Tank Chats

Tank Museum Historian David Fletcher discusses the M48 'Patton', an American first generation Main Battle Tank introduced in 1952. Throughout its service life, the M48 has been very successful and has seen service with many countries including the Americans in Vietnam and the Israel Defense Forces.
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[@nelbax2084]

I served 15 months on the dmz in Vietnam on the M48. The tank was amazingly reliable and could go anywhere. The NVA really hated it as they destroyed two of my tanks. "love juice" was hit by an rpg at Lang Vei west of Khe Sanh on the Laotian border, she burned and exploded ammo for hours. "cheap thrills" was my new tank, Near Con Thien we hit a 250 pound B52 bomb rigged as a mine. The tank was destroyed and all crew medivaced, all survived. As for the M2 50 cal, they were never mounted in the cupela as they were were hard to reload in there. All were tripod mounted on top for range of fire and ease of reload. I have many pictures of my tour and destroyed M48s, they took a lot of them out. I loved the M48 and it saved my life many times. A GREAT TANK!

[@Canilash]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@PyroBlonde7777]

Unfortunately we didn't have composite or reactive armor back then. Despite the M48 having very good armor, cast is virtually meaningless against chemical penetrators such as an RPG.

[@neilpk70]

But hotter than a 2 dollar pistol inside?

[@b.elzebub9252]

I'm glad you survived to tell the story.

[@BrandonTheKralik]

That's cool as hell. I dread the idea of using a tank in or near a jungle.

[@445cat]

“Come take a look when all this other fuss is over”... David Fletcher, you are a treasure.

[@luciusvorenus9445]

I'd like share a pint with him.

[@MyDogmatix]

“It is a bit of a fus” I’m completely going! Luckily my wife’s Zimbo family lives in Marlborough, so as soon as we get over there, I’m there! I already told my wife that my day off of the in-laws is going to be spent at the Tank museum and they’ll probably have to do a sweep of the complex to get me to leave. I might be having a beer or two in a Grizzly, Tiger or even a Bren Gun Carrier, although I think I probably won’t get away for long with drinking a road pop in a carrier. I have no reason to say why, but in my next life, I’m coming back as a tank driver or gunner, or at least a mechanic. I’m too old now, missed my chance. If there are any young snap-whippers out there, get off your computers and go chase girls; join the army/drive tanks!

[@spartainwarrior6445]

@@MyDogmatix it's a nice idea for someone as young as me but, a lot of the tanks nowadays especially Britain have been getting worse and worse armour and have dropped good design principles, so I probably won't

[@joefreeman9733]

@@luciusvorenus9445 ⁷⁷⁷

[@kevinsundberg9617]

watching this in 2023.. this specific line resonated and made me laugh hysterically. David Fletcher is beyond a national tressure. The man is a historic masterpiece.

[@paullomax4038]

"When all this fuss is over." Well put Mr Fletcher.

[@briangreen6602]

Different generation is Mr Fletcher

[@Ciborium]

That was the most British thing I've heard in a while.

[@zorngottes1778]

But: They dont want to end it. We have to end it.

[@bigwezz]

@@zorngottes1778 Please take that stupid tinfoil hat off. Its costing governments billions, and as we all know, governments dont like spending money. So there is not a conspiracy theory, just poor management or mismanagement.

[@laszlokaestner5766]

@@bigwezz A few hours ago I had the British police walk in on me in a public place in a way I can only imagine the Gestapo would have been like. I'm with @Zorn Gottes

[@amerigo88]

“You could even fire the 50 cal from inside the tank. Probably not terribly accurately, but enough to make a noise and frighten people away.” - Lord Chandler, Duke of Bovington

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

I agree. It was nearly impossible to keep the M2 firing without jamming. The feed-chute never properly aligned well enough, and I still have scars on my knuckles. I learned a whole new set of cuss words during that time.

[@c.j.1089]

​@@DanielOrtegoUSA Must have had some poor maintenance. Some units just don't have good armorers. Current CROWS systems will fire thousands of rounds without an issue. Headspace it incorrectly, though, and it won't make it through a single belt.

[@DavidCowie2022]

"A 50-cal adds class to any vehicle." - The Chieftain.

[@FLJBeliever1776]

And reminds a lot of folks to listen to their mothers, as when Ma Deuce speaks, everyone BETTER be listening.

