Inside the Chieftain's Hatch: Panther. Part 1

This should be a popular one. Panther Ausf A, in pristine condition. Expect this one to be a three-parter.
NA Forum thread.
forum.worldoftanks.com/index.p...
Asia
forum.worldoftanks.asia/index....
Console
forum-console.worldoftanks.com...

[@RJT80]

Shame this channel doesn't get more views. Just know your work is appreciated.

[@luciusvorenus9445]

Beautifully restored Panther. The engine compartment looked spotless.

[@Hagmire]

This panther is currently on display at the American Heritage Museum in Stowe, Massachusetts facing off with a T34-85

[@myplane150]

I feel so damn lucky to have been able to see this beautiful tank at the Littlefield compound back in '11 not long before they decided to shut down. Unfortunately, this was just when I was beginning to have an interest in WW2 equipment so I didn't know nearly as much as I do today. Still, what an amazing machine!

[@pusbys9730]

I am absolutely blown away with the production value and overall quality of these vids. This is like something straight from the history channel 10+ years ago.

[@108everest]

Finally a Panther. Love your videos!

[@ValentineC137]

I wish you had been the one to make a video of the Tiger 131, thank god you atleast got to do the Panther and hopefully the Tiger II

[@Lauris-1887]

they already did the Tiger

[@ValentineC137]

Lauris Horn Cheiftan didn't.. the challenger did and i really dislike the way he does these videos

[@Lauris-1887]

Ah ok

[@dylangreen9819]

+Valentine same. cheiftan is more details

[@SilentRazor1uk]

+Valentine I believe they Chieftan & Challenger (Mr Moran & Mr Cutler) work in areas either side of the Atlantic pond. ...I like both, but yes, Mr Moran 'Chieftan' does explain things that little bit more compared to his EU based friend & rival.

[@mislavsolta3241]

Thank You, really interesting and instructional. I hope Part II will be at least 25 minutes long. Beside German War Files series, Your videos are primary source for German tanks for most people, so please keep on with the good work.

[@SNOWMANINURFACE]

so did part 2 catch fire and was abandoned on the way to youtube or something? lol

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Glorious Russian Translator apparently has stronk healthiness. After vacation (delay), sick leave (delay) or some such to recover. Sorry, did I say "delay"? I meant "efficient reallocation of time resources to best utilize available man-hours" I've seen the second proof edit, so I have to assume the thing will be released later this week. Unless there's another delay, I guess.

[@deptusmechanikus7362]

unfortunate final drive failure

[@Vnx]

Thanks for the video! I built a Tamiya model kit of the Panther a while ago and didn't know what some of the parts were actually supposed to be, such as the wooden jack block and the cooling tubes alongside the lefthand exhaust pipe. Now I know :)

[@mikeh2867]

Excellent episode! Looking forward to the next two parts.

[@nitbot]

I've been waiting for this, thanks for the upload The Chieftan

[@okrajoe]

Interesting report - sleek-looking vehicle for the 1940s.

[@hanssaykiewicz4319]

To find out how the track tensioning works on the PzKW VI you should watch the Aus Armor Panther restoration episode which shows all of it 😇

[@danielaramburo7648]

That tank is maintenance crew’s nightmare.

[@attilarischt2851]

.... I am actually suprised this wasn't made sooner. Who decides which tank to appear? You, higher ups, even higher ups, or just whatever is available?

[@matthewbalberchak9510]

Yeah the other guy, I think he is part of WG EU, did the tiger 1 like over a year ago. I have no idea how it took them so long to do the panther. Hope the Tiger 2 is next

[@CallioNyx]

He did mention that it was only very recently fully restored. That probably had a lot to do with it.

[@matthewbalberchak9510]

+CallioNyx true, but there was also a working panther at kubinka. They could've used that.

[@liquidflorian]

Good to see its still at the old Barn, Nick!

[@nickkdx200]

Excellent series and good armoured fighting vehicle knowledge, keep it up.

[@jetgold]

wow wow, is all i can say for that restoration. the crew who worked on that restoration did a fantastic job from what i can see from the video. not to mention sir great work in showing aspect of the vehicle. best of luck i can not wait for the next part of the video.

