When armored windscreen was lowered, where are you supposed to store glass?

[T26E4]

The TM says that the glass windscreens were to be removed before the armored windscreen was to be lowered.  I get that this is the "recommended" procedure and in real life, this direction may have been disregarded.

However, let's say the SGT or vehicle commander was a stickler for this rule.  Where in the cab would the driver place the removoed glass windscreens?  What's the logical thing to do with them?  Any thoughts?

[steve1973]

To lower the windshield armor the class does need to be removed or the glass will brake. As for where to store them that is a mystery. I've asked several vets and they didn't remember.

Steve A.

[spec4don]

The stud for the lock will punch through the glass along with the locks for the pistol ports. Plus you must remove the wiper blades. Not a recommendation a necessity 

Don G

[Lordsandy]

I wrap mine up in a wool blanket and place between my radio and armor on my right fuel tank in my M16A1. I believe the canvas bag for the canvas side windows was also used.

[Outsider]

If you use a shouldered thumb screw to hold the windshield lock, use short thumb screws in the pistol ports, and sue bolts that do not stick out past the end of the armor nuts you can close the windshield armor without removing the windows.

I do this on my HT and it saves a lot of hassle when transporting it.

Steve

[T26E4]

Thanks a ton, guys.  I'm not a restorer but an AFV modeler -- I've built 4 1/35 model halftracks and have 3 more underway.  I'm happy to say that the two that have lowered windscreens, I've taken the time to remove the glass -- I asked the question because I wanted to know where to depict the two stowed panes.

BTW: the ones I finished:
1. Su-76 Lend Lease 57mm gun motor carriage -- painted in German colors.  Photos exist of a few of these, captured from the Russians.
2. M13 MGMC
3. M17 MGMC -- great to do an International Harvester HT!
4. T-12 SPM -- early configuration of the M3 GMC.  Depicted as captured by the Japanese and KOd by US forces in Luzon.

On the workbench:
1.  M4A1 Mortar Carriage -- converted per 2AD, 41st AIR, with 81mm mortar tube twds front, 80% done
2.  T28E1 CGMC -- tons of work to create the M3A1 CGM!!!  Not far along at all
3. M5 IDF personnel carrier, maybe 1949 timeframe.  About  50% done.

[Tapper02]

Post pics!!  Those all sound interesting...we'd all like to see them.
 
-Tom

[T26E4]

Su-76 Lend Lease 57mm gun motor carriage -- painted in German colors.  Photos exist of a few of these, captured from the Russians.









M13 MGMC









M17 MGMC -- great to do an International Harvester HT!  Another Lend Lease item to the Sovs







T-12 SPM -- early configuration of the M3 GMC.  Depicted as captured by the Japanese and KOd by US forces in Luzon.  See p. 178 Hunnicutt

Enjoy the pics.  They've all appeared in modeling magazines in the previous years -- as you can tell, I enjoy HTs and rarely build them "stock" kits from the box.

[WayOffTrack]

Afaik there is no dedicated storage spot. Several have said in a canvas bag on the fender or inside somewhere such as under the troop seats in the rear. Personally I'll bet they tossed them in the bushes and were done with it. Nice models btw especially like the T-48.

[Tranham]

I've seen post war Greek scout cars with a dedicated metal box for the glass mounted in the wheel well storage box as I remember.

Robert

[WayOffTrack]

I've seen post war Greek scout cars with a dedicated metal box for the glass mounted in the wheel well storage box as I remember.

I have seen those and wonder if the Greek Army had them on their halftracks as well. In fact I'd like to have one of those greek boxes for a scout car if anyone has one they want to sell.

[superjeep]

Is this the box you are talking about? This one is mounted in my Greek scout car. I do not want to sell it but I would be happy to send you some more pictures with some measurements if you would like to make one. If there is enough interest I would be willing to make a batch.

[Tapper02]

Nice job on the models.  It really makes a difference when they are weathered and have texture from dirt/mud/snow/etc.  Pretty cool!

---

Okay, so back to the metal storage box…any idea how they kept the glass from shattering, or even cracking?  Seems to me a piece of glass, even if wrapped in, say a blanket or two, would break pretty easily from rattling around in a metal box.

-Tom

[WayOffTrack]

Yep Superjeep that is it!

[superjeep]

Tapper02,
It's not just a piece of glass, there is a metal frame around it. If you look at my posting for parts I make you will see a picture of the metal frames. I would also imagine there was a piece of felt lining the box where the frames would be resting in it.