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M4A4 s/n 5271 as found > engine restoration > engine ready > dismantling > hull restoration > fitting engine & track > hull finishing > turret and gun restoration > finished! |
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M4A4 s/n 5271 as found > engine restoration > engine ready > dismantling > hull restoration > fitting engine & track > hull finishing > turret and gun restoration > finished! |
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 76)
This is the gun about to be fitted in the turret.
It is quite a squeeze but fairly straightforward. The elevation box can be seen on the pallet as this has to be removed to fit the gun. At this point, the tank was ready for its final coat of paint. This I did before I went to Normandy in June to allow a couple of weeks for the paint to harden a bit. |
 77)
This shows the view through the cupola to the gunners position.
I have retained the Westinghouse electric traverse, though it still needs more attention to make it work properly. |
 78)
This is the view towards the commanders position.
You can see the 19 set, the Thompson SMG with its ammo rack above and the flare pistol holster. |
 79)
This is looking to the gunners and commanders area.
The bag below the binoculars is a signal satchel for headsets, etc., and the small box at the lower right is for the signal flares. |
 80)
Here is the loader's position.
Below the 19 set junction box is a Helleson lamp, a British AFV torch, the two long boxes are for 4" smoke bombs with the .303 blank cartriages used to fire them stored in the small black tin on the left hand end. The other white box just visible on the right is for grenades. The shells are all wooden projectiles (thanks Dad!) in original cases. |
 81)
These are the two 'Dischargers, smoke No3' fitted in the right-hand side
of the turret. These are fired by the commander via cables although they
are not fitted in this picture.
I made these dischargers as I was unable to find real ones. |
 82)
June 19th 2004.
All the hard work has payed off. About 4000 hours has gone into this so far. This is the first event, an open day at a local WW2 airfield. A good opportunity for a shakedown. I did about 7 miles over the weekend with no real problems. |
 83)
She looks good with all her bins and stowage fitted. |
84) A proud moment, first outing with her crew.
From left:- Hugo, Keith, James, Quentin and myself. It wouldn't be the same without them, particularly James who gave me so much help in the last six months of the restoration. |
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M4A4 s/n 5271 as found > engine restoration > engine ready > dismantling > hull restoration > fitting engine & track > hull finishing > turret and gun restoration > finished! |
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Created 16 July 2004 | Latest revision 19 July 2004 | Copyright © 1988-2004 H.L. Spoelstra - All Rights Reserved |