Inside the Chieftain's Hatch: BDX

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 671

  • @ibalrog
    @ibalrog ปีที่แล้ว +910

    I don't think you're giving the designers enough credit; that space was admirably shaped to fit your own head exactly.

    • @VekhGaming
      @VekhGaming ปีที่แล้ว +35

      I mean, at least it means his head can't really smack that badly forwards or backwards, only need to wear a padded helmet to be safe and secure against whiplash.

    • @alltat
      @alltat ปีที่แล้ว +43

      If the padding is thin enough to fit into that space, I'd say it's really just a hat.

    • @westtex3675
      @westtex3675 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Exactly. His head fits perfectly, like a Tetris block. Who needs visibility anyways?

    • @SonsOfLorgar
      @SonsOfLorgar ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ​@@alltat perfect for a tankers beret 😂

    • @kortexsirvasil
      @kortexsirvasil ปีที่แล้ว +3

      When the vehicle fits you like a glove

  • @andersjjensen
    @andersjjensen ปีที่แล้ว +325

    I laughed so hard at Nick chuckling at the absurdity that my GF came running demanding clarification. I just turned the screen so she could see nick dead-pan stare into the front bulkhead, and she started laughing too.

  • @Valkyrie9000
    @Valkyrie9000 ปีที่แล้ว +293

    I think this is the first armored vehicle that made Nick genuinely claustrophobic. There was a little tinge of "can we get out now?" at the end

    • @pontimin4173
      @pontimin4173 ปีที่แล้ว +31

      I felt claustrophobic just watching it.

    • @dyingearth
      @dyingearth ปีที่แล้ว +27

      Forget the "Oh God the Vehicle is on Fire" test.

    • @haldorasgirson9463
      @haldorasgirson9463 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I was sorta hoping he'd get stuck.

    • @haldorasgirson9463
      @haldorasgirson9463 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The French have a lot of experience dealing with urban riots.

    • @seanmalloy7249
      @seanmalloy7249 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      He was probably already unsettled by the lack of any track-tensioning system.

  • @cmck472
    @cmck472 ปีที่แล้ว +226

    I'm laughing my head off at the sight of Nick in the drivers seat 😂😂😂

    • @dantreadwell7421
      @dantreadwell7421 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      The Short is just bloody hilarious.

    • @SynapseDriven
      @SynapseDriven ปีที่แล้ว +1

      same here lol

    • @Nightdare
      @Nightdare ปีที่แล้ว +4

      One really had to be below military standard to be designated the driver for something like this

    • @Sydney559
      @Sydney559 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same!!!😂😂😂😂

    • @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785
      @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Truly one of the moments of all time!

  • @silmarian
    @silmarian ปีที่แล้ว +309

    I love how the L/33 was no problem but this moderately modern vehicle was too small.

    • @joedingo7022
      @joedingo7022 ปีที่แล้ว +52

      The M22 has a better driver's position than this thing. Let that sink in.

    • @classifiedad1
      @classifiedad1 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      @@joedingo7022American vehicle ergonomics for you.
      I recall Japanese cars sold in the US and Canada are modified to accommodate American and Canadian drivers and their increased size and differing tastes. The modifications between the two are identical.

    • @lostalone9320
      @lostalone9320 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I would venture that it's not even a "modern vs old" sort of discussion. It's just purely cost, size and ease of production. There's no problem in creating more leg room if there is just empty space on the other side of that panel. It's not even that hard to create some adjustable pedals. But if there isn't empty space, and you're talking about adapting a drivetrain and transmission just so you can get big boys like Nick into the vehicle, then you definitely start to ask whether it's worth the hassle.

  • @martinrose2833
    @martinrose2833 ปีที่แล้ว +208

    So we have found a vehicle into which the Chieftain won't fit and oh the irony , it's Irish

    • @SnakebitSTI
      @SnakebitSTI ปีที่แล้ว +25

      He did technically fit inside. Technically.

    • @martinrose2833
      @martinrose2833 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It's me , I'm just a bitter twisted Firefly fan 😃

  • @denisvermeirre1024
    @denisvermeirre1024 ปีที่แล้ว +91

    25:26 A bright rear foglight has been manadatory in Belgium since the 70s. The country gets very foggy in the winter and because Belgian drivers are notoriously fast and careless (Belgium only introduced driver's tests in 1969) it was seen as a necessity.

    • @andersjjensen
      @andersjjensen ปีที่แล้ว +12

      "It's to prevent civilians from coming to an unexpected and particularly abrupt halt, behind the armoured vehicle, in foggy conditions" is probably how Nick would have phrased it :P

    • @DeeEight
      @DeeEight ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Swedish law has a rear light requirement also, on Saabs (and presumably volvols) there's a switch on the dash which activates one rear brake light and leaves it running.

    • @SonsOfLorgar
      @SonsOfLorgar ปีที่แล้ว +5

      ​​@@DeeEight it's actually usually a separate light, not one of the brake lights to avoid risk of confusion if any of the actual brake lights are out of order.
      That said, the EU automatic DRL rules is the worst piece of traffic legislation ever.
      It allows car manufacturers to design cars with ambient light level activation for lazy drivers, only the rules doesn't require the rear lights to be on in daylight, and the light sensor doesn't differentiate between clear sky direct daylight and the diffused daylight as filtered through dense fog or heavy smoke like drifting snow...
      Causing white and light grey cars to become invisible in day fog until they brake for something as their rearward position lights stay off due to ambient light levels...🤬💀

    • @DavidCowie2022
      @DavidCowie2022 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      "Belgium only introduced driver's tests in 1969."
      My parents went on holiday in France in the 80s and 90s, and they quickly formed a low opinion of Belgian drivers. I'm beginning to get an idea of why.