[@ThroneOfBhaal]

That restoration, is stunning.

[@robertbrowning7925]

I would agree. Good series and very informative.

[@TheDarwiniser]

Fantastic, the very best man for the job. Great work, loved it.

[@keithpaquet1206]

Always enjoyable and very informative.

[@PRAWNSISNOTAVAILABLE]

I saw Nicholas Moran in the girls und panzer movie credits, what did wargaming have to do with the movie?

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Tank technical advisor, for me at least.

[@shidder_mutt]

What the fuck is girls un panzer?

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Awesome. Next question?

[@dadwaffle]

Ok, I'll bite. What exactly did you do for them during production as their technical advisor?

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Gave 'em as many photographs and plans of the film tanks tanks, inside and out, as I could. Though I'm a little disappointed they didn't use the interior pictures for the T28.

[@paoloviti6156]

At last I see "my" favourite tank! Great, now I'm looking forward to the 2nd part on the Panther A!!

[@exharkhun5605]

I absolutely _love_ this series. Slow pace, in depth information, hard facts and knowledgeable presentation. Although as a tall person myself I do feel a bit for Mr Moran. After each episode I take a little time to bask in the complete absence of overly dramatic DEADLIEST TANK IN THE WORLD!!!! K I L L E R T A N K S!!!!!!!! STEAL BEAST!!!!!!!!!! nonsense, useless and often wrong fact sheets and shaky fast camera cuts. It's a bit of a golden age for tank enthusiasts with this and the great content the Bovington tank museum put's out. I can only pray that an episode of the Chieftain's Hatch will never come out at the same time as one of Mr Fletcher's Tank Chats because my brain would freeze with having to choose which to watch first. Ok, it'll be a short freeze after which Mr. Fletcher goes on first obviously, but it'll almost be a near thing ;-)

[@MrNaKillshots]

They deserve to be preserved.

[@HiTechOilCo]

Great video Nick, as usual! Thank you! :)

[@MilitantOldLady]

YAAAAAAAAY finally the Panther! *squeeels*

[@andreipaul968]

My exact reaction when i saw the title :D

[@tamzboi7830]

GOD I NEEDED THIS

[@GaudialisCorvus]

Such an iconic tank! Great video :)

[@carsontodd2443]

I severely underestimated how big the Panther was.

[@mrDredd1966]

Now that panther is one awesome looking tank!!😮

[@mattbartholomew5707]

I remember seeing the tv show where they were restoring this tank never got to see the finished product, it looks fantastic.

[@TNX255]

Awesome! Finally, and on your own channel too :) Look at the condition of this beauty, when restoring it they've been through the trouble of even finding the original jack for it! :) Since this is fully restored, I wonder if we get to see it running and driving - that would be sweet! Königstiger next, perhaps? *wink wink* ;)

[@Gestapo93]

And the interleaved roadwheels allow for more torsion bars and a smoother ride. Beautiful restoration.

[@miller330i]

Nice video!

[@Colinpark]

Thanks Nick

[@ozdavemcgee2079]

Love that Jack. I want one for my truck👍

[@Grayfox988]

It's almost in showroom condition! Nice.

[@SilentRazor1uk]

Excellent work, thank you Littlefield (staff/crew/team, their associated famlies and all supporters, gophers etc), WG & Mr N.Moran 'Chieftan' ;) I will wait with baited breath for an unfortunately seemingly long time for the remaining related episodes/parts to be uploaded.

[@SilentRazor1uk]

+TheChieftainWoT I await the relevant remaining part(s) of the Panther with even more baited breath ;...I wish you & your assistant staff and The Littlefield Collection well. ...I guess that some technical gremlins have eaten the video data and have rendered a human related to the situation practically locked in the toilet upon the porcelain throne, or whichever other situation it is - I hope for the best that no tank related 'monster' claimed anyone, or part of them...!?!

