Bruce Crompton | Top 5 Tanks | Combat Dealers | The Tank Museum

Bruce Crompton, star of Combat Dealers and military vehicle collector, came to visit The Tank Museum over TANKFEST and treated us to his Top 5.
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[@TheChieftainsHatch]

I humbly submit that The Tank Museum hold, and records, a panel wherein all of us who have chosen top five lists can hammer away at each other for their choices... By definition, nobody can have a “wrong” favorite, but the discussion would certainly be fascinating....

[@thearisen7301]

The_Chieftain Yes please! I'd love to see Mr Crompton read the 1947 report on the Panther by the French.

[@loddude5706]

Ah, for who would end up holding 'The Pommel of Incontestability' aloft for all to see? Make it so . . .

[@gusty9053]

I'm guessing the Hetzer pick got The Chieftain all hot and bothered :))

[@Paveway-chan]

I was just gonna say: Hetzer as nr.1 tank? Someone call the Chieftain! xD

[@kieronwheeler3087]

My money would be on Al Murray to win that.

[@beakyturf6336]

Bruce's enthusiasm Is infectious. He's like a kid in a sweet shop. Love it.

[@beetooex]

Tank Museum is killing it with their social media nowadays. Only the British Museum comes close with their Irving Finkel and Tom Scott vids. Media/engagement team at Bovingdon should be proud.

[@Akm72]

Got a link for the British Museum videos? (I'll look it up myself, but might as well save someone else the time)

[@beetooex]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYvWnJ2CppVnZqs All of Irving Finkel's videos are good actually. He's as much of a legend as David Fletcher. You can't beat a eccentric old curator.

[@Akm72]

Just watched one of his video's, got to say I enjoyed it! Thanks for the reference and the link!

[@paulcalies7372]

Duxford and Shuttleworth need to take note.

[@dick_boy-6996]

They really should

[@MrPointblank]

I was actually able to shake hands with Bruce after they recorded his number 5 the M4 Sherman. Really lovely chap and a good choice to record a top 5 with!

[@JackG79]

Mr_Pointblank hello mr. Point Blank. I agree with what you said here I think he is a great guy as well. while I'm not British I am from New York in the United States I really enjoy your guys bovington tank Museum and I really enjoy these videos.

[@MrPointblank]

JackG79 hey mate! Thank you! I am not British either though, I am from The Netherlands 😉 but yeah Bruce is a nice guy and he takes the time to shake your hand and have a nice talk with you.

[@wuppieigor]

I was able to the same after he filmed the panther, he actually spoiled what his number one was

[@Mi3k15]

What day was he there on? Sat or Sunday?

[@MrPointblank]

Mi3k15 Friday mate

[@davidgray3321]

For all our overseas friends Bruce is the most British exhibit in the tank museum that day, and I expect has “made in England” stamped on his behind, he is a genuine Brit, as genuine as fish and chips and the Queen, well done Bruce you are a gem old boy.

[@johnnypopper-pc3ss]

"Spins on a six-pence !" The British version of "Turns on a dime !". I love it !

[@digitaIgorilla]

Love Bruce's enthusiasm for his topic. Enjoy his show. Agree with some of his choices and not others... but it's his list, not mine. Fair play Bruce, an interesting video 👍

[@tamlandipper29]

Well put. Thought I'd add to your comment to say that my grandfather who fought in 7th Armd thought our tanks were so bad he'd like to kill the designers. I'm pretty sure even at 80 he'd have kicked off on anyone who said the sherman was good.

[@CheshireTomcat68]

Always loved this guy, just wish he'd come out of his shell a bit.

[@RYNOCIRATOR_V5]

was that purely a pun or were you being genuine?

[@joelangley7974]

Nick Pallatt I think it was a joke, Bruce cannot be more confident which is great to watch so yeah I think he was joking

[@TheKRU251]

Yes. So shy........😁

[@WillClayEK]

Its shell shock haha

[@mylesdobinson1534]

😆👍

[@andynixon2820]

Nice one Bruce . But does your wife know you've been stealing the curtains for your tie and braces combo's .

[@JohnSmith-jd7hy]

Andy Nixon you are not funny sorry

[@RArecordingsRickValcon]

your name cracks me up... hahaha.

[@stephenparkes5932]

It's not about Bruce's clothes . Its about tanks!!!

[@andynixon2820]

People in this comments section need to lighten up . He's a great guy but does also dress like he's been stealing the curtains

[@andynixon2820]

@@JohnSmith-jd7hy yes I am

[@JustSomeCanuck]

"Forget a Porsche, forget a Mercedes - buy a Centurion!" ...and then have a lot of explaining to do when you drive to the supermarket for the week's groceries.