    • @odin1899
      @odin1899 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@DeeEightWhich Saabs? I've owned a fair few and sat in other but have never seen such a feature. DRLs yes, but brake light as fog light I've never encountered.

  • @Einwetok
    @Einwetok ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Seeing you and Battleship New Jersey"s host struggling through tight spots should be a competition!

    • @AnimeSunglasses
      @AnimeSunglasses ปีที่แล้ว +6

      ... The Colonel and Curator Show! I want it.

    • @Riceball01
      @Riceball01 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Now there's a crossover/colab that I never thgouth that i'd needed until now.

    • @SonsOfLorgar
      @SonsOfLorgar ปีที่แล้ว +2

      They could do one on guns that are used or originally were intended for ships and ended up also used in AFVs (or AA guns that were/are used on both)

  • @Yuzral
    @Yuzral ปีที่แล้ว +187

    I can only presume that the Belgians take height limits for vehicle crews a little more seriously than the US Army does.

    • @pguth98
      @pguth98 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Look no further than the Pandur SLEP saga for this kind of attitude. Or lack of measuring.

    • @JozefLucifugeKorzeniowski
      @JozefLucifugeKorzeniowski ปีที่แล้ว +8

      they probably don't. i think you're greatly underestimating the chieftains ingenuity in circumventing guidelines that are unfairly prejudiced. seeing that chieftain keeps getting promoted they obviously value his contributions and would rather let him skirt the height restrictions, that isn't very applicable to an an Abrams anyway, then trade him for someone who meets the height restriction but is a less skilled commander

    • @josephahner3031
      @josephahner3031 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      ​@@JozefLucifugeKorzeniowskithis is almost completely irrelevant to an Abrams, especially for an officer who will almost certainly never occupy any position in the tank other than the Commander's seat. Once you're over 6' the driver's seat starts to become a little tight but that's about it for height becoming a problem until you hit around 6' 5".

    • @hughgeeraerts738
      @hughgeeraerts738 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Indeed ...as a veteran Belgian Gendarme I can tell you that they requirements for the driver was to be not to be taller than 1,73 m.😊...

    • @grahamstrouse1165
      @grahamstrouse1165 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@josephahner3031Except he’s about 6’6”…

  • @junibug6790
    @junibug6790 ปีที่แล้ว +79

    The BDX: When Ireland looks at Soviet armoured vehicles and says, "Look at how roomy they are! We certainly can find better use for all that empty space"

    • @yoloman3607
      @yoloman3607 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Honestly the driver’s area (and the main hull if the belly wheels are removed) of a BRDM-2 armored car is pretty roomy.

  • @dirk6001
    @dirk6001 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    I was a BDX driver in the Belgian Airforce.

    • @TheChieftainsHatch
      @TheChieftainsHatch  ปีที่แล้ว +42

      How did you enjoy it?

    • @derfeschebub8678
      @derfeschebub8678 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      you must be very small

    • @evh1734
      @evh1734 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      Are you a smurf?

    • @dirk6001
      @dirk6001 ปีที่แล้ว +57

      ​@@TheChieftainsHatch It was not that bad, I'm 1.73 m/ 5.67 feet tall witch was more than the maximum height for the driver.
      We also needed to be able to exit the vehicle through the window in case of an emergency 😀
      The Air Force BDXs were sold to Mexico.

    • @derfeschebub8678
      @derfeschebub8678 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      @@dirk6001 They sold them because they couldnt find enough dwarfs in belgium

  • @mrrobg61
    @mrrobg61 ปีที่แล้ว +122

    Just looking at how tight the driver's position is gives us an idea as to why there weren't that many of these vehicles made.

    • @DrBunnyMedicinal
      @DrBunnyMedicinal ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I admit, I'm mildly disappointed that there was a "Oh bugger, the vehicle is on fire" for this one, *especially* for the driver's position in the turreted BDX. 🤣🤣🤣

    • @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785
      @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A country full of racing horse jockeys might want one 🤷

    • @metalwolf112002
      @metalwolf112002 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Oh look, bumpy road *neck crack*

  • @henrya3530
    @henrya3530 ปีที่แล้ว +51

    There have been many ingenious attempts to render military equipment unusable if captured by an enemy - usually it will be something like using a proprietary calibre/ammunition.
    Since this is an Irish design I think it is a stroke of genius to have a vehicle intended to be driven by a Leprechaun!

  • @peternicol3439
    @peternicol3439 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    Oh Bugger! The Chieftain is Stuck 🧐

  • @ZGryphon
    @ZGryphon ปีที่แล้ว +77

    It's like they designed it and _then_ remembered that it needed to have a driver.

    • @1337flite
      @1337flite ปีที่แล้ว +7

      This kind of stuff happens with the manager idiots at my work all the time. Like they didn't specify the driver had to fit or be comfortable or might be 2m tall, but the did specify a centre mounted engine. So that's what they got.

