LugerForum Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Battle of the Bulge

Ron Smith · 10-05-2005, 09:21 AM

The tanks used in the movie were M47 Pattons( introduced in1952) and M24 Chaffees. The M47s were used as German Tigers in the movie.Or could ,in a pinch, roughly ressemble a German Mark IV, which was the most commonly encountered German tank along with the Mark V Panther. These were often referred to as "Tigers" by GIs who had never actually seen a true Tiger I. The Tiger II "King"or "Royal" Tiger was a beast, and couldn't be mistaken for anything else.

The M24s were introduced late in 1944. And were light recon tanks, not main line battle tanks. These would never have been used against Tigers. An 88 would penetrate a Chaffee end to end. With nothing but dust left in between.

The Tigers used in "Saving Private Ryan" and" Band of Brothers" were repros built on Russian T-55 chassis'. The Tank Destroyers were built on British / Canadian APC chassis'.

The most accurate depiction of authentic tanks are in "Kelly's Heros". Late variation Sherman Fireflies and the same repro T-55 / Tigers that were used in the other two movies. Also the White half-track with the 105 howitzer mounted.

10-05-2005, 09:21 AM	#9
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	The tanks used in the movie were M47 Pattons( introduced in1952) and M24 Chaffees. The M47s were used as German Tigers in the movie.Or could ,in a pinch, roughly ressemble a German Mark IV, which was the most commonly encountered German tank along with the Mark V Panther. These were often referred to as "Tigers" by GIs who had never actually seen a true Tiger I. The Tiger II "King"or "Royal" Tiger was a beast, and couldn't be mistaken for anything else. The M24s were introduced late in 1944. And were light recon tanks, not main line battle tanks. These would never have been used against Tigers. An 88 would penetrate a Chaffee end to end. With nothing but dust left in between. The Tigers used in "Saving Private Ryan" and" Band of Brothers" were repros built on Russian T-55 chassis'. The Tank Destroyers were built on British / Canadian APC chassis'. The most accurate depiction of authentic tanks are in "Kelly's Heros". Late variation Sherman Fireflies and the same repro T-55 / Tigers that were used in the other two movies. Also the White half-track with the 105 howitzer mounted. __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...