Concrete Filled Tank, First Start-Up & Drive After 30 Years!

Big Day for the concrete Chieftain.
We align the engine and gearbox.
Bleed the steering system & top up all oil levels.
We then attempt to make this thing drive for the first time in over 30 years!
This was such a great moment for me a real sense of achievement.
That's something money can't buy.

[@MrHewes]

When people ask me why I do what I do. It’s for moments like these. The sense of achievement is far greater than any amount of money.

[@alxgu198]

Also, congratulations on eating ‘Skips’ the correct way Mr Hewes. I did notice 😁👍 … although you opened the bag upside down 🤨

[@The-RA-Guy]

We all felt it, too! Chuffing amazing. We watch because it matters to you. Bloody love your channel 👍

[@brianwillson9567]

Sorry to disagree. With you guys it’s not achievement it’s ACHIEVEMENT. And, what’s more you share it with us lesser mortals.

[@billgreen4388]

Carry on pal,it’s really appreciated 😁

[@oedsnicolai4989]

Know what you mean. The satisfaction of a achievement like this is priceless 👍

[@csnelling4]

You’ve proved a REME instructor wrong lads!!! The course that I was on (one or two years ago) the instructor the made a statement that no one could get a chieftain running after been filled with concrete. Well done Mr Hewes 👏👏👏👏🥇🥇🥇

[@andrewwww7684]

Why was it filled with concrete?

[@th3l33t1]

​@andrewwww7684 it was a gate guard.

[@eraldorh]

@@th3l33t1Still doesnt make sense to fill it with concrete.

[@lwilton]

@@eraldorhThe Russians were noted for just parking working tanks as gate guards. Friendly young souls would come in the middle of the night and drive them off to play with. The Britts decided that it might be better if gate guards stayed in place. One way to do this was to make them hard to drive.

[@cbmsysmobile]

What he meant to say was "Nobody would be insane enough to try and get it running after if had been filled with concrete"

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

To all those still not understanding why the army fills them with concrete when they become gate guardians, obviously it’s to stop them blowing away in the wind🤷‍♂️

[@ChullsterOG]

When I saw 40 mins, I had to make sure I had a fresh brew, a comfy seat and no interruptions. Thank you for a wonderfully long and detailed video, I really enjoyed both it and the journey, long live Concrete Chieftain!

[@n0bby_Barnden]

Perfect Sunday... been for a walk, get back, first brew of the day and there's a new Mr Hewes. And Ted.

[@wweminehead5458]

Have a good Sunday

[@panelvanman7671]

if only we could hear Ted Talk 😂

[@steven9562]

Any chance of getting the vehicle reg please

[@johnnunn8688]

Who is this Mr Hewes bloke? Hello, Ted.

[@Woffy.]

Indeed a perfect Sunday and what a fantastic job Ted has done to motivate his crew ........

[@alanbates1471]

Glad to see Ted's true status has been acknowledged at last and a good job by you all. Your abilities continue to impress. Looking forward to the next one.

[@ToywarzLLC]

Glad to see Jack's mum is doing well!

[@kev6170]

Now Ted has been given his correct job title, he needs his own High vis jacket with the company Logo, great video.

[@robertsneddon731]

And a clipboard.

[@dustyfarmer]

You blokes are pretty good for bodging things up & making it work, probably the best I've ever seen.

[@adrianflower3230]

#FarmLife 💪💪

[@kiwi1205]

What do you mean bodging? He took a tank filled with concrete ,cleared it, made it live again .

[@dustyfarmer]

@@kiwi1205 Generally speaking, you gronk.

[@davidelliott5843]

You seriously need some magnetic parts trays. Losing a gear shift pin would be disastrous.

[@Ihasanart]

Gotta say seeing the transformation and improvement of your garage/workshop and tool storage from your vids a year ago to now is oddly satisfying, glad to see you and the crew doing well. Also the Chieftain has got to be one of the most Tank looking tanks to ever tank, you ask a child to draw a tank and it'll either look like a M4 or a Chieftain.

[@ianmckay1780]

That was the best 40 mins I've had on a Sunday morning for years. Having seen her from the state she was in, to the things she did this morning - unbelievable. I originally thought you guys were "mucking around" with toys. No longer, You are true engineers to have achieved what you have. Hats off to the crew who can! Bloody well done for the result you have arrived at so far. How much further can you take her? Time will tell. Thank you lads.

[@stephensmith4480]

Guys, that was impressive. To think that a rusting hulk, filled with Concrete is now back running again. It's hard to imagine that that was once in front line service, probably with the BAOR. Once it's complete, all we need is Teds Paw of approval on it's commissioning papers and it's ready to go 👍👍🐾🐾

[@MercuryGremlin]

Talk about gripping viewing. I was nervous. Tea and bacon butty went cold ages ago. Then the bobble hat and high vis jacket appeared and that helped calmed my nerves. Good things happen when those appear. With a defiant bellow she moved. I cheered. Forget breakfast. I’m watching this again. Chuffing awesome. Top team. Top effort. Ted stays chilled.

[@ianduffin2075]

Over the moon to see the old girl running again, knew that old chieftain, she used to sit next to a SAM guided missile, on the (what we called the rocket gate) at Arborfield Garrison, I knew her for 14 years of service guarding the old camp. It was a REME Garrison, now a massive housing estate. The other camp across the road Rowcroft had two AVRE Centurions which were also concrete filled. Thanks for the memories, climbed over her a few times, also have some photo's of my old military working dog in front of it. Only realised where it was when you put up the photo's and I recognised B company block straight away. Put a big smile on my face, grew up with them in the 70's as my old man was 1st Royal Tank Regiment.

[@gilleyb1900]

You and the guys should be justifiably proud of what you have accomplished. Major work and excellent to see it running and driving again. Well done.

[@MrHewes]

We are all buzzing

[@davidelliott5843]

Corporal Jones! You were told to fill that tank with concrete. Do I have to do everything myself?

[@casto-]

Well I bet the MOD didn’t expect a group of daft sods to stick another engine in it and get her running again🤣. Well done guys, that’s rather impressive 👌👍

[@FarmerP]

Hello mate. 🙂

[@casto-]

@@FarmerP 😆 evening mate! What are you doing on a cool and trendy channel 🤪

[@davidelliott5843]

It’s a huge surprise the MOD hadn’t used a thermic lance to remove original engine. They usually go totally OTT when anything is decommissioned.

[@RupertBear412]

jesus! so many flashbacks - Ted was in the position of the Vehicle Mechanic Sgt overseeing everything - all that was missing was 'special coffee' (baileys) and egg banjos :)

[@Wardog-rf1tx]

Shoot it’s 23:42 on 30 May 2024, 30 minutes east of BATUS, and you had to bring up egg banjos!!. Got to go have a couple now💂‍♂️🪖⛑️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦

[@Wardog-rf1tx]

Feeling much better at 00:19 31 May 2024, same location, life enriched with two egg banjos and a coffee, ready for bed.💂‍♂️🪖⛑️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦

[@jonfranklin4583]

As an old friend of mine always said, "There is nothing like a good win." Nice job!!!

[@derekspringer6448]

😊3😊😊

[@dickdegraaff5452]

Dear Joe, It’s absolutely unbelievable that this Chieftain was was filled with concrete now is running and driving after 30 years. I think it’s worthwhile to restore the complete tank because the most difficult part is done anyways. I look forward to your next vlog and send you love from the Netherlands

[@jacobdamkjr2590]

Sir, I actually applauded in front of my screen when the tank moved forward, and then again when it went backwards. Well done, all of you, thoroughly enjoyed watching that.

[@solariss452]

A very enjoyable 40 minutes of YT viewing on a Sunday morning. Many thanks.

[@billywindsock9597]

Proper tank fixing of the highest order. Concrete out, engine and gearbox in. I know you ‘mess around,’ but that is impressive mechanics. Ted for president.

[@gordoncompton3014]

I love watching these, I work with smaller 4 wheeled stuff for a living. I must admit that I'm very envious and in awe of these righteous things, whether it's the projects or those venerable Fodens. A great collection of mates doing great things. Thankyou for sharing your experiences, especially ones that properly test patience and nerves like this old girl has, top work yet again gents👌

[@mikeandhev]

Great to see a bit more of Ted taking a hands on role with his project management skills. Great work by Joe and the lads getting the Chieftain running and moving.

[@clungepoker6749]

Outstanding... just seeing how chuffed you and the lads are getting her started and moving just shows how passionate you are 👍🏻😁

[@zeberdee1972]

Cool video as always , that's one lucky tank . Most people wouldn't have bothered , but you lot brought it back to life . Nice one .

[@iamwedged2705]

Not many youtube channels make me happy to see a 40 minute video . Great stuff keep up the good work chaps 👍

[@Skyblade1972]

Mr Hewes and team, making England great again ❤ excellent job guys

[@ianthomson4609]

Sergeant Thomas Highway USMC taught me the motto “Improvise, adapt, overcome”. That’s what you guys do breathing life back into some pretty sorry states, managed of course by irreplaceable Ted. He doesn’t say much, but you can see decades of knowledge and experience in his eyes. Love the videos - they take me back to my youth, “maintaining” and driving Her Majesty’s big green and black vehicles in BAOR. Great stuff!! 👍👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@paulcurrah7385]

An absolute triumph 🤩. That was without doubt the greatest achievement for the team - well done Ted. All done whilst still having a great laugh - awesome 🫡

[@schwabrichard9829]

My first video of yours i saw you starting on the concrete filled tank. I thought you were wasting your time. You proved me wrong, for ever doubting you! Back in 1981i lived in Ohio. It took me three trips to NAPA, for them to get me the correct water pump for a 1968 Chevy Nova straight six.

[@yogistanu55]

You Gents are a truly "The Saviors of Armor". Here in the States we used to take Old WWII Armor or anything obsolete, dismantle armament, Engines, and yes fill with concrete and plop them in front of Armories or VFW Posts like a Statue. Congratulations on a job well done! Keep em Running!!

[@richieixtar5849]

Absolutely stonking effort you chaps. Jolly good show!

[@flipthemirror423]

Produce a calendar. Twelve iconic pics of just the tanks and Ted in a foreman's high vis vest and hard hat. It would sell like hotcakes.

[@shed66215]

Best video yet...awesome effort bringing it back to life. Supervisor Ted deserves a raise, or an extra chewy for his work.

[@stuartdiprose8382]

That was one of your best yet. When that concrete was poured I bet no one thought it would ever move let alone run again

[@77GEEWHK]

Whilst concrete in your tank is no good.......some aroud your workshops and adjacent driveways might be a good thing....irony lol 😂

[@terrystephens8603]

😂😂😂

[@bgdavenport]

Is there any way your work area could be filthier?

[@user-jd7md1mx2u]

You certainly proved with this challenge, what is possible and yes, achievement over money any day. Great job guys.

[@markstott6689]

Kids are fed, so it's time to watch Joe pull off another miracle. It's become so every day of a feat that it often feels like it's nothing that special. However, that would be a disservice to Joe and Adam's skills. 😊❤❤❤😊

[@peterbird8161]

I hope Jacks mum doesn’t watch😂

[@LOKI-vk5hx]

Bloody well done. What a result. For someone who's self taught your ingenuity and abilities are amazing. You pride in the end result are well visible.

[@arturlome7102]

joe when fitting the air cleaner make up a couple of short strops for it, we always used two of our belts done up at each end, allows both two stand comfortably when dropping it in against the Blower.

[@722garage9]

Superb to watch. The lesson obviously is that if you want anything in the British army to work, fill it with concrete for 25 years. I’m stunned how much functions! Ha!

[@timwilliams2035]

I didn't know I liked tanks until just now. Minis, Landcruisers then tanks... the natural progression of mechanical obsession.

