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Soviet BT-5 question
Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2025 8:17 pm
by MikeN
Im making the turet for my BT-5 and I feel there should be some sort of handle or knob to enable the crew to open the 2 top hatches and rear hatch so they can get in.
There are lots of pictures of preserved machines online but none of them seem to show anything. Some show a hexagon bolt which i think has been put there to fill a hole.
Without a handle the crew would either need a screwdriver or very strong fingernails to prise open the flush fitting lids.
Anyone know?
Thanks, Mike
Re: Soviet BT-5 question
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 2:28 pm
by Kaczor
Good question. In archive photos, kits, and 3D models (War Thunder game), only some rivets or bolts appear.
Re: Soviet BT-5 question
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 5:18 pm
by Pavel
To open the hatch, effort was required! A key-hook was inserted into the hole of the lock and the lid opened, it was locked from the inside, it was impossible to open the hatch without heavy tools. The crews died inside, but did not give up!
https://tankist-31.livejournal.com/15966.html
Inside there is a locking lever that is turned through the hole and opens the hatch.
Re: Soviet BT-5 question
Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2025 6:44 pm
by MikeN
Great!
Thanks for the replies.
Very useful link with pictures Pavel.
So no handle.
I think I will add a hexagon head screw and leave it at that.
I've learnt that there's no such thing as a standard BT-5. There are different wheels , tracks , exhaust pipes, Arrangement of turret top fittings, with or without radio antenna, lifting eyes . Any combination of the above could be correct .
Re: Soviet BT-5 question
Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2025 11:26 am
by Pavel
You are right!
The tank was constantly being modified.
A hex bolt is reasonable, but then by turning the bolt you will move the bolt, and you will not be able to lift the cover because it lies flush with the roof of the turret...!
Re: Soviet BT-5 question
Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2025 1:27 pm
by MikeN
So, Pavel
In the restored tank that is shown in your link that was pulled from the lake.
The metal is very pitted all over with corrosion.
Including the hexagon bolt heads on the turret hatches.
I assumed that these are original.
Is this correct?
I can't see anything that looks like a slot for a tool to be inserted in to.
What do you think?
Thanks
Mike.
Re: Soviet BT-5 question
Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2025 8:26 pm
by Pavel
Yes, that's how it was before the war....
Nobody thought that by turning a wrench the enemy could open the hatch.
On the T-34 they took this into account and there is a lock there