I just received a copy of a reproduction 1918 manual titled "Tank Mechanical Maintenance, Mark IV Tank" that I ordered on-line. It covers engine and track maintenance, including useful information such as how to change a track and what to do if your engine runs light, but misfires when the throttle is opened.
A Mark V maintenance manual is also available from the same source: Military Library Research Service LTD (MLRS Books), www.mlrsbooks.co.uk.
Hi Dave, Two quick questions: Does that maintenance manual have the procedure for adjusting the tanks compass? And if so, is it the same as for a boat, i.e. Face tank north, check deviation and correct, swing tank south, check deviation and correct, and so on ad nauseum? TIA Mark
To adjust a compass on a tank you first need the compass and not the tank. You mark out two points a tank's length apart on a northerly bearing and put a tape between them. You then take your tank and run it over the tape until the tank is facing the same way as the tape. Then you take the compass inside the tank and adjust it.
I've been away for a while, but I know that Mark will forgive me for not seeing his post and replying. Years ago (well before GPS) as a tank crew commander I used a silva orinteering compass held just outside the turret - wasn't completely accurate but was good enough to supplement map to ground navigation.
I've said this before, but the amount of special knowledge that you can find on this Forum never stops to surprise me! Thanks! (Not least for the tip on how to get that manual.)
-- Edited by Peter Kempf on Sunday 23rd of August 2009 08:08:23 PM
I've been away for a while, but I know that Mark will forgive me for not seeing his post and replying. Years ago (well before GPS) as a tank crew commander I used a silva orinteering compass held just outside the turret - wasn't completely accurate but was good enough to supplement map to ground navigation.
Dave
Forgiven. Sorry not to have replied sooner but with one thing or another, I don't get as much time as I'd like here. Usually just enough to check on a few posts.
Thanks! (Not least for the tip on how to get that manual.)
