B-17Guy Posted July 10, 2010 Share #1 Posted July 10, 2010 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Meatcan Posted July 10, 2010 Share #2 Posted July 10, 2010 wow! :w00t: now that is cool! great display item Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgtdorango Posted July 10, 2010 Share #3 Posted July 10, 2010 Thats awesome!!!. :w00t: ...now you need a small Telly Savallas figure!!!......mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpguy80/08 Posted July 11, 2010 Share #4 Posted July 11, 2010 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
37thguy Posted July 11, 2010 Share #5 Posted July 11, 2010 That is VERY COOL! :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Marine Posted July 11, 2010 Share #6 Posted July 11, 2010 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted July 11, 2010 Author Share #7 Posted July 11, 2010 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!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted July 11, 2010 Author Share #8 Posted July 11, 2010 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADAM2001 Posted July 11, 2010 Share #9 Posted July 11, 2010 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dskjl Posted July 11, 2010 Share #10 Posted July 11, 2010 My 14 year old would give up puberty for a couple of years to have one of these. This is just too cool!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billgiff Posted July 11, 2010 Share #11 Posted July 11, 2010 Around what scale is this model? Any conversion specialists here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quest Master Posted July 13, 2010 Share #12 Posted July 13, 2010 Now that is cool. I wouldn't restore it either. Leave it as is. Looks great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjones5452 Posted July 13, 2010 Share #13 Posted July 13, 2010 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FNG Posted July 13, 2010 Share #14 Posted July 13, 2010 Impressive! :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted July 21, 2010 Author Share #15 Posted July 21, 2010 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgtdorango Posted July 21, 2010 Share #16 Posted July 21, 2010 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted August 20, 2015 Author Share #17 Posted August 20, 2015 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches Posted August 20, 2015 Share #18 Posted August 20, 2015 Fantastic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtyScout Posted August 21, 2015 Share #19 Posted August 21, 2015 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted January 20, 2019 Author Share #20 Posted January 20, 2019 I still have this tank. One of these days I’ll have to bring it to a local show. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Posted February 12, 2019 Share #21 Posted February 12, 2019 That is so freaking awesome. I love movie props. Thanks for showing this. Ronnie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbmilitaria Posted February 12, 2019 Share #22 Posted February 12, 2019 I don't know how I missed this the first time around. Great detail and a fantastic display. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobgee Posted February 12, 2019 Share #23 Posted February 12, 2019 Fabulous tank! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmd62 Posted February 12, 2019 Share #24 Posted February 12, 2019 Wonderful prop and I know the movie is anything but accurate, but I love watching it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted February 14, 2019 Author Share #25 Posted February 14, 2019 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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