A tour of our latest Chieftain Main Battle Tank, Should we fit a Scania V8 or something else?

[@bikes02]

Just because it's never been done before on a chief, i vote for the hydrostatic

[@alancampbell1008]

Hydrostatic sounds interesting with a Scania V8 would be an interesting project. Should be reliable too

[@MatusTerpis]

I was a crewmwan on those. I'm amazed the laser sight is still in it!! You actually have both sights, winner. Let me know if you want any help, advice, abuse :-)

[@michaelgingellyt]

Ditto 15 years crewing one of these, I also was amazed to see a Laser sight fitted and the telescopic also..

[@petersmithm9]

Ex REME, spent many an hour changing those things. The telescopic sights were real Basta%ds to change. Wouldn't fancy doing it on that one as probably rusted in its mounting. Bet if they lifted the floor plated they would find many a spanner and Allen key dropped by the REME.

[@garyphillips7993]

@@petersmithm9 Yep, I did a few that had laser flash backs in the sights. They were really evil things to get out, let alone back in!

[@briancelticbrave163]

15 year crewman 😂 was you bad

[@garyphillips7993]

I quite like the radical idea of going hydrostatic - that cabling mess in the engine bay would be a nightmare to sort out - that’s from someone who used to wire them up & eventually became an examiner! Don’t go there is my advice 😬

[@roeng1368]

I can only imagine, it must be like trying to disentangle a ton of spagetti !

[@akb1nns]

It’s baffling just how little subscribers you guys have I can’t get enough of the content keep up the good work lads 👌🏼

[@geoffaries]

Probably due to the poor camera technique and the content which has great potential, but is poorly presented, title said tank full of concrete, so I thought bloody nora how they getting that out, turns out that someone had already removed the concrete, which was only in the engine compartment.

[@colinblick4903]

I agree with the others …hydrostatic would be an interesting project…..an mentally more stimulating ( if you needed that) 🙄😝

[@johnedwards1685]

Through work I met one of the guys who dealt with filling these tanks with concrete. It was to do with international agreements about weapons decommissioning, in the same way that when B52s were lined up in the desert where Russian satellites could see them and then chopped them up deliberately in full view. Somewhat different to Evil Empire practice where gate guardians and monuments can be fired up and driven away by any local thugs with a decent set of jump leads and a can of easy-start, and indeed were.

[@jesper509]

Some one did swipe a t34 gate gard during the riots in Ukraine.

[@frankmcgorman962]

I know very little about heavy equipment, but going with the hydrostatic system sounds like a good plan. It'll be like hot-rodding it, but on a massive scale.

[@edwinjstephens4958]

A good disiel with hydraulics would be a good safe and reliable way to go

[@66kbm]

Were the Chieftains in the Middle East Countries Diesel powered? Try chasing one of those powerpacks.

[@thewomble1509]

@@66kbm No, the Shir 1 and 2 and Khalid had the RR CV12 diesel but the whole rear end was a new design and shape to accommodate the larger pack. Chieftains had the L60.

[@stevenbreach2561]

@@66kbm The L60 was diesel,......just not a very good one

[@Woodn509]

Many gate guards are filled with concrete to mimic the weight of the L60 and TN12, so they sit ‘right’ on their plinth

[@1chish]

"Greta .. " 😂😂👍 As an ex Scania Master Tech. it has to be a Scania V8. Only the latest 16 litre ones will reach the L76's 650 HP but remember the later ones are all ECU controlled, 32 valves, electronic Cummins injectors, turbo-compounding blah blah. And deep joy they are an absolute nightmare to sort without all the Scania software. Ask me how I know. The last truck I worked on before retirement was the restoration of a Scania 143 / 450 V8 left hooker. So I would look for a DS14 which was putting out 500 HP on 16 valves in the mid '90s and they were all mechanically (later EDC) fuelled. Very simple electrics for alternator, fuel stop and starter motor. (Even the 56 MPH speed limiter was semi mechanical!) There is an excellent PTO unit that would drive the hydraulics for the turret as well. Parts are readily available and Scania are always up for oddball projects and I am sure would help out. Maybe give Guy Martin a bell as what he doesn't know about Scanias isn't worth knowing. I would use the standard gearbox and have an adaptor plate machined up to mate the Scania to the Chieftain 'box. Very little 'one off' kit for a major change. Whatever you choose it sounds like a brilliant project. 👌👍