[@nigeh5326]

JustSomeCanuck yep but fun explaining what it is u r driving, and u won't get any speed tickets on the motorway (freeway) 😀

[@bkews]

And who is going to argue with you for a parking spot?

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

I have found the Foxes or White Scout cars are pretty good for that sort of thing. Better yet, a halftrack.

[@TheFreaker86]

When it comes to British cars the first thought that comes to my mind is „will it first rust to death or break down?“. And the second thought is „is there any every days car that is not ugly?“

[@k1er4n544]

also everyone will avoid being in you're way leading to clear roads

[@HebaruSan]

Good on the folks walking into the frame for having the presence of mind to back out

[@mike_burke]

And also credit to the museum for not temporarily closing parts off to the public whenever they make these videos...

[@cgaccount3669]

Funny to watch too. Deer in headlights lol

[@nonautemrexchristus5637]

electric messiah (mate, I'm saying this as a way of mocking a few people in the upper levels of the criminal organisations behind world governments, they are very good at hiding in plain sight)

[@kyle857]

"People keep picking the same tanks!" -Comments "Lindy didn't pick the best tanks" -Also comments

[@Zulikas69]

Just watch squires picks

[@neilwilson5785]

Lindy is so crazy. Bren vs spandau! His 'one man turret' video was spot on, though. He's having plate armour made. It's all good.

[@johndowe7003]

whata lunitic lol i used to take his videos seriously, but now its for comedey

[@vanders4198]

It's weird that people complain about this. Certain tanks are popular for a reason. You can't expect people to lie about their favourite tanks just because other people like them too.

[@renardgrise]

John dowe... just watch Lindy's video on berserkers... that alone will let you know he's a little loony ;-).

[@stewartprice553]

Never seen this guy before, but he's the absolute boy. Good on you, Bruce - stay handsome and keep rocking the bracers/tie combo.

[@jduff59]

Bruce has a true love for armour and tanks that's completely genuine. I absolutely adore these videos because he hasn't become jaded, Its still like the boy on Christmas Morning when he's around WWII tanks. Choosing the Hetzer was a brave choice that proves honesty over trying to placate the critics - Tops!

[@TheIkaraCult]

I have no proper interest in military history, but this man's passion gets me going

[@cosairfps]

Bruce Crompton - ABSOLUTE UNIT

[@comradeivan3903]

Cosair good job writing same comment as me kek

[@stephennelson9212]

In awe at the size of this lad

[@Doodoofart725]

Real chungus this lad

[@christianhoffmann8607]

Megachonker

[@spacegarnaal]

Met Bruce 2 years ago at Militracks in Overloon. He was an awesome guy, got to ride on one of his halftracks and had a beer with him. Amazing guy for real

[@George-bz1fi]

The Hertzer was an interesting choice for #1, well done.

[@ricktimmons458]

Swiss know a bargain and they kept this active for a very long time!

[@britainsdeetail]

I love Bruce to be fair he's so enthusiastic, the Panther tank he restored was absolutely awesome!

[@BottyWWFC1]

Bruce my admiration for you has gone through the roof with your love of Centurion. By far the pinnacle of great British engineering. Gave the Soviet machinery a whooping in the middle East. I am an ex Royal Lancer and would have loved to have experienced Centurions.

[@wessexdruid7598]

That ‘V12 engine’ was the Rolls Royce Meteor - a de-rated version of the RR Merlin, as powered the Sptifire, Hurricane, Lancaster & Mustang. The ample, reliable power of the Meteor was used to great advantage in the Cromwell, Comet, Centurion, Challenger, Avenger, Charioteer, Tortoise, Caernarvon & Conqueror.

[@greenhead96]

I love this guy and he is british as heck. I love it.

[@speckledjim_]

English

[@DC9622]

Glad to here Bruce is restoring the panther. The last episode I saw it was in bits, and he had found an engine. I agree with Al, and indeed the Chieftain, it the panther, might have a big gun and clear optics, but the problem for the senior German officers they were losing the battles. The Mark IV was better, needed the better gun. Tank number 5, or it’s 76mm version with the 6pounder Churchill, Achilles and later Archer and Comets were good at destroying them, when they were working. The Guards Armour captured one and called it Cuckoo, keeping it for a while, until the inevitable happened it broke down, interestingly their Churchill’s continued having driven all the way from Normandy. General Bayerlein, regretted taking the Panzer Lehr Panthers from the Commonwealth sector to the American sector because they were too big, he wished he had taken the Mark IV.

[@bolgor08]

DC the guards liked the panther however; the gun, the optics and the fact that it did not slip on the ice roads in Holland. This was beter then their churchills. It broke down because off a fuel pump. These is a report on the net about this

[@DC9622]

anne bolhuis yes it taken from a Patrick Delaforce on the British Armour Divisions during the war.

