Tank Chats

[@bobuk5722]

My Dad used to manage a group heavy engineering workshops. I remember him telling me that these sectioned display machines were not easy to make. Cutting them neatly down the middle whilst leaving essential display items intact requires planning, hard work and a lot of skill. Good job by those apprentices - don't underestimate what they did here folks,

[@mann_idonotreadreplies]

Cool story bro

[@keithalexander7953]

I think this demonstrates how terrible cut in half tanks performed on the battlefield, and the blind alley that was the cut in half tank concept. The fact that they're all in museums now speaks volumes. ;)

[@moosemaimer]

Years were spent trying to solve fuel leakage issues without resolution.

[@kevinhayes3672]

10\10

[@jordansmith4040]

Underrated comment. With all the awful things going on in the world, this is the comment I woke up to this morning. You have made my day better.

[@grizwoldphantasia5005]

The concept of "I'll surround you!" didn't seem to work out. Opinions were split on why, but they eventually came together on the unified principle.

[@nilo70]

Yes Keith , however they were more successful than the split submarine fiasco !

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

Poor old Dave. Let him have a nice nap after you make him a nice cup of tea and stcky bun combo. That was a really good one. Great work. Cheers for the vid.

[@cmdredstrakerofshado1159]

🤣🤣🤣😉👍

[@samhaines8228]

Just a touch of the curmudgeon, around the edges. Man knows his tanks though!

[@iKvetch558]

I vividly remember the split Centurion from my visit to The Tank Museum in 2008, it definitely makes a big impression. I really hope I can get back over there to see it again someday. 💯

[@davidmoore1253]

Me too, from the '90s. At the time they had a video in front of the tank depicting what combat would have looked like from the tank's perspective, complete with (if memory serves) a shaking floor.

[@gunner678]

Lol for me it was the early 1980s and I was living in the cavalry mess whilst on attachment from the Royal School of Artillery at Larkhill (Salisbury Plain). I was bored one day and being a big tank enthusiast, I took the afternoon off and spent a wonderful couple of hours in David's company, touring around the old museum. Why the heck I joined the gunners I don't know lol.

[@lightningforesthd3446]

@@davidmoore1253 It was even there since 2019 until they removed it in 2020 I think. Do you think the audio file / the video source of it is still archived or deleted forever?

[@Swellington_]

I just really enjoy listening to Mr Fletcher talk,he doesn't take himself too serious but he also knows exactly what he's talking about, and I don't know if it's intentional but he's rather comical too, that might be on purpose, he's just fantastic 👍

[@nuts4ships]

The Centurion tank...and that's how it was done! David Fletcher has probably forgotten more tank information than any of us can ever learn. Thank you sir.

[@matthaught4707]

"They let different people design it... or not design it, in particular cases..." Mr. Fletcher is a natural born savage and a national treasure.

[@ZGryphon]

My favorite example of this remains his remarks about the absurd gunnery procedure on Charioteer in his Bottom 5 British Tanks video. "But you're not supposed to DO things like that with a tank, it's SILLY." (Also, his note that they got rid of the hull machine gunner, but occasionally sat a man in his old station "in supreme discomfort." :)

[@curtinj98]

Great ventilation. Shocking NCB protection.

[@fus149hammer5]

David earned his brew from the boiling vessel today, that was brilliant! Informative, enthralling and explained in detail the thinking behind one of the best and most successful tanks ever.👏👏👏👏

[@411maintainer]

Wow all I can say is WOW. I love the way this tank was displayed cut in half. Very. Impressive. Well done.

[@alanfhall6450]

This video made me recall one of my Dad's old friends who did his National Service driving a Centurion in Germany. His party piece, after suitable refreshment, was to demonstrate his driving skills with the appropriate arm & leg movements and sound effects. RIP Freddie.

[@steve1315]

This and the sectioned T55 were very good and also useful teaching aids, I have walked where the Flecth has walked as Mcarthuar said I shall return.

[@PitFriend1]

It’s probably a good thing that the driver’s position is offset to one side. Cutting the tank in half with the driver being in a center position would have made it a bit uncomfortable for the driver mannequin.

[@kaymish6178]

I read a Amazing Cutaways book in school that had a T-34 with the loader cutaway. It showed his intestines and stomach and stuff.

[@samuelvimes5770]

Why a manequin? One call to Gunther von Hagens & they would get the body of a proud tank fan.

[@c.j.zographos3713]

Having the cut-in-half Centurion chatted about in person by one of the Museum's staff is just as great as Mr Fletchers' presentation!

