A self-taught engineer built a replica of a World War I tank: how much did it cost?

World War I tank replica/Jam Press

Self-taught engineer Cameron Swinney from California has a passion for welding and history. He combined these two interests and designed the FT-17, the world's first production French light tank from Renault in 1917.

To create the FT-17, Swinney purchased several sheets of plywood, a half-inch steel plate, CNC plasma machine, bolts, steel plates and nails. According to the New York Post.

This “cute little tank”, about the size of a sedan and weighing 5,443 kg, boasts functional tractor treads, an engine and 360-degree rotating turrets, which, according to under California state law, installed for demonstration purposes only.

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After building the frame, Swinney outfitted the tank with a Jeep F134 engine that turns a hydraulic pump whose flow is controlled by spool valves going to the hydraulic motors.

Each hydraulic motorcycle has 16 gallons per minute of hydraulic oil at 3,600 psi, he says.

The treads were taken off two 1930s tractors. This tank cost the developer $50,000 and a year of his time.

Replica WWI tank/Jam Press

According to state law, a tank can only be driven on private property. But Swinney showed his creation at a car show.