[@kenbrown2808]

@@FLJBeliever1776 because we all need a little DAKKA DAKKA with our KABOOM.

[@lastknowngood0]

@@FLJBeliever1776 Yowsah!

[@TornadoADV]

This legend doesn't get enough credit in the public square...I'm of course talking about both Sir Fletcher and the M48 Patton.

[@reubensandwich9249]

Is David feeling well? I don't recall him talking about anything negative.

[@SaberViper]

I think it's one of those things where it's easier to poke fun at your own family, instead of someone else's.

[@pguth98]

Yeah, had me worried. Unless he...likes this one?

[@SaberViper]

It's possible.

[@rdfox76]

By all accounts, there wasn't much to complain about on the M48 family. Certain variants had problems, but as a family, the tank was just that good.

[@cmikles1]

Listen to his take on the Rota trailer.

[@06colkurtz]

I spent years in an M48 A5 drove like a sports car. Dual machine guns for the Loader and the TC. No .50. And the Israeli hatch for the Commander. Great platform. The M68 105was a great gun as well. Coincidence range finder was easy to yes and accurate. The ends are ears. Every M48 I was in had an electro mechanical computer that input the correct super elevation for the range and round. As you dial in the range it whirred and the tube ratcheted up. For the time it was a very good system. That tracks are live and very quiet

[@maxkronader5225]

Thank you for the first hand commentary. It is stories like that which make the difference between dry facts and interesting history.

[@drewschumann1]

Memories of hitting my funny bone while cranking the rangefinder

[@lewisirwin5363]

Wait, sports Bar or sports Car? Because one sounds like a dream to handle, the other more an indictment.

[@Praxus42]

@@lewisirwin5363 If it drives like a sports bar, that means that there is probably beer and chicken wings. I'm in! XD

[@MS-gr2nv]

@Gus Goose MANZIER LOL, NOT BRO!

[@stephenduffy5406]

Fun fact: According to the official color US Army documentary, “Patton”, both the American and German armored forces used the m48 tank at the 1943 Battle of El Guettar.

[@wboquist]

The M48 was not built until after WWII ended.

[@rph111745]

@@wboquist He was joking about the Hollywood movie.

[@indyrock8148]

That was neither fun nor a fact

[@stephenduffy5406]

I attempted to make a joke, noting that the film makers used the same tank for both sides, just painted differently! I should just stick to being an underwear model and Chippendale dancer... another joke.

[@indyrock8148]

@@stephenduffy5406 so did I. We both suck

[@GARDENER42]

"The muzzle brake is the T shaped thingy at the end". Another great Fletcherism. :-)))

[@rph111745]

When I went through Fort Knox they called it a "Blast deflector" not a true muzzle brake.

[@MalikCarr]

I clearly remember a lot of tanks from the OG GI Joe cartoon having that style of muzzle brake. Obviously it was very distinctive and rubbed off on plenty of people.

[@donjones4719]

Always glad to get the true inside technical details from a museum expert.

[@emreboga]

Let me enjoy this moment in my 3 decades of life on this Earth and post the first comment under a David Fletcher video.

[@fatdad64able]

Congratulations.

[@288gto7]

Sa kardes

[@nicholaspratt8473]

How the?

[@filipeamaral216]

You shall ride eternal, shine and chrome. -David Fletcher to your now grown moustache.

[@bl7355]

Congratulations! Your free tank is now in the post. What are you going to do with it?

[@ianallan8005]

30 some years ago, when I was learning to drive tanks as a civilian contractor, myself and a couple of colleagues were shown around the Bovvy museum by Mr Fletcher. What a day that was, what a raconteur

[@Malphesus]

Served on an M48 for 6 years. Thank You for this!

[@jeremykent1671]

“ when all this other fuss is over “ , definitely Mr Fletcher , just try keeping us away . So great to see you ( and the M48)!

[@tharos]

One of my favorite tanks, presented by David Fletcher himself!

[@BHuang92]

6:40 I never seen a soldier so happy with the Ma Duce.............

[@markfryer9880]

Yes, a little bit too happy if you ask me. Time for that lad to visit the shrink for a chat.

[@tommyblackwell3760]

I don't know, it always put a big grin on my face....at least until it was time to strip and clean it.

[@jamyers1971]

Ma Deuce always made me smile a big stupid grin

[@stevefreeland9255]

Loved that picture. Never had a chance to fire a 50, but I enjoyed shooting the m-16, m-60, and M-203.