  • @bcgraham3512
    @bcgraham3512 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I was taken on a visit to Professor Timoney's workshop in the early 70's. They were building a prototype APC. As far as I can remember he was associated with University College Dublin at the time, and it was more like a shoestring Faculty of Mechanical Engineering project than a well-funded development project. However, I believe he was an excellent engineer and in a previous employment had been on the team that designed the British Saracin APC. There were two somewhat novel (for APC's at the time?) features in the design that were pointed out; the use of so many glass windows and, I'm pretty sure in that prototype, a gas turbine engine. Maybe entirely wrong, I was still in school and it's a long time ago. No doubt many design compromises had to be subsequently made due to tight funding. I remember one of the design constraints was 4 road wheels.

    • @OscarOSullivan
      @OscarOSullivan 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You are right he had helped design the Saladin and the prototype APC in question became the Timoney APC/BDX

  • @gvii
    @gvii ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I can see it now. All the engineers high fiving one another after finishing the design, getting ready to send the plans off to the factory, when the janitor walks by out in the hallway. Looks in to see what the commotion is, looks up at the blurprint on the wall, and simply asks "Where does the driver sit?". All the engineers get really quiet, look at one another... Then the panic sets in as they quickly dash about looking for a pencil(Cue the Benny Hill theme...) so they can cram in a half-arsed driver's compartment as the the company execs call to ask for the drawings to be sent over to the production hall.
    We've seen plenty of rather craptastic crew positions throughout these videos, but this one has to take the cake. It's kind of mindblowing to think someone took a look at that driver's position and thought "Yep. That looks good! Let's ship it!". I don't know, maybe they had an abundance of ten year olds that were trained APC drivers. I personally kind of doubt it, but I really don't know. Good Lord, that thing is special, hahahaha....

    • @Cadadadry
      @Cadadadry ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That blueprint was probably supposed to be sold by a double agent to the soviets in order to lure them, but some production guy was not aware and sent it to his own department lol

  • @JamesLaserpimpWalsh
    @JamesLaserpimpWalsh ปีที่แล้ว +24

    lol. Poor Chieftain. Thanks for the chuckle. I can't imagine having to drive that more than a few miles. Even a average height person would be all squashed up, and with all plate carriers and kit. Nightmare. Thanks for the vid. I like the weird and wonderful ones.

    • @jakeg-shep
      @jakeg-shep 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      This was during the 70's-early 80's so still the era of plain uniforms only for world military. Armor wouldn't start to really get good till around the late 80's-90's

  • @p_serdiuk
    @p_serdiuk ปีที่แล้ว +86

    I wonder if LPL becoming a household name at this point is actually impacting the security of the locks that the military and police are using. It's kinda weird, I used to watch him back when his channel was more niche.

    • @AnimeSunglasses
      @AnimeSunglasses ปีที่แล้ว +4

      We can only hope!
      ...well, actually, we could start a letter campaign or petition...

    • @bmac1629
      @bmac1629 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      "3 minutes flat" no no that was the length of the video...the picking only took 38 seconds.😂

    • @moosemaimer
      @moosemaimer ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It really does open your eyes, though... I just bought myself a Covert Companion for Christmas and the first padlock I attacked popped open in roughly three minutes. I had only a vague idea of what I was doing and the "clunk" came as a complete surprise. If a total novice can do that, just imagine what someone with any degree of competency can do.

    • @cpt_nordbart
      @cpt_nordbart ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Since Bosnian Bill has retired he's basically the only one left. At least he's the most well known.

    • @josephahner3031
      @josephahner3031 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Locks have only ever been a deterrent to honest or particularly lazy people and a minor inconvenience at best to dishonest people.

  • @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785
    @pex_the_unalivedrunk6785 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Funny that the Chieftain mentioned the Jane's Guide at the end, as I had marked this vehicle as one that I would like to have(I put footnotes in multiple entries throughout the guidebook), mostly because I liked the modern exterior design of the BDX and performance numbers and top speed.
    However, since seeing that I am about 6'2" tall, and that having one of these would never work, I am taking it off my wishlist...well, the improved version seemed okay, but I don't like the idea of an exposed engine right there, if the exhaust manifold gasket starts leaking, it wouldn't be any fun at all. 🤣
    Thanks Nicholas, for being the guinea pig for those of us who would be too tall to drive the BDX!

    • @TheChieftainsHatch
      @TheChieftainsHatch  ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I always knew these videos would have a practical use…

  • @ecovictor2611
    @ecovictor2611 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    In 1979, Argentina acquired five BDX Armored Vehicles. Arriving at the end of that year and the beginning of 1980, they were incorporated into the Argentine Federal Police within the "Mounted" Unit.
    One was a "command" version, equipped with a work table inside. The other four were used for personnel transport, also known within the Federal Police as VTT (Shooters Transport Vehicle). Two of these four had a special shovel at the height of their front bumper, enabling them to dismantle barricades or obstacles.
    Regarding armament, in addition to the two factory smoke launcher systems (76 mm with 3 barrels each), they had a domestically manufactured "Venturini" Multiple Launcher with six barrels of caliber 38.1 mm installed.
    Due to a lack of operational use and maintenance, they became non-operational. This led to a comprehensive review and general overhaul of the BDX vehicles.
    Out of the 5 BDX vehicles, only 3 were fully refurbished. They are currently in operational condition and still belong to the "Mounted" Unit of the Argentine Federal Police.

