QUEENSLAND'S GERMAN CONNECTIONS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Queensland Government

Dedicated QM team effort

In addition, losses were found in the exterior paint layer where the top surface had flaked off leaving the white-coloured undercoat exposed. These losses were cosmetic and it is likely that they were caused by the high pressure spray or vacuum cleaner nozzles used during the mud removal phase. On the whole, the conservation work undertaken as part of the flood response appeared successful; however the internal cavities, gearbox and motor required further inspection to ensure that there had been no seepage of floodwaters and that the high humidity environment Mephisto experienced during the flood had not caused problems inside these spaces. The Conservation section took advantage of the flood clean-up and redevelopment of the Queensland Museum building at South Bank to move Mephisto to an offsite location so that a full conservation assessment and treatment could be carried out.

Above: The white-coloured undercoat is visible where the top surface of the paint layer has flaked off, and (below): A build-up of grease was discovered on the drive elements.

Overall Mephisto was found to be in very good condition given its age and history. Old damage and repairs were noted such as the removal of the gear levers in 1986, the 1987 replacement of the steel door and the damage caused during its time on the battlefield. All of these activities have been fully documented and add to the story and interpretation of the tank.

While Mephisto has undergone a number of conservation treatments since its arrival at the Museum in 1919, the most drastic being the sandblasting and repainting of the outer surface in the 1970’s, maintenance and cleaning has been irregular and an agreed conservation approach has not been formalised. Thus, the aim of the conservation project was to conduct a thorough assessment of M ephisto ’s condition, stabilise and carry out treatments as required, and develop a maintenance schedule and conservation policy to preserve Mephisto into the future. The delicate operation to remove Mephisto from the QM site began with the precision positioning of a crane, chain and spreader bar in a very confined space.

Illuminating Mephisto’s interior spaces for a closer inspection.

221