marshalling MBT,s-caution

[m880 unimog]

one i see again and again every summer- we have to have marshals to move any tracked vehicles whilst on the show sites,we generally provide our own-as they know the routine.

HOWEVER

i often see folk directing MBT,S and other gun carridges whilst facing the vehicle AND beneath the main gun when gun forward.on a lot of machines the main gun will weigh at least 8 t and over.hauling on both steering levers,or pulling the bars will stop the tank on a dime-the gun can flatten a mans skull down through his chest all too easily-

most folk use sense-

 

[MyothersanM1]

Thanks for the post. As an old taker I must offer the proverbial pennies deuce.

1. In an assembly area (i.e MV show/rally) always, always, always use a ground guide (marshal).
2. Always, always, always use a rear ground guide when backing
   
3. Face the vehicle only when NOT walking. When walking face in the direction of travel. Never move faster than a brisk walk.
4. Respect that gun tube. Never walk beneath it. It will make your life miserable if it konks you on your noggin.
   

To this day, 20+ years later, I still will not walk under a guntube. I took a walking tour aboard the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor and I had to walk out of my way to avoid walking under the guntubes.

 

[m880 unimog]

them old habits die hard !

a few years back i had the honour of driving some tankies around the massive war and peace show,these guys were all in there 80, and 90,s and had served in ww2-we helped them up into my 4 tonner,we had got cushions to ease the ride,these guys all had the regimental blazers on and medals galore,i pulled up next to a churchill tank that was parked near the arena,one of the old fellah,s was out of the truck like a flash and was straight into the drivers seat like a shot!-the owner and hard working restorer was shocked at his sudden speed and how easily he leapt into the drivers hatch-old habits.

 

[MyothersanM1]

I'm 6'1', 250lbs. and I can still crawl into an M1 driver's hatch like slipping on a silk glove. For some strange reason the bones and joints don't even creak when I do it.