    • @OscarOSullivan
      @OscarOSullivan 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      They were designed by Séamus Timoney and his team from the start to fulfil an Irish government requirement to be able to operate in an urban guerrilla warfare environment including the ability to cross over riot barricades

  • @JJAmes-mb4du
    @JJAmes-mb4du ปีที่แล้ว +60

    The two smallest guys in my Army detachment were notoriously not good drivers. If we'd had these things, we would have been in trouble.

    • @benwilson6145
      @benwilson6145 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Serves you right for recruiting 9 year olds!

    • @OscarOSullivan
      @OscarOSullivan 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Ben just select the smallest who apply for the Calvary

  • @Hugmir
    @Hugmir ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Those camera shots of the driver's interior are beautiful - bot the cramped first one, and the really nicely composed second one, around 24-25 minute marks. Much congratulations on the esthetics of the presentation, it is some prime comfy material.

  • @allangibson8494
    @allangibson8494 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    3 minutes would be a major challenge lock for the Lock Picking Lawyer - 5 to 15 seconds would be more typical for a good padlock (or one to two for a Masterlock padlock - faster than using the key).

    • @SonsOfLorgar
      @SonsOfLorgar ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yup, padlocks should be considdered as an upgraded tamper seal/indicator, not actual security.
      And that's all most military forces uses padlocks for anyway.

  • @maximelormant2102
    @maximelormant2102 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Gotta say two things, first of all, the camera man, doing also all the uploading and everything is great! I love the shape this is taking!
    Second of all, i have to say, I had an unexpected smile when you talked about the Lockpicking Lawyer, I think you mentioned him earlier but still, was a good surprise again.
    Thank you very much anw for the, as always, great, video, and the uncontrollable giggle about the driving seat 😂

    • @falsemcnuggethope
      @falsemcnuggethope ปีที่แล้ว

      How did the camera man not burst into laughter? He must be a real professional.

  • @nickl7488
    @nickl7488 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    if those padlocks are made by master lock, lpl can rake them in 2-3 seconds. ones by paclock take about one minute to pick

  • @Masada1911
    @Masada1911 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I think I know why they designed the drivers position that way. Its to protect the drivers from ptsd because he doesn’t have to see the protestors he is running over.

  • @TheArchaos
    @TheArchaos ปีที่แล้ว +117

    The Locking Picking lawyer has never been confronted with the potential of being ventilated by fully automatic small arms fire while attempting to lockpick a 3$ lock on a tank, the prospect of gaining entry vs the consequence of discovery don't entirely add up in my eyes.

    • @TheChieftainsHatch
      @TheChieftainsHatch  ปีที่แล้ว +82

      Maybe we can make it a simunitions challenge...

    • @adlerarmory8382
      @adlerarmory8382 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I've never seen a BN Staff Duty NCO armed, with loaded magazines, performing the motorpool check, CONUS.. or even OCONUS.

    • @SonsOfLorgar
      @SonsOfLorgar ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Tbh, with a pair of fixed wrenches, opening a padlock of the sizes used on military vehicles is a 3second job...
      They are more for deterring the lazy and unprepared opportunists than anyone actually motivated to get in and to make some noise that might alert a nearby patrol or sentry.
      It's a slightly more robust version of the wire tamper seal indicator on fire extinguishers or untility services meters (water/electric/community central heating)

    • @VosperCDN
      @VosperCDN ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@SonsOfLorgar I got through a padlock, similar to those, in a few whacks of a k-bar (not a marine, just had one of those knives) to help a buddy in barracks when he lost his keys to his locker. Same sort of lock we used to secure our wheeled vehicles that didn't have ignition key systems. Always surprised we didn't "misplace" more vehicles.

    • @ab5olut3zero95
      @ab5olut3zero95 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheChieftainsHatchwhere do we volunteer as the security force for that video?

  • @kennethkaczypenski6224
    @kennethkaczypenski6224 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    WOW I am amazed that you even got behind the sterring wheel,heck I think even a jockey would find it a tight fit!

    • @jonasvandenbroeck3789
      @jonasvandenbroeck3789 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I'm a volunteer and guide at this museum, we have a way worse vehicle. The steering wheel is inverted and connected to the door which opens like the door of those old BMW bobble cars.

    • @VosperCDN
      @VosperCDN ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jonasvandenbroeck3789 There's worse than this ... way worse? What vehicle is that, if you don't mind saying?

    • @justforever96
      @justforever96 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Not really. He's like 6'2" or whatever, he only needs to lose like 6" to bring his eyes down to where he can see ahead. And at that point his head won't be jammed they'll into the corner either, although I would hope they have some padding on that bulkhead.

  • @willfrankunsubscribed
    @willfrankunsubscribed ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nick! Thank you for subjecting yourself to the driving seat, and having a sense of humor about it!

  • @patricksomerville8484
    @patricksomerville8484 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks!

  • @Real_Claudy_Focan
    @Real_Claudy_Focan ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Hoped you did the ACEC Cobra IFV review (it stood right next to it and was a unique design)
    Hull spotted at 9:38

    • @SabreSix1980
      @SabreSix1980 ปีที่แล้ว

      I wanted to ask that question since he said he was in a War Heritage site near Antwerp. My first though was ah, the Gunfire site at Brasschaat, 2d, what would he think of the COBRA?

  • @jasonmcroberts5668
    @jasonmcroberts5668 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I think the Motolita steering wheel is the nicest thing about the vehicle, although the conversion van rear air is pretty good too.😂

  • @martinh2783
    @martinh2783 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Did you ever feel you might have to call the emergency services to get out of a vehicle?

