Panther II

Dontos · Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:31 am Post subject: Re: Panther II

I was able to access the hull crew compartment yesterday.

Being a prototype hull, there was no sign of any type of vehicle specific data plate in the Drivers Compartment.

The only data plate was a gear shift diagram on the transmission housing

Here is a replica I did of the above data plate. Due to poor photos, I took notes of the data plate and made this. I'm sorta doing this for all the vehicle data plates I'm able to locate.....

Oh, and I attempted to acess the engine, thru the back deck. Unfortunately, the center deck 'plate' is way too heavy for just one person, and I couldn't get the engine photos (Perhaps next time I'll have an assistant to get it open.)

Regards
Don

BruceClark · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jan 24, 2006 Posts: 109

Excellent Thread- and great info Dontos.

For reference there is a single grainy photo of the Panther II hull shortly after capture on Page 25 of Panzer Wrecks volume 1. The weights to simulate the mass of the turret are visible over the turret ring.

Would love to see more info on this- surely APG did an evaluation of this rare beast?

Bruce

Dontos · Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 12:06 pm Post subject: Re: Panther II

Yeswterday, while running around 'behind the wall' I was able (with assistance) to get the engine access hatch open.

The heavy armor 'plate' weighs well over 200lbs and is not easily opened by two men.

Obviously in excellent condition. I imagine she could crank up with little effort.

These two 'thingies' had data plates. I assume the are part of the ignition system:

BTW: The day nears when a casual observer (on I65) will be able to witness a truck convoy hauling an Sd Kfz 223, Sd Kfz 251/9, Marder II, Panther II, & Tiger II. The German vehicles will be invading Georgia very soon.

Wouldn't THAT be a once in a lifetime scene not to be missed....?! STAY TUNED !!

Regards
Don

Rikard_Hufschmied · Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 1:19 pm Post subject: Re: Panther II

Dontos wrote:

These two 'thingies' had data plates. I assume the are part of the ignition system:

Yup, Bosch starter/spark magnetos.

VonForhud · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Mar 17, 2010 Posts: 162

Sneak in and crank it up Smile

Thanks for this post.

Michel_Krauss · Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 8:24 pm Post subject: Re: Panther II

just curious about the round airfilters

If I'm correct the later engine's had square shaped boxes for airfilters

Round one's can be found at the early Tiger I, however they looked different
They where larger in diameter

These look rather small for the engine size Confused

Michel

Koluchiy · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: May 19, 2009 Posts: 178

Thank you very much!
Usual HL230 engine.

It seems to me that air filters are not original (never seen such filters before).

panamadan · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jan 29, 2006 Posts: 174

So how does one start a Panther? With a button or a key?
Dan

Doug_Kibbey · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 2:20 am Post subject: Re: Panther II

panamadan wrote:

So how does one start a Panther? With a button or a key?
Dan

Neither, and even the engine is an illusion. They are, of course...

"Powered by Money". Wink

Dontos · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2010 8:32 am Post subject: Re: Panther II

I do know the Panzer III had to be started with a manual crank start, a personal experience during the 'Life of the Soldier' demonstration several years ago. (I still have pains in my back regarding that little 'historical experience....)

The engine is manually 'rotated' using a crank handle inserted in a hole in the back then at the appropriate time a pull ring on the back, 'fires' the engine. I was informed after my experience of 3 failed start attempts, having to continually crank the engine, that it usually involved two individuals cranking with a third crewman pulling the crank 'ring'

I assumed all German armored vehicles were the same, although this may be inaccurate.

Not sure if there is a push button electric start, but it would have been nice several years ago....

Regards
Don

panamadan · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jan 29, 2006 Posts: 174

Don,
I thought that they crank was a back up system...
Wouldn't it be a shame if there was a little red button inside just waiting for you to push it?!
Dan

Pzkpfw-e · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jul 21, 2010 Posts: 1202

There's U-tube footage somewhere of Saumur's King Tiger being handcranked to start.

JWB2 · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jan 25, 2006 Posts: 199

Panther start up.>

www.youtube.com/watch?...eature=fvw

Koluchiy · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: May 19, 2009 Posts: 178

Panther (and any German tank) is started by a key installed in a ignition lock and a starter button which is switching on electric starter.
Some tanks are having inertia starter which is "'rotated' using a crank handle inserted in a hole in the back then at the appropriate time a pull ring on the back".
But some (all late?) of HL230 engines had no inertial starter.

kettenkrad · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Nov 03, 2010 Posts: 1

Interesting King Tiger Start-up using crank

www.youtube.com/watch?...re=related

YouTube