[@manoflego123]

My great uncle was a left side Centurian loader, and according to him the most difficult part of his job was keeping the right side from driving too far away while also working the radio and keeping the gun ready. The right side driver used to play a trick on the left side crew by pulling the handbrake intentionally, sending the left side lurching forward into a ditch. The day they started welding both sides together was the best day of his career.

[@alamore5084]

I am in two minds about the design. But a problem shared is a lroblem halved🤣

[@kaca1968]

Probably the best Video TM has ever made, very interesting to finally see the layout of a Tank and how it works on the inside

[@alamore5084]

This video has split opinions🤣

[@roccovanelli241]

God bless this man. He’s a national treasure in my opinion.

[@russwoodward8251]

Good descriptions can be found in this for those just learning about tanks. Thank you David Fletcher.

[@gunner678]

This is a superb exhibit, in a superb museum.

[@nobodyuknow4911]

The British initially tried the "cut in half tank" concept as a way to double their forces in the field...

[@Twirlyhead]

Those Lidl angle grinders are surprisingly good for the money are they not.

[@66kbm]

That was the Suspension Unit that everyone says was a really great asset and advantage to the Sherman Tank, gets blown off, replace it. Its funny how things go around in time and others things are adopted......Except the British who stick with a proven design from the 1940's through until today. If anyone visits the Museum you have to stand between these 2 massive pieces of machinery and then appreciate what it was like to be in one when it was stuck back together. Great vid, as usual. Thank you Mr Fletcher

[@kristofferjohansson3768]

That suspension was news to me, I believed they used torsion bars as everybody else.

[@s.marcus3669]

Indeed! The Israelis were so enamored of the Centurion's "Horstman" syle suspension system that they copied it way back in the 1970s for the then-new Merkava tank!

[@ivancho5854]

I found the description of the suspension and its advantages over torsion bar suspension extremely interesting. For the life of me I don't understand why most Western countries adopted torsion bar as it must be incredibly difficult to maintain, but perhaps that was the goal in the US. Alternatively the US were possibly just playing keeping up with the Joneses, or Soviets in this case. For the Soviets transitioning to torsion bar suspension made a bit more sense as it was definitely quite an upgrade from Christie (sp?). I wonder if the choice of torsion bar is due to better ride characteristics, but I doubt it. I know that the Challenger 2 has a fancy nitrogen and oil suspension medium, which is great for peacetime, but in a protracted war would likely be a detriment (which no doubt the MoD will get feedback from the Ukraine). Just my thoughts. All the best everyone.

[@kajlennartsson4234]

Thank you David Fletcher. Its always interesting watching your videos. I always learning somthing new.

[@huckfinn5654]

David has spent a lifetime of work supporting the tank museum and writing several definitive reference books on tank development. I was amazed to see his mastery of the subject at a gathering of noted armoured vehicle experts, for the Operation Think Tank seminar in 2012 (search on YT). Quite an eye-opener, and indicates why he's so highly respected.

[@cgross82]

I saw the split Centurion at Tankfest 2019-great exhibit! What a fantastic museum!

[@absolut2013]

We visited the Tank Museum for the first time today and thoroughly enjoyed it. As a tank enthusiast, I didn't have enough time. My wife had more than enough time. And my children behaved; largely. ;)

[@alamore5084]

Similar situation the first time with wife and kids. So I took just my old man the second time for a grand day out. Me and dad spent a good unhurried 6 hours going round. Reading every bit of information, scoffing chocolate bars and studying all the tanks. A truly magical day out!

[@MililaniJag]

The driver has levers to Wiggle the tank around. Never thought of a tank "wiggling"!! Cheers!

[@haziqfirdaus27]

If you’re having a bad day, please remember that The Tank Musuem has a Centurion tank cut in half

[@fabiogalletti8616]

And somewhere in a developement center in Great Britain they have a Leopard one cut in half - No tank is safe if there is a REME with an angle grinder in hand.

[@feedingravens]

If you had a bad dax, then watch the 'Bad Day"-video kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXmXaGl5ra-rnMk then it might be better.

[@gielraap2002]

@@fabiogalletti8616 koblenz germany they have one

[@TotalRookie_LV]

Wanted: an experienced welder.

[@mats6565]

If you have a bad day, remember somewhere in Scotland, a woman named Marie put a cardboard box on her drunk boyfriend... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqrPiHyNZdmqsNU

[@KMac329]

First, kudos to those apprentices who cut this complicated mass of machinery in half so admirably. Second, while the British were designing this tank with the idea that the top didn't have to have as thick an armor protection as the front or sides, rockets from British typhoons were mauling German armor in Normandy from the skies.