[@A27crommwell]

He sold it in a recent episode

[@zhufortheimpaler4041]

the problem with "PzKpfw.IV is better than Panther, they should just have build more of those" is, that even with less than 30% motorisation (that includes armor) the german army was already overstraining its fuel production and reserves. More motorisation (meaning more APC´s and Tanks) would had made no difference, because they would not have enough fuel to use them anyways.

[@nickwilliams7867]

I have watched lots of these top fives, Bruce and Al's are my favourite but all worth watching.

[@davidseals4898]

Love it. Im Bruce Crompton. How could you not 💪

[@RaduB.]

No comment! 🙂 I was a bit surprised to see the Jagdpanzer 38(t) on the first place but I have no objection. Top five is too small. 😁

[@colinwilson3110]

Great to see you back Bruce

[@red.5475]

I feel, that the Centurion and the Comet are two of the finest tanks ever made. Good looking, well armed and manuverable, the British hit it out of the Park, with these.

[@stephenchappell7512]

Agreed although both sadly came far too late for the likes of my uncle (killed Dec 41) and many like him

[@mikepalm6452]

You can't help but love ole Bruce....top fella.

[@paulsnell534]

I went to the Tank Museum today and the Hetzer was one of the highlights. Good to see it regarded as a number one.

[@comradeivan3903]

absolute unit

[@__sno__3820]

In awe at the size of this lad

[@222toastedtoasters3]

Turns out that there were 6 tanks in this video ;D

[@bob_._.]

That was the impression I got.

[@neilwilson5785]

Good one. First chuckle of the evening.

[@tectorama]

We went to Bovington earlier this year, a great place to visit. So much to see.

[@paulelliott6673]

Nice to see Bruce and some of the best comments I have seen glad people have got a proper sense of humour.

[@James-zs3vm]

nice to see bruce involved with the tank museum! I loved combat dealers

[@clockmonkey]

You never ever see Al Murray and Bruce Compton in the same place at the same time.

[@pozgaming4665]

*WAAH WEEH WAAH WEEH WEEH WAAH* Conspiracy theorists, I chose YOU!!

[@madfishermanwest200]

Yes because Bruce ate him

[@garynew9637]

Har har!

[@mark19979]

i had the pleasure to meat this wonderful gentlemen last year at a military event in the Netherlands! a true hero to restoring tanks

[@alamore5084]

This guy should have his own show on mainstream TV. I great top 5 pick and like the rationale for these choices. His enthusiasm and passion for tanks make him a great ambassador for the Tank Museum! A real pleasure watching this.

[@boboayame2065]

He does, he tells you at the start of the video it's called Combat Dealers

[@Arthion]

I've got a special spot in my heart for the Hetzer as well. It's a cute little murderous monster. Also a pleasure to drive in the various tank games out there. Good firepower, relative mobility and rather low profile. Perfect for ambushes

[@adamg7984]

I absolutely love the Hetzer too! Awesome little design for a TD. It's simple, cheap and effective. It's like the David to the Tiger being Goliath. It's small and compact but has the same punch as a Panzer IV or Stug III. I also love that it's the apex of the Marder series and I love their iconic 4 big road wheels the Czech 38t chassis had.

[@Derek-je6vg]

Horrid ergonomics - on paper good - in practice not so much

[@adamg7984]

@@Derek-je6vg Oh without a doubt it's an abysmal nightmare to have been someone who actually had to use it. However, even with that being true it certainly was a solid design. If they could have solved some of those fighting compartment limitations, it could have been a much better vehicle overall. Say they take away the slope from the sides or raise the structure some, maybe it could have helped. I don't know if that's actually possible but just based on what I know the cramped conditions was it's biggest drawback. Besides it's armor being brittle due to quality issues late in the war. I've always liked those types of vehicles. It's like the bare minimum to field an effective gun with solid protection. It has just enough in most aspects. It's like a pocket pistol but with actual protection thanks to it's 60mm heavily sloped front armor. I know it was also one of the first vehicles with a remotely operated MG or was at least one of the first to have them standard. It definitely had other issues to go along with it's strengths but for the defensive war Germany was fighting when they built the Jagdpanzer 38(t) it was a very good little SPG. Just, god bless anyone who had to be the loader.

[@alb9229]

One of the best top 5 here , not only because of the tanks but mainly because of the presentation . Bruce is a fine lad !

[@frankwhite3406]

A perfect number one , fantastic talk by Bruce with in my favourite museum, 10/10 chaps !!!

