Got an M3 Lee Tank donated to the museum

[ScottG]

   Well, sort of. This is an amazing 1:1 scale replica made of wood and fiberglass to represent "Lulubelle" from the 1943 film Sahara starring Humphrey Bogart. It was built by and donated by Mr. James Romans of Parma Michigan. Mr. Romans did it as a retirement project in the mid 90s as he was a huge fan of the film (though not the Jim Belushi version). The turrets turn, the hatches open, the guns elevate and traverse and even the tracks and wheels work though there is a wheeled cradle beneath for added support and ease of movement. It has been a big hit at the museum since it was donated last month. Sadly, Mr. Romans passed away two weeks after donating it and though he was 93 it was not expected. So in honor of Mr, Romans, enjoy a couple of pictures of "Lulubelle".       Scott

[earlymb]

Very nicely made, I bet it turned some heads when transported on that small trailer too 🤭

[M24 Chaffee]

That’s pretty amazing!

 

Frank

[otter42]

Amazing craftsmanship! How long did it take him to build it? Absolutely incredible!

[SGM (ret.)]

Wow!  Talk about your "labor of love"!  That is simply astounding!  The museum is lucky to have that, for sure.

 

[ScottG]

1 hour ago, otter42 said:

Amazing craftsmanship! How long did it take him to build it? Absolutely incredible!

     About 3 years from start to finish.   Scott

[ScottG]

5 hours ago, earlymb said:

Very nicely made, I bet it turned some heads when transported on that small trailer too 🤭

     Yes, we were thinking it would have made a great Ford commercial!   Scott

[268th C.A.]

Well, I'm sure he wanted it seen, & himself being remembered. That was very nice of him to donate it to your museum.  He probably knew it was time to say goodbye. 

Sad to see these guys fade away...

[katieony]

He had some serious skills to build a replica like that!

[mikie]

That is awesome! Bless you Mr Romans.

[otter42]

Where is your museum? 

[ScottG]

2 hours ago, otter42 said:

Where is your museum? 

      Michigan's Military Heritage Museum in Jackson Mi.   mimhm.org or Michigan Military Heritage Museum on Facebook.    Scott

[otter42]

Thanks Scott

[P-59A]

That is the work of a master craftsman. I don't know what he did for work in real life, but it's clear this was his true calling! Well done Mr. Romans, well done!

[ScottG]

2 hours ago, P-59A said:

That is the work of a master craftsman. I don't know what he did for work in real life, but it's clear this was his true calling! Well done Mr. Romans, well done!

    he was a machinist and he worked on machines that produces cardboard boxes i believe. He was truly a master, each shoe is cut wood and all of the wheels are wood. The bolts all have grooves in them so they look like they are actual bolts instead of wood. Glad everyone is enjoying this post as Mr. Romans wanted people to enjoy "Lulubelle" as much as he did. It is a great tribute to his memory. Thanks to all of you!    Scott

[P-59A]

When you have time pleasepost more detailed pics. What does the inside look like?

[Scarecrow]

That is skill and craftsmanship "above and beyond"!

[bbmilitaria]

Absolutely incredible!!

[Backtheattack]

Great work!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ScottG]

10 hours ago, P-59A said:

When you have time pleasepost more detailed pics. What does the inside look like?

    The inside is basically unfinished and only has a couple of platforms so you can stand in the turrets.    Scott

[ScottG]

   Thanks to all for your nice response and kind words, this would have made Mr. Romans very happy!    Scott

[P-59A]

5 hours ago, ScottG said:

    The inside is basically unfinished and only has a couple of platforms so you can stand in the turrets.    Scott

I understand that. I work construction as a site Super, I would like to  see how he tied it all together.

[Unseeing]

Pretty cool

[6th.MG.BN]

Thats an amazing work. What would you guess it weighs?

Ken

[ScottG]

18 hours ago, 6th.MG.BN said:

Thats an amazing work. What would you guess it weighs?

Ken

    Thanks! Its about 3200lbs.    Scott