@@snapon666 It was stored an monument, not as a tank. Highly doubt they spend anything on it. Ifact. I think they picked the worst of the worst from the lot. - But thats not saying much from an army that generally keeps their items in perfect nick. Everything woulda been oiled, painted and hatches woulda been closed. But theres no way on earth they would restore something just to put it on display on a small mound outside some random baracks The good ones worth saving woulda been stored inside- this is brittain, not the US or russia. Its wet, rainy and anything metal thats left outside is bound to rust.
This was our gate guardian at the reserve unit. There was alot of sadness when we found out she was going as we have alot of fond memories with, as well as spending almost 2 weeks guttering her exterior and repainting her to bring some life back. Also our children loved being around it. But it's good see she will seek a second life of being restored. 👍
After over thirty years as a gate guard and you guys get it going with minimal effort. A testament to you and the the build of the tank. You guys are brilliant.
What a babe!! Whoever delivered that tank originally must of thought of the future and preserved it flawlessly. Road wheels look immaculate, tracks don't appear to be ceased, and overall, extremely well cared for.
Considering the current geopolitical nightmare and the dire straits our tank regiments are in. It could be much more than just a runner. It could be a candidate for refurbishment and battle casualty replacement. I'm not joking.
@@gusgone4527 OK Shermans and T34's then too? We could muck out museums for all manner of iron. It is one thing at a show or historical gathering. Given the level of technology of armored vehicles and defense weapons... I think it is a much better plan to send our crews the best we have versus a museum exhibit. I'm not joking either.
@@Ma_Deuce_338 But if a war breaks out, there may not be enough time/resources to build a new tank so refurbishing these old tanks could be the only option in short term.
@@supertouring1 There are "storm clouds" and saber rattling going on continually as one leafs through modern history. Fact A does not change B. If you are a foot soldier facing a modern opposition force, I can not in good conscience issue you a 1903 or a K97 bolt action rifle to face a fire team armed with rapid fire weapons and high capacity magazines. You can actually do this and win with a determined force occasionally... but it won't be sustainable. Military equipment is constantly superseded and replaced by new better equipment. (that is not always true but is the intention.) Do not predispose a force to fail due to outdated equipment of any kind. Particularly that was surplused and replaced with new. The important asset we have is the men and woman that fight for our nations. Protect them like they were your own family. Furnish the best if you ask them to go.
This tank has been a static display 1 year before I joined the US Army in 95 lol! I was a Bradley mechanic and Recovery operator. That's actually amazing she fired up that easily. There's just something incredible about the old diesel's cranking over and running on a tank or armored vehicle. They were absolute units of their time. I turned 18 in the Army and now I'm 49 lol. That just floors me how much time has past and this old girl was just sleeping. I hope she get's new paint and get's restored.
I've sat outside the gates for years having my lunch in the van looking at that tank wondering what it was like inside and if it still ran, nice work gents. 👍
As it was donated by VDS I wonder if it was the one that sat on the Mound of the old Admin block at Barnbow. It faced Manston Lane just after the old ROF Main entrance opposite Pendas Way. That Cheiftain from what I remember only had one forward gear they could engage and it was driven to position and dumped. Might have some photos in Vickers magazines. Also security were torn a strip after someone let either the Sun or a Paul Raymond publication in to photograph a model sat on the tank.
Oh my god , those Brit's really know how to build a proper armored vehicle . With proper basic preventative maintenance you were able to start the old girl right up . Add to that she also moves , want to sell her cheap I love her . Your crew are fantastic and better than that they are absolutely great , Also just how much of a heart attack did the senior people at the Armory have when you told them that all you did to her was some basic PMCS then add a little fuel . After which she started right up and you were able to drive her around WOW . Thanks for sharing this with us !...!...!
She is beautiful, I served on Chieftain MK 2. 3 & 3s with the 1st Royal Tank Regiment in 1971. how I would love to come and visit just to hear the Chiefy Howl again, a song that once heard stays with you till you die. at the age of 71, memories came flooding back. FEAR NAUGHT Brothers.
We Brits are forever deriding our own engineering designs, especially military ones (herm… SA80 anyone?), but getting a complex, heavy piece of equipment functioning so quickly after 30 years left to the elements, speaks to its design and development. (Plus the tinkering magic of Mr Hewes, Jack, Seb and Ted etc.)
don't mention the sa, cough cough bit of shite cough.... remember when they shut enfield down and moved to nottingham. then the accounts took over production!
I would not lay the blame for the SA80 wholly on Enfield. I believe that squadrons of politicians and accountants must carry some of that particular can. But full marks for the men who put that tank away and the MH crew for accepting the mission of reviving it. I was astonished at how smooth it sounded from the first crank.
