Stridsvagn m/21-29
May I present to you the oldest drive-able German made tank in the world. Fresh out of the Arsenalen workshops this m/21-29 is now officially rolling under its own steam. Sweden bought a number of German made LK II in 1921. The story is that the parts were brought into Sweden designated as "agricultural equipment", a somewhat modified truth as Germany couldn´t export war material after the WW 1.
The restoration project started in 2001 but was soon halted. A new push to get it going was given in 2013, with the goal of having it completed in 2018, for the 100-year celebration. The entire vehicle was taken apart to the smallest screw. All steps were documented in text and photo to act as the foundation for better knowledge how a tank like this is actually constructed, but also to be able to re-assemble it once the restoration team came that far as there are no other information to be had but a 27 page handbook.
Although this specific tank had been outside for many years as a monument most bolts were possible to move. Only a few bolts have been replaced due to wear or rust. A new engine was supplied kindly by truck maker Scania and BAE Hägglunds made a new set of track bussings. The original tracks are used. A new electric system was made as the old leads weren´t really safe to use. All steel plates were disassembled, sand blasted, painted and put back.
After five years of restoration the m/21-29 is now drive-able. It is said to be "not too enjoyable in the field" and the question is how long it can be kept running.
A bit more basic information can be found here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LK_II
That is such a cool tank, what a treasure! Nice model project!
Go ahead, Paul. There is a small one in resin you can make if you want https://www.rebell.com/stridsvagn-m-21-29-fm-22.html. Scratching one wouldn´t be too tricky as all plates are flat.
I must admit I'd never heard of or seen this piece of historical armor prior to your fantastic "walk-around" pics. Thanks for the tour, my friend.
Too small, too obscure, too late, too untested in battle, of course no one mentioned it before. My pleasure as always, Craig.
Very interesting, thanks for sharing.
No probs, Rob.
Fascinating machine.
In deed it is. Quite similar to a Merkava if one squints a bit. Engine up front, turret in the back, side skirts.
Great pics and restoration of a very rare subject. So how many crew members Stellan were used to man it?
Thank you, Tom. From what I understand there would be a crew of four in this. Driver, gunner/commander in turret, two MGs... Rather cramped thus, but having the engine separate from the battle compartment must have been a great comfort raiser.
This looks strongly influenced by the Whippet - is that accurate?
Amazing restoration.
Yep, good eye, Tom. As far as I understand it the Germans designed the LK II after the British Whippet (read this somewhere but can´t find it now).
There is some similarity: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium_Mark_A_Whippet#/media/File:Mark_A_Whippet_1.jpg
Fantastic to have this gem restored and in drivable condition !
I hope to be able to convince my family that we need to visit Arsenalen this summer 😀
Hard work to get it up to running condition.
Next show will actually be on Saturday 6 July and on 8 September. Big things will be out driving.