[@russellhawkins366]

Sweet choices. I like the Hetzer for its efficiency of design and high production fo cost ratio. As Russian military doctrine states quite rightly: “Quantity has a quality all of its own.”

[@beat89widmer26]

Yeah but the tiger was zebest

[@zhufortheimpaler4041]

and thats not what the russian/sovjet military doctrine states. It states: Casualties in Combat are unavoidable, even with surperior technology. Bring enough men and material to be able to take those losses without loosing the ability to wage war.

[@aldejong194]

I love the panther model G. It is my favourite tank ever even today

[@napiersh1]

I love the indirect debates. Lindy calls this a deathtrap, and this chap loves it.

[@buggs9950]

Any man who can confidently sport a matching purple paisley tie and braces get up has my respect.

[@martentrudeau6948]

Great top 5, I think the Panther was probably the most advanced design.

[@gaptaxi]

No, that would go to Centurion but should not have been on the list for WW2 tanks as they never really did any fighting, there were 25 Mks of Centurion and they are still being used with the British 105mm in many Countries. Centurion was Petrol driven as well, but it worked.

[@HaVoC117X]

​​@@gaptaxi the mk I only had better turrer armor, given the fact that it arrives two years after the Panther, doesn't really made it that impressive. The Panther wasn't allowed to progress in evolution any further. So we will never know a much potential was left in it.

[@nathanhubball]

Bruce is one of many people I aspire to be!!😂

[@raymondbarraclough8583]

Love what you do keep history alive

[@thejudge-kv2jk]

Bruce you're a great bloke. Great video. Long live the tank museum!

[@josh258us1]

Amazing list Bruce can l would like to volunteer to help the twins restore the Panther. Very big fan

[@marcl.1346]

I love Bruce, he's an absolute legend mad lad but I'm very curious at what the other experts will say about his choices :D Although Murray's one's were arguably more debatable.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Will see if we can have a good natured debate. I did run into Chris Barrie at Tankfest and have a quick chat about Sherman...

[@paulmorgan8254]

@@TheChieftainsHatch but he did say Sherman Firefly and they were treated like tank destroyers to the point they would camouflage the gun barrel so the Germans wouldn't target them before the other Shermans

[@ThePaulfullTruth]

What I like about this video is that I got to see a full frontal of this guy's entertaining and informative presentations and didn't have to be distracted with having to view the actual tanks from various angles.

[@nathanelliott2894]

YES BRUCE YES thanks for having him on you guys

[@himmlstoss]

Nice to see the M4 get its reputation back.

[@tigercat418]

jt. schwarm Nicholas moran says the panther was not that good

[@typxxilps]

Ask the american drivers that survived while their comrades died about the reputation. They will speak about blood they lost and what tank they wished to drive instead! They must know the truth. And there are statistics from the normandy campaign regarding the losses and its causes. Many were lost by direct hits and due unreliability.

[@kyle857]

typxxilps The Sherman was one of the most survivable tanks of the war. You dont just get to spout nonsense.

[@himmlstoss]

The M4 was far more survivable than the T-34, because it had Spring supported hatches and it was easy to repair.

[@rednoob8954]

Difference with the t-34 is the t-34 have a better gun

[@MrCordycep]

11:27 the sneaky salute lol. I was about to say, the Centurion would have blasted the Panther if the war went on any longer, but then you put it at number 2.

[@void1968able]

Yeah, but any Jagdpanther with the 88/L71 would have taken out the Centurion. Let alas the Tiger 2... the whole list is only a personal favorite thing and that's ok. Pure penetration / armor comparisons would have been more scientific, but of course also design flaws, tank warfare doctrine and the tank's role in it and 1.000 other arguments play a huge role. There is no "best tank", as there is no "best car" or "best looking woman". There is only a "best" in a very limited criteria margin.

[@luksthunder5940]

The panther can tales out a centurion with low effort

[@newhope33]

@@luksthunder5940 Not really armor was roughly the same apart from the Turret where the Centurion was massively superior with 200-500mm of effective armor as it was designed to resist the german 88mm at combat ranges, Centurion could pen the panthers turret at 1000+ meters, Panther would have to be within around 500m with standard ammo to pen the Centurion.

[@davenourse]

Bruce,Combat Dealers is my favorite show on tv,a great bunch of guys and how good are those twins,keep up the good work.

[@geusetelli]

To be honest seeing Hetzer up in this list surprised me, though really it should not, because it is a good vehicle. Also, mr Bruce here clearly loves this topic, his enthusiasm is fantastic, i really enjoyed this video. Whoever is in charge of selecting The Tank Museum channel's hosts should be proud, they've done an amazing job.

[@hf3923]

The cats weren't that numerous at kursk. The bulk of the panzer forces were still 3s and 4s

[@alb9229]

Harry Forsyth Thank god they wheren't that numerous , otherwise the outcome could had been different .