[@davidgoodnow269]

Thank you, Mr. Fletcher, I believe that I may presume you prefer your tanks whole? But good that you used this as intended. I particularly appreciate the final drive and suspension in this view, it is normally so hard to appreciate.

[@ianbell5611]

Thank You Dave..👍

[@robertthomas3777]

Great presentation. Amazing job dissecting the tank. Many thanks. 🇦🇺🦘👍

[@06colkurtz]

The turret rotates on bearings on the turret ring. The central pivot is electrical only

[@gone547]

Thanks for the efforts of all concerned. Very informative.

[@slartybartfarst55]

Excellent, a two parter tank in a one part video.Really good Tank Chat. Thank you.

[@dougstubbs9637]

The Man with the Moustache tells us about The All Steel Shootin Mobeel.

[@michaeldunne338]

Fantastic presentation on an iconic tank, with the ultimate cutaway - a true practical effects exhibit and hands on (or pointing) presentation.

[@TheZinmo]

Being an apprentice at the tank museum sounds quite interesting.

[@johndoe-so2ef]

Here in the US, they've got a panzer 4 that's been crudely hacked open with a torch. Dreadful really, but we tend to be like that.

[@lesterbeedell9725]

It’s a Rover Meteor which was based on the Merlin, unsupercharged and with no reduction gear,I have a Meteor battle damage repair manual which came from Blandford Camp many years ago

[@wessexdruid7598]

Rolls-Royce, not Rover... 🙂

[@markwilliams2620]

"...take up the slack....it really doesn't matter all the time....doesn't sound like much....". Ohhhhh.....that mustache is throwing shade all the way to Texas where a US Army Lt Colonel is screaming at the wall. Edit: Update provided by Fabio.

[@timsmith4548]

I'll vouch for the importance on track tension. I've thrown track in mud puddles and in the hills of Ft Irwin. Once that happens, you're in for a rough day. In combat, it'll turn you into a bunker.

[@fabiogalletti8616]

May be a Lt.col. screaming at the wall with an Irish accent?

[@markwilliams2620]

@@fabiogalletti8616 He got promotion! Thanks.

[@charlesemerson6763]

Thankyou David. Always informative and at least you stayed awake.

[@inquistivemoat7854]

Now I need to see every tank in the collection's cross section - so interesting to see relative thickness of armour

[@laneblackwell9265]

It's just like the books I used to love looking at as a kid! Planes/tanks with that "x-ray" view!

[@MatSpeedle]

I completely missed this when I was at the museum 2 weeks ago... oh well I'll have to go back again, what a shame ;)

[@lornemarmet5898]

WOW! I enjoyed this. I was Army for half my career then Navy. I wish we could cut a frigate in half.

[@johndoe-so2ef]

It's likely to sink rather quickly if you were to do that.

[@swagmanexplores7472]

The Argies tried very hard to do just that in the Falklands

[@jmc7034]

Every time I’ve visited I’ve found this display fascinating

[@dougmaxwell8789]

I’m glad I’m not the one who had to weld the two halves back together after the video was finished.

[@gone547]

Ever heard of velcro?

[@neilwilson5785]

I learned a lot from seeing the final drive. This is great stuff.

[@grantlassing7055]

Found the sound quality not up to your usual high standard but as always thank you for a wonderful video !

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Mr Fletcher . 🐺

[@johnharrison6745]

"Blast it! When I said we needed a HALF-TRACK.....!" 😉😁

[@ykdickybill]

Thoroughly enjoyed that ! Than you

[@brentsmith5647]

Brilliant ❤️👀👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@fredorman2429]

An excellent presentation.

[@rrl4245]

Hang in there David; you're brilliant.

[@madzen112]

Amazing display

[@PeterCoutts-c9o]

I saw this in the 90's ...I was truly impressed. Being an ex crewman on "Cents", forgive my stickler attitude for detail, but the "BBC" (Breech Block Contact) is missing from the breech block.

[@PappyGunn]

Nice video Dave, I hope you can glue that tank back together.

[@Bearded-Baldy85]

The drivers seat looks very similar to that fitted in the old 432s.

[@seeingeyegod]

omg that is so cool. I simply must visit this museum someday.

[@feedingravens]

When you mention the track tensioning like the Chieftain, you should also perform the "Oh my God, the tank is on fire" excercise ;-))

[@andreww2098]

to be fair, it would be fairly easy to get out of that particular Centurion!