This was hugely impressive. 30 years of inactivity, and after a quick basic recommission, the old girl fired up and drove perfectly. What a testament to the REME engineers who gave it a final service. Awesome piece of kit the Chieftain. I can vividly recall being on Ex on Salisbury plain in 1991, I was in the infantry reserves for 18-19 years. The Coy position was on either side of a tank track, we were dug in - 3 man fire trenches. We got 'attacked' by a couple of Chieftain MBT's which came hammering through the position on the tank track. The lead vehicle trained it's 120mm tube right at me- it was quite a sobering sight I can tell you! As the MBT traversed past my position, the barrel was locked on tgt, so the tube remained aimed directly at my trench as the beast ploughed through the position. The ground vibrated and the noise was terrific, the shock effect of being attacked for real by armour must be shattering. Thoroughly enjoyed this video- brilliant!
You are far too humble, you do yourselves a disservice: without you that beast would still be on gate duty, it is only because of you that it is running again and ready for the next chapter in its renewed journey. Truly blessed.
I have never watched your channel before and generally have no specific interest in tanks or military vehicle specifically. But being mechanical sympathetic myself I got an absolute buzz hearing her start up after 30yrs. She clearly wants to live again. What is the plan for her now?
@@JackOfAllTrades-UK I think its the first time I've seen Hewes start a tank and not have sparks flying from the exhaust a few minutes later! I jest but normally they do get a bit of a thrash with lots of smoke!
she got put away in almost combat condition. I recon if her gun still worked 30 years ago she just needed fuel and rounds and she was ready to kill some reds
@@mrtankalotrctankschannel Might be a bit premature to collect a search party though, best wait till the bullets have stopped flying, permanently... for however long that will be... Russia??
REME museum has or had the first challenger 1 prototype locked away without tracks apparently they robbed them for spares and took them to the gulf and probably left them there
How rare is that, a gate guard that hasn’t been stripped out for spares/trophys, hasn’t been filled with concrete, seemingly has no knackered parts and then starts and moves under it’s own power after a service and some precautionary maintenance/prep! I’m amazed. Well done all, happy days! Very glad you had a bit of luck, you’ve earned it with all the graft that you all usually have to go through to even get some bit of kit’s engine un-seized! 👍👍👍
That was a pleasing video! You have to praise the team that prepped for it`s long sentinel duty. The team did a great job doing all the checks. RR did a good job on it`s last rebuild also! Congratulations on the resurrection!
I'm so old I was serving when it was in the charts. 1980 was the year I got married. Perhaps I should have unbridled the horses rather than go charging into the unknown. Just in case my wife reads this. "I'm only joking dearest."
Joe, Adam, and Jack, great to see you guys. What a gem of an acquisition!!! Cheers to brethren REME Rats doing such a wonderful job of tucking this one away 30 years ago!! It almost that time again, to start planning for my return for Tankfest. Very best, John in Canada, RCEME
That is amazing, 30yrs sat outside and started first time! I have always read the Chieftain engine was rubbish, they are obviously not. Well done as ever Joe and Jack and not forgetting Adam's professional driving.
@@MrHewes As a general rule, though, when something gets to Mark 13 after 20 years just to make it work the way it was supposed to work at Mark 1, it... wasn't brilliant.
@@fat_bikeryou often find the "mark" numbers don't all appear for some reason, so the mark 13 was in all probability around long before, also moving components around the engine to fit other ancillarys would give it a different number for the purpose of spares procurement, part of the engines problem came from the requirement to be multi fuel, other countries tried it and it didn't work out so well, unfortunately by the time the policy was abandoned we had the engine up and running and installed, the issue then is the engine bay is already configured for it and you either have to run with it or start again, and as the military was being squeezed hard at the time they chose to make the best of a bad deal, ultimately it wasn't as bad as it has been painted as people always remember the bad, forgetting the merits, no one in this county sees the disasters elsewhere so it's only our stuff that fails, which makes things rather one sided.
Amazing! Every so often the tank Gods are napping and a mint unit drops straight in her lap. Joe and the boys, that's your chrimbo present done right there. Cheers
After 30 years a routine minor service oil' filters' water/ antifreeze levels checked new batteries and a few other checks the bugger fired up REME Mechanics did a fine job maintaining etc. Nice one lads. It's great to see another vehicle operating as it should.
Kero for the win. I think I said before on a 43 vid to get the kero in. Cheap as chips as well. Also testament to the final crew of the old girl for making sure she was well maintained.
I just love how the UK seems to have so many old decommissioned Tanks everywhere. If I remember correctly in an earlier video you talked about how that came to be and you said that in the 90s there was a wave of modernization which lead to many tanks being phased out and you could literally just buy a decommissioned and deactivated one at government auctions.
One of the ''old boys'' at my gun club told me a similar story when he was in Germany. There can't be that many incidents of this happening ? lol Possibly he is the same fella. Served in the police after he left the military. Can't remember his name at the moment I'm afraid . When I find out I will point him to this video.👍
How fantastic, sat for thirty years and with a little bit of love starts and runs on nearly first crank. Well done Guys in saving another piece of history. Sebs tank may have a new friend to play with
That was really mind blowing, can't believe what I'm seeing and hearing. She runs so well. Leyland must have known what they were doing back in the day. Cheers guys!
Leyland didn't have a clue. The mods are epic. I'm amazed the cylinders weren't full of water where the seals leaked. A recurring problem never really solved.