  • @PaletoB
    @PaletoB ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Love the combination of military and civilian off-the-shelf parts like the aircon 😂

    • @neilbrown2948
      @neilbrown2948 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Looks to me like it was cobbled together from parts bought at a yard sale.

  • @s_vb2220
    @s_vb2220 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    never thought id ever see a decent video about these, let alone a video by the Chieftain!

  • @olejnik5165
    @olejnik5165 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Aussie Bushmaster and it suspension isn't the only part made by Timoney, the entire prototype was Irish and was sold to the Aussies with Thales

    • @barrythatcher9349
      @barrythatcher9349 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I love to see the Chieftain do a review of Bushmaster.

    • @OscarOSullivan
      @OscarOSullivan 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      And Singapore’s terex was co designed by Timoney

  • @lostalone9320
    @lostalone9320 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    In defense of the Yale lock - It's not really about actual security against enemies, it's about handling the low hanging fruit at a low cost; local likely lads who happen by. Which is important for a vehicle which is going to spend its life driving around near civilians but not shooting them.
    Yale locks are certainly pickable... But that's actually in their favour, because it means they are servicable by any locksmith. Someone at your depot can probably get the doors open eventually without a cutting torch, in the event of lost keys.
    Yale keys can also be master keyed or pass keyed, so your quartermaster (or whoever goes around to make sure they haven't been stripped for parts) can open every vehicle with his one master key, but your driver can only open his one. Again, useful for vehicles that spend a lot of time parked in a depot and not being thought about very much. If a vehicle's internals have been looted (eg, Russian logistics) then the one guy with a master can find out quickly, and the one other guy with a regular key is the prime suspect.
    Creating a minute or two of resistance to open the doors is actually very effective. There is a reason why we use Yale locks on houses! It is very very rare for burglars to pick locks, compared to smashing the door in or breaking a window. Thieves don't want to stand in the open where they can be seen.

  • @delurkor
    @delurkor ปีที่แล้ว +5

    As a short person (5'4" once 5'2" now) I had to giggle watching the Chieftain trying to get in to the driver position. 👍

    • @justforever96
      @justforever96 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Yeah, we have our laughs sometimes. I'm not that small but I am pretty sure I would fit just about perfect in that seat.

  • @electrolytics
    @electrolytics ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent content as always. Thanks Chieftain.

  • @barelyasurvivor1257
    @barelyasurvivor1257 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Oh bugger the Armored Car is on Fire!
    Ok Chieftain Go!

  • @MrScottr1958
    @MrScottr1958 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm glad you started laughing when you were in the drivers seat because I was busting up.

  • @stanislavczebinski994
    @stanislavczebinski994 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    If a vehicle is so cramped even the Chieftain has to laugh - it tells you all you need to know😂

  • @MrTylerStricker
    @MrTylerStricker ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I do love the Belgians so. They have such a wonderful and fascinating Marshall history.

  • @SamGray
    @SamGray ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Police armour having splinter protection would be good if one were dealing with possible IEDs, I suppose. I still look askance at my local department having a leftover Army MRAP, though.

    • @VekhGaming
      @VekhGaming ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I mean, its Belgium, together with France they STILL find tons of unexploded WWI ordnance, IED protection might be enough against hitting a random 110 year old 105mm German shell.
      Or some random rioting guy throwing a 110 year old piece of ordnance he found in in grandda's field.

  • @rc8937
    @rc8937 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Chieftain needs the jaws of life!

  • @Cancun771
    @Cancun771 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    14:52 At this moment, he fondly remembered the German Kanonenjagdpanzer with its RV-sized fighting compartment.

    • @MrViki60
      @MrViki60 ปีที่แล้ว

      The US has already forgotten about the Ukraine as its Semitic masters are at war with brown people.

  • @erikverstrepen3373
    @erikverstrepen3373 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gunfire museum in Brasschaat ! You were close to Antwerp indeed. Not bad, depending on volunteers that place.
    Visit it every year, future unsure so thanks for the mention ! 👍🙏🏻

  • @cronoros
    @cronoros ปีที่แล้ว +12

    "What happens when a space marine tries to drive an imperial guard vehicle? Lets find out!"

  • @stijnVDA1994
    @stijnVDA1994 ปีที่แล้ว

    That was one of the best and most important refrences to another youtuber that i have ever seen!

  • @Ironclockwork
    @Ironclockwork ปีที่แล้ว +55

    "Ireland is not known for being a weapons manufacturing center of excellence."
    I dunno, I would think irish whiskey might qualify just due to its venerable reputation.

    • @AnimeSunglasses
      @AnimeSunglasses ปีที่แล้ว +8

      That's not a weapon, that's a fuel

    • @andersjjensen
      @andersjjensen ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Recommend me a good quality Irish Weapons Grade Whiskey, please.

    • @cmck472
      @cmck472 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@andersjjensen Jamison Redbreast

    • @adlerarmory8382
      @adlerarmory8382 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Who was it that said God created whiskey so the Irish couldn't/wouldn't conquer the world?

    • @Coconut-219
      @Coconut-219 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Relative obscurity punctuated by brief historical moments of ingenuity and prowess when required by circumstance...