[@marknewell7355]

David Blockley is fantastic with the scania V8 and would get a ds14 upto 650 ish but then again probably talk you into a d16 volvo lol, yeah could go with 620 euro5 not overly complicated electronics. I think a new 730 wouldn't sound as good as a lower HP v8

[@1chish]

@@marknewell7355 Sorry but any engine past the DS14 with EDC was all electronics. Each injector was firing 5 times BTDC, once @ TDC and then 1 on the exhaust stroke. It wasn't the engine electronics as such it was everything that went with it all over the truck controlled by ECUs. MAN did the same as the Euro emissions crap got tighter. I was at Scanias tech centre in Coleville and the instructor there said the 6 cylinder 420 with all the emissions stuff on would do 7.5 MPG but without it it would do 10 MPG and put out 600 HP. Utter madness. [In Edit] The Volvo is a straight 6 and wouldn't fit in the space.

[@samrodian919]

1chish: what a brilliant suggestion lol and add to the mix I bet Guy Martin would be well up for this project to get his hands dirty on !

[@1chish]

@@samrodian919 I just know he would. If its mechanical, a bit different and military he is right up for it.

[@causewaykayak]

Best suggestion. Great Channel.

[@AnthonyHandcock]

How about a A series. You'll probably need the 1275cc one.

[@nightwalker5278]

the tour inside brought back some memories. Thanks for sharing and I am looking forward to seeing the final result. ATB

[@agt155]

Problem with hydrostatic is it's going to be really slow.

[@paulthompson881]

The L60 was only ever fit for the scrap heap, that said the later marks (Sundance) which had an orange painted top crank cover were reasonable. The TN15 gearboxes were the best part of the power train, I'd go with the gearbox and attempt to squeeze the biggest motor you can in the space left . If you leave out fitting a genny that'll give you more room for a big V, maybe a MAN V10. I'd agree with hydraulics for the turret as the metadynes used to drive the motors were expensive and crap. Noticed the breech block lying in the bottom of the engine bay. Surprised its still got the Barr & Stroud laser range finder sight fitted. Mid seventies first of any kind and classed as a weapon. Commander had a key to arm it and the keys were kept in the armoury with the 50 cal and 2 GPMG's. The tracks only have a 300 mile life, down to 88 links, how do you overcome that it terms of spares?

[@GerbertGerbert]

Most hydrostatics are not really build for either speed or effecciency so I would imagine that it would turn out painfully slow, and if you manage to gear it up it wouldn't like it long term. If you put in a scania engine you might as well put the whole drivetrain in whether is is a manual or automatic. Whatever you do, it's going to be a fantastic project I'm sure, looking forward to it!

[@jamesleeharris]

I know nothing about tanks and I'm relatively new to the channel by the sounds of it hydrostatic is the way to go.

[@terryh8421]

Hydrastatic option, two speed motors. if you can get a quality used excavator as a donor complete with hydraulic coolers. Maybe !

[@joeedwards9721]

Don't worry about those wires, fit any old skool diesel and you have.. Starter exciter wire, injection pump stop solenoid, oil press, temp, alternator charge light 2 earth's and 1 battery live, 8 wires at most

[@johniksushibar165]

deffo, why make life more complicated than it already is.

[@gusgone4527]

Option two, Scania. It's a shame you do not have the Perkins Condor CV12 coupled to a TN12 transmission. Just a thought but not an original one as it has been done before.

[@jasonkentish]

Quick question .Has the barrel been gas axed, because if that is the breech block in the bottom of the hull then you possibly might not have a legally De Miled gun. As for the wiring it's called Nyvin as far as I can remember from my days at 18 Base Wksp in Bovington. Maybe get hold of someone at the tank museum for the wiring diagram?

[@MrHewes]

Yes bung welded in the end of the gun and she’s been gassed also the block has a x cut into it.

[@andyt3304]

The Breech Block for the Main Armament is in the bottom of the Pack Bay. Just in case you were looking for it. 😉

[@MrHewes]

Yes I dropped it down there.. and it can stay there…

[@suzzannaandlee]

Part of the authentic Chieftain experience is the sound of the exhaust/engine/amount of smoke etc. Without that you might as well fill the engine bay with batteries and have an eco friendly main battle tank.

[@davidrussell8689]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@and7barton]

I'm not too familiar with tank guns, but would the barrel not have a sprung recuperator ? - If so, why is the barrel set back ? Have the springs been removed ?

[@wazza33racer]

The original specs say that the Chieftain only had 750hp/1460 lb/ft ?!? 19 liter Cummins QSK would be my choice, go forever, excellent heavy haulage,heavy vehicle engine and very good performer on fuel consumption. If height dictates a V type engine then, and you want to preserve the 2 stroke sound, then the 12V92 Detroit would be a good fit. The DDEC version is fully electronic injectors, no racks etc.

[@celticwarrior1961]

one of my brothers was a gunner/driver on chieftains when he was in the 9th/12th lancers as well as scorpians /scimitars

[@gordonsmith9746]

Watching this brings back a lot of memories, I was based in Germany Detmold with the Queen's own hussars, gunner radio opp loader and as a driver the chieftain L packs were not as reliable as you would expect so a different engine would be an improvement so good luck can't wait to see how it turns out 👍🙂

[@darrencheshire8546]

Got to go full hydrostatic! I agree with you if ever there was a vehicle to do it on that’s the one. Stay safe all

[@Fantic156]

Hydro ... so much sense going that way. Most public wouldn't know or care about the difference from standard ... and it's a great project .. ;)

[@ostwelt]

Very interesting on how you have accumulated now a fleet of Chieftains! Or, in Army spec, a Troop! Slower, longer pans and more static camera work so as to actually be able to fully discern what you are showing would be much appreciated. Though understand photography isn't your focus or intent.

[@fittermat]

Working on the photography, the problem is trying to film whilst working is a pain in the backside! Few more subscribers and we might have enough kitkats in the biscuit tin to be able to afford a camera man!

[@chrisclarke3965]

3406/3408 mechanical CAT they could be linked up with the centrifugal clutch then take over the TN12 clutch solenoids with a home made loom.

[@shionscudamore9392]

We just fitted a pair of 900hp v8 Scanias in a fire boat we built, 75 grand each so that would blow the budget. Very simple to wire in though in Marine or industrial spec. A 3412 Cat engine (maybe some ex RNLI units around) or we replaced several rolls CV 12's with Cat c18's at 850hp. Secondhand hydro transmission system might be a bit slow but try Industrial and Marine hydraulics in Middlesbrough, the design and supply all sorts of stuff. We just installed a 2 pump sytem on the Scanias running about 200kw each for a fire pump. Big problem is the parts alone for the system were 80 grand and the hoses ran to 10 grand.

[@edd6113]

Hydrostatic would be interesting but would you get the track speed and be able to shed the heat? It's probably mechanical to keep the losses to a minimum. You may end up with the first, hottest and slowest hydrostatic chieftain at the end of all that hard work!

[@MrHewes]

Slow and steady wins the race… apparently

[@davidrussell8689]

@@MrHewes definitely, but a bit boring though

[@neilmchardy9061]

Buy a scrap hydro earth mover and chuck it in. It’s just a matter of couplings for the drive units

[@christaylor6617]

Just saving it is great enough, which ever way forward you go, I will follow with great interest.

[@michaelosullivan3436]

A Thornycroft Antar straight 8 from a tanktransporter, a match made in heaven. Being a, X transporter Guy My self

[@philstaples8122]

See if you can find an old Rolls-Royce CV8 or CV12, the Chieftain 900 had a CV12 as did Challenger 1 and 2 so some may be knocking around and you may be able to mate that to the Merritt-Brown TN12 gearbox. It won't give the same Chieftain howl but it should be more reliable

[@julianchambers8372]

Hi I`m Julian. I totally agree with the hydraulic drive system. I worked at British Coal underground on a 60ton tracked mining machine which had this type of drive system. You will have to sort out the final drive and gearing though. Compact, reliable parts are available. What`s to lose.? Julian

[@terry12bore]

your heavy mining machines sound like a Titan or Dosco Mk3 roadheaders I worked for Dosco as a service engineer when the Mk3 first came out and was installed at Gedling colliery mid to late 70's early 80's

[@mattrooke3210]

Scania V8 and hydrostatic drive 👍😀

[@neilfairless4589]

Slap a B16 in and go for that V-Tec power band. Or the hydrostatic option if your not up for a challenge. Getting it moving is result enough but the engineering will be interesting.

[@cyberprog]

Concrete IIRC, was a strategic arms reduction thing.

[@BentAxlecroft]

You bought a tank a called it Greta because of the smoke? You do realise that will upset a lot of people? A lot of very stupid people will get mad. You Sir have new subscriber!

[@philiptaylor8790]

Hydrostatic with whatever fits and has the guts. Rip out all the warry extras in the turret, not the gun , and use it for rides. It won't sound right but You've got two for restoration. Enjoying the videos. I remember the BARV from somewhere, maybe Bordon?

[@dob1662]

Personally I would go V10 Deutz or V12 Detroit because who wants them ? With twin VDP + charge pump + aux but then you would need the tool boxes and a dummy fuel drum to get the hyd volume you require, drive motors would be the easy part 👍

[@captainclarke]

I'd also vote for the hydro option, so like you say it could be used as a reliable film prop, and good for shows/demonstrations etc. It'd need to sound reasonably convincing, and making it go quickly enough rather than excavator speed...

[@johnheard2814]

Not sure what to think I've never worked on a tank but was always around heavy equipment. But im from USA and was wondering if you could fit a v12 Detroit in it with a big enough hydraulic pump and find powerful and fast enough hydraulic motors and do the hydrostatic drive??? If you could give it enough power hydraulically to reach at least 45 or 50 mph. ???? If not hydraulic power then use the Detroit and a gearbox mated to the original gearbox to achieve the highest speed and reliability?? Anyway I'm sure it's a long off project before you actually start working on it. So plenty of options to consider. Love the work so far and looking forward to seeing more!!

[@BenoCam]

How about a combine engine and drive train ? are they hydrostatic ? always suprising how cheap you can pick up scrap combines for in running low hour condition. Im trying at the moment to put a non original diesel in a stalwart ! Ben from Cornwall.

[@lonereaper4287]

One can dream but a gas turbine chieftain would be a rare thing indeed. Hell it would be a lot nicer, to run probably, buuut their is the Itty bitty issue of *getting* a strong enough gas turbine engine that will fit

[@Hewitt_himself]

obvious question... are the final drives any good are they fucked with concrete/ water damage

[@MrHewes]

Sealed and good!

[@themaskedgrappler]

Be ambitious, fit a jet like an Abrams. Make it the only fast Chieftan.

[@MrHewes]

We do have a jet engine.. 🤔

[@hubertsteenbekkers1522]

That was the biggest mistake evver a jet in a tank

[@thewomble1509]

The army did trial a turbine engine in the 70's. Elvington airfield also has one with an MTU diesel and Renk transmission but you can't just drop a new pack in. Modding the bay is usually required.

[@stevenbreach2561]

@@thewomble1509 and the 50s!.In a Conqueror chassis

[@kalgart]

Hydrostatic sounds like a plan - also wondered about diesel-electric.

[@ostwelt]

Wow! That's a truly radical design that would have the Dr Ferdinand Porsche popping up in his grave!

[@davidrussell8689]

😂😂😂😂

[@Wyrm1701]

Hydrostatic sounds like a good thing to try, especially as it then gives you an almost priceless reliable chieftain. Plus it teaches you a loaf of lessons about how to retrofit hydrostatic drives.

[@dimievers5573]

Hydro would be good . Using the John deere 850J setup would actually also allow it to go reasonably fast provided it could shove all of that weight around

[@NBMusicServices]

How about this for a suggestion? Put the new pack in Greta (smoking cessation course) and Rebuild Greta's pack to use with 'Maffey' (Mafia buried in concrete ref.). You can use the wiring harnesses of the others as a reference then and should be able to repair it as original. Otherwise you are rewiring a custom harness which is harder (at least in my feeble mind).

[@oligoon]

decided which way to go yet? i'd go modern diesel - maybe OM444 to get that nice v12 rumble but would probably need a hydrostatic drive as dunno whether the original gearbox would take the torque (3200Nm vs 2000Nm for L60). prob limit u to 40kph top speed tho.

