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the_shadock · Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 6:02 am Post subject: Matilda tank restoration project

here is an extract of an email that I received today :

"To cut a long story short I am going to rebuild the Matilda with the help of some other enthusiast and my grandfather, who are heavily involved in the military museum here.

These guys have already built a M3 General Grant and a Centurion Tank.

What I am looking for is some direction as to where to find drawings and technical information that would aid me in the restoration of this beautiful machine.

Technical drawings, final drive assemblies engine group diagrams etc.

You know all the detailed information that would have been used by the army and the manufacturer to build them in the first place.

Do you know or could you tell me where to find this info.

I thank you for your time and I look forward to your response.

Regards"

Anyone could help with this?

Pierre-Olivier

bsmart

Pierre

Where are these folks located. My guess would be Australia. I'm curious because I know a Matilda that needs LOTS of help to get back to her former glory

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

I have a friend in Australia that has a running Matilda Mk II and was (last time I talked to him) restoring another...send me a pvt message and I will try and put you in touch with him...

Derek

Neil_Baumgardner

Bob,
If we're talking about the same one, I dont think I'd want to see that one totally restored - although I do think it could make a great centerpiece for a North Africa "diorama" as a pillbox Wink

Neil

the_shadock

that's right, the guy who sent the email comes from Western Australia.

P-O

bsmart

- Neil_Baumgardner

Bob,
If we're talking about the same one, I dont think I'd want to see that one totally restored - although I do think it could make a great centerpiece for a North Africa "diorama" as a pillbox

Neil

Not totally but it would be nice to have tracks, transmission housing and gun Crying or Very sad

Neil_Baumgardner

Maybe, I'd basically like to see it as it was found & captured (the 2nd time) Wink

Neil

Maple_Leaf_Eh · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jan 24, 2006 Posts: 517

I had a long conversation with a fellow in the UK who realized he had one of two (?) Duplex Drive Valentines, and he was determined to restore it to running condition. One fact he emphasized was the one-at-a-time construction workflow used to build British tanks in WWII.

A crew would report for work in the morning, get their assignment and go to work. Instead of jigs and rigourous adherance to drawings and inspection rules, the workmen would simply make the tank. If the left sandshield had 4 bolts eight inches apart, that was good. If it had 5 bolts six inches apart, that was also good. The American industrialized standard production line processes that made the Sherman such a success, were (virtually) foreign to British shop floors.

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