|
M4A1 Sherman Restoration
|
|
Photos Provided
By
Bob Wiber
|
|
January 01, 1999
|
Bob Wiber has been spending many a Saturday in the engine compartment of a M4A1 Sherman tank that was built in 1942. While this vehicle never left the States it is an example of the design and construction of one of the most important tanks of the Second World War. Even though his primary interest is in German armor (yes, I am a SGF) working on the Sherman gives him a greater appreciation of what armor is about - not to mention the men who lived and fought in the vehicles.
Please note that you don't have to be an ex-tanker (Bob was a Construction Draftsman in the Army), or a heavy equipment mechanic (if it is mechanical, he takes it to a mechanic) to get involved. Face it, someone has to chip that paint, Bob has spent his time taking apart, and cleaning, the various parts of the engine compartment. Not real glamorous, it is hot, dirty, noisy but it has to be done - hopefully before the engine is ready to be put back in. (Yes, they have a radial engine for it, which is just about ready to be dropped back into the tank.)
However, this job has some benefits - Bob gets to crawl all over, and through, the tank. Not to mention being able to take out his frustrations on it - nothing like pounding bolts out of the holes they have occupied for 50 years to relieve stress!!!
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|