  • @myk6694
    @myk6694 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good man Nicholas, the torture you put yourself through to educate us,... fair play to you

  • @TheEjectorSeat
    @TheEjectorSeat ปีที่แล้ว +2

    “Thank god its an automa-wait what the hell is the clutch doing then?” I love that

  • @andrewcox4386
    @andrewcox4386 ปีที่แล้ว

    Watching you get into the drivers seat I was reminded of the interceptor & Sky 1 crew slides in Gerry Andersons UFO

  • @jpc6235
    @jpc6235 ปีที่แล้ว

    Greetings from the Old Country, Nicholas. Wishing you and yours a very happy Christmas !

  • @eireman51
    @eireman51 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I Served in irish army from 1979 . We used these Timoney APCs in our 27th infantry BN on Border duties for a very short time. The reason for the Timoney short deployment on Border patrols was that these APCs were to wide and bad turning circle, whilst on narrow Border roads. We had to revert back to the older Panhard APCs.

    • @OscarOSullivan
      @OscarOSullivan 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks weren’t the Panhard APC’s part of the reason we adopted the Steyr AUG?

  • @WarmongerSmurfOnXbox
    @WarmongerSmurfOnXbox ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Chieftain: Using a $3 padlock to secure a two million dollar tank
    Us: Leaving leaving our 64 million dollar helicopter unlocked, and the keys in.

    • @SonsOfLorgar
      @SonsOfLorgar ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Keys? A majority of military vehicles doesn't use ignition keys...
      They might have separate manual switches for master power, fuel pumps and ignition cirquits though, that setup also doubles as a kind of sobriety test😉

    • @josephahner3031
      @josephahner3031 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@SonsOfLorgari presume he meant the padlock keys in the lock or he isn't referring to a military vehicle.

    • @WarmongerSmurfOnXbox
      @WarmongerSmurfOnXbox ปีที่แล้ว

      Oddly the helicopters do come with something akin to an ignition key. Well at least for the Blackhawk and Chinooks, can’t speak about the rest.

  • @petesheppard1709
    @petesheppard1709 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I greatly enjoyed Nick's voyage of discovery, but the claustrophobic creepies started as he contorted himself into that driver's hole.
    From the back, it actually looked fairly roomy; Nick shattered that illusion rather thoroughly.

  • @MrEd01US
    @MrEd01US ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was really looking forward to the "Oh bugger the BDX is on fire!".

  • @Stukov961
    @Stukov961 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Pretty sure LPL's time on those military spec Master locks is closer to 3 seconds than it is 3 minutes.
    Unless I'm mistaken, they can still be comb picked, I'm which case you can open them pretty much as fast as if you were using the key. And it looks like using a key too, to boot.

  • @MrHws5mp
    @MrHws5mp ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I suspect the primary inspiration for the Timoney/BDX was the Panhard M3, which also had a mid-engine design and was used by the Irish Army. The point of the exhaust pipes running along the top corners of the roof was to dissuade rioters from climbing onto the vehicle. The Valkyr that you tried looks like the prototype fire-support version, which had a two-man turret with a 90mm Cockerill (of course) gun and a lower roof. The APC version had a taller roof with the intakes above the driver in similar fashion to the BDX. Acoording to Jane's, two production Valkyrs were delivered to Kuwait just before the 1991 invasion, so it looks like the main problem was that the launch customer were suddenly unable to pay, and when they got their country back, they had the desire, budget and priorities for something more warlike.
    I hope you got poke around an ACEC Cobra while you were in Belgium: now THAT was an oddball vehicle!

  • @JansenX12
    @JansenX12 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    If your armored police vehicle encounters a 105mm gun...they ether crossed the wrong border or someone stored it in his garage for a long time for the right moment...

    • @allangibson8494
      @allangibson8494 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Or they are in the United States (although that probably ticks both your boxes).

    • @liammeech3702
      @liammeech3702 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It is possible that the Irish government wanted access to an APC for that
      *just in case wink, wink*

    • @ThumperLust
      @ThumperLust 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@allangibson8494No, it’s too hard to reload the 105mm case with powder and shell. Besides that, if you take a 105mm deer hunting.

  • @nobodyuknow4911
    @nobodyuknow4911 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    TECHNICALLY The Chieftan can in fact fit in the driver's seat... It's a bit like "Human Tetris", but he is capable of existing within the space provided, just not anything else. ^_^

  • @SuiLagadema
    @SuiLagadema ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I swear, someday a museum will have to dismantle part of a vehicle to get him unstuck.
    Chieftain: Oh! Let's take a look at that iconic vehicle!
    Museum: We can't allow you in there
    Chieftain: Why?
    Museum: We might have to dismantle the whole vehicle to extricate you.

  • @janboen3630
    @janboen3630 ปีที่แล้ว

    26:20 I had ride inside a BDX, during a military exercise, not enjoyable. The whining engine must generate hearing problems after prolonged use. Stuffed, getting hot and cramped. I'm 1.90m/6 ft 3

  • @Colinpark
    @Colinpark ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The driver position of the Valkyrie reminds me of the Malaysian Simba which I have been in. I recall us discussing the Valkyrie many years ago on Tanknet, as I recall even then we didn't have lot of good to say about it. If I win the lottery, I send you to Pt Dickson military Museum where there are lots of neat vehicles like the Simba to film.

  • @MrBrewsterbuffalo
    @MrBrewsterbuffalo ปีที่แล้ว +17

    That internal layout made me wince. Can't imagine trying to move around in there with a full load of passengers, let alone with all of them wearing riot kit.
    The driver's position is just absurdly bad.

