hussar175

Hi All. Just a quick intro about myself. My main reason for joining this illustrious site was my history. I served 23 years in a Cavalry Regiment namely The Queens Royal Irish Hussars and later after an amalgamation in the Queens Royal Hussars for a short time. Most of my service was on the metal beasts, started on Chieftan ended on Challenger1, I was a Gunnery instructor at heart but loved to hang upside down in engine compartments or partake in a bit of track bashing. I reckon that once they get under your skin or in your blood you allways pine for them and get drawn to them at any mention. Thats it really, my regards to all and congrats on what looks to be a great site. Finally my saying for life as taught to me by an old Seargeant Major: If all else fails " TWO UP, BAGS OF SMOKE AND GO LIKE F***K":cool2:

Hi All. My first post as a newbie so be kind;) I was lucky enough to be the Troop Leader of Heavy Track Troop at Bovington Camp in Dorset back in the late 1980's My remit was to provide, service and repair a mixture of Cheiftan and Challenger MBT's to the D&M school and other users. In around 1989 my Squadron Leader must have decided that I was having much too an easy life and tasked me to renovate this rusting and shot up Centurian Mbt that had been dragged of the firing ranges. To cut a long story short the job was done and we moved it up to the Redoubt at Eastbourne as part of my Regiments Museum. A couple of points that I would like to mention is that unfortunately we werent allowed to rebuild or replace the engine so the old girl was lifted and transported by low loader to Eastbourne and then pushed in to position. We refurbished her to replicate an MBT in use during the Korean war, but in fact was a much later version, The 105 gun was "altered" by removing the fume extractor and filling in the holes, we then had a mock muzzle brake made up and fitted to the end of the barrel. I have some before and after photo's some where, I will post if I can find them. Although this was initially an unwelcome extra job we came to like the old girl and were sad to see her go. I am pleased that she is still out there somewhere being restored again, does anybody know if she will return to the museum? Congrats on a great site.