[@piritskenyer]

Hardly. The russians had 4:1 numerical superiority in tanks, almost 3:1 in men, and 5:1 in artillery. Also, the Russians knew the Germans were coming there ( I mean it was a target so obvious that when the british provided intelligence it was only confirmation, not news), and fortified accordingly in a series of defensive rings. Also, just a quick side: what he's saying is full of inaccuracies... Centurion with a 101mm gun? That would be a 4", only 4" weapon in the British arsenal was in the Navy. The 17pdr was a 3" barrel, and 20 pdr was a 3.3" (83,8mm) weapon. The L7 was a 105, but that came even later.

[@Idahoguy10157]

They went to Kursk..and broke down

[@vanders4198]

Harry Forsyth He didn't say they were numerous. piritskenyer But what you said is kind of irrelevant because the guy you're responding to is proposing a hypothetical situation in which the Germans had more tanks. Also, what other than that one what other inaccuracies are his comments "full of". They did eventually have a 105mm gun, so maybe, as he is talking on the fly like this, he muddled his words and said 101. Hardly constitutes being full of inaccuracies. Robert Dawson A lot did, but you make it sound like most did.

[@DC9622]

Harry Forsyth also the British had broken the German command cypher, providing the Russians with the complete order of battle of the German plan. Similarly they had this for Normandy, though I can never get my mind around the Bulge. If they knew, Eisenhower and Bradley seriously dropped the ball.

[@A.J.K87]

Bruce, you should have a talk with the Chieftain about the Panther's optics. He argues that the field of view of the gunner of the panther is way to narrow, making it very difficult to acquire targets. He's pretty much entirely dependent on his commander. The sherman on the other hand has a periscopic sight for the gunner with a wide field of view so he can acquire targets far easier and without exposing his turret.

[@Akm72]

I believe the Chieftain's point was that the gunner needs two sights; a unity sight to acquire the target and a magnified sight for accurate aiming and that the Panther only had the magnified sight (until they developed the Schmaltürme) which crippled it's fighting ability.

[@chazt8604]

In the post war French report it has the Panther taking 30 seconds longer than the M4 for the gunner to identify and lay on a target given by the commander.

[@RussianThunderrr]

In other tanks it was a panoramic view periscopes, that made gunner's target acquisition faster.

[@foxyboiiyt3332]

A.J. K Imagine you were a tanker in WWII. Would you prefer to be in a Panther or a Sherman? No real contest IMHO

[@A.J.K87]

+AKm72 Yes that is correct. But he does mention the periscope, because that way the tank doesn't have to expose it's turret if it's behind a hill or a berm. It can stay in cover while acquiring targets. After the gunner knows where the targets are the driver can advance and the gunner can take out the targets. In a panther the tank has to expose it's turret for the gunner to be able to see anything and even then it's field of view is so narrow he has to rely on his commander to find the targets, wasting precious time.

[@stubbk3]

Awesom stuff. Looking on point Bruce. Was lucky enough to get five minutes of his time at last year's tank fest .

[@IainHamilton]

Brilliant video as always. Bruce (like all the others) is just so enthusiastic and it comes across when they speak.

[@neilwilson5785]

Love the cheeky wave at 9:24. Sorry Bruce, carry on.

[@soundslave]

When are we going to see Combat Dealers back on Quest?

[@darrellid]

Never heard of this bloke before but seen both of his videos on this site and he's energetic and infectious. Great presenter.

[@lightwoven5326]

Check out Combat Dealers tv series

[@AdamMann3D]

Nice to see Bruce here. Excellent choices as well.

[@jenell73]

I will go to that museum one day.

[@Akm72]

Well worth it, it is possible to combine visiting the museum with a visit to Tank Fest as they have a fairly long break for lunch during which you can go around the museum.

[@davidcopplestone6266]

Yeah, go. It's a must see for tank fans. Look out for their talks too.

[@larrybrown1824]

It's on my bucket list. Take the wife to London then drag her to Bovington.

[@neilwilson5785]

You must.

[@lex1945]

Very recommendable It's been some years for me now, but it is absolutely a great place to visit.

[@effisjens1776]

I just love sherman tanks. They are so universal

[@effisjens1776]

burtlangoustine1 ok, that was a good joke

[@C00T47]

Not as universal as the UNIVERSAL CARRIER

[@hughbo52]

Loved the enthusiasm.

[@PMGF]

I have to agree with Al Murray, the Panther has a over-reputation problem it's got some fundamental design problems but for whatever reason people like to fawn over it.

[@jrd33]

Well, on paper, the Panther is brilliant. In reality, never quite as good as it should have been.