    • @extragoogleaccount6061
      @extragoogleaccount6061 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      And then imagine the engines running, and it’s so loud you can’t hear the person next to you,…

    • @montarakid1943
      @montarakid1943 ปีที่แล้ว

      Then imagine how well that ventilation system actually works.@@extragoogleaccount6061

  • @anthonykaiser974
    @anthonykaiser974 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Small bit of trivia: the Bowling Green, KY Corvette plant originally was Chrysler's Airtemp division plant for non-automotive air conditioners. GM took it over in 1982.
    Yes, rear fog lights are a thing in Continental Europe. Really should be universal, TBH. For those not familiar, it makes your tail lamps brighter so you can be seen from the rear.
    On a side note, I was not aware you were doing the Chieftain's Hatch: Theater of the Absurd edition today. 😂

  • @mckinleygoetz9855
    @mckinleygoetz9855 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really enjoy watching your videos. Always informative and factual. Yes, I'm the OH-58D mechanic.

  • @Lazarus7000
    @Lazarus7000 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It's like they were playing a video game, "Adding air con bumps the Crew Comfort score up to 75 even though the driver's folded up like a business letter, ship it!"

  • @ptonpc
    @ptonpc ปีที่แล้ว +11

    That thing looks incredibly claustrophobic in the driver's position. I can't get over someone designing it and saying "Right, that'll do". Presumably there were length and height considerations that were considered more important?

    • @Riceball01
      @Riceball01 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I don't think that anybody except a small child would be comforatble in that driver's seat. I'm 5'7" and while that means my head likely won't be jammed very high up and I could probably see out of the window, that steering wheel would still be jammed into my gut or just below my chest.

    • @ptonpc
      @ptonpc ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Riceball01 "Ergonomics? Whassat?" Agreed, I would hate to have to drive that thing.

  • @termitreter6545
    @termitreter6545 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Chieftain in the driver seet is such an amazing image xD

  • @John-pn4rt
    @John-pn4rt ปีที่แล้ว

    that driver's position is incredible - and that's without you wearing anything on your head to be able to talk to the commander!

  • @ObligedOrca9161
    @ObligedOrca9161 ปีที่แล้ว

    25:20 could "rear fog" be a smoke screen system? The vehicle is a diesel, so it could be possible.

    • @slome815
      @slome815 ปีที่แล้ว

      Almost certainly just the single rear fog light on the left of the vehicle. Most cars of this era also just had a fog light like that.

  • @Rob_F8F
    @Rob_F8F ปีที่แล้ว

    10:00 Stratford-upon-Avon is chiefly known for as the home of the mount in the turret.
    The town also happens to be the birthplace of the obscure, Elizabethon playwright, a man called......let's see....aaaa... William Shakespeare.

    • @ROBERTN-ut2il
      @ROBERTN-ut2il ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Who?

    • @Rob_F8F
      @Rob_F8F ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@ROBERTN-ut2ilI know, right?
      Unless you are a huge English Lit nerd, you will have never have even heard of the guy.
      I mean who puts on Elizabethan-era plays nowadays or even adapts them into movies? I mean it all as much ado about nothing.

    • @ROBERTN-ut2il
      @ROBERTN-ut2il ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Rob_F8F Required treading in Junior High back when it was held in a cave and I avoided the saberteeth on the way to school.

  • @matusfekete6503
    @matusfekete6503 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    18:40 I was hoping to see 'Oh crap, tank is on fire!' drill.

  • @deforesttappan6478
    @deforesttappan6478 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I learned something new!!!

  • @zackmuller2077
    @zackmuller2077 ปีที่แล้ว

    When you talked about the engine placement, the South African Ratel came to mind with its engine offset to the right in the rear of the vehicle, allowing you to still have that rear hatch.

  • @TheOriginalJAX
    @TheOriginalJAX 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    15:30 Best clown car skit Iv seen in a while, the short doesn't quite do it justice, 10/10 would watch again.

  • @IchwurdeHierzugenotigt
    @IchwurdeHierzugenotigt ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Somehow that thing reminds me of a vehicle a friend of mine owns. A so called Sonderwagen 1. These vehicles were designed for small people with a height less than 1,70 meters and a weight less than 60 kilograms. As a former Leopard 2A4 driver, it felt really cramped compared to the spacious drivers compartment of the Leopard 2.

  • @Valkyrie9000
    @Valkyrie9000 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    14:43 a meme is born

  • @wardnelen3140
    @wardnelen3140 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Did some work today and got this exact vehicle running! ( the BDX II)

  • @slateslavens
    @slateslavens ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nick in the driver's seat aptly demonstrates why Timoney left the vehicle design business.

  • @MLN-yz4ph
    @MLN-yz4ph ปีที่แล้ว

    The two really fun things was when he talked about the padlock and the fact that the driver had to be small. It was something that always kind of funny that all you need to take a vehicle was a big red master key. That is bolt cutters for those of you not aware of that term. As someone that is six foot some spaces were not as welcoming as others even in the US equipment but some countries had height restrictions for even being in armor. The USSR had a 5'4" limit for the T-74 so that is a thing.

