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movie M24 Chaffee


B-17Guy
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Thought you modelers out there might get a kick out of this...

 

I have had this for some time. My wife got it for me from an old friend that used to hit a lot of movie back lot sales in the '70's.

 

It is a surviving prop from the movie "Battle of the Bulge" (1965)

 

I am told it was one of the tanks in the scene with the Chaffee's below the ridge and the German (M47) tanks cresting the ridge above and the Chaffeee's firing into them point blank, during the big battle scene at the end of the film.

 

It is about 4 1/2 feet long, 2 1/2 feet wide and about 2 feet tall. It easily weights over 200 pounds.

 

I have chosen to leave the last of the remaining movie paint on it, rather than do a full up restoration.

 

Cheers,

 

John

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I've been meaning to pick up the italeri M-24 and build "Bargain Basement"... Savalas' Chaffee, festooned with duffles and crates... This really makes me want to take that project on!!!

 

Awesome find!!!!

 

Wayne

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Very cool sums it up. I agree with you, it's probably best to leave it alone, but I would have a real hard time resisting the urge to restore it and add figures. That's a really neat piece. What is it made of? It looks like it's made of metal I can see rust on the front. The rust on the front makes the model look pretty cool.

 

Dennis

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It sat for many years in an aircraft hangar in So Cal. We found it about eight years a go.

 

Wish I could find one of the German M47's to go with it!

 

I can here Telly now, "It's like throwing tennis balls at 'em!"

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Here are a couple of detail pics, since there seems to be a lot of interest in the tank.

 

It is made entirely out of metal, like I said it easily weighs over 200 lbs. Many parts look as though they were cast.

 

It does roll, it is the only way to move it around, unless one or two friends come over and we lift it.

 

I am told that it was pulled in the movie by thin cable or was stationary, as it was not motorized.

 

John

post-12439-1278870990.jpg

post-12439-1278871008.jpg

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I've been meaning to pick up the italeri M-24 and build "Bargain Basement"... Savalas' Chaffee, festooned with duffles and crates... This really makes me want to take that project on!!!

 

Awesome find!!!!

 

Wayne

 

 

HEY WAYNE,

 

I've got a COMPLETE, UNBUILT kit just collecting dust, if you are interested drop me a PM..

 

Adam

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It wouldn't look like a former "movie model" if it was restored. With it's appearance now it gives off

the impression that it was "found".

Ever watch the movie and try to pick out a tank with a roll of wire hangin to the turret?

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  • 2 weeks later...
Around what scale is this model? Any conversion specialists here?

 

 

I think it is pretty close to 1/4 scale, using rough numbers

 

Cheers,

 

John

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  • 5 years later...

Thought I would bump this thread back to the top, as it has fallen into

old thread never never land.

I was just out on the back patio brushing some dust off the 'ole M24...it still looks the same.

I ultimately chose not to restore it, leaving the last of the "Battle of the Bulge"

paint remaining and getting a beautiful patina.

 

Best, John

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WOW!! What an awesome find. I agree with some of the fellas; it is extremely tempting to restore that beauty. Well if you do don't forget to post your progress.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

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  • 3 years later...
  • 4 weeks later...

Thanks guys.

I bumped the thread so it wouldn’t get forgotten.

I sure wish one of the M47’s from the film would surface, would be great to see.

John

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