Australian Lepoard Tanks

[easo]

Well the Tanks have started hitting slabs of concert around the country. Not as bad as the fears led to believe. Power packs are fitted but rendered seized by removing all gaskets and oils, then run at full until seizure. The packs were refitted when the cost of making them asbestos safe for private sale was too much. Also without packs the tank would sit with its but too high up and un-level.

The breaches are welded up and firing needles and the breech block contacts removed. The barrel is plugged and the gun is cruched via the internal gun crutch.




The tank is delivered with gun at 6, the recipients take turns cranking it around and inspecting the tank prior to the hatches being welded shut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avw8AzVvSew

Blocks are welded into the tracks to prevent removal of the tank without authorization.



No concrete is poured into the Tanks and they are pretty well clean on the inside. I believe it should be up to each RSL to decide how to display there tanks. I know one RSL is trying to secure permission to have the hatches open with the ability for a glass module inside to allow visitors to drop in and see the inside but prevent them touching anything. They can't!



Regards Easo

[Ryan]

Easo, have you crunched any numbers in regards to the leopards still unanccounted for?
...? went to RSLs,
and...? went to RAAF ranges as hard targets,
and...? are at the Puka tank museum,
so how many does that leave still awaiting their fate?

ryan

[easo]

Originally Posted by Ryan

Easo, have you crunched any numbers in regards to the leopards still unanccounted for?
...? went to RSLs,
and...? went to RAAF ranges as hard targets,
and...? are at the Puka tank museum,
so how many does that leave still awaiting their fate?

ryan

I do have the figures but am not permitted to post, but this is what I can
so far, 24 RSL Clubs are confirmed to receive a tank are:

· Beenleigh RSL,

· Bendigo RSL,

· Bribie Island RSL,

· Bunbury RSL,

· Canberra Services Club,

· Collie Cardiff RSL,

· Echuca and Moama RSL, Echunga RSL,

· Epping RSL,

· Esperance RSL and Esperance Museum,

· Forester-Tuncurry RSL,

· Ingleburn RSL,

· Jerilderie RSL,

· Kilcoy RSL,

· McLaren Vale RSL,

· Mount Gambier Community RSL,

· City of Palmerston RSL,

· Port Kennedy RSL,

· Port Augusta RSL,

· Rutherglen RSL,

· Seymour RSL,

· Upwey - Belgrave RSL,

· Woodford RSL,

· Yarrawonga-Mulwala RSL.

The remaining six RSLs are in the process of finalising local approval and will be announced once these approvals are given.

The details of the ones delivered are in the following links,

http://www.mvca.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=249&t=1884

http://www.mvca.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=249&t=1931

http://www.mvca.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=249&t=1930

http://www.mvca.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=249&t=1895

http://www.mvca.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=249&t=1923

http://www.mvca.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=249&t=1916

Regards Easo

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by cletrac

Some Canadian ones that just got out of the shop sold for $10k a few years ago, but they were minus the turret.

I know a guy who got 2 of them. He told me he would sell me one for 20k last year. I have yet to see a turret forsale

[Rod Diery]

You might be interested to know that at least two Leopards are now in Western Australia. One came through Kulin yesterday and another today on civilian low loaders.

I didn't have my camera handy but i know someone who got a pic and will post it on here when i get a chance.

Cheers
Rod

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Rutherglen got it's Leopard a couple of weeks ago.
Handy for anyone interested and going to Corowa next year.
I suppose it is better than being cut up for scrap...
Rich.