M26 Pershing Walkaround Addendum

Upon publication of the previous images of the M26, I became aware of the terrible coverage I had of the suspension system. To that end, when I was in Fort Knox over the Labour Day weekend, I took a few photos of the roadwheels and drive sprocket of a T84E1-equipped vehicle. I have decided to supplement these with images I have scanned from the M26/M45 Pershing Tech Manual (TM9-735) that show clearly the variations between the drive sprockets associated with the T80E1/T84E1 tracks and the T81 tracks. Finally, the Tech Manual has a couple of great shots of the two main gun travel lock variations on the Pershing family. The shot above, while not great due to harsh lighting, shows the lower hull of the M26. Note that, at least on this vehicle, there are no casting marks visible on the lower hull (if it's not apparent in the photo, you will have to take my word for it, since I specifically looked). The differences between the inner and outer tow shackle brackets are especially apparent here, although I have seen other Pershings with identical inner and outer brackets.

Although the lower hull is, regrettably, quite dark in this photo, details of the roadwheels, idler, and return rollers can be seen. The side of the fenders, complete with screw holes for the attachment of fenders, and the horn mount and guard are also visible. The tie-down points for straps along the sides of the fender stowage bins (for hte vehicle tarp) are particularly prominent, and have to be added to both the DML and Tamiya kits. The attachment of the shock absorber to the forward torsion bar suspension arm can be barely made out.

This photo shows some of the interesting features of the rear half of the lower hull. The weld seams that are present where the different plates meet are particularly prominent, and once again the shock absorber that attaches to the rear torsion bar can be seen. Note the sprocket fitted is of the type associated with the double-pin T80E1/T84E1 tracks, and has the solid outer plate.

I am loathe to publish anything which I did not, myself, take, but I am posting these illustrations from the Pershing technical manual (TM9-735, August 1948) to better illustrate some major differences between M26 types which I do not have good photos for. First up is Figure 183, from page 330, which shows the final drive housing and sprocket for the double-pinned T80E1 and T84E1 tracks. Notice the track guide flanges in the centre of the wheel, sandwiched between the hubs, and the holes in the outer hub to prevent mud buildup. This photograph also gives a good biew of the final drive assembly. The T80E1 and T84E1 tracks were 23 inches wide, and used end connectors to hold the links together. The deep depressions between the drive sprocket teeth are for the bolts on the end connectors to fit into.

This is the drive sprocket for vehicles fitted with the single-pin T81 track (Figure 186, from page 333). The T81 track, while superficially similar to the T66 track fitted to the M4(HVSS) Shermans, is a totally different animal. Aside from the fact that the T81 track is 24 inches wide, compared to the T66's 23 inches, the track links themselves are different, as close examination of photos of both will reveal (T66s have a scalloped pattern which is absent from the Pershing tracks). But I digress ... As can be seen, the sprocket is considerably different from the double-pinned version, with a complex series of holes in the track guide flanges, a much shallower hub centre, and a different pattern of depressions for the drive sprocket teeth. Also, the housings for the bolts that attach the inner and outer sprockets to the hubs are attached to the inner circumference of the sprocket, while on the double-pinned sprockets the bolts pass through holes in the face of the plates themselves. Finally, note that on this sprocket there are no holes for clearing mud. By the way, this photo shows how to remove the sprocket, and the sprocket is presumably hanging from the small crane that attached to the vehicle turret on early production models. A neat diorama idea, perhaps?

Here is what's so great about having tech manuals: Figure 190, from page 336, shows the drive sprocket from a T81-equipped vehicle removed to allow access to the final drive oil seals. Part of the rear fender has been removed, and the track is hanging down onto the final roadwheel. Notice that the sprocket on this vehicle does have holes in the outer hub for mud clearance. This also gives a good view of the T81 tracks. I do not have the Tamiya kit yet, and would be curious to hear how well they captured the look of this distinctive feature of the Pershing.

As mentioned, the M26 had two types of travel locks, and the M26A1 and M46 a third type. Figure 260, from page 428, shows the earlier style of travel lock fitted to T26E3s and M26s. The travel lock is actually attached to the engine exhaust, being secured by bolts that fit into the exhaust casting.

Our final picture in this series shows the later style travel lock fitted to Pershings after it was discovered that the exhaust outlet was too weak to attach the travel lock to. As can be seen, this travel lock is wider, and it attaches directly to the rear hull plate. This view also shows the tow cable brackets to advantage, as well as the towing pintle stowage. If anybody has more questions about the Pershing family, please feel free to drop me an e-mail using the link at the top of the page. Let's see lots of Pershings built at shows!