Tootles Posted April 22, 2013 Share Posted April 22, 2013 Today, I had the great pleasure to visit my old Chieftain Mk2 at Otterburn Range. I signed for this tank, which was brand new from ROF Leeds, in 1969, and last saw it in BAOR April 1970, 43 years ago. It has taken some time to trace her, and with the kind assistance of the MOD team at Otterburn, I was able today to see, and visit, 04EB68 again, maybe a little bit 'aged' since we last met, but hey, so have I. Dave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddy8men Posted April 22, 2013 Share Posted April 22, 2013 great story and don't give up on the old girl just yet, somebody might pull her off for restoration one day :cool2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billruston Posted April 22, 2013 Share Posted April 22, 2013 Somebody save it! Would they sell? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted April 23, 2013 Share Posted April 23, 2013 It looks fairly complete would be good to see it saved and running. Big Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym Posted April 23, 2013 Share Posted April 23, 2013 That's a really nice story. To complete it you should have turned up with a low loader ... :-) Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tootles Posted April 23, 2013 Author Share Posted April 23, 2013 Considering the 'stick' she has had on the range, she is very much complete. Most of the fighting compartment is complete, including all the gunners controls and the breech..(still in pres grease). The drivers compartment has been locked down since delivery, and is reportedly complete. Some damage to the roadwheels, but all the hatches are intact, and, she is only twenty yards from a made up road........ Alas, I have no space to put her, but, these hard targets are no longer used, and therefore not needed. Maybe someone will rescue her one day. No power pack, but the aux genny is still there, and the uprated Merrit-Wilson gearbox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RattlesnakeBob Posted April 23, 2013 Share Posted April 23, 2013 fair play to you for finding her ..but that would break my heart... :embarrassed: I'd definately be feeling "oh gawd how the hell am I gonna find the money ...ah!.... I know!!! " ..and then the real heartbreak would start ! haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter4456 Posted April 23, 2013 Share Posted April 23, 2013 What an incredible story! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toner Posted April 23, 2013 Share Posted April 23, 2013 Must have been good to see her but sad to see her like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym Posted April 23, 2013 Share Posted April 23, 2013 Did you take any photos of the interior? Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
private mw Posted April 23, 2013 Share Posted April 23, 2013 nice story and pics :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tootles Posted April 23, 2013 Author Share Posted April 23, 2013 They wouldnt let me climb in.....However, I did take a peek. Some small smoke damage, all radio cables seem intact, gunners controls, nav aid etc, still in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeferret Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 That should be in your yard on display.....What a great story..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Shopland Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 Agreed it is a great story. It would be a crying shame to see her shot to hell when she is in such good shape. Surely someone must know someone..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 does look pretty good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sirhc Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 I'd say its unlikely it will ever be restored. There are good condition Chirftains about that people struggle to sell. Shame though! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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