Dorchester up for auction
 

AEC Dorchester
 

Cool, someone should pick this up. Wonder how it came in the hands of such a large auctioneer.

Pickles are the Auctioneers handling the current Army vehicle fleet disposals. The location "Thurgoona" is the closest to the Bandiana stores complex. Recent auctions have seen a few "Non-Current fleet" vehicles trickle through, I suspect being non-required vehicles from Bandiana Museum.

I wonder why it is not headed to the Army Tank Museum, if it is surplus from AMB. Both are part of the Army Museum Network (AMN).

Mike

The Dorchester was photographed on a low loader on the road somewhere a few months ago. I saw it on a website. Have a feeling it must have come from further away than Bandiana. Wondered if it had come off a range maybe.

Thanks Richard - I'm a little puzzled as the chassis looks a lot like the one I organised for Bob Dimer in WA many years ago (the paint matches) - does anyone in WA know what happened to his rolling chassis (ex-Matador) and Dorchester hull?

It is not like there are many around: Australia had, from memory, only seven. The ATM have the remains of a hull.

Mike

Puckapunyal
 

This is the Puckapunyal Tank Museum's one. Bit sad they gave up on restoring it.

I used to own Bob Dimer's in WA and it is now restored and residing in NSW. The chassis in the above pics is fitted for a winch which Bob's/ mine was not, nor were original Dorchester chassis.

I hope someone completes the restoration of the one above.

Cheers

Phill

Thanks Phillip, that clears that one up!

Agree: such a pity to not do at least a cosmetic external refurbishment, but all sorts of factors come into play in a museum, not just the restoration itself.

Bob's chassis certainly did some miles: it came from a yard in Geelong. It had been a crane truck. Bob drove to Victoria with a Humber Box on the back of his tray truck with the red cab - can't remember what make. The box is now residing in Vic under restoration. Bob then went back to WA with the Matador chassis. Now the Dorchester/Matador is back in the east in NSW! Quite a journey.

Mike

sold
 

Somebody on FB said it sold for $4K seems rather low

A lot of work required, so someone had a good deal. No doubt we will hear where it went soon!

The museum at Merredin (WA) had (has?) a nice one.

I hope it went to a good home that realizes its historic significance and not someone that will make a camper out of it. I'm glad the initial cost is low. If done right the vehicle and interior restoration will not be cheap.

One of the major differences with Pickles Auctions, compared to the previous contract with GraysOnline, is that final bids and sale prices are not visible after the auction closes, even if you are one of the bidders in contention. Grays have their lots visible for all to see for even years later, complete with the anonomised bidders identities.

Bob's Dorchester
 

Phillip,

Bob sent me this image after he arrived back in WA and unloaded his Matador chassis. You may wish to pass it on to the current owner. I think I have a few other images from Bob as well, including a close-up of the remains of the British divisional marking, just visible on the lower left front mudguard.

Mike

It is indeed the vehicle from the Armour Museum at Puckapunyal.
Aust had 7 of these, I think there are 2 left, this and a restored vehicle in Newcastle NSW.
The storage yard has been tidied up in preparation for the rationalising of some items and the move to the future/new facility located by the front gate to the camp.
They are also spending time and money on getting current exhibits running and tidied up for the move.
So some very exciting times ahead.
There will be more items being moved through Pickles Auctions.
There have been a number of surplus Land Rovers Ser 3, M3 White scout car, Fordson WOT2 and International Mk3 & 4, 4x4 trucks disposed of in the last 10 months, plus numerous pallets of items that are no longer required.
The intent is to concentrate on more recent conflict items and the Museums to be Corps specific.
This is just my observations and in no way an official statement by AHU.

Plus they remove the pictures aftrer auction :(

Anyway, I hope the new owner restores it to running order!

Just read Shane Mitchell bought it:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/6626...8879786513489/

It has certainly gone to a good home with Shane 👍

Also see this thread:

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1058

more
 

ARN 139891 was another