Terrain Training Tuesday: How to drive a tank (Part 2)

Ok, so we have made it into the Tank, I repeat we have made it into the Tank. Now all we need to do is figure out how to drive this thing.

Step 4: Recognise your tank’s measurements and instruments. Your driver’s master control panel sits to your right and instrument panel to your left, this is important to remember if necessary and you forget left and right (as I often do even though I know my left hand makes an L shape) do as bored office workers do and label them. The instrument panel features your fuel level indicator and other measurements while the control panel holds the switches and knobs necessary to turn on the tank’s engines, fans, and other systems. The control system and measurements are usually marked. Your gearshift should be located atop the steering handle in front of you.

They're not great images but you get the gist....

Step 5: Examine your fuel gauge system. Inspect your fuel gauge on the instrument panel to your left to determine if you have enough fuel to drive the tank and reach your destination. Tank fuel consumption is measured in gallons per mile. You will need 10 gallons just to start the engine and about two gallons per mile when you get going. You can travel about 300 miles on a full tank of fuel.

Step 6: Start your tank engine. Flick the silver ignition switch at the bottom left-centre of your control panel up to the on position. The engine will warm up for about four to five minutes. You can speed up the warming process by revving the engine, twisting back the throttle on the right steering grip like a motorcycle grip.

Step 7: Test your periscopes. The driver’s visual system consists of three periscopes that look like windshields. The two on either side of you allow you to view in front of the tank and to its left and right for about a 120-degree visual field. In between those two periscopes, you will find a central image-intensifying periscope, which looks straight ahead, for use in driving at night or in smoky or dusty situations.

Step 8: Release your parking brake. The parking brake control is to the right of your steering handle (see the image above). Pull on its black, T-shaped handle, twist and ease it downward to release it. Also, put the tank into gear. Pull the silver transmission selector knob above the steering handle and ease it into the D-drive section, second from the right. Begin driving your tank slowly because some tanks can accelerate from zero to 40 kilometers per hour in less than 10 seconds. Gently ease your throttle backwards to move ahead, slowly at first, twisting back further as you feel more comfortable when handling the tank at higher speeds. Also, steer your tank carefully. Guide your tank as you would a bicycle, snow-mobile, or motorcycle by rotating the steering handlebar to the left and right.

YAY!!!!! Next week we set off on our first tank adventure!!!!!!!