I went to cadets here from 2005-2009 and recently I quite regularly took my little girl to see the old chieftain. Can’t say I’m not sad to see her go 😢…. But also happy she’s being restored
You guys definitely have the MAGIC TOUCH when it comes to starting tanks that haven't run for a few decades, another awesome piece of military history saved .😊
Truly remarkable. Started this cleanly and after being sat as a gate guard for over thirty years. Fantastic stuff. Well done Ted. We couldn’t have done it without you
I'm so confused right now. Proper ppe including hard hats? Seb doing some work? An unusually minty tank? With decent batteries, proper tools and a Jack's mum joke. You guys have turned professional.
I used to work on Chieftains 1976 - 1982 in Osnabrück in Germany. As you said this one has the later better L60. They were terrible with the earlier L60s. On crashout we regularly dragged at least two out of a Squadron to the Deployment area. Happy days
Nice to hear Jonna Louis after all these years - good choice - It goes to show that if they are sealed from the weather and they were looked after before, they do not need a lot to get them running - nice recovery Guys, another epic piece of armoured history saved from the scrapman. Its a shame they won't let you take to the ranges and test the gun :)
Your yard is something right out of my childhood. Dad was RCT, stationed in Germany of most of my childhood. I grew up clambering around on Fodens, Bedfords and tanks and armoured vehicles of all sorts. Kudos to the chaps that put this old girl to sleep all those years ago! Their diligence meant a fairly easy revival! I've had cars sat for 3 weeks give me more grief than this old gal gave you!
Brilliant vid made my Sunday....spent many many hours in Chiefy back decks as a young Trooper, Lance Jack and Corporal in the 80s....braw 🏴🏴 It lives 👏👏👏👏
In the big exercises in BAOR in the 1980’s German farmers used to pay anyone in armoured vehicles to drive in to old barns etc then get the MoD to pay for a new one. They had a great scam going. Now and again as REME we would be approached by crews who had got themselves stuck. We would always oblige and the fee was slabs of beer. The bigger the vehicle the more slabs it cost. Also the farmer would chip in some eggs bacon bread and butter. You mentioning that vehicle had been through a building just brought it all back. Brilliant
I will give anything to drive a chieftain in the memory of my dad, former sgt 13th 18th royal hussars cavalry tank driver operator and instructor.. great work guys
Brings a tear to my eye hearing her start after 30+ years what a beauty! Well done for saving her! Has the turret been decommissioned or could she still shoot if required?
Ive always loved heavy equipment. Ive always had a big interest in military equipment and tanks. I feel at home here with your team and you going through all the technical details. Along with the rest of what you show it really is great. Im happy you started your channel. Its great to see work from another perspective. Keep it up
New describer to your channel and I'm a gear head myself as i work on airplanes and im very amazed to the dedication you all put into these beauties as they all have had some kind of history behind them at one time. Keep up the great work.
Wow that was amazing video.sat there 30years a bit of tinkering and away it goes.. Brought back memories when I was in the army at that time thay were in service. Thanks.
@@philhawley1219 as per Mr Hews at the beginning of the video, it is the last version of the Engine, which was the original Leyland engine that has been gone over by Rolls Royce.
The sound of the L60 transported me back 50 years to the tank hangars in Hohne in what was West Germany. What memories they are. Well done guys for saving another Chieftain.
I have such great memories of Hohne! Not least of which is when my brother and his wife and kids came to visit and they got to crawl all over a Chieftain!!
Fantastic work another one saved from just rotting away as a gate guard doing what it’s ment to do running and driving you and your team do a fantastic job saving these tank and keeping them alive
This Tank was QOH. I remember when it went into the side of the house. Oh the memories we all had a chuckle.. think we caused so much destruction in a few days that index was called early.
I was also QOH and vaguely remember that incident. Not sure if it was Hohne or Detmold where it happened but was within the camp. There's also a "Fahrschule" plate on the turret which denotes a learner driver so it might have happened on a driver training course?
Fallingbostel (Oerbke) also had a tank park it's self in a civvy building in the 80's. If I remember rightly it was a Pub just outside St. Barbara Bks, 16 Tank Transporter RCT back gate.
@@chriswilson5303 the driver who crashed was my brother. He was o his D&M course. Took the corner too fast and took the corner of the shed out. I was QOH too.
Gob smacking after 30 years on a pedestal in front of gates with minimal servicing it fires right up what a sound too. Well done you guys. Wish someone would donate you guys a Conqueror, my Dad served as loader in one on his National service.
JP-8 is an excellent cleaner, I used to clean my stall floor with it and everyone wondered how the floor was always so white while everyone else's was grayish black. Also JP-8 leaves no residue once it evaporates.
That was incredible! How something so complex can sit idle for so long and just spring back into life is amazing! You’ve got a good one there, can’t be many that complete, she needs preserving.
Hello EVERYONE! What a real testament to the fitters / engineers who last serviced this machine. A realistically minimal amount of work to get the engines going and then move the tank under it's own power = wonderful. To know that this tank is going to receive some "TLC" is just great!! Thank you to EVERYONE involved - job well done and best wishes from Lincolnshire.
