of the above!
J

Riding on the outside could be pleasant, but also necessary if you need to scan for attacking aircraft.

David

"The conditions inside a tank is always less than pleasant, it is loud, claustrophobic, and often permeated with nauseating odors of sweat, piss, gun smoke, exhaust, lubricating oil and fuel."

As a 20 year tanker your speaking about less than pleasant conditions is not really an issue. I distinctly remember the smell of FRH, oil, grease and deisel. The real issue is with space. It gets cramped and you need a break sometimes. Riding topside, hazardous as it is, allows you to stretch out and see some scenery you wouldn't normally see.

I just feel bad for the poor driver!