French Vehicle Note 1

[volgaG68]

In French Vehicle Note 1 are the various versions of the FT-17. On the counters, what is the appendage in the rear of the AFV? I always want to think they are similar to Trailers, but the notes say nothing about such a thing, just that they had a rear engine placement. Is that the engine housing? Nothing disallows it, but it just looks like it shouldn't be able to set up in buildings or cross walls.

Thanks for any info...

 

[von Marwitz]

This appendage is supposed to help the tank crossing trenches and not to get stuck in the process. It prevents the back of the tank dropping into the trench with the tracks churning without grip. Instead, it would rather rest on the 'appendage' until the tank pulls itself far enough on the far side without losing grip. See the below picture:






von Marwitz

 

[clubby]

It's a wheelie bar.