I think I might have exercised with that very tank in Ruhleben Fighting Village in Berlin. The armd Sqn was 14/20th King's Royal Hussars - a great bunch. Amazing to see it start and run. Brilliant stuff.
Oddly enough, I was in Newcastle last year and my kids walked right past a Challenger 2 tank outside the Discovery Museum like it wasn't there; great video by the way. 👍👍
That is amazing! Watching the engine slowly come to life was extremely satisfying even just on the video, to experience it firsthand by being there must’ve been amazing keep up the great work cheers, Peter
a credit to the mechanics who put it away 30 years ago, nice one.
Bet they serviced it whilst as a gate guardian?
@@steveblanchard7293 I highly doubt it.
the way most govt agencies work they probably completely overhauled it just before putting it away
@@snapon666 I can believe that.
@@snapon666 It was stored an monument, not as a tank.
Highly doubt they spend anything on it. Ifact. I think they picked the worst of the worst from the lot. - But thats not saying much from an army that generally keeps their items in perfect nick. Everything woulda been oiled, painted and hatches woulda been closed. But theres no way on earth they would restore something just to put it on display on a small mound outside some random baracks
The good ones worth saving woulda been stored inside- this is brittain, not the US or russia. Its wet, rainy and anything metal thats left outside is bound to rust.
This was our gate guardian at the reserve unit. There was alot of sadness when we found out she was going as we have alot of fond memories with, as well as spending almost 2 weeks guttering her exterior and repainting her to bring some life back. Also our children loved being around it. But it's good see she will seek a second life of being restored. 👍
With any luck, she could be upgraded and pressed back into service as a BCR.
@@gusgone4527 poo tin probably want's it
@@gusgone4527you did a good job on the paint you should be proud of her you did her justice....
Probably get flogged to an American
It looks good 🫡
After over thirty years as a gate guard and you guys get it going with minimal effort. A testament to you and the the build of the tank. You guys are brilliant.
Yep, they sure are !
I suppose being a gate guard means it hasn't been "farmerised" over the years 😂😂
What a babe!! Whoever delivered that tank originally must of thought of the future and preserved it flawlessly. Road wheels look immaculate, tracks don't appear to be ceased, and overall, extremely well cared for.
"Stop The Cavalry" Excellent choice! Nice after 30 years... it's a runner!
Considering the current geopolitical nightmare and the dire straits our tank regiments are in. It could be much more than just a runner. It could be a candidate for refurbishment and battle casualty replacement. I'm not joking.
@@gusgone4527 OK Shermans and T34's then too? We could muck out museums for all manner of iron. It is one thing at a show or historical gathering. Given the level of technology of armored vehicles and defense weapons... I think it is a much better plan to send our crews the best we have versus a museum exhibit. I'm not joking either.
@@Ma_Deuce_338 But if a war breaks out, there may not be enough time/resources to build a new tank so refurbishing these old tanks could be the only option in short term.
I still love it, and I was 20+ when it came out!!
@@supertouring1 There are "storm clouds" and saber rattling going on continually as one leafs through modern history. Fact A does not change B. If you are a foot soldier facing a modern opposition force, I can not in good conscience issue you a 1903 or a K97 bolt action rifle to face a fire team armed with rapid fire weapons and high capacity magazines. You can actually do this and win with a determined force occasionally... but it won't be sustainable. Military equipment is constantly superseded and replaced by new better equipment. (that is not always true but is the intention.) Do not predispose a force to fail due to outdated equipment of any kind. Particularly that was surplused and replaced with new. The important asset we have is the men and woman that fight for our nations. Protect them like they were your own family. Furnish the best if you ask them to go.
This tank has been a static display 1 year before I joined the US Army in 95 lol! I was a Bradley mechanic and Recovery operator. That's actually amazing she fired up that easily. There's just something incredible about the old diesel's cranking over and running on a tank or armored vehicle. They were absolute units of their time. I turned 18 in the Army and now I'm 49 lol. That just floors me how much time has past and this old girl was just sleeping. I hope she get's new paint and get's restored.
its not realy a diesel it will run on just about anything that burns
variable compression ratio engine
@@adeptusmagi she likes her JP4 but she`ll drink Bunker-c if it`s warm enough lol
I've sat outside the gates for years having my lunch in the van looking at that tank wondering what it was like inside and if it still ran, nice work gents. 👍
After years of sitting outside the gates I assume you have now gone home or moved to some other gates!
I worked for the council, sitting in the van was the job if I wasn't asleep. Had a hard life😀
Merry Christmas to all those who currently serve and have served in the armed forces.
Thank you 🙏🎄
here here.....Merry Christmas to our armed services.
Nice work ❤
Amen 🙏🎄
As it was donated by VDS I wonder if it was the one that sat on the Mound of the old Admin block at Barnbow. It faced Manston Lane just after the old ROF Main entrance opposite Pendas Way. That Cheiftain from what I remember only had one forward gear they could engage and it was driven to position and dumped. Might have some photos in Vickers magazines. Also security were torn a strip after someone let either the Sun or a Paul Raymond publication in to photograph a model sat on the tank.
@ The world
Oh my god , those Brit's really know how to build a proper armored vehicle . With proper basic preventative maintenance you were able to start the old girl right up . Add to that she also moves , want to sell her cheap I love her . Your crew are fantastic and better than that they are absolutely great , Also just how much of a heart attack did the senior people at the Armory have when you told them that all you did to her was some basic PMCS then add a little fuel . After which she started right up and you were able to drive her around WOW . Thanks for sharing this with us !...!...!
She is beautiful, I served on Chieftain MK 2. 3 & 3s with the 1st Royal Tank Regiment in 1971. how I would love to come and visit just to hear the Chiefy Howl again, a song that once heard stays with you till you die. at the age of 71, memories came flooding back. FEAR NAUGHT Brothers.
I was a B1 Gunner Chieftain, same 1 RTR Same period C Squadron. Worlds a small place.
And i was a Gunner/Radio operator in the late 60's on Centurians
Aye memories .......... and Mars bars and Embassy No 1. When we were young.
Same here C Sqdn. 3RTR in Fally.
In 1976/1977 I was a tankcommandant in the Dutch army in his "Older" sister, a Centurion tank. Your video brought back memories. Thanks
THIS OLD australian Centurian Gunner also has memories from 1962.
bedankt voor uw dienst Jos! Ik heb mn tijd gedaan in de generatie erna (YPR en Leo) maar alles met rupsen blijft machtig mooi spul!
We Brits are forever deriding our own engineering designs, especially military ones (herm… SA80 anyone?), but getting a complex, heavy piece of equipment functioning so quickly after 30 years left to the elements, speaks to its design and development.
(Plus the tinkering magic of Mr Hewes, Jack, Seb and Ted etc.)
don't mention the sa, cough cough bit of shite cough.... remember when they shut enfield down and moved to nottingham. then the accounts took over production!
took em years to make a straight barrel. the original engineers used the round windows in enfield buildings to detect bends, when they moved....
I was thinking the same .
What are peach change the fuel filters some oil new batteries she ran😀😃😁 roar of the engine never gets old 😁😄😃
I would not lay the blame for the SA80 wholly on Enfield. I believe that squadrons of politicians and accountants must carry some of that particular can.
But full marks for the men who put that tank away and the MH crew for accepting the mission of reviving it. I was astonished at how smooth it sounded from the first crank.
This was hugely impressive. 30 years of inactivity, and after a quick basic recommission, the old girl fired up and drove perfectly. What a testament to the REME engineers who gave it a final service. Awesome piece of kit the Chieftain. I can vividly recall being on Ex on Salisbury plain in 1991, I was in the infantry reserves for 18-19 years. The Coy position was on either side of a tank track, we were dug in - 3 man fire trenches. We got 'attacked' by a couple of Chieftain MBT's which came hammering through the position on the tank track. The lead vehicle trained it's 120mm tube right at me- it was quite a sobering sight I can tell you! As the MBT traversed past my position, the barrel was locked on tgt, so the tube remained aimed directly at my trench as the beast ploughed through the position. The ground vibrated and the noise was terrific, the shock effect of being attacked for real by armour must be shattering. Thoroughly enjoyed this video- brilliant!
You are far too humble, you do yourselves a disservice: without you that beast would still be on gate duty, it is only because of you that it is running again and ready for the next chapter in its renewed journey. Truly blessed.
Thank you!
@ I was grinning ear to ear then you started it - on behalf of many (I’m sure) “no, no, no: thank YOU”
I have never watched your channel before and generally have no specific interest in tanks or military vehicle specifically. But being mechanical sympathetic myself I got an absolute buzz hearing her start up after 30yrs. She clearly wants to live again. What is the plan for her now?
@@JackOfAllTrades-UK I think its the first time I've seen Hewes start a tank and not have sparks flying from the exhaust a few minutes later! I jest but normally they do get a bit of a thrash with lots of smoke!
probably one of the most complete chieftains out their
she got put away in almost combat condition. I recon if her gun still worked 30 years ago she just needed fuel and rounds and she was ready to kill some reds
Thank you for renovating yet another valued ex "Service Member!" Our former vehicles deserve to be remembered, preserved and respected also! 🙏🏼⚔️🔥👍🏽
It’s so good you save all of these, there’s a chally 1 at the aldershot military museum that could really do with your attention! 🙂
They can swap it for a beat up Russian T90 from Ukraine in a "last used condition."
@ they’d have to find the turret first.
@@mrtankalotrctankschannel Might be a bit premature to collect a search party though, best wait till the bullets have stopped flying, permanently... for however long that will be... Russia??
@@mrtankalotrctankschannel it just flew past the ISS on trajectory towards the moon.
REME museum has or had the first challenger 1 prototype locked away without tracks apparently they robbed them for spares and took them to the gulf and probably left them there
The Foden is an absolute asset , such a handy tool to have on hand
How rare is that, a gate guard that hasn’t been stripped out for spares/trophys, hasn’t been filled with concrete, seemingly has no knackered parts and then starts and moves under it’s own power after a service and some precautionary maintenance/prep! I’m amazed. Well done all, happy days! Very glad you had a bit of luck, you’ve earned it with all the graft that you all usually have to go through to even get some bit of kit’s engine un-seized! 👍👍👍
That was a pleasing video! You have to praise the team that prepped for it`s long sentinel duty. The team did a great job doing all the checks. RR did a good job on it`s last rebuild also! Congratulations on the resurrection!
