Hi Hanno:
You'll be pleased to update your data-base to show the two Rams from the Swords and Ploughshares Museum have contributed to this historic occasion. The Kangaroo at the ceremony was a CWM vehicle overhauled with parts (primarily running gear) from the S&P Rams. They also contributed to the overhaul of the CWM's longtime Ram Cruiser which, as you know, had been burned on the ranges prior to recovery and has always suffered from a somewhat 'compressed' suspension. It too now has 'new' running gear.
The incredible work by DEW Engineering of Ottawa turned four Rams into the, soon to be running, Kangaroo and the, soon to be running, Cruiser with enough bits left over to perhaps make up a gate guard; a complete upper hull being the big headache.
Jason Ginn saw the project through and a lot of hard work was done by the team at DEW. Perhaps Jason can be cajoled into posting photos of the process (I have a few which I'll try to dig up). The team at DEW completely stripped the vehicles down for derusting, careful patching and the latest in anti-corrosion coatings. Their attention to accuracy and their care for the historical significance of these Canadian made icons is to be commended.
I'm completely thrilled that our old beasts played an important part in bringing some Canadian history back to life... our little museum certainly could never have accomplished what the CWM and DEW have done! My only regret as a hard core Gunner, is that the Kangaroo wasn't done as a Gun Tractor variant!!!
Congratulations to the "Kangaroos" and kudos to the hard working association members in bringing to the public's attention the Kangaroo's crucial contribution to the breakout in Normandy and to changing armoured infantry doctrine around the world!
Cheers! Mike