Spot the tank type.

[Andy in Cheltenham]

I came across an image which I saved to my harddrive (I needed it for a bit of photoshopping) when I studied the image I noticed something strange and I can't find a reference to it anywhere on the net or in my collection of books. I'd guess and say it's a T54/55 or a Chinese Type 59. But the problem with my assumption is that it has a central driver position. I'll have a go at posting the picture here at work, if I can't I'll do it later.

Any ideas chaps?

Andy

[Andy in Cheltenham]

Is it some sort of engineers version where the driver would not be able to see anything if the hatch was on the left?

[Beobachtungsbereich]

Looks like a T72 variant to me.

Three ribs in front of the driver's hatch is a give away as is the snorkle hatch on the gunner's hatch. Large sight as well.

Too bad there isn't a shot of the exhaust.

Looks like Afghanistan to me.

Regards

[Andy in Cheltenham]

I'll check on that. Looks older than a T72, but you could well be right. Not a lot of clues to go buy seeing as how there is a lot missing. Loks like additional armour on the glacis, which is what made me think it was a much older model. The missing V on the glacis makes me think it's not quite an original T72 and the front looks shorter.
I've checked on the web just then and yes the turret appears to be T72, but the track guards look more like T55.

[mcevoyi]

hi there Andy

its a t72 but will check with mark ..

iain

[Beobachtungsbereich]

The splash board was removable IIRC. We have a couple here on base, under tarp due to winter prep.

Looks like it could have been any of the "B" models as most of the sides are gone and there is no shots of the rear turret bustle.

[Andy in Cheltenham]

T72 it is then.
Thanks guys

Andy

[Frayed Dave]

T 72 variant that would have had ERA blocks fitted on the turret,hence the brackets,and relocated 'smoke poppers',and on the glacis,hence lack of splash board.

[Beobachtungsbereich]

T 72 variant that would have had ERA blocks fitted on the turret,hence the brackets,and relocated 'smoke poppers',and on the glacis,hence lack of splash board.

Look up two posts.

T72 B - possibly a BA variant.

Regards