Now that engine sounded perfect within just a few revs ... Great video, thanks.
These young guys are geniuses at what they do, they have got the gift. Their mechanical knowledge is amazing.
I'm so old I can remember when ' stop the cavalry ' was in the charts.......😮👍👍👍
IM SO OLD I CAN REMEMBER A TIME WHEN NO ONE IN THE WORLD HAD EVER HEARD IT. AHHH GOOD TIMES, GREAT TIMES
Yup. Gents of a certain vintage.
I'm so old I was serving when it was in the charts. 1980 was the year I got married. Perhaps I should have unbridled the horses rather than go charging into the unknown.
Just in case my wife reads this. "I'm only joking dearest."
And me!
Me too.
Joe, Adam, and Jack, great to see you guys. What a gem of an acquisition!!! Cheers to brethren REME Rats doing such a wonderful job of tucking this one away 30 years ago!! It almost that time again, to start planning for my return for Tankfest. Very best, John in Canada, RCEME
That is amazing, 30yrs sat outside and started first time! I have always read the Chieftain engine was rubbish, they are obviously not. Well done as ever Joe and Jack and not forgetting Adam's professional driving.
Yeah people only talk about the engine in it’s early form… people only seam to remember the bad things
@@MrHewes As a general rule, though, when something gets to Mark 13 after 20 years just to make it work the way it was supposed to work at Mark 1, it... wasn't brilliant.
@@fat_biker
Spitfires... Beaufighters... 🤔
@@fat_bikeryou often find the "mark" numbers don't all appear for some reason, so the mark 13 was in all probability around long before, also moving components around the engine to fit other ancillarys would give it a different number for the purpose of spares procurement, part of the engines problem came from the requirement to be multi fuel, other countries tried it and it didn't work out so well, unfortunately by the time the policy was abandoned we had the engine up and running and installed, the issue then is the engine bay is already configured for it and you either have to run with it or start again, and as the military was being squeezed hard at the time they chose to make the best of a bad deal, ultimately it wasn't as bad as it has been painted as people always remember the bad, forgetting the merits, no one in this county sees the disasters elsewhere so it's only our stuff that fails, which makes things rather one sided.
That's the best sounding engine I've heard in a while, what a gem!
Filled me with joy when it started. And then it moved. Wonderful.
It was driven onto the plinth... it could have well driven off 30 years later!
@FrontSideBus if it wasn’t for H&S and environmental mumbo jumbo it absolutely could have
@@MrHewes Did you ever hear about the live "Grand Slam" 10 tonne bomb that was sat as a gate guard for years? 😂😂
@@FrontSideBuscool
Amazing! Every so often the tank Gods are napping and a mint unit drops straight in her lap. Joe and the boys, that's your chrimbo present done right there. Cheers
After 30 years a routine minor service oil' filters' water/ antifreeze levels checked new batteries and a few other checks the bugger fired up REME Mechanics did a fine job maintaining etc. Nice one lads. It's great to see another vehicle operating as it should.
Kero for the win. I think I said before on a 43 vid to get the kero in. Cheap as chips as well.
Also testament to the final crew of the old girl for making sure she was well maintained.
I just love how the UK seems to have so many old decommissioned Tanks everywhere.
If I remember correctly in an earlier video you talked about how that came to be and you said that in the 90s there was a wave of modernization which lead to many tanks being phased out and you could literally just buy a decommissioned and deactivated one at government auctions.
I have a friend who was a tanker in Germany in the 80's. A fellow driver got in deep trouble when he cut a corner too tightly and clipped a bakery.
One of the ''old boys'' at my gun club told me a similar story when he was in Germany. There can't be that many incidents of this happening ? lol Possibly he is the same fella. Served in the police after he left the military. Can't remember his name at the moment I'm afraid . When I find out I will point him to this video.👍
Oh Crumbs, bet he was in the wiener schnitzel, filling out a FMT 3....
That bakery was probably rebuilt and compensated to a ridiculous degree. The other guys (commies) would've said "oh well"
Tankie*
How fantastic, sat for thirty years and with a little bit of love starts and runs on nearly first crank. Well done Guys in saving another piece of history. Sebs tank may have a new friend to play with
A British Leyland item that Red Robbo couldn't stop!!!
Had this video in my TL today - out of the blue. Crazy sh*t! You rock, lads!
That was really mind blowing, can't believe what I'm seeing and hearing. She runs so well. Leyland must have known what they were doing back in the day. Cheers guys!
Must have caught them on a good day - although the A2 was a RR overhaul, so probably managed to undo any BL cockups!
Leyland didn't have a clue. The mods are epic. I'm amazed the cylinders weren't full of water where the seals leaked. A recurring problem never really solved.
Leyland engineers weren’t bad, Leyland managers on the other hand…
That was thoroughly enjoyable Gents, thanks.
