Preserving the the past to Educate the Future
Preserving the Past to Educate the Future
At Big Bore LLC, our commitment to restoring legacy military systems goes beyond technical expertise; it’s about preserving the tangible remnants of the past that ensure the sacrifices of the men and women who fought in these battles are never forgotten. We restore weapons, vehicles, and components that stand as symbols of courage, sacrifice, and the human cost of war. These artifacts are essential for reminding us of the lives lost and the bravery displayed in the face of adversity. Without these physical pieces of history, it becomes all too easy to forget the profound impact of conflict on individuals and nations. Our mission is to preserve these tangible links to the past, so future generations can reflect on the realities of war, honor the heroes who fought, and learn from the mistakes made. Through the restoration of these objects, we ensure the legacy of those who served endures, offering a powerful way to remember and educate on the true cost of war, so the lessons of history are never lost.
TIGER TANK
Customer: WW2Armor.org
This tank served as a movie prop in both “Saving Private Ryan” and “Band of Brothers.” Originally a post-war Polish T34, it was expertly transformed into a functional and serviceable armored vehicle. The refurbishment process ensured that it maintained the scaled and accurate features that reflect its cinematic lineage, allowing it to retain its significance as a prominent piece of film history.
Rebuilding the Tiger was a comprehensive five-year project that involved extensive reverse engineering, fabrication, and detailed research. The original prop was based on a sanitized Polish T34 post-war medium tank, which we revitalized using the drivetrain from a donor recovery T34.
We meticulously fabricated the hull, turret, and exterior compartments, focusing on authentic dimensions derived from reference materials. Maintainability was a priority, ensuring all components, including the gun, turret, and drivetrain, were fully operational. The project featured a repurposed T34 85mm main gun, which required extensive refurbishment to restore functionality.
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Armor
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D 20 Anti-Tank Gun
Customer: www.drivetanks.com
The 152mm Weapon is a landmark Soviet gun/howitzer system specifically designed to counter NATO armored forces during the Cold War. It is noteworthy that this artillery piece remains in active use across various combat theaters today.
In our restoration of the D20, we undertook a meticulous process that involved combining parts from multiple weapons to create a fully functional system. This endeavor began months ahead of the restoration work, focusing on the procurement of rare components, cases, and projectiles to ensure authenticity.
The carriage underwent extensive restoration to eliminate decay, and we applied high-quality, durable paint to guarantee its longevity against wear and tear. Likewise, we meticulously refurbished the barrel and muzzle brake to maintain both performance and historical accuracy.
At the time of its restoration, this weapon was recognized as the largest caliber direct-fire system in private ownership, showcasing our unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication to preserving military history. Our commitment to detail and historical precision shines through in every aspect of this significant project.
