Old Photo-Tank

[Herb Iffrig]

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[perry kete]

Here are two photos I have of a period correct tank and tank engine. One motor per track.

http://www.mohttp://www.modeltfordclubo ... 1e255bd992

[John Warren]

Interesting, each engine must have controlled just one side. Thanks

[Kaiser]

The tank in the first picture, the postcard is most likely a Six Ton Tank Model of 1917, a stateside copy (licence built) of the French Renault FT17 of WW1 fame.
The tank in 'Mister Kete's ' pictures is a prototype built by Ford, the 3-Ton M18, and you are right about each engine driving one track, here it is doing some testing :
https://youtu.be/4at7H4XoSZ0
It is not only period correct, it is even On Topic, it has two complete T engines and transmissions.
Now on finding the right adjustment for free neutral .....

[ShirkWood]

Perhaps in Pond Creek, Oklahoma?

[John E. Guitar]

Leo, that is a really interesting video.

You can see the first tank in the video with the single return roller has the crank handles sticking out the front. I don't imagine those lasted long in the trial. I wonder if the later tanks had electric starters or removable crank handles. Stalling an engine and then getting out to hand crank must have been a hazardous task.

[John Warren]

Thanks Leo, Well worth watching.

[Tmodelt]

I seem to remember a Vintage Ford article from back in the 70s dedicated to the Ford 3 ton tank. I think that the 2 transmissions were tied together by a large "bull" ring and either engine could drive both tracks. The second engine could also be started through this "bull" ring arrangement after the first was started and running.

[John E. Guitar]

There are a few detail shots of the Ford here:

http://svsm.org/gallery/Ford3-ton/P1120507

It looks like it was at the Patton Museum but has been moved to the National Armor & Cavalry Museum in Georgia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgqmZFdxaQY