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Bought from a junkyard, without having looked at it before. First sight was terrible, but the interior was fairly complete. Of course, both engines and radiators were in uesless condition, tracks not existing, wheels missing or simply shot off. |
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Initially deployed in Italy, than in Germany and later on, used as a target tank after being put out of active service. |
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After a few hours of recovery, finally loaded on the semi-trailer. |
| … and the two Cadillac V8’s |  |
After I had received the permission of ownership and to import by the authorities, I started to restore the M24. |
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The tub was sand-blasted, primered and a new paintjob with the original color of “MAT 1” was put on. The running gear (all running wheels, carrying wheels and drive wheels), the shock absorbers and the tracks had to be replaced completely. |
| After literally “clearing out” the interior, all assemblies were overhauled or replaced. Then, every part was to be mounted in its original location. But, after being disassembled for more than two years, you can’t recall all the details. My 10.000 and more puzzle …….. |
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Two new engines & transmissions were needed, and after a satisfactory run on a test stand, were mounted in place. |  |
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A note for M24 specialists: NOS oilcoolers are available by the dozen – only they are all useless. I found a conventional truck aluminum oilcooler, that fits exactly, and works. |
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Such a vehicle can not be driven on public streets. Therefore, it is mainly used as a display object at conventions. First tests - in open terrain maintained by the Austrian Army in Styria
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--- Waterblasting off the mud in the tank wash plant at an official Austrian Army training siten --- Transport from “Camp Styria” in June 2006 back home to Vienna |
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. Original photo showing an M24 on the march into Prague in April 1945, followed by a Jeep in distance |
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