Does anybody know what happened to this tank : It seems it has been hit by a few AT shell's and many small-caliber rounds (12,7 . 20 mm ? ), probably at a shooting range. Many hit's seems to have penetrated both front, side and turret armour. Seems the M3 Grant was very badly protected ?
Looks like the small-calibre hits didn't penetrate, but rusted through the metal in the course of time since.
It was used as a range target , but recently has been restored to running order and was seen at Tankfest 2006. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBiTYNKHjXM The small penerations appear to be hits from panzerfaust type infantry A/T weapons, for which this tank was used as a target for.
It did indeed indeed run at Tankfest. That's where I photographed it. This was taken after it did its turn around the ring. Comet Fan - its considered good manners to credit the photo when you hotlink it from a website - especialy when its one of mine
Hi Cholbert - Point taken and sorry for being rude - Of course I ought to quote and link directly to your excellent photosite. Please accept my apologies. And thank you very much for your replies. It is really amazing how people can turn old junk into a running machine
Zits?! Incredible that that thing is in running order! Hopefully it will be restored in factory conditions (because as new it just looks somewhat better...hey it's a Grant it always will be ugly)
Apparently the owner does not intend to restore it any further but wants it looking the way it came off the range. The transmission cover is not original as that was shot away, nor is the engine, but everything else pretty much is "as was found". Now here's a plug for next year - come to Tankfest - You won't be sorry! The museum will probably announce the date in December or January. The digs we stayed in last year were good if you need an address for accomodation.
Bovvy Bovvy has an ''All American Armour' weekend June.23rd/24th. A "Collection of American military hardware from WW1 to First Gulf War.
Only the turrent front approached 60mm, 2.25" (57mm) http://www.wwiivehicles.com/usa/tanks-medium/m3.asp
