Reproduction Tanks

This is something that I've been thinking of over the past few days.

Do you think it would be possible to recreate a WW2 tank almost exactly?
When you think about it does seem possible, the hull and turret would be "easy" if one has access to heavy machinery and very detailed blueprints. The tough part, I think, would be reproducing the engine and transmission of the vehicle. But it does seem pretty feasible.

Theres reproduction equipment, even reproduction weapons, seems like the next step would be full blown vehicles. Though I admit it's a pretty niche market. The only customers would be rich enthusiasts, museums, and movies.

soo any entrepreneurs out there? (I shotty this idea) Would be something cool to do one day.

 

Sure it's possible,but like you said,big bucks.

 

This has been done with aircraft (though usually with more modern engines for the sake of reliability), so there is no reason why it cannot be done with tanks. You'll just need to find enough money to do it, and then find somebody to buy it!

 

There's a guy here in the States who has recreated armored cars, but I'm not sure if they're 100% authentic. I guess it would depend on what you want it for.

For example, for a movie, or even reenacting, do you need a vehicle with all the armor? How about just enough steel to present the appearance?

Do you need a duplicate engine? Is it part of the display, or do you just need something that sounds good, to move the vehicle around. Remember, if you build a tank that looks like a Panther, but doesn't weigh as much as the original since it doesn't have all the armor, do you need as big an engine as the real one?

So many variables....

 

In my personnel opinion if I could make a tank, I'd make it as accurate as possible, same armor, same weight, same engine, down to the last nut and bolt.
I don't know why, but it just wouldn't feel like an actual WW2 vehicle if I didn't .

It could also be interesting for tanks that have no remaining examples, or where extremely rare.

 

Interesting thread!
Rebuilding a tank of ww2 might be possible, I guess, if one has the proper blueprints and a buyer. I would suppose a complete reproduction would have it's drawbacks though, considering for example the braking-down habit of many German engine types.
It would be a nice challenge for engineers though!

Another thought here is that it might not be too popular cause even though it's an exact replica, it ain't the real been-to-war thing. If that makes a difference, ofcourse.

 

I've thought of that before, and even though I would much prefer a tank that actually saw action, it seems like that will become less and less of an option as time goes on.

It could also be interesting to get first hand information with it, and more precise and detailed specifications, like speed on different types of roads and surfaces.

Community Group Build anyone?

 

Great Idea! We could even get Tony Williams to donate some of his spare ammunition...

 

If I were to build a WWII era tank,I'd definately work out the bugs.What would be the point of building a King Tiger if it broke down constantly?Assuming it would be trailered,how would one get it back on the trailer if the engine or tranny seized?Might as well build a Bergepather or such just in case!

 

It would be a daunting, nigh-impossible take to create a tank from 'scratch' based on blueprints.
Better to find a derelict hull with all major pieces-parts and go from there. Resurrection as opposed to creation.
With that said, I'd suggest a diminuitive subject... perhaps a Hetzer?


Tim

 

... or a Bob Semple.
:roll:
I think we could get one of those finished in a weekend.

Tim

 

Bob Semples are easy. Take one bulldozer, add one garden shed, and hey-presto! All finished.

 

Ricky:
I was mistaken then... I figured on dismantling one chicken-coop, secure some additional sheets of corregated tin, constructed on a riding lawnmower chassis.
We could mow-grass on our way into battle.
:smok:

Tim

 

I know the Bob Semple tank would be recommended somewhere in this thread.

I really hope that one day I can buy an old T-34 from Russia when I'm a bit older and have the money, and I hope there's still enough around to.

I'm going to guess there's quite a few derelict hulls in crap condition that would need major pieces replaced, rusted to all hell and might not be much better than starting from scratch.
The Hulls that aren't crap would limit your selection by alot. and prevents you from rebuilding some of the rarer more interesting tanks.

 

I remember that Danyel Phelps had a similar dream - but with a Sherman.

 

Considering how many Shermans were produced,it's not that outrageous.

 

assuming the trailer would hold the weight of the KT

The bob semple would be cheaper and easier in many, many ways.
I wonder if anyone ever had a dream of buying one of those when he's older & has some money?

 

hey make me a tiger tank and send me the bill!!! Can i do monthly payments?

 

reenactor tanks

they made identical M4 Shermans in fiberglass for a Bridge Too Far. the Arnhem fiasco, and had people totally fooled, the police pulled over the flat- bed for weight violations, and they astonished the cops by lifting the tanks by human power, reenactors have been converting armored vehicles to look like real tanks for years. plus we have a few real ones. Hetzers Stugs t34s Stewarts etc. my CO in the 353rd made a two dimensional Mk III by computer printout and some plywood. lots of guys had their pix taken with it. It looked real on a two dimensional photo.

 

tank

Not exactley a tank but a Flame thrower built by a British Home Guard unit in WW2, evidently produced 75 ft. flame for three minutes!!