http://members.tripod.com/~chrisshillito/m3stuarts/late_m3a1/0023.jpg



In this photo of the bottom of the turret basket in an M3A1, what is the purpose of the arrow? Is this something the crew did, the restorer did, or did they all have this arrow? I know this is a strange question, but sometimes you just gotta know.

Patrick

As usual, images hosted by tripod, aren´t availble for 1 hour. Why not post the picture on Amorama´s section in MSN pictures? I used to use tripod but gave up on them a long time ago!

Unknown, most likely placed there during the manufacturing process. I do not know what that particular arrow is for or does, but normally when there is an arrow like that inside of a turret, it means that when you need to do something, traverse the turret until that arrow points at a corresponding point on the turret.

For example, when you need to access hull ammo in an M1A1, there is a marking on the turret ring that you travese until it matches a corresponding mark on the hull. That way you know the hull ammo doors are accessible to the loader.

Given its location (the slip-ring assembly) and its position relative to the transmission and gun, I'd say it's a reference mark for the turret traverse, to indicate the center line.

I can't see the pic of the turret basket but as I understand, the M3 "Honey" did not have one. Since I cannot see the pic and I am building a M3 "Honey", could someone describe the turret basket to me as I have to exclude it from the construction of my "Honey" for accuracy.
Thanks,
Andrew

No need for that Oberst, the earlier M3 "Honey" did not have a turret basket, while the later M3A1 that the picture relates to did. This should help clarify the matter.

http://www.kithobbyist.com/AFVInteriors/m3stu/m3stu1.html