[@ferrari123ist]

A very nice review, like always :)

[@DanielWW2]

Chieftain, the Germans didn't replace the turret between the D and A models. What they did was change the commanders cupola. Further most changes between the D and A where in the hull. That was necessary because the D basically was a prototype pushed into production. The first 90 tanks where really extraordinary. Destined for Kursk, a number where sent back to the factory immediately while most where rebuild right after there arrival by the two battalions. Most still broke down during the first days of the offensive. After that disaster a lot of components where redesigned, including that engine governor. A lot of changes ended up somewhere in the A series and with the G the Germans consolidated there research of the Panther II and the final fixes for the A. Then the places you pointed out in the rear are indeed where you tension the track. :) By the way, release part two already dammit. :P

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

If I may quote Jentz/Doyle: 'The external shape of the turret and the armor thicknesses remained virtually unchanged from the Ausf D. However, practically every significant component had been upgraded for the Ausf A turret". From the list of the turret drawing numbers, the only parts which stayed the same were the rear hatch, machinegun mount, linkage to fire the machinegun, travel locks, exhaust fan, platform and seat. Armor, mantlet, , elevation mechanism, traverse mechanism, azimuth indicator, periscopes, compressor, cupola, were all changed.

[@DanielWW2]

Now that is interesting. I didn't know the Germans also changed so much in the turret between the D and A. It makes sense seeing as this was basically the only Rheinmetall designed turret that was put into serious production. Seeing as Krupp designed pretty much all the Germans turrets they had a lot more experience in that field. I have little doubt that Rheinmetall found a lot of improvements for the basically the prototype/pre-production status of the D. It would make sense that the turret also got a major rework. Now I need to take a good look at my copy of Jentz/Doyle because I clearly missed something. :P Still want that part two, fast. ;) Pretty sure you will actually fit in the drivers seat this time. :P

[@priest0701]

3 parts?!!?! Oh no, soooo long before the next. Good for a start. Garry Owen!

[@stewartmcnair252]

Love to see you do the Tiger 1

[@jfrorn]

Wow, a later model T-34/76 in the background. I'd like to see that...

[@MrWarlod]

You mean the one in front of the Panther ? It is model 1942.

[@jfrorn]

yeah, not too late, my bad.

[@XEyedN00b]

You look so cheerful when talking about Panther compared to other tanks, especially soviet ones

[@Vladimir1918]

I think that have more to do with the freezing Russian summer. Check out the T-34 video part 1.

[@ptonpc]

I remember reading an article a few years ago about a group of tank restorers who were able to make zimmerite . One of the main ingredients was a lot of petrol.

[@Khorsathedark]

Panther A, one step removed from my favorite tank ever. Great review so far, addicted to Panther awesomeness.

[@Galactipod]

Nothing more awesome than sitting in the Russian cold with a broken-down Panther.

[@ravenouself4181]

@@Galactipod With at least 10 T-34-85's coming full speed at you

[@XDESERTXEAGLEZX]

Finally, thank you!

[@nothsim]

I love that engine.

[@12G_Pyro]

rewatching the series and only just noticed a random head appearing @13:12 (top right)

[@sarahmcdowell3011]

I was watching this and thinking, that looks like the panther from a local museum near me. Then I remembered they inherited much of the little field collection and that IS the panther from that museum!

[@Cheka__]

That is one pretty kitty.

[@lex1945]

It's a mother beautiful tank

[@whiskeytangosierra6]

I have seen a photo, supposed to be in early 1945, of an American formation with a Lee included. There was no explanation why it was still in service however, having seen the room available I suspect it was used for communication since there was a lot of room for radios and certainly it would serve to protect from shrapnel or small arms fire.

[@ret7army]

nice, thanks

[@fdmackey3666]

Thanks for this video (and any that follow regarding this and other WWII tanks). Until you pointed out the uses of the hatch on the rear of the turret I had been convinced that it was only used for, and was only large enough, to pass ammo and spent casings through. I based that idea on black and white stills that were generally taken from either ground level or at least a lower height and relatively oblique angle which, at least to my elderly eyes, made the opening look much smaller than it actually was/is. I'm also curious about the apparent lack of air filters on the engine. Are they absent because originals are Impossible to find, reproductions don't exist, or were the filters removed for purposes of visibility in this video? I'm looking forward to Part 2 in very near future.