[@06colkurtz]

In an M48 you can fire both the coax and type main gun at the same time. If both switches are on they both go bang.

[@gone547]

In a Cent you can use the electrics to fire the main armament and the foot pedal to fire the co-ax and/or 50 cal ranging gun at the same time.

[@exharkhun5605]

No need to keep awake on my account, I'd happily watch a video of mr. Fletcher taking a nap near a tank.

[@edwardgatey8301]

Bloody heck, this is good video. Stupid Google doesn’t like bad words.

[@carlnietoweise4653]

David Fletcher is a HOOT! What a treasure he is!

[@jonfoulkes3160]

This guy seems to be a solid gold dude 👊 That's what my instinct tells me 🤷🏼‍♂️🙏

[@3216100]

Small editing error at 7:05. Great video, as always - just thought you might like to know.

[@tssteelx]

And people say tanks are crapped. Look at all that room. Why I bet even cheifton could get out of that tank in a second. David talking about how tack tension isn't important. Can just here cheifton's REEEEEEEE across the pod.

[@stevem7868-y4l]

There's not many than add light humour, to a heavy tank discussion, and it all makes sense !

[@dumptrump3788]

Which side got the kettle & tea pot? I bet the other half was a bit miffed they were separated from having a cuppa!

[@gavinowen2263]

Gradually getting thin on top? Well don't we all go that way? 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@niceuneazy9965]

LOL fletch makes life worth living 😜

[@Cancun771]

So many Israelis will be going bonkers about this video on the tank their fathers and grandfathers used to keep their country existing. Splendid effort.

[@Studio23Media]

I never realized just how up in there the driver is! Even if the armor blocks the shot, I imagine a front hit would be terrifying!!!

[@varmint243davev7]

Thank You !

[@thuzzle]

Aww yiss, track tensioning!

[@kenbrown2808]

must have been a heck of a hacksaw.

[@jasonz7788]

Awesome work Sir thank you

[@mohawkdriver4155]

That must have been one helluva band saw to cut that thing in half.

[@tellmemoreplease9231]

Well done chap...

[@pjrebordao]

I visited the museum last August and didn't see this one. Did I missed it?

[@frostedbutts4340]

It's been there a good while so probably

[@1nown]

A halved T-72 would be nice to look at one day as a comparison. If you ask someone in Kyiv they might slice one up for you...

[@chrisp4170]

That would be a T-36 wouldn’t it?

[@nzgunnie]

It would be interesting to know the techniques used to cut the armour so neatly to create this sectioned tank.

[@jeffturnbull9661]

Would a water jet be sufficiently powerful to cut through that much steel?

[@johndoe-so2ef]

I'm thinking that it not that neat, and that there might be a bit of plastic filler from the local auto body supply house under the paint......

[@rogerbond7811]

Interesting Rackham did work outside AEC.

[@knutzzl]

10:04 thans don't need to be fast as long as thay can keep up with other vehicles. the other way round, supply needs to keep up with the fighting vehicles.

[@mithikx]

I can't help but wonder if Mr. Fletcher has a favorite half of the Cent Urion lol.

[@thatfriggingbathroom2656]

We need a video on his bottom 5 tank halfs

[@HO-bndk]

If you chop a Mark 5 in half do you get two Mark 2 and a halfs? 😃

[@mrmeowmeow710]

Damm good video thank you for it

[@billevans7936]

Excellent...

[@Emperor_Hood1994]

That's awesome 👌

[@StevenKeery]

Fascinating.

[@gavinowen2263]

"If ya got a tank cut in half clap ya hands!"

[@alanmoffat4454]

CHEERS DAVID A FULL FUND OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE THAT RIDE IN A FERRET OR FOX I CAN STILL DO 😀.

[@ifga16]

The suspension seems to be a bit Shermanesque.

[@AdamMGTF]

That looks very impractical for use on the battlefield

[@machfiver753]

It means I now have to stay awake. A bit of a problem. But here we are.... hahahahahahaha

[@johnfisk811]

Where did the Museum Challenger go to?

[@CalgarGTX]

Im surprised to see straight cut gears on final drive, with all the hubbub happening with Panther final drives

[@rayjennings3637]

Spur gears require less room than helical gears. Therefore the final drive casing can be a slimmer fit on the side of the hull.

[@sterneno1107]

And from a Mark 5 it got converted into a Mark 2.5

[@kungfujesus1874]

Oooooo you meant that centurion cut in half….