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These may seem a bit "noobish" but as someone who has never had the opportunity to see an M1 up close I've have a few questions that are slightly off center.

Does the driver have anyway in or out of the tank beside the driver's hatch? Can he get out through the turret?

Does the turret need to be facing forward to allow the driver to get out/in?

When I was watching "Tank School " and they showed the interior video of the driver he seemed to be reclined at such an angle that he was almost looking down his nose. Isn't this hard on the neck and shoulders over an extended time?

Does the seat elevate to allow his head to come up through the hatch?

The loader and gunner seats seem to be simple metal fold down types. This must be very hard to endure over long trips or was there some improvisation?

If I remember right we locked the driver's hatch from the inside and then crawled out through the turret when securing the vehicle. This would be with the gun over the back deck. I never drove one for long periods but that seat is the most comfortable one I ever sat in in an armored vehicle. There is a lever on the left side of the driver that allowa him to raise and lower the seat depending on if his head is sticking out or he's buttoned up. When the seat is in the lowered position there is a headrest that folds down from the ceiling. Also, when you are in the lowered position the driver controls (T-bar) will lower and sit almost in your lap.

Check out this photo:

ABRAMS SIMULATOR

Having spent countless hours (with 21 years experience as an Abrams Tanker) in all 4 positions, the most comfortable is the drivers. The seat is actually 3 piece with a lumbar support that adjusts to the comfort of the individual driver.

As TW said the head rest folds down when the seat is down, and is adjustable also. The throttles (or 'T-bar') has 3 positions. When down the throttle is literally in the drivers lap.

As for exiting the position, there are 'toe guard' (removable)screens which encircle the turret. There is an opening (gate or door) on the rear of the turret area, in the vic of the Loader. when the turret is traversed over the rear, the 'gate' is turret access for the driver.

The loaders platform is a cushioned seat which the top folds down to be used as a platform stand, when up in the hatch.

The gunners seat is fixed upper & lower cushioned, that only adjusts in height and slides forward (or back). There is a 'chest guard' swing-out mounted cushion in the Gunners position which is designed to wedge the gunner in the seat. This is the closest that any of the crewman have which resembles a restraint system.

Sorry for being a bit long winded.
Hope this helps.

Regards
Don

Thanks guys i really appreciate the detailed info!!