  • @FairlyUnknown
    @FairlyUnknown ปีที่แล้ว

    I got a good chuckle when you got into the drivers seat and your head perfectly fit straight into the front armor staring into it. How horrible hahahah

  • @louisl2829
    @louisl2829 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love those suspense moments "Is he gonna fit or not ?" 🤣

  • @jp18449
    @jp18449 ปีที่แล้ว

    Damn! All those Vickers armoured wheeled vehicles are just huge!

  • @Maulincio
    @Maulincio ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Will you make an episode about OT-64 or LT-38 or basically about anything with armor from former czechoslovakia?

  • @1337flite
    @1337flite ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks Chieftain - that was cool - not the vehicle per se, but the knowledge and tour. The less well known vehicles are interesting.The front end of the BDX reminds me of another Belgian vehicle - the SIBMAS - the Valkyre(?) even more so. Wikipedia suggests they are not related, but
    I'd hate to be a casualty in the driver's hole. Imagine trying to get an abdominal wound out that passage.
    It's lucky they put a translation on the "ALARME" light. There's no way my anglo brain would've guessed what that light was other wise. I mean I have no idea what kind of alarme, but they if the redt light illuminates I know something went bad.
    I was under the impression the base design for the Busmaster - not just the suspension - was a Timoney design.

    • @OscarOSullivan
      @OscarOSullivan 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Well they were ahead of their time with their ability to shrug off petrol bombs and cross barricades

    • @OscarOSullivan
      @OscarOSullivan 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Just the suspension

  • @ironofithaka8357
    @ironofithaka8357 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey chieftain, I wanted to shoot a question your way. Its been reported that the irish defense forces are wanting to heavily modernize all three branches. In terms of vehicles, what kind of armored vehicles could you see the irish army adopting? I know they love their pirahnas, could they ever go for a tracked IFV? I know tanks are put of the question.

    • @TheChieftainsHatch
      @TheChieftainsHatch  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's a question which is in folks' minds. A recent report said the fleet will start to be replaced in 2026 and fully replaced by 2028, but nobody I've spoken to has a clue what they might pick. Problem is modern wheeled apcs are a bit bigger than the old piranhas

    • @ironofithaka8357
      @ironofithaka8357 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@TheChieftainsHatch Thats the problem the problem with modern apc’s, they are close to 30 tons on most standard variants. Still fast as all get out but the things are made with IEDs and RPGs in mind. I think the best bet looking into it is either the Italian frecia or Brazilian GUARANI. Theres also the chance they just double down with the new piranha V design.

  • @rod.h8064
    @rod.h8064 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The Irish National Transport Museum in Howth apparently have a Timoney, but it's listed as a Landsverk Unimog. If the Irish Calvery Corp has a museum they should have one or two of the 10 built

    • @coc_is_me
      @coc_is_me ปีที่แล้ว

      They have both. I have seen them .

    • @OscarOSullivan
      @OscarOSullivan 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Irish national transport museum has a Timoney APC

  • @adlerarmory8382
    @adlerarmory8382 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "The Chieftain is against the wall." I repeat, "The Chieftain is against the wall." "Ian has a long mustache." I repeat, "Ian has a long mustache."

    • @ROBERTN-ut2il
      @ROBERTN-ut2il ปีที่แล้ว

      Ahh, the Invasion is beginning - in the wrong country, not Belgium. And what is a Fleming and what is a Walloon anyway?

  • @wacojones8062
    @wacojones8062 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Regarding military locks I have a 36 Inch master key that works on all unshrouded issue locks. Some call it a bolt cutter. I made quite a bit of money breaking into locker and such when drunks came back to the barracks then realize they locked their keys in the locker. Basic and AIT I used locker locking bars to break the locks.

  • @Allan_aka_RocKITEman
    @Allan_aka_RocKITEman ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, Nick...👍

  • @americanpatriot2422
    @americanpatriot2422 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Always an outstanding video and presentation.

  • @Adrian-qk2fn
    @Adrian-qk2fn ปีที่แล้ว

    I had visions of you trying to do your 'Oh Bugger, the tank is on fire...'
    ...And then I collapsed with laughter.

  • @M3chUpN8y
    @M3chUpN8y ปีที่แล้ว

    "Geez, how cramped do you want your BDX to be, Timoney?!"
    Timoney: YES

  • @zalmezz7068
    @zalmezz7068 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That driver spot looks like a death sentence if you have to do a crew evac. I can imagine fitting in the driver's hole with kit.

  • @dcwhitworth
    @dcwhitworth ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Lockpicking Lawyer, three minutes flat !? I've never seen him take even a minute on the hardest things. Normally takes him a few seconds. But yeah, would love to see him pick an AFV !

    • @allangibson8494
      @allangibson8494 ปีที่แล้ว

      He has taken over two minutes for some - and then specifically stated that that was a lock he would use for his front door.
      Bilok locks were one of those - dual parallel keys.

    • @dcwhitworth
      @dcwhitworth ปีที่แล้ว

      @@allangibson8494 Must have missed that one, but my point stands that 3 minutes would be seriously unimpressive for him.

    • @allangibson8494
      @allangibson8494 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@dcwhitworth Or impressive depending on your perspective (most lock companies would be overjoyed to achieve that).

    • @dcwhitworth
      @dcwhitworth ปีที่แล้ว

      @@allangibson8494 True

  • @Wastelandman7000
    @Wastelandman7000 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You trying to get into the driver's position makes me think "THUNDERBIRDS ARE A NO!!!!!!"