_GOTOBOTTOM
Armor/AFV: Axis - WWII
Armor and ground forces of the Axis forces during World War II.
Hosted by Darren Baker
exiting a panther in a hurry
phil2015
Visit this Community
Illinois, United States
Joined: July 27, 2015
KitMaker: 502 posts
Armorama: 325 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - 01:28 PM UTC

How did the crew get out of the vehicle in a hurry? The commander's cupola has a hatch, and the guys in front have their own hatches, but what about the other two guys in the turret? The hatch on the back of the turret could be used I guess - is that for ejecting spent shells or for crew?
Grauwolf
#084
Visit this Community
Quebec, Canada
Joined: September 14, 2005
KitMaker: 2,485 posts
Armorama: 743 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - 01:35 PM UTC

Quoted Text

The hatch on the back of the turret could be used I guess - is that for ejecting spent shells or for crew?


Expelling spent shells, taking on fresh ones and crew escape if needed.
Cheers,
salt6
Visit this Community
Oklahoma, United States
Joined: February 17, 2002
KitMaker: 796 posts
Armorama: 574 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - 02:19 PM UTC
Real world battle footage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBI9d0-IfEM
BigSplashBear
Visit this Community
Australia
Joined: November 26, 2011
KitMaker: 25 posts
Armorama: 25 posts
Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - 05:17 PM UTC
If you are interested in learning a little more about the men in the machines then check out the book Spearhead by Adam Makos. It tells the story of the Pershing crew shown in that clip and specifically the gunner Clarance Smoyer's journey to become a tanker and one of the first soldiers to crew the new Pershing tank.
RLlockie
Visit this Community
United Kingdom
Joined: September 06, 2013
KitMaker: 1,112 posts
Armorama: 938 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 - 06:43 AM UTC
It’s probably quickest for the gunner to use the cupola hatch as he doesn't need to negotiate the gun breech but the turret rear hatch is an option.
Halbcl2
Visit this Community
Manitoba, Canada
Joined: September 10, 2006
KitMaker: 127 posts
Armorama: 106 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 - 08:38 AM UTC
Here is how -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6xvg5iJ4Zk
phil2015
Visit this Community
Illinois, United States
Joined: July 27, 2015
KitMaker: 502 posts
Armorama: 325 posts
Posted: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 - 09:27 AM UTC



EYIKes. Before watching that video I hadn't realized I'm so claustrophobic.
 _GOTOTOP