Renault FT-17, M1917 six ton tank

[jdmcm]

Ok all you Tank hunters, time to start searching the memory banks and scrapbooks and old war stories...we had just about 240 of these M1917 Six ton tanks here in Canada in the 1940's, there must be a few rusting hulks, parts or pieces left kicking around the farms, scrapyards and backyards of this huge country, and I need your help finding them! Somehow I need to add another tank to the pile of projects and I have been bitten by the WW1 bug and I am on a worldwide hunt for one of these amazing little beasts, or parts, or reproduction parts, or drawings, or piles of 97 year old scrap metal...Anything helps! So please my fellow collectors and tank hunters around the globe try to recall the M1917 tank behind the barn, buried under the brambles and scrub of our great country and beyond! As always every lead helps and is greatly appreciated! And yes Hayes Otoupalik was my first call!

Thank You!
John

[jdmcm]

Oh and there just might be a small reward in it!! Yes I know...this green disease is in it's final stages...complete insanity!

[Lynn Eades]

John, Best of luck with your hunt! I was very awed by footage of a line of these tanks leaping across a road, (France?) and tearing through the bank on the other side.
I cannot believe the crew weren't all broken. A classic looking machine!
There was some posts on the forum about building a replica, or at least making up parts for one. Go for it!!!

[strat1]

There was/is a reproduction for sale in POLAND. Polish version with the exhaust on the other side.

Anthony

[Lionelgee]

Hello John,

I found a couple of period films that have been posted up on YouTube. The best one is this one as it has more close-ups.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfdHAqIIYts

Here is a youtube link to some of the tanks that were found in a scrapyard in Afgahanistan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP9huCf-iZM

Kind Regards
Lionel

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by jdmcm

Ok all you Tank hunters, time to start searching the memory banks and scrapbooks and old war stories...we had just about 240 of these M1917 Six ton tanks here in Canada in the 1940's, there must be a few rusting hulks, parts or pieces left kicking around the farms, scrapyards and backyards of this huge country, and I need your help finding them! Somehow I need to add another tank to the pile of projects and I have been bitten by the WW1 bug and I am on a worldwide hunt for one of these amazing little beasts, or parts, or reproduction parts, or drawings, or piles of 97 year old scrap metal...Anything helps! So please my fellow collectors and tank hunters around the globe try to recall the M1917 tank behind the barn, buried under the brambles and scrub of our great country and beyond! As always every lead helps and is greatly appreciated! And yes Hayes Otoupalik was my first call!

Thank You!
John

There were a number of these ex-Borden Renaults kicking around Ontario. I've seen at least two but that dates back to the 1980's. At least one went to a museum in the USA. Many did go to civilian users even during the war. There was a shortage of construction equipment and these were sold and converted into bulldozers (neither of the two I saw had turrets for this reason). Another 'Canadian' feature is that there are rectangular holes cut out of the track so they would have some traction in the snow.

I haven't heard even a rumor of any still being out there but at least I can confirm they were, so who knows?

[rob love]

One of the early OMVA CMP magazines has the story behind the recovery and shipment of three of them from Ontario to the US (I think it was Montana) back in the 80s IIRC. Two were from farmyards, and one was found languishing on the range in Borden. Seems to me it was Hayes Optoupalik who did the project.

http://www.hayesotoupalik.com/

[David DeWeese]

Hi,

Brent Mullins in College Station, Texas has an unrestored one that is missing some items....

http://mullinsjeepparts.com/gallery/...hicles/page/2/

Thanks, David

[maple_leaf_eh]

I had a reply that would have been #2. There is a Service Pubs book on the prewar tanks. I suggest the author would have the definitive sources. Secondly, the War Museum has a rebuilt Ford tank that passed through the gentle hands of MLU'er Don Dingwall at DEW Engineering.

[jdmcm]

I appreciate the replies, as usual I am about 30 years behind where I should be on my search but why let reality and common sense start getting in my way now! I have started conversing with Hayes and he has been most helpful, I have also reached out to Don and an awaiting a reply. I am realistic in my hope to find some bits and pieces here and there and generally see what is under some of the rocks around Borden and surrounding areas. I hope through the forum to spark any memories recent or otherwise to help me on the hunt so all stories, photos, video and anecdotes are greatly appreciated!

John

[jdmcm]

Rob, you have a pretty good relationship with Al Mc. Any chance he might have any bits and pieces tucked away out there among the treasures? I figure it is guys like him and his father before him that saw the value in this type of equipment long before the rest of us. I have seen some of the things he has parted with and can only imagine what is hidden away. And on another note, did he end up getting rid of the M4A2 turret and both guns? Rumor has it that they went to Alberta.

Thanks
John

[rob love]

I am pretty positive there is nothing for the Renaults in Westbourne. Certainly no reason why there would be.

Turret and guns are paid for but not picked up yet. They will be heading West.

[jdmcm]

Thanks Rob, never hurts to ask!