[@mozki1]

Go hydrostatic route Matt, as you said reliability. Also keep the L60 pack as a spare for Ebbiie and Greta, cos you never know when you're going to need it. You should approach BVD Ashchurch about have there gate guard ...a very rare Mk1c. If its still there.

[@jefflilyea4669]

I knew an 80 y.o.guy in TX that had a small troop carrier with a 283 4spd. He had a blast.

[@alexandermccarthy]

Normally I'd always say go back to the original spec, but in this case the hydrostatic option sounds brilliant.

[@holdfast7657]

I wonder if the concrete held a flag pole? Other than that a way to decommission, in which case there's a lot of spare tank engines somewhere.

[@johnlemmey7698]

The hydro-static from an excavator would make it reliable but very slow. Could be good for the movie industry ( renting it out ). I would go for the original trans with a v8. Would sound orsam.

[@kementh]

I think I lean towards Hydrostatic rebuild, My only concern is an Excavator is not really designed for speed, So will that Adversely effect the handling and movement of the tank which is designed for a much higher rate of movement?

[@simonthomas3141]

Gets my vote hands down maybe with a Scania v8 providing the power A Hydrostatic drive cheiftain was built by the MVEE at Chobham, it was used for gun laiyng trials . The gun was mounted without turret direct to the chassis . It was referred to as the Jagchiftain and borrowed/shared a number of features with the Swedish "S tank" including hydrostatic drive and adjustable suspension . You might get some info fro. The tank museam as most of the unclassified info went to them and the ATDU

[@scottwithoutadoubt1405]

Does anyone know off hand if the bell housing for the transmission is a standard size? Or is it some on off design? Would something like a CAT 3412 or a 3508 be able to mate to the transmission?

[@legbreaker2762]

There's not a lot of room once you squeeze in the engine, gearbox, etc. Would putting in something that's not designed for the space be an absolute pain?

[@chrisvenning4021]

I think your right on with the hydrostatic , the tires look in very good condition . Cheers

[@fireblade95]

By your accents I'd say you were from somewhere in South Yorkshire ! Chapeltown , Barnsley area

[@JamesYoung61]

I think that your best bet is to put in something like the Scania engine and gearbox and marry it up to the Chieftain's transaxle, it was designed for it, and hydraulic drive is rubbish unless there is no other way then is has some merits.

[@neilthomas4407]

If you put a Scania V8 in it going to have to be either a 730 or 770bhp to move that lump about,and your talking serious money. I like the hydrostatic drive idea,if you can find a daf 33 car.....your laughing!! Might not move,but the thoughts there!!! Great vid,very jelous,love the sound of a Chieftan for the short time it's running! Got an H licence would love to drive one! Love the vids,keep them coming.

[@slobmarley9070]

I have no knowledge in engineering or mechanics but the third option would be most fascinating to watch you do

[@weaselman24]

I mean If You could get a big enough excavator you could make it work. Use the scania v8 too meaning all you need is a blown up excavator. Then you have the slew drive too for the turret ect.

[@SomeRandomHuman717]

Would an AVDS-1790 turbo diesel from an American M60Ax series be available? Air cooled to simplify cooling, very basic electrics, 750HP of rock solid reliability. They are a bit tall and wide at the top, so as with any non-standard engine swap, fitting one would require careful measuring and planning.

[@benspeedschannel888]

Hydrostatic and the biggest 2stroke diesel that’ll fit!!!

[@nickwarmingham1228]

How about a CV12 power pack. Adapted to fit in the hole?

[@elliot999]

I like the hydrostatic idea as well. I think powering that by a big old 2 stroke Detroit would be awesome! Maybe a 16v92 or 71?

[@miztralz7908]

Hydrostatic for sure. Maybe a decent cat engine to go with it.

[@matui6983]

Gardner 6LYT engine using hydraulic final drives If not enuf hp then a mechanical V8 diesel.

[@laurencegibbs2753]

Stuff the hydro, stick a vario in it. Early fendt ones were run by effectively a wiper motor

[@denbyr4488]

What about finding a half knackered 30 or 40 ton excavator and steal the drive from it? You get all the required pumps and valves with it but it might need a change of drive speed.

[@MrUnokelly]

Hydrostatic all the way Matt if you could get the hearing right off the track hubs it might be slow .

