M5A1 B5
B5 was our first Stuart tank (as the 14th armored). This tank has had a full restoration and is fully fuctional. This tank has been all over the midwest the last 10 years doing reenactments, running over stuff, and looking good.
M5A1 Stuart tank loading onto a trailer
Here is B5 loading onto a trailer after an event in 2012 at Churchill Downs.
The 14th meets up with FPS Russia
The iginition components are well worn. Many people would take the easy way out and retrofit an electronic ignition... It just wouldn't be an honest representation of how things were. |
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While we are looking at vintage parts used on the tank take a look at this distributor cap and wire set. I have not opened one of these before, but opening any package that was put together 70+ years ago is quite an experience. One day the available spares will all be gone, but until then count on the 14th keeping WWII armor rolling! |
Here is a distributor from the tank. Testing vintage parts for proper operation both in and out of the tank assures things work as they would have back in the 40s. |
Here is a selection of the parts that were removed from inside the tank. Everything must be cleaned, repaired and painted before installing back into the tank hull. |
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The tank looks really different with so many parts removed. This gives the chance to see some unique angles of the tank that are not normally seen. |
The commutator is an impressive part of the tank. It is the link for all of the communication and voltage from the turret and the hull. Without this part the turret could not spin 360 degrees around. Take a look at B5's unit being broken down.
Take a look at the difference on the cleaned and painted parts. |
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Wintertime
During the winter a rush of hot moist air came into the area. Everything was covered in condensation! The tank, having a great deal of thermal mass, was dripping water all over even though it was in the barn.
New parts! Well, really old parts that are in like new condition. We have addressed the opening of NOS parts before but it never gets old seeing parts this perfect.
Take a look at all the soot on the right engine. The choke on the carb was adjusted way too rich. The adjustment is on the side of the carb on top of the engine with little room. Rotating forward will lean it out (less choke) and turning it back towards the back of the tank will richen (more choke) the mix. We adjusted it leaner and had the caddy running so smooth! |