[@nathanzylla4961]

The only one frowning is the guy on the receiving end.

[@markedwards158]

So happy to see another Tank Chat with David, they are always fun.

[@Relyt345]

Who doesn’t like a mounted 50? Put it on a pickup, fishing boat, tractor, train, plane, fan boat, donkey wagon doesn’t matter. Everything’s better with a Deucey.

[@wino0000006]

I guess the ones on the receiving end.

[@deth3021]

Tactical Pram...

[@arranshirovay4064]

I don't advise fitting one to a hot air balloon!

[@Vlad_-_-_]

I am a soviet tank guy, but I like tank designs from most contries, but I have to say, there is something about Cold War era and post war US tank designs and looks that instantly clicks with me. Things like Pattons and M60 and M103's just look sexy.

[@laakona8381]

I was a TC on a Cav M48A5 in the 1980s. I went on the last REFORGER to Germany with M48A5s in 1985. We shipped them from Ft Drum NY to Bayonne, NJ, then by ship to Amsterdam, then by rail to Mainz. We were viewed as an antique show because we were one!

[@petesheppard1709]

Thank you! The M48 is one of the most overlooked modern tanks, despite its widespread service. In Vietnam, the boat shaped curved hull was noted for its tolerance for mine blasts, deflecting blasts like modern V-shaped hulls. Also, it had excellent flotation, many times being able to run across muddy rice paddys--as long as it didn't attempt to turn. Development was troubled, the M47 being a stopgap, and early 'gassers' (petrol-engined) models were notorious for short range, with the later diesel-powered tanks doing much better

[@sergarlantyrell7847]

As an engineer, I'm so impressed by that 0:42 casting, especially getting the turret ring to come out un-warped. Especially as this is essentially mass-produced (>12,000 made) part, before computerised temperature control through casting and cooling was really possible.

[@whirving]

I believe there was a short clip of the post casting turret ring machining. That's just a massive piece to cast, it deserves an episode on its own.

[@chefchaudard3580]

USA were famous for their castings. They could cast a steam locomotive chassis in one piece, complete with the cylinders. I don't think anybody else did that.

[@davebell4917]

Not exactly "tank workshop" but there is definitely a place for a video on the technologies. Riveting, welding, casting: there's too much for a single video, but look how the methods changed on British tanks: some things cast, some riveted... How much did we use welding?

[@davebell4917]

@@whirving There is, you can see the swarf. On something that size, there's always going to have to be some machining.

[@whirving]

@@davebell4917 of course, even now there would have to be machining. I meant the turret ring. I'm sure casting tolerances weren't enough to set the ring. I've never done casting, but it sure is cools to see that giant one!

[@elsamu9458]

I live in Spain, in the region of La Rioja, and near my town, there is an abandoned M48 late version without the engine and the internals (they literaly opened the engine compartment, took it, and left the cover just on the chasis) and they locked it. Its located right in front of a private aerodrome in the middle of the field inside a small forest. Its painted in an olive green and on the glacis there is still left some paint that draw the division it belonged to. The wheels and the tracks are in very bad conditions. The stabilization on the gun is still working. The periscopes and other parts of the exterior are broken or in very bad conditions. I would really like to talk to the aerodrome owner and ask him about it. Maybe, its just a gift (a piece of junk that they didn't want) from the army to someone relationated with the aerodrome

[@builder396]

Wait, how do you know the stabilizer still works despite the tank being incapable of moving at all (nevermind there probably being no power for it either)? Or do you just mean the gun elevation mechanism?

[@elsamu9458]

@@builder396 well I mean that the gun elevates and depreses with an hidraulic sistem and you can stop all the weight of the barrel with just one hand. Once I got on it its a lot of fun

[@Feiora]

@@elsamu9458 Is it being used as a "Gate Guard" by this private aerodrome? Or like just dumped on the side of the road? Btw, do be careful when climbing around on/in abandoned military vehicles, you never know what might have taken up residence inside, and in some places you can find live munitions still inside the vehicle...

