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| This shot of the rear of the Jagdpanther clearly shows the exhaust arrangement and towing points at the back of the machine. The jack lies vertically between the two exhausts, which lack the heat shrouds commonly fitted . The port exhaust is of the triple tube design, a feature of later machines, the ealier versions having a differing exhaust stack on this side. The heavy duty towing points can also be seen, these were necessary due to the machines alarming tendancy to break down with transmission failure and engine fires, which were a bugbear of the Panther family, mainly due to the type being pressed into service too soon ( these problems became less over time as the Panther matured, due to field experience and the fitting of devices like automatic fire extinguishers and better transmission). The great width of the Jagdpnathers tracks can also be appreciated in this view, the Panzerwaffe having learned early on in the russian campaign the value of broad tracks, having seen the T34 and KV series of tanks glide over terrain that left thier Panzer 3s and 4s bellied in deep mud or snow due to thier narrow tracks. |
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