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armyjunk2 · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Sep 22, 2006 Posts: 1416

Don do you know where this is, Ropkey gave me the picture and I can't remember where it is??

Dontos

- armyjunk2

Don do you know where this is, Ropkey gave ne the picture and I can remember where it is??

This is the Prototype T165E1 Ontos which was sold a number of years ago to a private collector out in California. The vehicle is currently disassembled, pending a somewhat delayed full restoration.

The problem being the Recoilless Rifles are developmental 105mm and not the production M8 106mm RR's. Also there seems to be no existing versions of the 3 different Fire control systems which were mounted in this vehicle, as well as no reference or manuals to assist in any restorations.

...Know about it?.......you might say so.... Mr. Green

armyjunk2 · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Sep 22, 2006 Posts: 1416

Don do you where it is in California?

Dontos

Yes,.....Its in Portola Valley California.

Heres a link:
Military Vehicle Technology Foundation

I'm sure 'Toadman' has seen it...

Don

armyjunk2 · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Sep 22, 2006 Posts: 1416

Don, Thanks

Hellfish6

Is that an M22 Locust in the background of the first pic?

armyjunk2 · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Sep 22, 2006 Posts: 1416

It could be, the inventory for MVTF show that they have a M22 Locust. Looking at the larger photo that is what it looks to me.

toadmanstankpictures · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jan 24, 2006 Posts: 704

Yeah, I've seen the prototype T165E1 a few times. I think I've even taken a few pics of it. It's still in the same condition as the pics above. I have no idea when they are going to get around to even looking at the thing as the current projects are the Panther and the M4A3E2 "Jumbo" and they've been doing lots of work on the Jumbo lately.

It's safe to say that the M22 Locust in the first picture is not the one at the MVTF since Mr. Littlefield had his long before the T165E1 arrived. AFAIK, Mr. Ropkey has a M22 so the one in the pic is probably his.

Dontos

- toadmanstankpictures

Yeah, I've seen the prototype T165E1 a few times. I think I've even taken a few pics of it. It's still in the same condition as the pics above. I have no idea when they are going to get around to even looking at the thing as the current projects are the Panther and the M4A3E2 "Jumbo" and they've been doing lots of work on the Jumbo lately.

It's safe to say that the M22 Locust in the first picture is not the one at the MVTF since Mr. Littlefield had his long before the T165E1 arrived. AFAIK, Mr. Ropkey has a M22 so the one in the pic is probably his.

I knew I could get a comment out of you....thanks.

armyjunk forwarded the photo of the T165E1 taken at the Ropkey 'compound' prior to being sold. I had my theory on the photo and was able to get validation from the MVTF.

I guess I need to pack up all my references and take a trip out to Portola Valley and get that Ontos project back on track.

...... Well its a thought.

Don

armyjunk2 · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Sep 22, 2006 Posts: 1416

Ropkey doesn't have a M22 Locust, but he could have at one time. Did Fred Ropkey own the T165E1 at one time? I don't seem to have the story on this......

Dontos

- armyjunk2

Ropkey doesn't have a M22 Locust, but he could have at one time. Did Fred Ropkey own the T165E1 at one time? I don't seem to have the story on this......

All I know is Mr Ropkey owned the T165E1 and it ran. The vehicle interested the collector in California and he bought it. Its been in California since then. Not sure of the dates.

Restoration began and then stalled for several reasons. Mainly lack of reference information and focus shifted to other higher priority restorations.

The unique feature is the T 165E1 has the original GM 302 6cyc engine. I believe it is the only surviving GM 302 w/ the allison XT 90 (02 or 03) transmission.

HTH
Don

toadmanstankpictures · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jan 24, 2006 Posts: 704

- armyjunk2

Ropkey doesn't have a M22 Locust, but he could have at one time.

I guess Neil will have to update his list to reflect that.

Neil_Baumgardner

Ropkey was identified as having an M22 by AndrÃ© Flener on the G103 group in March 2004. For those who have access:

groups.yahoo.com/group...essage/931

Are we certain that Ropkey does not currently have a Locust? It could just be stored away afterall...

Neil

armyjunk2 · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Sep 22, 2006 Posts: 1416

Neil, I thought i sent you the updated list of what Ropkey had. I will do so tomorrow...I was there a month or so ago and I posted the pics of what he had on here. no locust

Neil_Baumgardner

I think I've got that - but the problem is I have this earlier identification. How do we know it isnt stored away somewhere?

Neil

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