US Model 1917 monument

[jagjetta]

Greetings,
I spend quite a bit of time and memory-space documenting monument-tanks. This past weekend, while driving home from the Military Vehicle Preservation Association's convention, I shot photos of a US Model 1917 in Bloomington, Illinois. I thought folks may like to see this rare little tank, so am attempting to attach a photo to this note.

John A-G
Editor, Military Vehicles Magazine
http://www.MilitaryVehiclesMagazine.com

 

[sailor2000]

Why is this outdoors?????? Poor thing!!!

 

[maddawg308]

Those 3-ton tanks are cool. They should be in everyone's driveway!

 

[NEIOWA]

Re: RE: US Model 1917 monument

Why is this outdoors?????? Poor thing!!!

You got that right. Should have some shelter, rare beast.

Armed or neutered (Why is turret reversed)?

 

[jagjetta]

Re: RE: US Model 1917 monument

Why is this outdoors?????? Poor thing!!!

You got that right. Should have some shelter, rare beast.

Armed or neutered (Why is turret reversed)?

The turret had no gun, it was turned about 160 degrees to the right.

I think, in all fairness to the city of Bloomington, they have painted and protected the tank for 80+ years...that is a pretty good track record. It is too easy for armchair generals to declare, "Someone should do something about that..." You might want to actually be that "someone" and contact the city to volunteer to construct a structure for it or contribute to a trust fund for the tank's protection in perpetuity. Just a thought... Me, I was just darned happy to have the opportunity to see the vehicle, free of charge, and be able to photograph it. For that, I am grateful to the people who maintain the park in Bloomington, IL.

As you probably know, the U.S. Army owns some of these monuments, not the cities, parks, or VFWs where they are displayed. Periodically, the Army verifies its inventories at which time, they assess the well-being of the vehicles.

John.

 

[NEIOWA]

Re: RE: US Model 1917 monument

Why is this outdoors?????? Poor thing!!!

I think, in all fairness to the city of Bloomington, they have painted and protected the tank for 80+ years...that is a pretty good track record. It is too easy for armchair generals to declare, "Someone should do something about that..."..
John.

Their toy, their problem/solution. I solve the problems in by yard. Though you're right, looks pretty good for 90yr old. Better than Sam's example with many much newer display pieces across the US.

Pretty easy solution solution. 3x Intermediate sections of Med Maint Tent. At present 100+ available Ft McCoy Wi. Use the milspec cover or dress it up with a civ canopy for $500 or so. And room for a couple picnic tables. Anything else?

 

[jagjetta]

Re: RE: US Model 1917 monument

Why is this outdoors?????? Poor thing!!!

Pretty easy solution solution. 3x Intermediate sections of Med Maint Tent. At present 100+ available Ft McCoy Wi. Use the milspec cover or dress it up with a civ canopy for $500 or so. And room for a couple picnic tables. Anything else?

That's a pretty good idea. One thought, though, this is in the middle of a fairly large city in the park. Chances that a canopy is going to stay intact for long might not be too good. This tank, as many, are sitting out for all to crawl on...they aren't in a museum setting in which one can control the environment.

If it was on private property, the canopy solution might be real good. I just don't think inner-city kids will pass up the opportunity of slashing, stealing or destroying canvas. Keep in mind too, these monuments are out for the long haul....canvas might be a temporary solution.

John

 

[jagjetta]

guess who else was crawling all over this tank?

Here is a shot showing the broken hatch. (I was wearing my archival, acid-free tennis shoes!

John

 

[dabtl]

Re: RE: US Model 1917 monument

Why is this outdoors?????? Poor thing!!!

As you probably know, the U.S. Army owns some of these monuments, not the cities, parks, or VFWs where they are displayed. Periodically, the Army verifies its inventories at which time, they assess the well-being of the vehicles.

John.

The government comes around usually when something shows up where it should not be at all. Recently, they are inventorying civil war artillery. Two are missing from Natchez, and have been for decades, but they will show up sooner or later.