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A while ago I posted a few pictures of my mates latest restoration project, a couple of which are posted below She is a Sherman that was rescued from a military range in Belgium and had been filled with concrete prior to being blasted with a multitude of A/P ordnance. There was one big hit near the front hatch/base of the turret that we think was probably her exit from WWII. A lot of work has gone into her in the last few months including a few tons of new plate, a new turret ring (found in a barn in France), a new engine/gearbox and running gear all rebuilt and the turret has now been completed and is ready to be finally fixed in position (one of the last jobs on the huge list of outstanding works). Yesterday she had a final sand blast inside and out and today is the start of the painting. Below is a picture of her in the turning jig that was specially made so that you can get access to every nook and cranny. I will post some more photos when there is something interesting to show.

Subscribing to this thread, I love restoration of vehicles like this! :)

I had a trip over to see how my mate was getting on last weekend and as you can see the Sherman is getting close to fitting out. The body work is now complete and all the new plates are fitted and sound. Primer is on and a few drums of green paint is on order. Looking from the front through to the 'cheeky one' peering into the rear through the engine doors. About 18 months ago the whole of the hull was filled with concrete and bits of a/p rounds and a lot of blood and sweat has got it to this stage. The barrel and breach assembly nearly ready for fitting-it took a bit of a hit recently to the machine gun housing and damaged the casting (a dodgy bit of reversing in a half track :roll:) so a bit of a repair is required. Two of the other projects are visible in the picture as well-Willys #3 and Half track #4!

It is coming on very nicely. Out of interest how is the main gun disabled/deactivated? (Sorry about the D word)

From what I can see, there are a couple of dirty great holes under the chamber, a welded plug in the breech and the firing mechanism has been removed. I am going over again during the week so I will try and get a closer look and a photo.

Just a couple more.. A new turret has turned up. At least this one is in one piece and didnt resemble a piece of Swiss cheese. Lots of new and re-con parts waiting on the racks ready to be fitted.
Oh, and a spare transmission/final drive. This was another barn find (its amazing what you can find in barns in rural France ) The turret basket and engine (wrapped up in poly) are behind the transmission and another willys jeep body is on the hoist at the back.
And finally, this Dodge command car was our transport for Sunday. We had a 60+ mile round trip to the North Norfolk 40's weekend in it-lots of steam train rides, buzzed by a Spitfire and Tiger Moth, a good pint of Woodfordes and the best hog roast ever! Oh, and a very sore arse by the time we got home as the command car isnt the most comfortable for any distance.
The M18 Hellcat is out on loan atm-its being used in the new Brad Pitt film "Fury".