[@elsamu9458]

@@Feiora its a mix... Its dumped but its kept as a trophie for some reason

[@HanSolo__]

@@elsamu9458 OK. So the gun will (in most cases) be positioned in its center of gravity - thats why its so easy to lift it up. Stabilization works when you power the turret and gun especially on the move. In this situation stabilizing the gun takes some power to keep any gun of cal.75mm and bigger on the target. The tank itself should not be dangerous if not destroyed by the shell (e.g.with uranium dart) or if did not became a home for racoon or snake. Tank left this way most likely will not have any rounds inside or even life cannon. Any old tank even in such a bad condition is a huge source of steel. In my country 1kg of it in this shape is worth around 25 euro cents. This makes it at least 10-12k € on the junkyard. 2k will cost the transport. This estimate is in case you would like to get one. If so search for sth maybe less damaged and lighter. Less struggle. The same fun.

[@thewhistler8216]

I was south korea marine tanker and I 've ride M48A5K at army armored school (Korean modified version with KM68 105MM gun + Crosswind sensor , laser rangefinder to Fire control module + Enhanced smoke granade luncher + M1 cupola that i like!) and I lovin it cuz it has a larger space than K1 tank , and It's small cute turret above main turret lol :) My girl was K1 tank but I've heard M48 crew are pretty easy cuz she can't do moving shot precisely so crew have to stop tank when they fire and M48A3K(Also Korean modified version with 90MM M36,M41,M41E1 gun + Crosswind sensor , laser rangefinder to Fire control module) s 90mm ammo are lighter than 105,120MM so loader always smile lol ... And I've heard ' some legend ' from senior crew that when he was riding M48A3K at island somewhere in korea (can't mention) and he faced very long scarp road and he's driver push to the limit M48A3K and he said to driver " hey , how fast now? tell me the speed! " and driver said, " Its almost 100km I think! " (believe or not...) And there was joint operation with USMC and he was passing by USMC officer group and many of them raise their thumbs up cuz our endless oldman abusing lol 90mm gun M48A3K were serviced in ROKMC but they replaced by K1E1 tank sadly K1A2 / K1E1 / K2 are gradually replacing M48 nationally in korea now cuz costeffectiveness :( north korea still use T-34,54,55,62/TYPE - 59 so There's noting we can't do! In my opinion, Instead retire this reliable old man, we have to swap this oldman's AVDS 1790 power pack to K1,2'S 1200 ~1500 HP power pack + Tusk(Tank Urban Survivability Kit)+ 20mm M61 vulcan and use this as a 20mm infantry assistant land vulcan platform in case when Allied forces facing chinese troop seriously :)

[@rdfox76]

M48 is reaching the end of its viability as a frontline tank, but a career as a frontline unit of over 65 years is pretty damn good! The K1/K2 tanks are very, very good modern tanks and a worthy successor; while the M48 may still be effective now, it's time to start replacing it so that you don't face a period in ten years or so when it's not effective any more. Much respect for your service!

[@thewhistler8216]

@@rdfox76 Thank you! Yeah K1 / K2 are good tank in terms of performance but in terms of crew's view... crew space is too tiny (Our designer tell in vietnam war M48' silhouette is pretty easy to recognizable to VC so they designed silhouette lower than M48 but much similar like Soviet tanks silhouette) If you can search Korea armored troops operation, driver always expose his head even when firing... (I've seen driver struggle to crumple his body to close hatch... and he varely succeed) I've ride USMC 's M1A1 abrams and They never try to get in our K1 lol :) Search ' ROK and US Marine Corps Armor Live Fire Exercise ' on youtube Its 2017 KMEP and you can see 4 K1 tank are rolling.. I'm at turret one of 4 tanks! and you can only see 2 USMC 's abrams Cuz crew were reserve marine tanker and they broke 2 M1A1 and M88 recovery vehicle... so they can only operate 2 tanks.. Have you ever saw Recovery vehicle recovered(towed) by normal Tank ? I saw it lol :)

[@GosariMatjip]

K1은 고장이 나면 머리가 아프지만 M48은 고장나도 구조가 단순해서 그렇지 않습니다. 하지만 M48은 자주 고장이 납니다. 정비부대에서 전체교체를 하고 와도 그렇습니다. 때론 브레이크나 조향핸들이 작동하지 않기도 합니다. 한국에서는 10년 넘게 그만 사용하자는 말을 들으면서 계속 사용중입니다.

