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Dontos · Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2012 10:58 pm Post subject: Ft Knox: Tank Spotting (Update)

Currently there is an effort ongoing to cosmetically restore a few of the vehicles on Ft Knox. Here are some initial findings / discoveries made on some 'well known' statically displayed vehicles.

M4A3E8(76):
This tank was statically displayed in front of the Museum for many years. It is best known due to the missing TC hatch. The loaders hatch was cut open.

The interior condition is not too severly deteriorated. A significant amount of the interior is stripped & missing. There is no SN info discovered as of yet. An interesting data plate was found on the transmission housing between the driver/BOG position. "MFG by Chrysler Corp, Medium M4 Powertrain, SN 2262"

M7B1:
This vehicle was previously displayed directly in front of the Patton Museum. It has been completely scaled of all the years of paint.

A stamped SN of 'FP 107' was found on the left side armor toward the rear of the vehicle.

M114:
This is the M114 that came from Louisville, displayed infront of the 100th Div HQ. It was marked with 100th Div insignia. There is a stamped 161 on the left & right rear, beneath the lifting eyelets.

The interior is near complete. The long & short final drive shafts were found in the crew compartment. The data plates are present. The vehicle was originally built in 1963 as a T114, Serial # 172 (!!). A secondary plate shows that it was rebuilt in 1972. There are data inspection tags on the radiator & fire Extinguisher dated April 1972. The engine is present & untouched. Possibly a former 'POMCUS' type stored & seldom used vehicle. Odometer reads 0078.1 (!!)

More info & photos to follow.....
Regards
Don