[@markclifton14]

Guys I take my hat off to you. You have achieved the near impossible. Most people would have given up ages ago . From Concrete Bob’s Tank to a running example. Great to see the super experienced engineer Ted overseeing the operation. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@thomasleonard2564]

Super cool to see this thing come back to life I still remember when Y'all first got it congratulations guys .

[@stephenl7048]

Well done! You were shining with pride at the end, and rightly so.

[@Qspecialman]

Superb job lads, you should be really proud of yourselves. I bet the people that filled it with concrete thought it would never run again WRONG!

[@ChrisHipkiss]

Fantastic achievement well done all! Things like this cement friendships hehe.

[@julianpritchard2558]

Being serious for a moment! Unbelievable that you got that running and driving. Congratulations

[@higgo1978]

Just goes to show Joe and team, never under estimate your abillities. This is a perfect example of how good you and your teams skill set is in being able to give life to something that many thought would never happen again. So well done lads. 😊👍

[@leeparker7194]

Hats off to you and all involved, what an awesome sight to see that beast saved.💪👌😎

[@1701enter]

That was so good to see , I do think you all went the extra mile to get it right , From junk to cracking bit of kit!

[@fatherglyn]

That was a brilliant video. Thank you all for posting and thank you Ted for your management skills. Joe, I could not quite catch what you said about kitchens and their occupants, could you repeat it please? 😂😂

[@Albahills]

Great job, living the dream. Just remember to savour these times. Years pass by so fast, and before you know it you get woken by the need for another pee. Or by the pain in your body !!. 👍

[@keitht3055]

Absolutely brilliant lads 👍😃, definitely a massive triumph for you and, extremely entertaining. Like you said, thank goodness Ted was around to supervise 🐕😀.

[@timothyirish4590]

Brilliant job lads,made my week seeing the old girl brought back to life.Your sense of achievement is justified to the max.

[@davidcope7651]

Amazing job I bet that's the first time that's ever been achieved. Pretty unbelievable what you've managed to do

[@JustMe-ob1cq]

As a 37 year veteran (disabled now) and preparing to retire from military civil service. I watched this and was so enthralled. Your team deserves HUGE kudos. From your allies across the pond, Brilliant!!!!

[@dob1662]

To go from parts or possibilities to running and driving is a massive achievement ! Well done Ted they couldn't have done it without you 👍

[@heckmacbuff]

Great stuff. Lining up the engine and gearbox on newly fabricated mounts was really something. Well done.

[@user-kg5nm2oc5x]

Great to see people getting grubby and muddy and enjoying themselves doing work outside. It is a great achievement well done to you all !!

[@BRED510]

Absolutely brilliant, well done lads, loved every minute of this resurrection!

[@zogzoogler]

I like the distinct lack of whooping and shouting that you see on some other channels, just people with tools methodically fixing machinery. 👌🏻

[@neilward9932]

And no stupid hats on backwards, or bandannas, big beards and bald heads!

[@brandons9398]

Excellent excellent job boys! Who would’ve ever given a cent, that thing ever would’ve run and move again, awesome absolutely awesome😊

[@donaldschmitt4019]

Ted reminds me of the Dog I grew up with. Same coloring, same wanting to be where ever I was. He crossed over at 16 years. Was a great dog.

[@donteeple6124]

Home run, Goal, Touchdown, Ace, no matter what you call it.....everyone's efforts made it happen.......FANTASTIC friggin job !!!!!!!!!! You've made a silk purse out of a sows ear. IMPRESSIVE doesn't adequately describe this accomplishment....

[@wideyxyz2271]

Absolutely brilliant. Well done chaps. Ted's management and organisational skills are top notch. Tea's all round and pub later🎉❤

[@RistinUK]

Love seeing these old tanks getting restored to working order. Job well done again lads, love the videos 😊

[@Pearmain2009]

Absolutely brilliant work guys in turning that Chieftain around. You can all be pleased with the success and I guess the next phase of restoration. Ted obviously is a good team manager.