Complete even to the point of the foam bits. That reverse gear was the cherry on top
Blooming brilliant … what a class vehicle, 30 years, 1st turn and away. Hope you do the same colours as Seb’s now you have that process worked out.
I went to cadets here from 2005-2009 and recently I quite regularly took my little girl to see the old chieftain. Can’t say I’m not sad to see her go 😢…. But also happy she’s being restored
You guys definitely have the MAGIC TOUCH when it comes to starting tanks that haven't run for a few decades, another awesome piece of military history saved .😊
Amazing engineering after all those years starts almost first turn of the motor absolutely brilliant to see and hear
That engine has such a beautiful note to it. What a great find!
When you can be proud to say British engineering at its finest! 30 years untouched. Love the Chieftain (due to this channel) especially Sebs Mk10.
Brings back memories. Well done everybody. 03 EB 17. I feel sure I've worked on that one in the past.
Truly remarkable. Started this cleanly and after being sat as a gate guard for over thirty years. Fantastic stuff. Well done Ted. We couldn’t have done it without you
I'm so confused right now. Proper ppe including hard hats? Seb doing some work? An unusually minty tank? With decent batteries, proper tools and a Jack's mum joke. You guys have turned professional.
🤣🤣
What a beautifully made machine..and she lit right off.. Well done guys!!
Well done everybody in getting the old girl up and running, superb bit of kit... only one thing I recommend... keep it away from Whistlin Diesel!!!!
I used to work on Chieftains 1976 - 1982 in Osnabrück in Germany. As you said this one has the later better L60. They were terrible with the earlier L60s. On crashout we regularly dragged at least two out of a Squadron to the Deployment area. Happy days
Yes! Really enjoyed that. Looked like a time capsule inside. Definitely deserves saving.
MAN! This one sounded Great Starting-upp
...good ole Chiefy! There is a Chieftain at the Ashchurch Depot (Tewkesbury) , on the gate, that needs rescuing.
It's in a sorry looking state
Awesome tank and the RR serviced engine, sounds sweet. Always love watching the Foden, what a piece of kit.
Nice to hear Jonna Louis after all these years - good choice - It goes to show that if they are sealed from the weather and they were looked after before, they do not need a lot to get them running - nice recovery Guys, another epic piece of armoured history saved from the scrapman. Its a shame they won't let you take to the ranges and test the gun :)
Your yard is something right out of my childhood. Dad was RCT, stationed in Germany of most of my childhood. I grew up clambering around on Fodens, Bedfords and tanks and armoured vehicles of all sorts.
Kudos to the chaps that put this old girl to sleep all those years ago! Their diligence meant a fairly easy revival! I've had cars sat for 3 weeks give me more grief than this old gal gave you!
Brilliant vid made my Sunday....spent many many hours in Chiefy back decks as a young Trooper, Lance Jack and Corporal in the 80s....braw 🏴🏴 It lives 👏👏👏👏
4RTR?
Not 4RTR in Dodesheide, Osnatraz by any chance? 😆 🤣 😂
@yusufturner1971 yup 83 to 91. Imphal Barracks next to Dodesheide and the tank Road Icker weg
@@ukrocketstoves yup
In the big exercises in BAOR in the 1980’s German farmers used to pay anyone in armoured vehicles to drive in to old barns etc then get the MoD to pay for a new one. They had a great scam going. Now and again as REME we would be approached by crews who had got themselves stuck. We would always oblige and the fee was slabs of beer. The bigger the vehicle the more slabs it cost. Also the farmer would chip in some eggs bacon bread and butter. You mentioning that vehicle had been through a building just brought it all back. Brilliant
Looks to be in remarkably good condition
Looks amazing. Happy New Year team!
Sat here with a big grin on mi face hearing it purr back into life, beautiful.
Oh memories, spent 2 years on these in Canada 🇨🇦 89-91. Love that sound plus a little rev in between gear changes sounded excellent 👍
Absolutely fantastic, anyone would think it had been in an air conditioned garage for thirty years. Amazed jack frost hadn't done some damage.
Can't beat the sound of a Leyland L60, one of the best sounding ones I've heard for a long while
Reviving old Titan beasts like these is chilling when they start up
Remnants of the cold war. Even the L60 has an eerie bellow.
I will give anything to drive a chieftain in the memory of my dad, former sgt 13th 18th royal hussars cavalry tank driver operator and instructor.. great work guys
Brings a tear to my eye hearing her start after 30+ years what a beauty! Well done for saving her! Has the turret been decommissioned or could she still shoot if required?
I need to visit you guys some day. Regards from a former 23 Base Workshop REME worker (1983 - 1987) - The Chieftain`s sound is amazing
Excellent seeing that old girl kick into life, well done guys 👏🏼
Ive always loved heavy equipment. Ive always had a big interest in military equipment and tanks. I feel at home here with your team and you going through all the technical details. Along with the rest of what you show it really is great. Im happy you started your channel. Its great to see work from another perspective. Keep it up
I don't think they come better than that Joe. Absolute belter...!!
New describer to your channel and I'm a gear head myself as i work on airplanes and im very amazed to the dedication you all put into these beauties as they all have had some kind of history behind them at one time. Keep up the great work.
