Okay, my second civil war campaign is coming along nicely thanks for the help and advice I have recieved.
However, instead of stopping and working on the campaign, I had to go and do some more research.
Ever since the 1980's this trend in the US steel industry called "Micro" foundries have been steadily eating away at steel imports and replacing it with american made product.
Most of these Micro foundries are located in states not normally associated with the steel industry. Using 1/3 new ore, and the rest recycled, quality steel is being produced.
Now for the kicker.
The facilities needed for tank "CONSTRUCTION" are not that complicated. Any firm that manufactures or has the capability to manufacture heavy construction equipment can produce tanks. All that is needed is a smelting facility, foundry and forging plant.
Granted, the High tech equipment is still needed, but should a state leave the union with the manufacturing facilities for such items, the entire package is available.
Now, who wants to design a new tank?