Coaxial machine gun: Mounted parallel to the main gun, this is used as an anti-personnel weapon.
Drive sprocket: Connects the engine via the transmission and drive train. The sprocket on each side can be driven independently, which causes the vehicle to turn.
Escape hatch: Usually found on the back, bottom, or sides of a tank, this small hatch allows the crew to escape under fire in an emergency.
Fender: Extensions, often thin sheet metal, found over the tracks.
Fume extractor: Prevents poisonous propellant fumes from reaching the fighting compartment.
Glacis plate: Sloped front armor that increases protection against projectiles.
Gun mantlet: The heavily armored gun shield, usually removable with the gun in a single assembly.
Idler: A free-turning wheel at the opposite end of the suspension from the drive sprocket. It can be moved to adjust track tension.
Lifting hooks: Used to remove the turret for maintenance.
Muzzle brake: Reduces the gun’s recoil and directs most of the blast to the sides, reducing the dust kicked up, which would obscure the gunner’s vision for the next shot.
Periscope: Vision blocks that allow the crew to see outside without opening hatches.
Return rollers: Carry the track above road wheels as it returns from the idler to the drive sprocket.
Road wheels: These free-turning wheels on heavily sprung axles are the most important element of the suspension. They allow the vehicle to move smoothly over terrain.
Smoke launcher: A short-range mortar used to throw smoke grenades and create a smoke screen.
Towing clevis: Part of the gear used to rig the tank for towing.
If you want to know more about building scale-model tanks, check out Shep Paine’s
Armor Modelers Guide from
FineScale Modeler.