[@thewhistler8216]

@@GosariMatjip M48과 K2는 잠깐 교육받을때 타 보았습니다 승무원의 입장에서는 내부 공간이 넓으니 M48이 훠얼씬 낫겠더라구요 M47은 전역 몇 달 앞두고 짬 높으신 분에게 질문하니까 전시된 녀석 열고 들어가서 뭐가 뭐고 다 가르쳐 주시는데, 솔직히 다른거 제껴두고 역시 공간이 널널해서 좋았습니다

[@flyingbusa3407]

I think instead of installing the 20mm, it would be better to install A smaller turret based of the K21's turret, with its 40mm autocannon and ATGMs. Now you have A tank with punchy anti-infantry gun that can deal with IFV's, with ATGMs being used against anything that is more armored. Now there you have it, an armored fire support vehicle suited to support other tanks or infantry

[@Jeeters87]

Oh yes! My Dad's tank. He served in the 3rd Armored Division and was a tank gunner for the M48 Patton. Thankfully he never saw combat, but I would imagine the M48 could handle much of anything else at the time. With the combined arms of the American Army of course.

[@Skoko-oh2fz]

My favorite Tank . I was tank gunnery instructor in the Marine corps 1973ish. Camp Del Mar Camp Pendleton Ca.

[@admiraltiberius1989]

Another iconic Cold War warrior, even more famous in some ways then its later sibling the M60.

[@rph111745]

More than a "cold war" warrior the M48A3 did the whole Vietnam War.

[@CaptainBogroll]

A David Fletcher video on my birthday, yippee!

[@GWorsfold]

Happy Birthday, Admiral Andrex! 😁

[@matteverett]

Happy birthday

[@kampfgruppepeiper501]

These are the best in the early morning with a hot cup of coffee ☕️ or tea 😉

[@markfryer9880]

What? Wait another 8 hours? You have to be joking man!

[@kampfgruppepeiper501]

@@markfryer9880 haha I feel ya, I’m on the east coast of the states, morning for me! Night for you?

[@casbot71]

Just before going to sleep 🇦🇺 So I can dream of tanks…

[@thetreblerebel]

It's a good morning to have a chat about a tank...especially the big badass Patton 1 . This tank creeped the lines of West Germany and the DMZ of South Korea

[@chaz8758]

Patton 1? The first Patton was the M46, then M47 before the M48 Patton

[@FLJBeliever1776]

@@chaz8758 M46 Patton 1, M47 Patton 2, and M48 Patton 3 along with the unofficial Patton, the M60 'Patton 4' MBT.

[@MarkSmith-rc3jf]

Love David’s snappy summary of Covid-19 “all this other fuss” 😀

[@markfryer9880]

Yes, what a wonderful way to describe a worldwide pandemic, in true British understated style.

[@markfryer9880]

Makes you wonder just how he would describe an Alien Invasion of Earth? A little spot of bother with some unwelcome visitors ? Does that sound about right?

[@HM2SGT]

Indeed- just 5 million dead worldwide, only 3/4 of a million Americans. Just a drop in the bucket, barely a blip on the radar.

[@douglasstrother6584]

@@markfryer9880 They were very unusual ... and quite unfriendly.

[@mhos6940]

Finally my favorite American tank! As a boy growing up in the US in the 70s, I probably played with more M48s than any other tank save for the Sherman.Great video as always!👍

[@donjones4719]

The M48 and the Walker Bulldog were my favorites at ~10-12 years old. What the hell did I know about tanks? Well, I knew the M48 looked powerful and the Walker looked super cool.

[@andrewdrabble8939]

"When this fuss is over". Best way of describing ever from the legend himself

[@HM2SGT]

Indeed. Who at the time could have known that minimizing a global pandemic would lead to 5 million dead worldwide? You can pretend it doesn’t exist like America and only suffer the highest casualty rate on the planet at 3/4 of a million.

[@yoda5565]

Once again an eloquent turn of phrase by the sage, "modified beyond all recognition". Testimony to the robust longevity of the design. Well done.

[@Vlka_Fenryka]

My Friday just got better, thank you David.

[@drizler]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@whyjnot420]

10:55 That photo is awesome. I don't care if it was candid or staged, it is awesome.

[@joeterzio7175]

According to David, Covid is "all this other fuss." This man is a treasure.

[@captainkrazee7726]

My grandfather was a TC in an M48 in a reserve unit. He was stationed in Alaska, and he has many stories that he tells me about.

[@Spartan902]

Great speed on the turret turn rate. One of my favorite tanks. Great looking tank!

