Hello!! My name is Chris, and I'm here posting for the first time. I’ve been "lurking" around for a few months, soaking up all the fantastic info on Mk I’s while I build Takom’s 1/35 Mk I Female as A17 “Oh I Say!!!”. I chose that particular tank because I get to scratch build a bunch of extra goodies, like the extended bomb screen and those bullet splash guards under the front hatches. The amount of knowledge available on this site is mind boggling, and I’m now thoroughly addicted to Mk Is and IIs. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge so freely. Which brings me to the point...
Right now I’m stumped, so it’s time to defer to the experts. After watching the ole stand-by IWM film “Advance of the Tanks” (over and over and over), I’ve noticed a piece of gear attached to A17's tail, and I can’t figure out what it’s for. (Apologies if I'm asking about something that's been discussed already.)
It looks like it’s made of three parts, sort of shaped like a ”Pi”. There’s a horizontal bar held up by two vertical pieces. The vertical parts are attached to the tail just inside each axle. The bar goes across the top of the wheels; in the film it can be seen touching the right side wheel. It doesn’t seem to be very sturdy, since it’s bouncing around as the tank moves. I highlighted the part in question on the attached film stills.
Now as far as the model goes I’m pretty sure I can make one, but knowing its function might help replicate it...plus I just want to know what it is!
If I had to guess I’d say that it was used to keep the deployed tarp suspended between the wheels, but that seems superfluous during a time when just keeping the tanks running was a challenge.
Deffinately for cleaning mud and the dried grass/straw look at the environment,Farmers did similar to wheel implements of the time,also what i like is the twin Grenade/bomb Screen first time i have seen a picture,never seen anyone model one with both