Gentlemen
I am trying to find a copy of the original proposal for the "gifted" tanks. This way I will be able to answer many questions over this fiasco. I had a copy somewhere & I will find it eventually
I seem to recall that it stated they were to be gutted completely of any and all internal fittings. So basically an empty hull.
Devoid of power packs, radiators, hydraulics etc.
All sights, vision blocks etc removed and welded over.
All external binning and ALL crew access (hatches) welded shut.
Am unsure but I think the turret was to be welded in position as was elevation of the barrel.
The complete external appearance of the vehicle was to be refurbished to new condition including tracks.
Barrels were to be cut at the chamber and breeches stripped of most of the components and then welded in position plus a cut in the breech ring.
I believe that there was also a covenant in the contract that the vehicle was never to be sold off and would have to be returned to the government when it was no longer required.
Upkeep was to be at the expense of the proprieter (not the government).
I am fairly sure that there was mention in the original draft of the expression of interest that transport costs were not to be at government expense.
As I cannot find a copy of the original expression of interest (yet) I will not put my hand on my heart and state that these terms are definite. I recall seeing these points written somewhere though.
I think I mentioned almost a month ago about having seen none of these so called gifts actually out there.
I have heard rumour of an overseas group of cashed up gentlemen who are waiting in the background wanting to buy the entire fleet if they were somehow to go to public sale.