[@vanders4198]

I like the way this guy discusses things. Too often now the "invincible german tanks" myth goes in the OPPOSITE direction and people write off the Panther etc as unreliable messes. The fact is many of the teething issues were eventually fixed (though not always completely) and these big cats were fearsome and effective.

[@andrewparisotto2631]

John Cornell the reason the allies lost far more tanks was because the guns were too small and the armor was to thin not because they were attacking the germans always had superior firepower in there tanks i mean hell how is a 75 mm gun going to compete with an 88 mm gun that has like 2 times the armor around it i never did quite understand as an American why we couldn’t figure out we needed a damn bigger gun on our shermans

[@Frserthegreenengine]

@John Cornell Depends what you mean by superior. The Allied tanks were superior in terms of production, cost, ease of maintenance and logistics (easier to transport etc.) Allied tanks were generally superior in mobility (The Panther is a notable exception, I admit the Panther is a very mobile tank). Armour-wise, is a bit mixed, some tanks were better armoured than others, especially the Churchill. The Churchill VII had 152mm of frontal armour, almost as good as the Panther, although the latter had sloped armour. The frontal armour of the Sherman was sloped and was not too bad, I read that if it angled at 30 degrees it could withstand a Tiger I (but not a Panther), but generally the armour was mainly in the German's favour. The real difference in my view is firepower, the Germans simply had more powerful guns than the Allies did. Although the 17 pounder, the US 90mm and the Soviet 100mm and 120mm were enough to take on the German tanks. Let's not forget that when the Sherman and Churchills were introduced they trounced the German tanks that they were up against (Panzer IIIs and early Panzer IVs, later Panzer IVs were more of a challenge, but still beatable). It was not until they encountered Panthers and Tigers when the Allied tank's limitations really began to show. But the Allies responded by upgrading their tanks, although granted the British and the Soviets took the German tank problem much more seriously than the Americans did at first. But ultimately this led to new tank designs (especially the Centurion, arguably the greatest tank design in world history, although it saw no action in WWII).

[@seanmalloy7249]

@@Frserthegreenengine The American tanks were also designed to be maintained at the end of a transatlantic logistical tail -- everything that was needed to fix damaged Shermans had to be shipped thousands of miles from the US to France. That's why so many components were designed around 'unbolt this, remove it, replace it with a new one, and you're good to go' -- a prime example being the final drive on a Sherman, compared to the Panther, where you had to remove the turret, then the armor plate over the driver's and radio operator's positions, then remove the transmission, and *then* you could remove the final drive. Was the Panther's final drive better protected? Certainly. Was it easier to fix? Not a chance.

[@waynenelson9676]

@@seanmalloy7249 Wrong. You are confusing the transmission with the final drive. The Panther's final drive was simply unbolted from the vehicle after the tracks were removed. Sherman's had to have the entire lower front removed to change a final drive! And the Panther didn't require the turret to be removed either for the transmission to be removed. The transmission was removed through the a plate especially created for easy transmission removal. The Sherman required the tracks be removed first, then entire lower front removed (a armour weak point & more maintenanceq) and the transmission then removed from the armour! It is propaganda that the Sherman was low maintenance. It sever maintenance & logistics issues issue were covered up by massive US oversupply.

[@waynenelson9676]

P

[@williambeck2202]

Loved your choices especially the hetzer , one of my favorites also

[@mongolike513]

Terrifically enjoyable spray with all the right details. I salute you.

[@sunday9006]

The guy is nice xd

[@baronscreamingwhirlingderv4380]

I wondered what happened to Bob Hoskins

[@jorgesantos85]

Died and left an twin brother on earth!😄

[@stevenpeeters5887]

Great guy, and great choices.

[@boerharms2209]

Awesome, Bruce!! Hope you get your Panther running pretty soon!

[@jacobkeeney7231]

The panther tank, what a lovely choice. It’s got the looks, the german quality and engineering. The great mobility and god-like sloped armor for its time, an accurate gun. Best medium in WW2 ever made, beating the Sherman’s and the T-34s by a landslide.

[@1993Crag]

quality?

[@1993Crag]

And engine... and breaks... and steering... and fires... yeah, that`s crap. tankandafvnews.com/2015/11/13/from-the-vault-post-war-british-report-on-panther-reliability/

[@m4ini]

@@1993Crag Basically all the flaws that don't matter when we talk about Shermans, who were called "Ronson" and "Tommycooker". By their own crews, no less. If i had to chose, i'd take a Panther over any allied tank (in that timeframe - i'd take a Centurion over a Panther, but that didn't exist yet). This counter-hyperbole is absolutely retarded, the Panther wasn't flawless, but it certainly was better than what the allies fielded at the time even with its flaws.

