Extra Armor Protection for U.S. Tanks

Welcome to the forums.

You are right to study period photos, they usually have the best possible answers.  I think there was a publication of some kind done concerning various ways gear was stowed on Shermans, but can't recall where I had seen that.  

When I had modeled  a Canadian Firefly, the welded post was the method of choice based on this photo:

Am sure others, more versed with the Sherman tank, will drop by with their valued observances.

regards,

Jack

You ask an important question -- sadly one that's overlooked by some modellers.  The spare wheels were extremely heavy and unless wedged in amongst a bunch of sad bags holding it in place, could be jarred loose through the normal moving and jarring of the tanks.  US maintenance vehicles had welded posts.  You can assume normal gun tanks did the same -- some pictures show a welded bracket.  Wire could be used if the spare rested on a more horizontal surface.  

My rule of thumb with any and all stowage: does it make sense -- in a physical sense and in a user-friendly sense.  Would it interfere with the tank's mission? aiming interference? blocking traversing turret or vision lines for the crew, prohibit climbing on/off the vehicle? added flammability risk? easily stolen, liable to be scrapped or jarred off? etc.

The M4 105 appears to have some sort of post with a plate over it to hold the road wheel in place

Jack,

Thanks, thats one of the better pictures I've seen. I figure it has to be something fairly simple that they can do in the field. I appreciate the response.

Roy,

Thanks for the info. The "does it make sense" rule is probably the best one could use. I'm trying to use my photo references as best I can, since I'm sure the crews made sure they didn't have one of the possible problems you mention. I probably wouldn't have thought of this kind of stuff years ago, but all of "You" on this forum make me think a little harder about what I'm doing.

Thanks for that photo. I don't think I've seen the hold-down plate on the bogie before, but that makes sense.

Many tankers also sand bagged there tanks. Patton hated this as the extra weight put more wear and tear on the drive train,and also reduced gas milage

Slightly better view of the post method in use:

regards,

Jack