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The first T26E3s were accepted just over two and a half years after the first M4A1 Shermans, but the Pershing appears thoroughly more modern thanks to its long gun tube, torsion bar suspension, and wider stance. The 90mm gun M3 was fitted with a large muzzle brake, contrasting with the smaller single-baffle muzzle brake on the M26A1 Pershing and M46 Patton.
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This rear view of the M26 Pershing differentiates it from the M46 Patton. M26's engine exhaust was vented through the port in the upper rear plate, and M26 lacked the transmission access plates that M46 featured in its rear hull plate. The mounting post on the rear of the turret was for the .50cal machine gun.
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This view is peering into the open driver's hatch. The fire extinguisher bottle is obvious, and behind this with the two red knobs is the master switch box. The white-tipped lever in front of the fire extinguisher is the left throttle lever, and in front of this is the left speed range selector in its gated quadrant. The white-tipped right throttle lever can be seen on the opposite side of the tank, and in the middle is the black-tipped parking brake lever.
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The bottom of the driver's position is shown here. The floor escape hatch contrasts with the white of the vehicle interior, and the large accelerator pedal can be seen to the front of the tank. The steering brake levers flank the driver's seat, and the black-tipped lever next to the escape hatch is the left fuel tank shut-off valve control lever.
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The position of the drivers' instrument panel can be seen in this image. The ventilator bewteen the drivers can also be seen on the hull roof.
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The assistant driver was provided with a duplicate set of controls as well as the bow machine gun. The left steering brake lever and the speed range selector lever can be seen through the hatch. Unlike the driver's position, the accelerator pedal was under the assistant driver's left foot.
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The driver's seat back and turret floor are shown here. On each side of the turret collector ring box are three 90mm ammunition stowage compartments. Hinges and handles for these and the fighting compartment rear floor stowage plates can be seen across the turret floor.
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© Copyright 2001-08 Chris Conners