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Joe_D · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 2:45 am Post subject: Re: From THE Motor Pool

My answers,

Strange hull isn't that strange. Used to be M60A2 SN 4494, RN JK001F. She's the M48A5E1 prototype, a suggested but canceled program to utilize the old hulls. Used a standard A5 turret with low profile cupola. Biggest modification for the hull was the removal of the CBSS system, the unique controls in the driver's position related to the turret (CBSS, Turret power CB) and ammo racks. The slip ring was shimmed up to mate with the shorter turret floor IIRC. One of a kind as far as I know.

The other one I'll take a stab at. They had some eight wheeled thingy at Boat Wright back in '97 that had turret very similar to the A2. Some mobility test bed or something to that effect.

How's that?

Dontos · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 4:19 am Post subject: Re: From THE Motor Pool

This is the rear of the turret of the T95E13. The turret is the same as the M60A2

The interior of the entire turret is empty. I searched around to try and locate a data plate on the turret interior (Nothing found) or in the hull (Nothing found).

For the Record: Bob nailed it first via PM.

Joe: You once mentioned interest in the M48A5E1. I found it tarped up in Richardson. Found it while 'ducking & dodging' stuff in Richardson today.

I guess I need to find more obscure stuff, 'ya'll' got that way toooo easily!! Wink

Regards
Don

Joe_D · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 4:40 am Post subject: Re: From THE Motor Pool

Don,

I'd pay for the fuel/effort to get that tank out in the open and photo document it in Richardson, don't think anyone has done that yet. Last I heard she still was a runner and pretty much had almost no miles on her since being built. My luck it would rain the day I'd arrange it Mad

I'm with Doug on that turret, those side bulges just aren't like the A2's and the dome lights in the turret were different, resembled the M1 style with the switch underneath. Maybe a pilot turret? Did she have an independent moving searchlight mount?

Dontos · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 4:45 am Post subject: Re: From THE Motor Pool

No searchlight mount, just open hatch

Don

Joe_D · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 4:52 am Post subject: Re: From THE Motor Pool

Hey Don,

That looks like the old "A" model concept turret for the M60A1E1 program, minus the gun mantle. That circular object behind the fuel can is where the 20mm gun was mounted. They went with the "B" model for the A2 program. Give me a few and I'll post a picture.

Doug_Kibbey · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 4:54 am Post subject: Re: From THE Motor Pool

Joe_D wrote:

Don,

I'm with Doug on that turret, those side bulges just aren't like the A2's and the dome lights in the turret were different, resembled the M1 style with the switch underneath. Maybe a pilot turret? Did she have an independent moving searchlight mount?

The side bulges/dome light/vent fan were the things that caught my eye (which was the basis of my "trick question" remark). I didn't think the T95 had a searchlight mount at all, or at least not on the left side (where it belongs). I think the forward turret/mantlet area was different as well. This turret is not identical to a production A2, IMO.

Dontos · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 4:59 am Post subject: Re: From THE Motor Pool

Joe_D · Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 5:10 am Post subject: Re: From THE Motor Pool

Don,

Here's the pic of the "A" turret on M60 RN 9B4470.

[img]http://www.com-central.net/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10605/normal_scan0001%7E1.jpg[/img]

The early Pilot A1E1's Searchlights were attached with welded brackets, it wasn't until later they made the moving mount (a necessity since the super elevation needed for the rounds required a adjustable off set for the gun compared to the 105mm)

recceboy · Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 3:21 pm Post subject: Re: From THE Motor Pool

Thanks for posting the photos.

Cheers