[@Pfsif]

KZbin is running out of tanks.

[@bane-980]

So glad the Centurion was in your list, my personal all time favourite tank. Surprised the Jagpanzer IV was not on the list though.

[@dinlobiscuit4611]

Bruce is the best....!!

[@AlexNijv]

Panther pNther panther panther panther panther panther!

[@neilwilson5785]

Heh. 'OK boys, the road wheels were hit low down, and the front transmission is screwed. Can we fix it? No we can't. Ever.

[@axelmilan4292]

Hans, the transmission broke....again

[@Frserthegreenengine]

German officer:*slaps roof of Panther* Panther:*final drive breaks* German officer: "this bad boy can fit so much broken final drives in it."

[@harv5425]

*Transmission suddenly breaks*

[@user-rh3pe7um8d]

@@harv5425 Yeah, maybe in the Jagdtiger, Tiger II or KV-2, but Panther not so much. You see the Tiger series was suffering from engine failiures and transmission breakdowns. The good thing about those boys was there gun and armor. When used in defensive positions they would be affective but not anywhere else. That´s why I don´t really like them. This point could also be made about soviet havies like the KV-2., which was even worse because of it´s hand-turned turret. The later Panther versions didn´t really suffer from those problems.

[@BA-gn3qb]

When did they make "hundreds of thousands" M4 Shermans? I'd say that he got a little bit excited there.

[@Kyle-gw6qp]

Just a little bit? He's absolutely thrilled!

[@clivecro4971]

Love you Bruce you are a top bloke and loads of love to Sue and all of the team at Axis Track Services ❤😉👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@rat_thrower5604]

Happy to have sanded a bolt for use on Bruce's panther!

[@lfteri]

He looks like Jingles in a manner

[@the51project]

Oh unfortunade for crackening of the eggers and the sheebs and the buttery full-falollop and graze the knee-clappers.

[@davidchorley9219]

on the gradeylode of the tanky flappers

[@UkrainianPaulie]

WTF? Speak English ha ha!

[@davidmurphy8190]

Thanks!

[@flyop312]

i intend getting to this museum one day. For some reason I've always been fascinated by tanks, although on the battlefield, the last place I'd want to be, is in one.

[@DaytonaRoadster]

Oi mate, you got a loocense fo that tank?

[@brandondavis3537]

Brass 'n Barrels Firearms Channel probably not anymore

[@aelphacom]

The Panther is number 1, first tank that gave MBT philosophy to the world.

[@thearisen7301]

You mean the Centurion. Panther was just an oversized Medium with an overly AT optimized gun

[@aelphacom]

How many T-55s were produced and saw battle during the SWW? What influence did It have on the battlefield? Did Hitler or any German General new of such a tank?) Why then don't you come with Challenger and T-64 or T-72 and Abrams in your argument? Those are after WWII tanks. I think you meant T-54 by writing T-55. Well T-54 is 1947, WWII was ended by that time.

[@aelphacom]

How many Centurions were produced and saw battle during the SWW? What influence did It have on the battlefield? Did Hitler even knew Britain had such a tank in development?) Centurion was produced after the SWW and developed exactly because of the Panther tank, wich was my original point, which you just confirmed. Panther was a mass production tank, almost 6 000 of those were produced from 1942 to 1945. So called experts say, it wasn't fit for mass production and was tooo complicated, but lets compare those numbers to a PzIVs. No one will argue It was the backbone of Wehrmacht and the most produced tank. Well surprise surprise around 8 600 tanks produced from 1937 to 1945, in 8 years! Compare that to 3,5 years of Panther production.

[@chazt8604]

Laslo C Laslo C Centurion design started before the Panther entered service, before the west had met it and before it was even seen on the eastern front. It was being designed with no knowledge of the Panther - but some knowledge of the Tiger 1. Panther was not designed as an MBT or universal tank, it was designed as a medium tank to be used in conjunction with heavy tanks (MBT's were to fill all roles - which the Centurion was ultimately designed to do - hence why it was designated a "universal tank" quite early on and later widely recognised as the first MBT). The US and Soviets did not use the term MBT until much later as the T54/55, T62, M26/46, M47, M48 were all called "Medium tanks". If you want to look at tanks designed to fullfill all the roles on the battlefield then you have to include the Vickers Mediums (Mk's I, II and III), Vickers 16 tonners, T34 (with second 76mm gun), you could even include the M11/39 and M13/40 (after all they were designed to be Italys sole medium tank - so making them Italys Main Battle Tank), same with the Hungarians and Japanese.

