Panther...picking whole sale nits again? Jerry cans carry anything, ID being the spout configuration and cap.

Water cans have a cam operated seal, but gas/oil cans have a 4 sided threaded cap that normally was opened and closed with a hammer or track jack bar. These were also vented and leaked, regardless of how tight the cap was on. In the case of water in some theaters, marked by a white stripe or lid painted white.

Cans hung/carried on the rear are usually OE-30 oil and there to catch the engine heat for ease of pouring. Water cans can be stashed anywhere, but usually around the turret rear/sides. If they got hit, all you get is a wet deck.

Fynsdad, quote as much as desire...on any of MY tanks, Jerry cans were NEVER laid flat. I experienced one tank fire and have no great desire to repeat it. In event of an engine compartment fire, if the initial shot from the main extinguishers fail to kill it, you can pretty much kiss the tank good bye. In spite of strict commanders or regulations, you will at times, see photos of AFVs with things not kosher with what should be done. Some TCs with limited experience, poor leadership or just stupidity cause things to go not IAW "rules of the game". That's how people get killed and equipment gets lost. A Jerry can that is hanging from a lifting eye with the spout upward...(look again at the photos) is NOT laying flat, but is stowed at an angle at which the oil will not easilly flow out. The way those cans are carried is good....if hit, it just runs off the fender onto the ground. If burning, very easy to cut it loose.

I did not obtain my knowledge of tank operations by reading books and looking at photos. I was out there working on them for 25 years from 120 to -35 farenheit. In this respect, I have more than a general idea of what goes where on a tank and why. As tank commander, platoon sgt or 1SG, it was my responsibility to insure that specific regulations were aheared to, particularly when it was a safety matter. Some regs you can let by, but not fire saftey.

Plastic RC tanks are considerably different, but considering the amount of detail, weathering and accuracy that goes into these tanks, it would be fair to assume (bad word) that some owners would care to be somewhat accurate in the stowage of items carried and be aware of the reasons for it being that way.

Jeff...water will burn if you mix it right. Gasoline and oil does not burn,,,fumes do...so keep it from leaking and stirring up fumes that are easy to ignite.