Awesome result, the sound of that took me straight back to my training in Bordon 😁♥️
Well, that just shoes how good British engineering is and massive credit to whoever looked after her before she was put on the gate post.
Loved driving the Chieftain back in Germany in the 1970's, those were the good times
I’ll wager you served with my dad then if you were 14th/20th
Wow that was amazing video.sat there 30years a bit of tinkering and away it goes.. Brought back memories when I was in the army at that time thay were in service. Thanks.
Brilliant, great to see it alive and loved, I look forward to seeing the restoration project.
The bit I love in these comments is the lads from BOAR etc who are immediately transported back 40 years to their youth by the sound of the engine.
They just don't make things like they used to. Full credit to Ted for organising all this.
Brings back memories - I did my apprenticeship as a fitter working on these at 38 Central Workshop in Chilwell, Nottingham - 40 years ago!
It's that engine and all the magic that Rolls-Royce put into it. That's what made that Chieftain go again after all these years!
Leyland.
@@philhawley1219 as per Mr Hews at the beginning of the video, it is the last version of the Engine, which was the original Leyland engine that has been gone over by Rolls Royce.
Jona Lewie intro....absolutely love the soundtrack you chuck around the vids.
The sound of the L60 transported me back 50 years to the tank hangars in Hohne in what was West Germany. What memories they are. Well done guys for saving another Chieftain.
I have such great memories of Hohne! Not least of which is when my brother and his wife and kids came to visit and they got to crawl all over a Chieftain!!
Fantastic work another one saved from just rotting away as a gate guard doing what it’s ment to do running and driving you and your team do a fantastic job saving these tank and keeping them alive
Thanks for the blast from the past. Haven’t seen Embassy no 1 packets like that for decades!
I love British tanks, the design and off-road capability are absolutely amazing. Well done boys !!!
This Tank was QOH. I remember when it went into the side of the house. Oh the memories we all had a chuckle.. think we caused so much destruction in a few days that index was called early.
I was also QOH and vaguely remember that incident. Not sure if it was Hohne or Detmold where it happened but was within the camp. There's also a "Fahrschule" plate on the turret which denotes a learner driver so it might have happened on a driver training course?
@chriswilson5303 was Hohne Chris.
Fallingbostel (Oerbke) also had a tank park it's self in a civvy building in the 80's. If I remember rightly it was a Pub just outside St. Barbara Bks, 16 Tank Transporter RCT back gate.
Another ex “Tankie” hear, I was also at Fallingbostle albeit in the 60’s on Centurions
@@chriswilson5303 the driver who crashed was my brother. He was o his D&M course. Took the corner too fast and took the corner of the shed out.
I was QOH too.
Oh, what a little baby! I recon the engineer who put the tank in situ gave it some love, thinking about its future. How marvellous is that!
Please don't sell it to some mad yank 😂😂
Another amazing bit of British military history roaring back to life. A credit to all involved 👏
This one is staying close to me
@MrHewes best reply ever Mr H 👍👍👍
@@MrHewesgood!!
Gob smacking after 30 years on a pedestal in front of gates with minimal servicing it fires right up what a sound too. Well done you guys.
Wish someone would donate you guys a Conqueror, my Dad served as loader in one on his National service.
I love sundays, a beer and sunday roast then Mr Hews.perfect!
Love this chanel. Takes me back to being in REME in the 80's then my days at ABRO once I left the army.
JP-8 is an excellent cleaner, I used to clean my stall floor with it and everyone wondered how the floor was always so white while everyone else's was grayish black. Also JP-8 leaves no residue once it evaporates.
That was incredible! How something so complex can sit idle for so long and just spring back into life is amazing!
You’ve got a good one there, can’t be many that complete, she needs preserving.
Hello EVERYONE! What a real testament to the fitters / engineers who last serviced this machine. A realistically minimal amount of work to get the engines going and then move the tank under it's own power = wonderful. To know that this tank is going to receive some "TLC" is just great!! Thank you to EVERYONE involved - job well done and best wishes from Lincolnshire.
I think I might have exercised with that very tank in Ruhleben Fighting Village in Berlin. The armd Sqn was 14/20th King's Royal Hussars - a great bunch.
Amazing to see it start and run. Brilliant stuff.
Just love the sound of that engine. A complete machine too. Awesome episode, thanks Joe and, of course Crouch Recovery.
I'd say not having a engining bay full of concrete is a winner.
It’s a start
Oddly enough, I was in Newcastle last year and my kids walked right past a Challenger 2 tank outside the Discovery Museum like it wasn't there; great video by the way. 👍👍
Thank you for looking after one of the Green Beasts that I spent many years on Fear Naught 🤓
That is amazing! Watching the engine slowly come to life was extremely satisfying even just on the video, to experience it firsthand by being there must’ve been amazing keep up the great work cheers, Peter
Awsome video guys as usual was great helping you out and putting kettle on 😅cant wait to see her next year 😊
Thanks for the much needed Tea ☕️
Was that you in the video at the end tac? If so looking well bud
@davidcostello2525 yes cossie it's me old and not out lol 😆