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By T.P. Schweider, MSGT. USMC, retired.
A few Meetings ago, one of the Raffle
Prizes was a Royal Models 1/35th scale WWII
Tanker, pouring fuel out of a 5-Gal. Can. Thinking about the
figure after the meeting (did not win it) It occurred to me
what it was that I’d found a little disturbing about the
pose-a real Tanker would be using a flexible Metal spout
attached to the 5-Gal. Can! During WWII and to the present
day, 2 of these spouts are part of every Tank’s basic
maintenance equipment. (These spouts have a colorful
nickname, but it is not printable on a Family Website.) And
contrary to most opinion, the 5-Gal. Can. Most usually
contains oil, not Gas or Diesel. Normally a Tank will carry
2 cans of different weight oils; one weight for the engine,
and one for the Transmission. Oil weight is determined by
Location, Climate and Season. Thus there are two spouts for
the 2 different weights
 
Further recollection brings to mind many
scenes of Armor in dramatic situations, but very, very few
of the Tank crews doing mundane, but very necessary
maintenance. Like ain’t never seen a diorama of a crew doing
a Hot Check. When a Tank Unit of whatever size is traveling,
after an hour on the road, The Unit Commander will call a
halt, and, with engines running, all crews do a “Hot” Check.
The T.C. & Gunner check the oil levels in the engine and
transmission (with the help of 4 foot Long dip sticks.)
While the loader dismounts and inspects
the Track for loose end connectors. If loose ones are found,
they are tightened; if oil levels are down, they are brought
to the proper level, and if nature calls, it is quickly
answered. After 10 minutes, the C.O. will check to determine
if everyone is ready, and if so, the unit moves out. This
procedure is repeated hourly until the destination is
reached and then a Cold Check is done.
Fashion Note: Real tanker will have a
pocket stuffed full of rags- you certainly don’t want to
wipe the dipstick on your trousers, And real Tankers carry a
good pair of work gloves-You don’t want to tear your hands
up opening and closing engine grates. Finally every crewman
will have a set of goggles.
That’s it for this installment. Future
ramblings will cover rear wing, refueling, use of tarps,
Life in a Tank, What makes a good Tanker, Customs, etc.
If any of you have any questions about
Tanks or Tanking, Ask! Hopefully I’ll be able to answer your
Inquiries.
Later,
T.P.
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