[@cactusfilms8915]

We need one of these for the stug now. And the tiger 2.

[@Opferlamm113]

Interesting side note on the padlocks, those were still around in the German Armed Forces in the mid 90ies when I was in the army.

[@joydiv0]

Besides the unnecessary and distracting music, good video. Thanks.

[@paulw9516]

I understand that one of the key components of zimmermitt is sawdust. Which added to the problem of zimmermitt catching on fire 🔥. The source that I heard about said that the reason for the cancelation of zimmermitt was that very problem. And, with the cancelation of factory application of zimmermitt, it saved quite a large amount of time from the total period of time spent at the factory. A couple of days or something similar. Please correct me if I am wrong about this...

[@Sagetower7]

Just got home from work, saw that a Panther video has been uploaded by the Chieftain... YES

[@haydenbliesner2247]

I thought those boxes on the back of the tank was used for fuel. I guess I was wrong. and it also makes more sense given I heard a war story of a panther getting hit by a 37mm gun around that area and didn't set the tank on fire right away. It I believe took around 20 to 30 rounds before the panther caught fire. In which time the crew could have brought the turret around and destroyed the AT gun. But for some reason they didn't try.

[@fireshorts5789]

The 75mm HE rounds on the Panther's gun weren't really that good in the anti infantry role when compared to the 88 on the Tiger or even the 75 on the Sherman. Very high velocity gun designed more for anti-tank situations.

[@wyleehokie]

I have always thought the Panther epitomized sheer beauty in a vehicle

[@Biggus_Nickus]

I remember them working on this earlier

[@eeeboytvr]

Love your Honest tankers view of this Tank, Can't wait for the rest of the video...Many Gamers/tank enthusiasts will cry :/ The Panther was a very modern design... but even the Sherman ( should have said the cheaper, more numerous and better servicable) was capable of one shotting this tank . Not sure if the Panther even had HE support for infantry... The most important role for a tank in WW2 despite the views of gamers.

[@Neuttah]

It had one. I seem to remember claims that it wasn't as effective as the one on the Pz. IV, but as far as the weight of explosive filler is concerned, they seem relatively similar, though Wiki claims the Panther round has twice the muzzle velocity, so maybe that has some detriments. Unless the statement I'm goin goff was for short barreled 7.5 rounds instead, since there seemed to be a slight resurgence of mechanising that particular weapon towards the end of the war.

[@daigloomminiaturepainting303]

still my favourite tank

[@robertspence831]

That engine is a work of art.

[@TheGamegurusChannel]

It was also hilariously overburdened.

[@tankolad]

Gameguru And prone to spontaneous combustion.

[@H0kram]

But... ...How about the track tension, Chieftain? EDIT : Nevermind, I didn't expected an explanation from the back of the tank!

[@chrisperrien7055]

I say dang everytime I see this tank,I had a fair chance to work for the LittleField Collection and on this particular tank restoration around that time, but was in a disabling car crash, so I could not.

[@scottcrabtree3239]

Working on Heavy Equipment, I have dealt with a lot of tracks being frozen, because of the mud that was in the tracks, freezing hard as diamonds overnight.....

[@jackchills]

still waiting for part 2

[@BackUPDat]

You finally did it! Next up, Sherman!

[@howardfortyfive9676]

... *TANKS A LOT*

[@jeffturnbull9661]

That loading hatch mechanism looks similar to hatches on upscale yachts, and possibly aircraft?

[@wikikomoto]

how are the skirts affixed? are they welded? what made them come off so easily in the field?

[@florinvancea4151]

When do we get to see the second part ?

