A California man spent $50,000 building a detailed DIY WW1 tank in his backyard, stunning viewers with his dedication.
In California, Kameron Swinney spent $50,000 to build a replica of a World War I tank in his backyard.
This impressive project took him about a year to complete and showcased his skills as a self-taught builder.
Kameron, who is 34 years old, has a long history of working with cars.
California man builds incredible DIY WW1 tank in backyard with a total of $50,000
He began learning about mechanics and welding when he was just 15.
Despite not attending college, he has developed a strong passion for history and engineering.
His passion for these subjects inspired him to take on an ambitious project.
He decided to build an FT-17 tank, one of the first modern tanks used in warfare.
The tank measures 16 feet in length and weighs a hefty 12,000 pounds.
Kameron explained that the FT-17 tank has a turret capable of rotating 360 degrees.
It also features a front crew compartment and an engine located in the back.
The engine he used is from a Jeep, which powers a hydraulic system that drives the tank’s tracks.
Kameron started with basic materials to create a WW1 tank
He purchased sheets of plywood, steel plates, and bolts, among other items.
His initial investments in tools included a CNC plasma table, which helped him cut metal parts accurately.
He also used tracks and final drives from 1930s tractors.
This choice demonstrates his resourcefulness and creativity in sourcing components for his project.
“It’s also America’s first production tank licensed to be built from Renault,” Kameron said.
“The engine is a Jeep f134 engine that turns a hydraulic pump with flow controlled by spool valves going to the hydraulic motors located at each final drive that turns the track sprocket.
“Each hydraulic motorcycle has 16 gallons per minute of hydraulic oil at 3600psi,” he added.
“The tank has taken me about a year to build but I continue to work on it and perfect it.
“It needed an engine rebuild so I just finished that.
“Tracks and final drives are from 1930s tractors and it takes two tractors to get all the tracks.”
Kameron’s tank project gains community enthusiasm and recognition
One of the unique aspects of Kameron’s tank is that it does not have any working weapons.
To comply with local laws, he made sure that it could only be used on private property.
He mentioned that, since the tank has steel tracks, it is classified similarly to a tractor and cannot be driven on public roads.
Kameron’s community has shown great enthusiasm for his project.
Neighbors appreciate his dedication and love the historical aspect of the tank.
He even took the tank to a local car show, where it won the award for “best in show.”
This recognition highlights how much people admire his hard work and creativity.
Kameron shares project updates and showcases the tank online.
In addition to showcasing the tank at events, Kameron shares updates on his project through social media.
His Instagram account features videos and photos of the tank in action.
One of his videos, which shows him driving the tank, has received over 1,400 views. Viewers have commented on the impressive details of the tank and expressed their admiration for his work.
Kameron’s journey does not end with the completion of this tank. He has plans to build more tanks in the future.
He expressed interest in creating another FT-17 or possibly taking on a larger project. His ambition and passion for building are clear, and he is excited about what lies ahead.
He said: “I may make another FT17 tank.
“If not I’ll move onto something perhaps bigger.”
Social media reactions
On social media, many people expressed amusement at his DIY WW1 tank.
He must charge a lot for his remodels to do this and still save money to send his kids to college, one user said.
Really hope his children don’t get hurt while playing’ with the tank. How big is his yard anyways? great job sir, the second user wrote.
Built it for his kids but you only seen him playing with it, the third user commented.
Trying to get social media money I see, another wrote.
Best replica of a WW1 tank ever, someone said.