[@markg1291]

Awesome work guys. It’s amazing what you have achieved here. Thanks for taking us on the journey with you. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@1chish]

Now THAT has to be the absolute save of the century. Concrete anchor to a working tank. And a Chieftain with a Leyland engine as well! "How do you climb Mt Everest?" "One step at a time" many steps later the concrete anchor works .... props to everyone 👍👍

[@robins3352]

An old dead tank filled with concrete is the definition of never moving - and you take it for a drive! You have redefined the word impossible... very impressive, congrats!

[@stevescott245]

Well done Joe and the team. Great to see her come to life. 👍👏👏👏👏

[@CCM1199]

you guys remind me of our tank mechanics when I first came into the military over 25 years ago. They were just like you....fiddling and fixing things as they went along.

[@peten748]

Well done lads. Another one rescued and given a new life. A great achievement.

[@allenvandyke732]

I love watching restoration of combat vehicles. Superb work guys!! Keep the videos coming as well as we all learn something by watching. Thank you again❤❤❤

[@djmidg]

Well done Ted for organising the Team. Brilliant video as usual 👍👍👍

[@warrensilk5316]

I am in awe of your ingenuity and ability to overcome any technical issue. Very very well done. 👏. I may have to paint my Meng chieftain model in MH colours!!! Cheers.

[@joshjones3408]

The shop formen(Ted) looking down at y'all from the top of that tank ... he's thanking yea boy get in there nice an deep 😝😝😝😝👍👍👍👍

[@roderickmacgregor4867]

Teds knowledge of tanks and Chieftains in particular is second to none , the talk in the tea room he is on retainer for the Tank museum

[@joebond5012]

An excellent achievement to get her running again, thank you for sharing the journey.

[@johndenton5555]

Perseverance and you guy's personal 'grit' saved the 'Concrete Chieftain'. Good job of it!!! 👍🇺🇸🇬🇧😎

[@DIVERBLOKE1]

IT'S ALIVE! I took 2 goes at watching this - didnt know you got it going till near the end.. Fabulous work.

[@963dexter]

What a start to a sunday. Tanks Mr Hewes.

[@geoff2868]

To see the of chiefy run again brings a tear to me old eyes. And to hear the engine fire up brings back so many memories that gladding's my heart. Well done i say!!!

[@mk12pickle]

That's great guys. Just started my day here in Canada and thoroughly enjoyed watching you win at this!

[@paulfarghi]

Fabulous brilliant save.... Mesmerising big boys toys restored... Get in there

[@brimptonestateservices3317]

Congratulations on that tank. When I first saw it quite some time ago, I never thought it would drive again. Well done.

[@benjepson8861]

Concrete cheiftain. One big orifice filled on big orifice hammered out a few holes reemed clean and a big deposit at the end Jacks mum will be proud

[@user-mz9fp8zp9q]

Bloody brilliant job fellas. I served in the RAAC for over 30 years, and it does my heart proud to see the old beasts being resurrected.

[@EmDeeCee6147]

Absolutely brilliant! You’re saving classic pieces of history. Great viewing, you guys are awesome 👌🏻🇬🇧👏🏻

[@angrybill]

Well done guys. All Y'all are masters at what you are doing with a very big plus of having great senses of humor. Makes watching these videos a pure pleasure. Please keep them coming!

[@Sgunner88]

Concrete chieftain has been my favorite project of yours since the first video about it. Thanks for sharing this with us, Joe.

[@theguitardoctorstevo1582]

Awesome job! A real and proper rescue… Keep up the good work and congratulations for getting this old girl running again.

[@johncrook7705]

Brilliant enjoyed every moment and problem solving with Ted. It would be great to see tank fully restored with so much you have already started. Great Sunday treat

[@frankrose2853]

Great Job. Good thing Ted was there to supervise .

[@pete_ski]

Fabulous guys, what an achievement! Well done, you could not have done this without Teds leadership and encouragement. Keep up the great videos!

[@OFFGRID_Trucker]

Just surfing on YT tonight.. and saw the word TANK..! I was an M60A1 tanker in the US Army back in '81. I was a gunner\loader\driver. It's great to see you bring this one back to life. WOW.. 30 year nap. Good job to all who worked on this.