[@aelphacom]

Never said Panther was designed as MBT, what I said was, first tank that gave MBT philosophy to the world.Very good high velocity gun with great penetration capabilities, good mobility and good frontal armor which could provide decent protaction, all in one tank - Panther had It all, hence It was first tank produced during WWII with MBT idiology. What didn't you understand in my words? First tank, means produced prior to those mentioned by you, Centurion and (T-54 or T-55 which still where called by Soviets as medium tank)... First Soviet MBT was T-64. Please read what I wrote. Centurion is not a SWW tank, It's an after war tank that was developed during the SWW.

[@silentfox2521]

Hetzer i just love the design it has been number one for a long time

[@rickmolton774]

Tanks Bruce!

[@kristoffermlgaard5492]

My top 5 is. 1.King Tiger 2.Panther 3.Sherman 4.Centurion 5.T 34

[@TheFreaker86]

This British English is so thick it doesn’t fit under any road bridge 😜

[@willcutty]

its put on crap... he has an Essexish accent.

[@johnedwards1685]

He was born and brought up in East London. The accent should be no surprise.

[@russwoodward8251]

Great choices! Thanks.

[@stephencunliffe3062]

Been to Bovington great day out if you love tanks as I do. Would love Bruce's job. Great guy .

[@mr_mustache5594]

ITS NOT A HETZER!!! it was never called it that way! its just jagdpanzer 38(t)

[@Cloudman572]

Never, guess Heinz Guderian did not exist either then. Searching on the internet is really not that hard. It was used just un-officially and not all the time. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hetzer

[@peteralderson1483]

Snorriegames Jagdpanzer 38 (t) is gonna Hetz 🤷‍♂️

[@mr_mustache5594]

It was NEVER documented as a Hetzer And Germans never have ever called it a hetzers!

[@Cloudman572]

so Heinz Guderian is not German?

[@Cloudman572]

And the tank troops in the early unit were not German either, interesting.

[@mwnciboo]

Regards the Panther and the war going on longer....it wouldn't matter with Pershing, IS3 and Centurions coming online. A Comet could nail it. Panther was totally outclassed by 1945.

[@Akm72]

Improved versions of the Panther were becoming available, but your basic point is correct; Pershings, Centurions and T44s were easily the equal of even the improved Panthers.

[@thearisen7301]

Well the 105mm howitzer on the M4 could penetrate it's upper plate with it's HEAT rounds too.

[@baguettewithcheese3880]

Not outclassed but it had very hard competition

[@1993Crag]

Akm72 Improved versions weren't really better. This is literally the last run of Panthers; tankandafvnews.com/2015/11/13/from-the-vault-post-war-british-report-on-panther-reliability/

[@RussianThunderrr]

In terms of firepower T-44 had the same turret from T-34-85, which was on par with Panther, but in a lot greater numbers. The only difference T-44 chassis that W-2 engine was mounted transversely thanks to compact planetary gearboxes. T-44 was in a nutshell T-54 with T-34-85 turret.

[@CD318]

Good job, Bruce!

[@nigelclark7360]

I've been twice it is a splendid museum, it can take you 2 days to look round.

[@pantherace1000]

"i want to see your comments (on the panther)" no, no you don't. because most of the people will be big cat fan boys/girls who will ignore any of the vehicles failings. The Panzer V "Panther" has a number of flaws. #1 the gunner only has his high magnification gun optic with which to view the outside world #2 the leaking fuel lines was never solved, though a fire suppression system was installed that really is a band aid to a broken leg #3 the turret could not be traversed without the engine being on #4 Ammunition storage in the sponsons was poor and vulnerable to enemy fire #5 by the time the "Best" model of panther rolls out crews are being rushed to the front with minimal training #6 replacement parts where not standardized, modification was needed to make them fit #7 the final drives where fragile #8 the vehicle was a maintenance nightmare, especially if the transmission had to be replaced #9 limited range on the final drives 150km "if the war had lasted longer....." if the war had lasted longer Berlin would have been the first target of the Atomic bomb.

[@vanders4198]

pantherace1000 Actually these days it is the opposite of fanboys. These days people push in the opposite direction too hard and write off the Panther as a completely unreliable mess. And your comment does nothing to help this myth in opposition to the "invincible german cats" myth. The Panther was a formidable and effective evolution of German tank design that was rightly feared (facts) - and yes, it also had many problems too like you list (facts). People should be level-headed.

[@kistler1994]

pantherace1000 thank you!

[@verververververver]

pantherace1000 a potential history fan I see

[@Warhammer40k47]

To clarify, #3 was only for Ausf A and G if I'm correct. This was not the case for Ausf D which could traverse it regardless of engine speed.

[@pantherace1000]

Warhammer40k47 my understanding was that there was no auxiliary motor for turret traverse. i may however be wrong.