A moving tankframe at last

Last 5 october 2013 saw the the first coming out of the moving tankframe on our 4th tankday in Poelkapelle.
As images  say more than words I'll let you enjoy them and thanks to Kurt and Rob for the material :

Move once again, with the new frame now.

Last wednesday, 21 august 2013, was again a major event for our tankproject.
While I was away abroad, in fact on a tankvisit in UK, Robert Vandaeles his son firm, collected the new framework to take it to their workshops in Oostrozebeke to mount all the excavatorparts to get this frame riding on the tracks driven by hydraulics. Really looking out to the result of this next phase : a riding "tank".

In a bit an awkward position, diving in a trench with it's nose.

Due to the roller under it, to  be able to roll it.

Getting it out, a slow monster like the real tank.

A small "trench" is still a problem with one roller. 

The family of Herman, three generations, daughter, wife and mother are fearing the pad might be damaged.

Turned out to be difficult to manipulate our Damon II.

It was moved down the street, just in front of the home of my parents.

Herman, the welder, is explaining to the the family and neighbours.

My mother, father and Hermans wife, still amazed what just came out the doorway.

On the crossings next to my parents there was more room to get the job done.

Sorry to the cardriver waiting in the back.

Typically Herman, always around and caring. Thanks !

There it is, in the right position, still lacking it's roller gear and

plating, but already giving an idea. 

The driver is used to some strange stuff, but this was his first tank. But he already knows coming to Poelkapelle is special.

Vandaele Machinery one more on the yellow move, now with "a wanna be a tank". 

Can hardly imagine the faces of other drivers on the highway seeing this passing. The form being so typically, everyone immediately seeing : look a tank.

The older generations for once getting out in the sun to see

what was going on in their neighbourhood.

Herman took us in speed

When I arrived today Monday, not having been able to come over Sunday, familyday and watched television for the coronation of our new king Filip and our national day, I could not suspect Herman had been working further. He told me he ended like the tour de France and like a runner or a horse smelling the target.
But as soon as I arrived, I did not notice anymore the upper arcs laying outside and I quickly realised it would be the complet stuff I would  finally be able to view and so it was ! Congratulations to Herman and my hat of for working the whole weekend in such temperatures to whom we are not used to. He enjoyed it he told me.

going vertically

Today, another very warm Saturday, the first pillars are set. My father, living nearby, 82 years old, was inspecting it. But as it was so warm, I did not return anymore in the evening, although I knew Herman was working further. Family sometimes comes first, but hard it was.

making a sled when it's so warm

Now already two weeks warm summerweather and also working on the tank. The sledform is now very distinct, but we do not have snow, instead almost 30°C, what's not happening every year.
The shape is now being build up and it looks promising !

despite the hot weather : paintingtime

When I today arrived  at Hermans shop, I now saw a kind of bridge, waiting for me to have the interior painted. We do this painting work now, because it will be a the bottom afterwards and difficult to reach.
Dirk was also inspecting the work so far done and was happy with it.