[@OumuamuaOumuamua]

I really love the looks of cold war tanks like the pattons, centurions, T-54/55, Leopards etc. There's something about their designs that modern day tanks don't have that make them rough / tough looking

[@RadioactiveSaddam]

I agree

[@markfryer9880]

Is the multiple curves and compound curves versus the current angular flat panels?

[@drizler]

Much the same with slab sided warships today. Downright FUGLY though they do their jobs far better which is what counts!

[@RadioactiveSaddam]

Stridsvagn 74 🙂

[@akmzd6938]

I reckon that's because modern angular armour has a whiff of aeronautics to them (although the reason is different) and aeroplanes tolerate abuse poorly. WWII and early/mid-Cold War tanks look more like industrial machinery.

[@TheSpritz0]

We all love Mr. David Fletcher, much respect from us in Vancouver Canada!!!!

[@maxkronader5225]

Visiting this museum is definitely on my bucket list.

[@GWorsfold]

It's well worth the effort. But, be warned - one day is not enough to see, read and experience everything there. I've been twice this year, and still not studied everything, including the Vehicle Conservation Centre!

[@PeteCourtier]

@@GWorsfold indeed👍 I finally got to Tiger day this year which was fantastic. Because of covid restrictions there were only several hundred in to watch! The shop lightened my wallet a fair bit😂

[@jameswhite153]

DO IT. seriously it's worth it.

[@maxkronader5225]

@@jameswhite153 It's a continent and an ocean away, so it might have to wait until I retire.😀

[@tonymanero5544]

Before 2020, I visit London once a year and always think about Bovington. A day trip via train from London isn’t enough, so I’ve never made it. Now with travel so limited, I pine for the days before Hunan Virus and Trump Recession.

[@Gyrocage]

I was in the National Guard in the very late ‘70s early ‘80s and we had M48A5s. They had been up gunned with the 105mm. Ours eliminated the copula and had two 7.62mm M60 machine guns on top, one at the commander’s hatch and the other at the loaders. My crew commander, who was a war veteran, disliked losing the .50 caliber because it had the range to perform “reconnaissance by fire”, but liked the volume of fire you could lay with the two M60s and the coaxial machine gun.

[@robertharper3754]

I can understand his dislike, the M2 really is one fantastic machine gun that gives a lot of comfort to the user when needed. The range it has is great, it's simple to operate and maintain, (compared to a M60), and is one heavy hitter. Plus the sound of a M2 firing can put serious fear into the enemy, it changed more than a few people's mind when I was in Iraq.

[@joek6791]

Yup mine had the two M 60s with the spade grips as well, worked well. The Coax was a dog and lacked reliability on our track.

[@Varadiio]

@@robertharper3754 There's only one gun still in service after nearly a century, and that alone should tell you how damn good it is.

[@robertharper3754]

@@Varadiio, it'll be a century in 2034, I saw a video where M2s were getting depot service and upgrades and they were getting M2s in that were built in WW2 and Korea still. It's a very well designed gun and all the replacement programs for it have failed, I won't be surprised if it goes well beyond a 100 years of service. I just wish they were cheaper to own!!!

[@jamesh2321]

Always loved the look of the Patton series. Great video as always!

[@arkad6671]

My Grandpa was a tank driver for the M48 Patton and is very proud of this tank. Thank you for this tank chat.

[@adambruaasen_hut4211]

I drove the M48A5 for about 4 years as a reservist, sometimes exchanging it for the M60A1. I actually had a special rating on my Army driver's license for both vehicles. The M48A5 power pack certainly had some "kick" to it; it was not underpowered on- or offroad - even while going up steep inclines. The power pack had a super- or turbo-charger (can't remember which now) that made a (seemingly unsynchronized to the engine's RPMs) high-pitched whirling sound something like that of a jet engine when the driver punched the accelerator pedal....a black plume of diesel smoke would shoot up from the exhaust outlets (up to ca. 20 feet high) that could be seen (unfortunatley for the tank) for some distance, giving it's position away in tall grass, etc. But this was sometimes necessary (and also fun for a driver) to do and probably scared infantrymen who saw it...akin to being something like observing a screaming dragon spewing fire/smoke from it's front (only smoke from the back) - from their perspective perhaps. The only thing about the M48A5 that bothered me was it's brakes...although they were hydraulic and power-assisted...they were still a bit on the weak side and not very responsive to the "fine touch" necessary for operating in tight spaces for example. Therefore, driving the vehicle on slippery surfaces, etc. was rather dangerous. The parking brake was integrated into the brake pedal. You had to depress it with great force to get the parking brake to "grab". Sometimes you had to depress it with such force; however, that you could not get the parking brake to release again afterwards without the application of an even greater (i.e., super-human) force. Each tank was different in this respect. Consequently, many drivers never bothered to set the parking brake correctly, which led to an unwise reliance on the gear selector (put in the "park" position) instead. A vehicle on a downward slope, with the gear selector in "park" but with the parking brake not properly set, tended to roll out of control. I saw that a few times - the crews had dismounted, watching their vehicle roll away in surprise. On a flat road, it had a top speed of circa 27mph....about 10mph less than the top speed of the later German Leo I, but still respectable up to at least Vietnam. I believe that the automatic transmission was designed to favour raw torque/power over speed. Particularly in cold weather, we slept on the engine deck in sleeping bags. The engine deck remained warm enough the entire night for sleeping in the open, even after the power pack had been shut down for the day. The crew's diesel heaters were unreliable though. MOS: 19E, A Troop 237th CAV - OHARNG

