No, actually a Wright Whirlwind radial. Quite reliable actually.
Non-synchro transmission.
The M-2 Stuart used two V-8s from the Packard, one for each track. Friend
still has a '48 Packard and most of his spares come in Mil-Standard (U.S.
Army surplus) vapor barrier paper with Army stock numbers.
As to flammability, that's why after the '73 Yom Kippur War, we (the U.S.)
went to low flash cherry juice (hydraulic fluid). The Israelis were getting
hit and while the round was survivable, the cherry juice cooked off and
incinerated the crew. No matter what they tell you, diesel will flash also!
But I would ask you to talk to a former Eastern Front Panzer driver about
which tank he would have preferred. Have done so and most would have the
T-34. Simple, low tech. Best part, it STARTS in cold weather, where diesel
waxes and there's little "technology" to freeze. The gunner spins the
turret with a crank versus an electric motor.
The M-1A1 Abrams is a work of art. First round kills at infinity! But to
change an engine pack in a hurry (until the turbine and its shields cool) is
a BITCH!!! Nothing like the diesels of the M-60 series!!!
Larry Smith
(while listening to the 1812 Overture)
Chester, VA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dick Love" <slikdik@earthlink.net>
To: <lro-digest@works.team.net>
Sent: 04 April, 2001 03:29 PM
Subject: LRO: Re: LRs in WWII movies
> Yes, the Shermans were easily field serviceable. I think it was a Cadillac
> drive train. Unfortunately the were petrol powered (hence the nickname
> "Ronsons") and ignited very easily. Tigers were diesel and a lot harder to
> touch off. Not many Shermans were rebuildable after a battle.
>
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Thu Apr 05 2001 - 21:56:25 EDT