To get a good and secure round view the commander and driver of Tanks were equipped with hand periscopes.
It was possible to stick them out of the "tear-shaped" covered holes of the roof (Mk.IV).
Because the were vulnerage to damage, there were (should be) issued 6 pieces to each Tank (see Haynes book p.86).
#1 Trench Periscope by R. & J. Beck - measurements approx. 26-1/2" Closed w/ handle, 33" Open; Case measures approx. 17-1/2"
#2 Trench Periscope by Wollensak; Model No 10, 1918 - measurements approx. 19 ¾" Closed w/ handle, (with handle tucked aside): 5”, 2 ¼” in diameter; Case measures approx. 20 ½”
..more pictures attached..
The paint seems to be original.
Question(s):
Is there any known source of the possibility to fix them in the drivers compartment? The driver and commander would had mostly no hand free while driving, I think?
Do you've seen any pictures with periscopes peeking out of a Tank? If so it would be nice if you can post it here. Thank you!
P.S.: A 1/35 model (of the upper piece, without handle) Just a toothpick; filed, drilled and a bit glue for the lense
-- Edited by Wollhodden on Wednesday 15th of November 2017 08:24:25 PM
I don't know about the Mark IV but I am sure that the persicopes in the Mark I could be fixed in the hole through the roof. There are pictures where you can see the two periscopes come through the roof. I do not know a picture of a Mark IV with periscopes through the roof, maybe they were only to be used hand-held or maybe it wasn't such a favorite device. maybe someone knows.
Here is a picture of a mark I with its persicopes through the roof.
Nice pics, thank you! I think there would be some fixure mechanism made, didn't look for it by now.. It would be hard to drive, in special on rough ground, with only one hand free? I'll keep an eye on it! ;)
It seems that I'll have still a lot to file on my model one, the're rather thin. (The problem is that mine would be also a stick used to push a button insde. So it had to be stable enough and should'nt be that pointy)
-- Edited by Wollhodden on Saturday 18th of November 2017 07:39:16 PM
I'd read that, at least, also the Mk. IV should be equipped with 6 pieces.(see post #1/Haynes Book "Great War Tank Mk. IV" p. 86)
They were manufactured (from different producers, how it seems).
I don't have a picture of the MK.V roof detailed in mind, but aren't there also those "tearshaped" openings?
Would make me wonder, if they had abandoned that idea.
Maybe there is a proof somewhere to find?!
In "Haynes, great war tank Mark IV owners manual" there is some info on pages 85 and 86.
There is also a picture of mister David Fletcher holding one of the periscopes while sticking it through the roof.
In the text it is written that up to 6 periscopes were issued to each tank. They were usually manufactured by R. & J. Beck Ltd of London. In the roof of the cab there were rubber "grommets" to hold the periscopes in place. The grommets were there to hold out water from the cabs revolver ports and to reduce vibration on the periscope. So the pistol ports in the roof were used for the periscopes.
Hope this helps,
best regards,
Willem
Edit: I was reading and typing and then after submitting ... you already found the same answer
-- Edited by Willem Visser on Sunday 19th of November 2017 10:19:59 AM
-- Edited by Willem Visser on Sunday 19th of November 2017 10:21:23 AM
Haha, but actually by reading your's again I understand the part with the "grommets" in particular! Just had overread, or don't get it, at once!
Funny thing, I just had added a small ring of the rubber hose which came with the kit, to secure hold of my toothpick model. I should have been a tank engineer back in the days!
Interested in the periscope by Wollensak. Can you clarify for me which pictures show the Beck type and which the Wollensak, please? Also do you know whether both these types were used in tanks?
