Com-Central.net

I heard that the Panther II used to be used at events at Fort Knox and at parades but it was relegated to display after a fire?

Can anyone confirm this?

I had the pleasure of visiting the Patton Museum way back in 1977 for the annual Living History Display. I think that this was the only time that the Panther was used publicly like this, although I could be wrong on that. It barely made it through the display and by my memory it even had to be slave started beforehand by a Sherman. There were lots of people taking pictures, including a few with movie cameras, so they exist, or did at one time. Where all those other pictures and films are I don't know. Attached is a link that should show a slide show of the pictures I took, which are on my Photobucket account. Only nine pictures due to coming to the end of the roll of film and having to choose between just enjoying the show and possibly missing some of it while I changed rolls. I decided not to miss even a second of such an event. If it doesn't work, please let me know and I'll try again. s698.photobucket.com/u...ent%201977

Alf Adams

Don?

The Panther II ran two or three times during the annual 4th of July reenactment. This was before my time as a volunteer. The carburetor would catch fire so it was decided that the Panther II would only be a static display. As I understand, the carburetors on Panthers were temperamental, but trained drivers knew how to operate it safely. Apparently the driver was mashing down on the gas pedal instead of slowly pushing it in. This resulted in too much fuel being dumped into the carburetor and starting fires. That's what I heard.

That makes sense. I am surprised the museum did not give the driver a translated copy of the operators manual.