1st Hussars and Holy Roller & Perry Kitson

[Perry Kitson]

The T41 rubber block track that was on the tank before preservation, was actually fitted to the tank in Borden after it's return from Europe. Photo's show T54 steel chevron track worn on leaving the vehicle park in the Netherlands.
The road wheels had the tires removed and new rims pressed on, preserving the original spoked and solid wheel configuration.
As for labour hours committed to the project, it would not amount to more than 2,200 hours actually spent on the tank itself, and that was with mostly non or semi skilled people doing the work. I have no idea how the project managers came up with 8,000 hours. Probably the same place they got $500,000 to restore to running.
I personally think this project was a once in a lifetime opportunity that was terribly squandered with all the help and support it had from companies in the area. Donations of material, parts, equipment and work would probably be around the $120,000 mark.

[Perry Kitson]

Crane costs were in excess of $45,000 for the lift out of and into the park, (resulting from the city's refusal to let the crane into the park) a lift from the street with a 400 ton crane was required.
A running battle with terminology on this project was an issue. The managers always called it a "restoration", when it was only a gut and preserve.