[@justforever96]

The leading/trailing arm system is not to "ease production". I don't even see how that would help production at all. They could be made interchangeable whichever way they pointed. The system was so they could lay the twin torsion bars next to each other, one in front and one behind, each serving one side of the tank, while still having the wheels parallel to each other. If they all used leading arms, for example, either the wheels on one side would have to all be slightly ahead of the wheels on the other side the same distance as their torsion bar was ahead of its partner, or you'd have to make the arms shorter on one side than the other, which would make it ride poorly. The EASIEST way out of this is to just make one bar serve both sides (a typical torsion bar suspension), but then you have only half of the spring length per side. With any spring, the longer is is the better. You get a more carefully modulated spring rate, and a softer ride for the same weight capacity. This was the simplest way to use a full length bar for each set of roadwheels. Not sure what post war torsion bar tanks did, but the leading/trailing arms shouldn't matter much at those speeds, not within the typical limits of their arcs. I suspect post war tanks just went with single-bar designs, but used more modern spring technology to get a better ride from the shorter spring length.

[@rafaelnishizumi6330]

is that a IS3 IN THE BACKGROUND?

[@MrWarlod]

Yes it was.

[@rafaelnishizumi6330]

+OpticalGaming HE NEED 2 DO IT POI

[@thatwolffe3802]

WHY YOU HAVE TO SAY POI, NOW I HAVE TO WATCH IT AGAIN.

[@user-nv3qh8qz4q]

ken poi Carcedo

[@markwilliamson8789]

where is part 2? I squealed like a schoolgirl when I saw pt 1, been wanting one on a Panther since, like, forever

[@arashimiyazawa8165]

Oh thank god, someone finally explained why some German armor looks like it was covered in play-dough and scraped with a fork. Anti-magnetic mine covering. I've been wondering what the heck that stuff was for the longest time.

[@DanBray1991]

The schurtzen was designed prior to the Panther entering service. The Panther II programme was also in development before the Panther entered full production with the entire project being cancelled around the time the Panther itself reached the front line.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

With respect, you are in direct conflict with Hilary Doyle on this one, and his word holds much weight in this area. What are your sources to counter the claim that Panther II was cancelled due to the effectivness of Schurtzen?

[@DanBray1991]

Sorry if there was a little confusion but I was never questioning the reasons the Panther II was cancelled. I was countering the idea the Panther's Schurtzen was the result of combat experience in the Panther itself, it was more to do with German experience with the Panther III and IV's armour showing 40mm side armour would not of been enough. Even then soviet records from Kursk suggest a fair few panthers were still knocked out by the 14.5mm PTRD's, even with Schurtzen, which could potentially question it's effectiveness. Either way the only Panthers to Lack the Schurtzen was the initial test production of 20 A-1 (or D-1) models. The following D-2 models all had the Schurtzen. You state at 7:25 that the Panther II project was a result of Panther's side armour being penetrated. In reality the Panther II's development started prior to Panther entering frontline service, around January 1943, with the project effectively being dropped June(ish) of the same year (it never seems to of been cancelled properly, but for all purposes it was). Both happening before a single Panther was lost on the Eastern Front. While the Shurtzen was the main reason for the Panther II's cancellation it is not the only reason. Worries of overall tank production being disrupted seems fairly high up that list as does the fact it's development seemed more at Hitlers insistence than any real need for the Panther to be replaced. Anyway great video.... but if anything concerning the Panther II or Sherman Gyro's get brought up online my ears get pricked and I go into overdrive mode.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

OK, I see where you're coming from, but I'm not sure about your second to last paragraph. Doyle leaves me with the impression that schurtzen was -the- deciding factor in the continuation or not of Panther II, the other issues were of interest, but we're not determinative. I'll do a bit more digging when back from vacation.

[@HL2MODvideos]

Sweet, I've recently finished building a Panther Ausf A scale model and gone onto painting it. However, I never quite got why the Panther Ausf D, came before the Ausf A. It confuses the hell out of me lol

[@thanatosstorm]

Confuses everyone, even the Germans.

[@ficklefingeroffate]

What are the rounded "w" shaped plates on the front right side of the hull?

[@westcoastwarriorsarchive7929]

Whats with the weird texture on the armor on the panther? Ive seen that on the pictures of the tiger 131 as well. Was that something they did to the armor for some reason? or is that something to do with the restoration? Nvermind video answered the question.