[@anthonyhamburg8885]

All time favorite tank

[@kriztov265]

Thank You again Mr Fletcher and the Tank Museum.

[@Subcomandante73]

"Enough to make a noise and scare people away". Best excuse for owning a 50 cal :)

[@TheDustysix]

Hilary Clinton would work as well.

[@americanmade4791]

@@TheDustysix "It was my T-T-T-T-T-T...T-T-T-T-Turn!" Yep, that would do it.

[@sdcoinshooter]

This was one of the most badass looking tanks ever produced.

[@ventus5th]

I totally appreciate how the tank museum is chugging along amidst all this fuss. Keep going dudes!

[@c.j.zographos3713]

I had the chance to ride upgraded M48s several times during my National Service. It was impressive to be in the commanders' position giving the driver directions.

[@TheDustysix]

Kick him?

[@nesten1]

Thank you Tank museum, thank you David

[@scale_jelly_lydon5813]

Good to see you back Sir David.

[@darrylleeroberts]

I love how David Fletcher always gives so much information without ever having to refer to notes.

[@kylewright7882]

I see David Fletcher I click play... Guys a national treasure of the UK. Tank Chats in general are always fascinating because they know so much.

[@jeffreyjefferson536]

This is my favourite tank, if there is such a thing. I had it as a 1:48 scale model as a kid which I built and painted myself and had on a shelf in my room for years. That little extra wheel in the back makes it so unique. The M48 is what I see in my mind's eye when I hear the word tank. So thank you very much for this special episode, you've made my day! Keep up the great work, this channel has already become a part of my daily routine!

[@StarFury2]

Awesome to see and listen Sir Fletcher again after a while. The man is a legend!

[@ehjchow]

Happy to see a video about M-48. I served in the army on a M-48A1 in the early 80s. lovely memory. Thx

[@grahamhufton7715]

when the fuss is over!!! that was a breath of fresh air. thank you and stay healthy

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Mr Fletcher .

[@robertbufkin5568]

A high school friend served on one of those in Vietnam. He loved them.

[@bumblebeebob]

The National Guard unit in my hometown had an M48 with the later cupola. Each year they woud bring it to the county fair so the kids could climb an over, and through it. Great time to be a kid. I'm happy to hear Mr. Fletcher say good things about it. I've always had a soft spot for the M48.

[@RoachMartel]

The tank Museum is one place I will visit someday in my life. It's a pilgrimage for me and I shall visit it before I die!

[@ksw501]

My father was a captain in the US Army and was a tank commander. He said he commanded an M48A1

[@georgebottarini1788]

Thank you David great video.

[@ck515084]

thx for the video.. great job 🙏

[@nateg9770]

Mr. Fletcher is great. I love listening to him

[@Sero12245]

Happy to be subscribed, I've been obsessed with military machines since I was a child

[@basichistory]

Good to see David back

[@billrich9722]

I love these little documentaries.

[@cpawp]

A whole new generation of tanks - plse more of this. Thx.

[@jamyers1971]

Excellent video - great use of old photos and videos!

[@leighharding5449]

'When all this fuss is over' I will most certainly try to visit you Mr Fletcher, looking forward to international flights resuming. Hope you all stay safe over there until then.

