Shhh! Now the secret is out....
Many of these machines are still in service and parts have been available, but the trend now is for excavator type undercarriages on harvesters and the other machines seen in west coast logging operations. There is a yard not too far from my home that salvages all sorts or larger logging equipment. They have a few M4 finals and undercarriage parts waiting for someone that needs them. If you have deep pockets, it would make a great base for a resto-sherman with modern engine. Places like the old Madill, and now T-Mar build up this stuff locally and may have the remnants in the yard. Unfortunately, an American company, Schnitzer has bought up all the scrap yards on the coast and will not resell anything they get in. It all goes to the torch and loaded out to smelters somewhere. Many a nice small crawler that could have been restored for hobby use has died on the cutting floor.
Unfortunately for Robin, none of this stuff found around will fit in his carry-on luggage...
