Japanese tank WWII restored
 

Just out of interest, here is a link to a video on a Type 89 Japanese medium tank restored and functional in Japan. A rare machine to see working : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrPSuZjfI9k&NR=1

Bob,

Always nice to see such a rare machine on the move. Looks lively, seems to have plenty of power. Ground clearance looks larger than on other tanks of the era.

Am slightly amused by the way the Japanese try to take safety serious - I have never seen a moving tank roped off before :thup:

Thanks,
Hanno

They were certainly very serious about it all.
Thanks for the link.
Rich.

Engine ?
 

I'm sure I heard a turbo-diesel engine revving there? Anyone know if it has been updated or is original?

Gordon

Yes sounds like a turbo
 

Hi Bob and Gordon

Gordon I think your correct sounds like a turbo when the driver burps the throttle when the tank is not moving.

Bob how did you find the site, I'd never thought to go looking for the foreign language versions of Youtube. Makes doing searching a little hard or is there a translated search.

Cheers

Very cool video. Got a laugh from the moving rope barricade. Wonder what would happen if the rope got snagged by the tracks. haha.

As for the turbo, I think that was another veh off camera. You can hear the vehicle shifting up.

Also found this view of the same tank.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1H3u7Btk8M

Type 89 tank
 

I read a bit about them, and they have a diesel engine apparently, but probably not turbo equpped. I just happened on this video while looking for something else, just luck. I think Fred Ropkey has a "Ha-Go" light tank in his collection in Indiana, and it probably runs. He was the person who supplied the Sherman for the James Garner " Tank" movie.The type 89 entered sevice in 1932 ,as per Wikipedia, so is an early model Japanese tank.It reminds me of the Vickers Mk. III medium tank from the late 20`s ,which I`m sure was some of the inspiration behind the type 89