While some are making invaluable WoT mods, others are restoring tanks in real life! This article details the incredible restoration project of the FV4005 tank, a unique piece of military history. The project, led by Mr. Hewes and his dedicated team, involved extensive repairs, replacements, and meticulous reconstruction to bring this rare tank back to its former glory.
Introduction: A Rare Behemoth
The FV4005, also known as the “Stage 2” variant of the FV4004 Conway, is a British tank destroyer developed in the early 1950s. Its most distinctive feature is its massive 183mm L4 gun, the largest gun ever mounted on a tank. Designed to counter the heavily armored Soviet IS-3 and its successors, the FV4005 was a formidable vehicle. However, its size and the gun’s powerful recoil presented significant engineering challenges. The gun crutch was critical to prevent damage to the vehicle when firing, and the chassis needed to be strong enough to withstand its recoil.
Only one FV4005 prototype survived, making this restoration project exceptionally rare and historically significant. After nearly 60 years exposed to the elements, the tank was in a dire state, requiring a dedicated team and expert knowledge to bring it back to life.
The Restoration Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
The restoration, undertaken by Mr. Hewes and his team, with the support of Wargaming and the Bovington Tank Museum, was a colossal undertaking. The project involved several key phases:
1. Initial Assessment and Disassembly
The first step was a thorough assessment of the tank’s condition. The video showcases the significant rust and degradation, particularly on the exposed turret. The team began by:
- Removing the Tracks: The heavy steel tracks were painstakingly removed, link by link. This required specialized tools and considerable effort, as demonstrated in the video.
- Jacking Up the Vehicle: The massive 40-ton hull was carefully jacked up to allow access to the undercarriage and road wheels.
- Removing Road Wheels: The road wheels were removed for cleaning and inspection.
- Separating the Turret from the Hull: Using a powerful crane (a Foden, to be precise), the massive turret was carefully lifted from the hull, a delicate operation requiring precise coordination.
2. Hull Repair and Painting
The tank’s hull required extensive repairs:
- Needle Gun Cleaning: A needle gun was used to remove layers of rust and old paint, preparing the metal for restoration.
- Cutting and Welding: Damaged sections of the hull were cut out and replaced with new steel, fabricated using blueprints sourced from the Bovington Tank Museum. This included remanufacturing the gun crutch.
- Primer Application: Multiple coats of primer were applied to protect the bare metal and provide a smooth surface for the final paint job.
- Bronze-Green Paint: Several coats of the historically accurate bronze-green paint were applied, meticulously covering every detail.
3. Engine and Gearbox Installation
The restoration included installing a reconditioned 600hp Rolls-Royce V12 engine:
- Engine Cleaning and Preparation: The engine was thoroughly cleaned and inspected.
- Engine Installation: The massive engine was carefully lowered into the engine compartment using a crane, a complex process requiring precise alignment.
- Gearbox Installation: The equally large gearbox was installed, connecting to the engine and transmission system.
- Testing: The engine was test-fired, producing a dramatic display of smoke and demonstrating its powerful operation.
- Final Drive and Suspension Oil Changes: All vehicle oils, including those for the final drives and the unique torsion bar suspension system, were replaced.
4. Track Reinstallation
Putting the tracks back on was a significant challenge:
- Track Layout: The heavy track segments were laid out using forklifts.
- Hydraulic Jacks: Hydraulic jacks were used to lift and position the tracks onto the road wheels and drive sprockets.
- Pinning: The track links were meticulously connected using pins and securing devices, a physically demanding process.
- Tensioning: The tracks were tensioned correctly to ensure smooth operation.
5. Turret Reattachment
The final major step was reattaching the enormous turret:
- Lifting with the Foden: The Foden crane was again used to lift the turret.
- Precise Alignment: The turret was carefully lowered and aligned with the hull, requiring skilled operators and teamwork.
- Gun Installation: The massive 183mm L4 gun was maneuvered and secured into the turret.
- Sliding Top Turret Roof Hatch: The team fit and checked that the turret roof hatch functioned correctly.
- Sealing. The team ensured that all seals would protect against environmental damage.
Key Challenges and Considerations
The restoration faced several key challenges:
- Rarity of Parts: Finding replacement parts for such a rare vehicle was a major obstacle. Many parts had to be fabricated from scratch, relying on original blueprints and expert craftsmanship.
- The Immense Size and Weight: Handling the sheer size and weight of the tank, its components (engine, gearbox, turret, gun), and the tracks required specialized equipment (cranes, forklifts, hydraulic jacks) and expertise.
- Rust and Degradation: The extent of the rust and degradation required significant repair work, including welding and needle gun cleaning.
- The Gun’s Recoil: Ensuring the structural integrity of the hull and the gun crutch to withstand the gun’s recoil was a primary concern.
- The Gun’s Size. The gun’s size alone made the restoration challenging, with limitations on the tank’s operational use.
Video Playlist
Conclusion: A Triumph of Engineering Preservation
The restoration of the FV4005 is a remarkable achievement, showcasing the dedication and skill of Mr. Hewes and his team. Their work, along with the support of Wargaming and the Bovington Tank Museum, has brought a unique piece of military history back to life. The FV4005, now fully restored, stands as a testament to British engineering and a reminder of the extraordinary vehicles developed during the Cold War. The fact that this complex project was successfully completed highlights the importance of preserving our engineering heritage.