This is it. The finale of Ron's incredible one-man M4 Sherman restoration in Victoria. After months of solo work — final drives, a Deutz V10 engine swap, hand-fabricated steering and clutch linkages, solo track fitting — it all comes down to this episode. Sandblasting and priming, auto electrical work, the first start attempt (and then a second with a bit more persuasion), the first drive attempt, a bout of tank resto insomnia, and then the moments everyone's been waiting for: turret on, paint on, and a completed Sherman rolling under its own power. Ron built this tank essentially by himself in his shed in rural Victoria. What he's achieved is nothing short of extraordinary. This Sherman will be a ride vehicle at AusArmourfest — come see Ron's masterpiece in person. 🎟️ AusArmourfest Tickets HERE ⏩ https://bit.ly/aaf26 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Sandblasting and Priming 01:30 – Interior Update 03:34 – Auto Electrical Work 04:20 – 1st Start Attempt 06:27 – Start ya b*stard! 09:18 – 1st Drive Attempt 11:38 – Tank Resto Insomnia 13:27 – 2nd Drive Attempt 15:57 – Final Look at Complete Interior 17:01 – Turret On 18:36 – Painting 19:55 – Sherman Complete! 21:18 – That's a Wrap for This Series 🎥 Videography captured on Ron's potato The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum is home to the largest collection of armoured vehicles and artillery in the Southern Hemisphere, located in Cairns, North Queensland. We are dedicated to the collection, preservation, restoration and display of military vehicles from the 1800s to present day. Our collection includes over 220 armoured vehicles and artillery pieces from 15 countries. 🔧 Visit us: https://www.ausarmour.com 📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ausarmour #M4Sherman #ShermanTank #TankRestoration #SoloBuild #WWII #MilitaryHistory #RestorationComplete
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Bloody hell, the Aussie army must to have recruit a battalion of blokes to replace Ron when he left. Bloody unbelievable job. Awesome work.
Ron is a national treasure! The embodiment of hard yakka. Man's a one man tank building army.
Well done Ron! What a result. Just bloody lovely. Thanks for taking me on your adventure
We need to get a case of that "Start ya barsteward" shipped over to Mr Hewes 😂😂😂
Ron is magician, to do all this on his own is truly amazing.
THE ONE MAN BAND. LEGEND... Clinical workmanship as always Ronnie...👍
There are groups of people out their who work for months on old vehicles to make them run again, Meanwhile in the land down under, there is Ron.
this has been a brilliant bonus series
What a job that must have been. Cool to have one back on the road again. Regards from the Battle of the Bulge area.
What an excellent addition to the Aus armour series of restos. The only downside is that it's finished, what's next for Ron?, he doesn't seem like the kind of bloke to retire under a coconut tree sipping a cocktail and reading a mills & boon
Nice to see a WWII tank getting up a bit of speed for once. You always see them creeping around in 1st gear - which is understandable - but this gives you a nice idea of how these things could really shift.
Greatest thing of this is watching Ronnie drive the thing.
I love how it looks like he is painting the seats and linkages ect lime green because he still has proper mercury vapour lighting in his workshop! No LED rubbish here! :)
Ron, as an American, I can’t thank you enough for taking on this project and just in time for what will be a significant holiday here on Monday, which is Memorial Day. By bringing this Sherman back to life, you are honoring the memory of all those who served my country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you and God bless you. 🫡
Wow ! Good job
Turned out exceptionally well! Good job Ron!
Great job Ron. And Yeah! We all know the delight of end ex and the delight of the clean-up that follows.
What a beautiful machine @!!
Good job, congratulations and well done!
Fantastic job Ron!