[@alanbeckett4]

"As you can see, the wiring is a bit of a mess" Understatement of the year to date! Retrofit something fun like the hydrostatic:)

[@Timmii666]

Personally I would go for option 2, but option 3 does sound interesting. If going for option 2 I would personally go for an engine that is as mechanic as an engine can be, so something a bit older - a Scania V8 would be good, or a 14l Cummins as used in the 90’s ERF trucks (Eaton Twin Split optional). In this case, I reckon levers and cables trump switches and wires. Obviously it needs to be something that will physically fit in the gap, so a straight 6 may require careful measuring. Option 3 would be good, as long as you could find a way of making it go faster than the 3mph a 360 excavator goes. What about using an old Cat ADT as a doner? They move quicker than an excavator, but I’m not sure on the amount of work required to convert as I don’t know the set up. Just an idea that’s all!

[@jamessparrow6549]

Hydrostatic would be cool. What about a Volvo lump ?

[@1981dasimpson]

i would strip eveything inside thats not needed out and use to finish the other tanks if parts are missing and do the hydrostatic system

[@simonconnell2284]

What about fitting a RR/Perkins CV12 engine?. I know there is a cv12 on ebay atm and with one of those fitted you would almost have a Jordanian chieftain (Khalid) and something unique.

[@thewomble1509]

It wouldn't fit. Khalid's and Chally's have a redesigned pack bay that is larger than the chieftain compartment.

[@peteryeates5154]

Would Hydrstatic not end up being very slow?

[@robertgreig9936]

Yes Option 3 go full hydrostatic! I would like to see that.

[@davidrussell8689]

Hydrostatic sounds good but what sort of “ performance “ could it give you ? I understand that heavy plant machines use this system but would it rumble like thunder ? Great videos , keep up the good work .

[@datonaone]

hydrostatic would be a good but very slow , i cant think of a fast doser fast plant tends to be driven thru a gearbox .

[@led5762]

anything but the leyland engine,joe seems very knowledgable,am proud to say my grandson is in the REME,was joe?

[@gordonwiessner6327]

A 1790AVDS if it will fit. It is quite reliable and the HP. is good. Remanufacture the gun breech to fire Sabo's and SPR's.

[@Spotteroo]

There's a good reason why no one produces a hydrostatic tank. Original gearbox is your best option, but engine choices are worth considering.

[@MrHewes]

True! however it’s not going to be use for war..

[@curlywood]

I think a lovely sounding d8 bulldozer engine be good in that

[@mikeandhev]

Interesting to see the breech block for the main gun lying in the engine bay wiring.

[@MrHewes]

Yes I dropped it.. 😂

[@chrisgraham9919]

I dont know why you can't add an auxiliary power unit for the turret maybe a good reason!, chieftain transmission, centurion engine and add a few turbos to the powerpack, then test it do a what chieftain could have been series!

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

First fully electric tank?

[@stevenbreach2561]

Reliability must be the main aim.Something around 750-850 hp at the least.The old girl wasn't designed to go quicker than 30 mph,so don't make it a dragster or you'll just wear out the drive train,suspension and tracks that much quicker

[@tonysmyth1767]

Why not a hybrid electric? If you are going to experiment?

[@reubendobbs8011]

The sound of the chieftain at full chat is fantastic, L60 all day mate

[@kippamip]

I reckon you should go for a V12 myself. I think scania do an 800hp V12. Even though it's stripped out a fair bit I bet your looking at 50 ton at least in that old bag of bolts. We had 1250 hp in our challenger 2's pulling 70 odd tons and that was still lacking. The hydrostatic sound's interesting, but not sure if I'd like to be sat in the turret when a pipe goes pop 🤣. Merc also did the OM444LA engine rated somewhere around 5 to 600 hp. Then of course there was the detroit diesel but not sure if it would fit or not. Depends on budget I guess.

[@ProjectMarlin]

I'd drop a 8V92T or 12V92TA Detroit in to it, Plenty of power and still with that 2 stroke scream but simpler and more reliable than the L60

[@teamidris]

Gut it for all the interior parts and fit all the complete scania V8 drivetrain. Shorten the rear axel so the brake drums fit between the final drive flanges. Gas the bulkhead out if you need more length. *I like hydraulics, but the new hoses will cost a fortune.

[@teamidris]

Also, nice tour :o)