[@flowjoe100]

"When all this other fuss is over". Well said, and I will come and visit! 😎

[@christianschinner674]

Just put Mr. Fletcher in front of a tank and press record - talk a walk, drink a coffee and have a smoke - come back and put it up to KZbin, easy high quality tank video

[@AmazingAce]

Love both the M48 and M60 after spending a lot of time with them at museums.

[@dragdragon23]

When I was in the national guard we had the m48s and When I got back from basic training in late 1982, The 48s was replaced by the m60.

[@ShaDOWDoG667]

There are two of these on display in my town. One used to be open so you were able to get inside of it but people being people they had to weld it up.

[@wetlettuce4768]

@chris younts Sounds like the Soviet union every town got an old tank lol.

[@DanOnStilts]

6:46 what a great picture ❤

[@KMac329]

An excellent and eloquent presentation. Messrs. Fletcher, Willey, and Smith know their business. They present their knowledge clearly and eloquently, illuminating for us students of tanks this fascinating world.

[@fboyg91]

David’s mustache is still the most magnificent thing in the building, even in the tank museum.

[@cchangg]

Thanks for the intro. We still have these in service in Taiwan today, as the main battle tank.

[@richardscott8481]

I enjoyed seeing this early version of the tank I started my career on, the M48A5. Even after winding up my service with the M1A1 , the 48A5 still my favorite.

[@smtkelly]

I'd love to see how they cast that hull

[@Boric78]

Yeah the Ladle they used must have been massive.

[@007kingifrit]

you just cast a 20 sided die. if its a 15 or above the hull is perfect

[@Boric78]

LOL

[@markfryer9880]

The Foundries where they cast these hulls and turrets would often have a sunken sand pit where the molding could be done with the advantage that if the sand mold leaked then the molten steel was contained and wouldn't spill all over the factory floor.

[@georgewashington92]

Click on the following link, " Birth of a tank". Produced by the US army in the 50s it shows every aspect of thr m48 production from casting to designing etc. Brilliant! m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3_MpYiDl52ijNE

[@MoMo-zo1jw]

Another great chat! I really appreciate all of the work that goes into these chats, so many thanks for making them. As for the specific subject matter here, is there any chance you might be able to do one on the M60? It would be an interesting topic that would bookend the prior discussions of U.S. Cold War tanks that came about prior to the M1 tank.

[@redj59]

Thank you

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Brilliant Analysis!!!!

[@MisteriosGloriosos922]

Thanks for sharing informative video!!!

[@user-dy5bz1cw7c]

Very nice tank. Its noble silhouette distinguishes among others.

[@ashermil]

6:37 pure joy while squeezing off a few rounds of .50 cal.

[@brentsmith5647]

Brilliant video thank you 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@jamesmckillip7360]

All hail Sir David of Fletcher. I love this guy.

[@korvtm]

I was a mechanic in the U.S.Army,I joined in 1957.Trained at A.P.G MD. This was the first tank I ever worked on,well they called the ones at school M48A1.Same hull same rear deck same tank execpt for some minor mods.At school we pulled the engine out,with proper equipment a four man crew could pull the engine in less than Fifty minutes.He did not mention that this version of the engine was equipped with carburetors,it had two.They were very similar to the carbs used on the five ton dump trucks that were in use at the time.Carbs colud br interchanged with a little work.

[@888HUSKERS]

I can’t wait to travel overseas and see this tank. It is one of my favorite tanks to play in World of Tanks Blitz (WOTB). There are old tanks setup as static displays all throughout the United States in almost every town and park but one of the rarer tanks to see is an M48 let alone such an early M48 like this one. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful piece of history and such a hard one to find in America!

[@larryboody6737]

In the mid 70s. when I was a kid, a local armory was still in use near my house. As curious 10 year olds would do, my friends and I used to wander in on weekends when the place was active. We crept around the back of the various vehicles until we reached the two M48 tanks and climbed inside. He hung out inside for hours, sometimes. I couldn't believe it was so easy. Zero security. Either that or they looked the other way

[@sbeaber]

You guys made me love tanks and not in a "wrote big thing goes boom boom" way but in a "look at the engineering, science and innovation way

[@mattw785]

Great stuff as usual!

[@0Zolrender0]

@7:18 enough to make a noise and frighten people away. That pure gold.

[@darkninjacorporation]

Very handsome vehicles. I swear those Cold War MBTs all reflected the car designs of their respective countries. The M48/M60 reminds me of 60’s & 70’s muscle cars.