[@peterson7082]

He already talked about it, it's called zimmerit It's a concrete, zinc, carbon, and saw dust compound used on tanks to negate the use of magnetic mines. Good idea at first, but the only ones to use magnetic mines were the Germans themselves. On late war tanks this was not put on because the compounds in the paste were a fire hazard.

[@VidandRico]

Oh hell yeah

[@rauder3849]

lol that's where my grandfather has this strange padlock for the gardentoilet!

[@CWS.History1944]

I want to see this tank in action!

[@HuyV]

The one side leading other side trailing arm suspension is because of space constraints too. If you look at the torsion bars inside the tank you can see why.

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

Most other torsion bar vehicles seem to have managed it.

[@HuyV]

That's because most use single torsion bar, which takes up half the space. So you could put the torsion bar of one side very close to the one from the other. The road wheels of one side would still be slightly offset (making the track contact patch with the ground slightly leading on one side) to the ones on the other side ( e.g. Leopard1: bit.ly/2PdSKiH). The double torsion bar system required double the amount of space and increased that offset. And such an offset would not have been feasible when you look at the limited space there is between the first road wheel and the drive wheel. Furthermore such a big offset might impact longitudinal stability. So instead they turned the trailing arm to a leading arm which would rectify that offset because the road wheel arms have the same length as the distance between the pivot points of the torsion bars. Hope I am making any sense...

[@TheChieftainsHatch]

I considered that possibility, but the Germans used the odd "One side trailing" design on single span torsion bar designs such as Tiger I and VK. 30.01 as well. Whatever their rationale was, raw space doesn't seem to have been it.

[@HuyV]

Hmm well I outlined the space for the road wheels. German tanks had a lot of big roadwheels with not a lot of space between them. Shifting those 250mm might have created conflicts with the drive/sprocket wheel. Who knows ... I'm just saying there are plausible reasons beyond cost saving. In fact I'm not sure what costs could have been saved. Since the parts should have been the same even if it were both sides trailing.

[@M3dve208]

BTW what is the purpose of that two spikes on the front mud guards?

[@jameslewis2635]

From what is said here with 3.5 litres of fuel per km that works out to 5.635 litres per mile (assuming my figures are correct). Since there is approximately 5 litres per gallon it would not take too many miles driving this tank to make your bank account feel bad. I can only imagine that there were quite a few fuel trucks running around behind those Panzer regiments.

[@ret7army]

I saw a video of a SU-152/ISU-152 being put into running operation, don't know how many of them are left though, that would be another interesting vehicle to see.

[@sorenmartens4727]

He already went over it

[@Marverbest]

Come on man.. it's been like two weeks.. part 2 pls

[@waitdididothat7948]

was kind of thinking it was gonna be the saumur bengal but still oh crap, pretty tank, shame it always broke down

[@TommyStyrvoky]

So what exactly happened to this vehicle after Littlefield passed away? As I saw the site that auctioned off the vehicles, and the most expensive item was a Pz.IV that sold for 2.5 million. Did this vehicle, along with other rare vehicles get donated to museums or are they in private collections?

[@Marc83Aus]

I don't know where that Pz IV went but I'm waiting for the chief to track it down and give it a through going over.

[@justforever96]

Why doesn't the Panther have the fancy convoy lighting system that the Pz IV you looked at had? That was a clever system. If that was from a 1942 captured Pz IV, then either they had it by the time the Panther came around, or someone added an incorrect accessory to the captured IV. And open carburetor intakes? What? Did they just seal off the engine bay and filter the air as it was drawn into the bay instead? Is that what the dome thingy on the hatch is? I see slots underneath, and a rubber gasket around the hatch.

[@facilegoose9347]

1:51 - Wish the 30.01D actually looked like that in game; sloped side armor, side skirts, useable upper hull angle ...

[@_Wiseguy7]

10:15 Is it just me or is the M3 Lee in the back missing its tracks?

[@48tonruckus]

Fantastic episode guys, that's such an amazing looking restoration job. But for Christ sake, lift with your bloody knee's Nic or you'll slip a disc one day! : P

[@Headbreak1]

¿3 parts? ¿Are you going to drive it on the last one? :D