Good late FR PM and subsequent SA hours, folks! And thank you for the birthday wishes sent to Miss Stepstab.
Tanks for the memories
In the previous TLL I noted the Libyan rebel capture of the last refinery held by Khadhafy's forces, and the crimp that would put in the diesel fuel lines of his T-55 tanks. I suggested that the T-55 would get under a mile to a gallon. Actually, the claimed mileage is 1.2 miles per gallon. I assume that is on a road. Off-road mileage is worse.
By comparison, the latest models of our Army's M1A2 tank have road mileage of about slightly more than a half mile to the gallon, and consume about 4 gallons to the mile under heavy going.
More of the T-55 and the nearly identical T-54 series tanks have been manufactured than any other tank in history, and have fought in a number of wars and conflicts, including the Gulf wars, where quite a few succumbed to our M1 tanks' guns. AFAIK, no M1's succumbed to T-54/55's. The opposing tanks are about 2 generations apart.
Hey WW! I know the M1, have ridden in one a couple of times, quite a thrill.
From tank guns to a loose cannon
The latest in the Republican armory is OK Senator Tom Coburn, who a couple of days ago denounced some of his (unnamed) Congressional coworkers as "cowards" and "career elitists," and further saying it is a good thing he could not pack a gun on the Senate floor.
Naturally, this hyperbole stirred the liberal blogosphere, and given the shooting of the "other chamber's" member, Representative Gifford, the remark was indeed a bit impolitic. However, Coburn went on to say that most Congressfolk are good people with good intentions.
Coburn also deflected criticism of President Obama's handling of the economy, saying that while the President's philosophy is, among other things, "goofy," his opinion is that "Presidents don't matter that much." He assigns most of the blame to Congress. He and President Obama are actually friends, it is reported.
Coburn went on to discuss other items. See those in the links below. It appears that whatever else that can be said about Senator Coburn, he appears to be forthright.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/printerfriendlystory.aspx?articleid=20110818_16_A14_CUTLIN497125
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/61709.html
Stab, I am glad to hear that your experience in M-1 tanks was such a thrill.
ReplyDeleteI got to ride in an M-2 (ca 1935), which was not so thrilling. While stationed in Alaska in the 1960s and conducting an inventory of our complex, we found 2 WW II era Light Tank M-2s in a long abandoned Butler building. We cleaned them up and got them running and took one out for a spin.
Suspension? None. A tooth-jarring ride and noisy beyond belief. Learned great respect for WW II tank crews, as these were used by Marines at Guadalcanal, probably their only combat use.
We removed the body from one and replaced it with a cabin from a snow cat and used it on weekends to explore the southern part of the island, which was riddled with volcanic crevices. Enjoyed great views and a visit to a large caribou herd, most or all of whom had probably never seen a human being. They did not find us nearly as interesting as we found them.
Stab...when I grow up ,maybe I can stay up late like the grown ups? You and OT are amazing! As far as tanks go...for me, they are like submarines--if they have no windows, I ain't riding.
ReplyDeleteSenator Coburn is an odd fellow. His remark reminds me of a few years ago when Sen. Webb of Va forgot he had his handgun still in his luggage at some security location, I forgot where. I don't know how anyone could tolerate years in the Senate. Me personally, about one week would be my limit. In that week I guarantee I can have the entire place at fisticuffs to where it spills out the front doors. Its a gift.
ReplyDeleteYeah, forgot the no windows part. Dark and HOT in there, and we were in Alaska. Wonder how many Marines died of heat stroke...Guadalcanal is a very warm place.
ReplyDeleteGot recruited by the sub service in boot camp. They took us on a tour of a boat down at the pier. Fascinating, but the enlisted sleeping quarters left something to be desired, just inches up to the next guy's butt. Didn't have any trouble finding my way out.
I thought you liked being near male butts?
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ReplyDeleteAs Priscilla Mullins said to John Alden: Speak for yourself, Bucky Boy.
ReplyDeleteWe know you would love it, but you would never get in...the psychological screening is quite intense.