[Ian Pullen]

Guys, the powers to be have a set disposal plan that encompasses everthing.

Let's get this said from the start. I am not a fan of things going to the scrap merchants at all. To be honest, there would have to be better options. It's just I don't know what they are at the moment.

The Mercedes Rural Fire Tender was withdrawn from service some time ago and as far as $14g for a used transfer case on equipment that has been around for over 25 years, I can see why the Govt can't afford to keep that fleet running.

To be honest though, what are our options? The Govt stops selling this stuff off completely. I don't think so. The dollar return back to non-public monies is huge, no matter who buys it. Scrappies or collectors. This stuff is also a highly desired bit of kit for the local Bushfire Brigades as well as the local cockies.

This equipment is sold at auction, so to stop the scrappies buying it outbid them. It's as simple as that. If you can't afford that then we have to realise that these parasites are going to buy it, and they're here to stay. It's simple supply and demand, and this is a readily available source of that commodity. Anyone attending auctions would have the program of listings, therefore knowing what is up for bidding. If you don't want the kit, someone will. For whatever reason.

Sad to say it, they are a fact of life within our hobby. I would like to see nothing go to the scrappies at all personally. When the hammer drops though, all that matters to the disposal teams is getting return revenue. They don't care who the winning bidder is. With the price of scrap steel at $650 per ton and rising, it's only going to get worse. Car thieves are now targetting older cars, not for parts, but their worth in scrap weight.

Stuart, as for the pair in the photo, they couldn't have faired too bad. They are both wearing civilian registration plates and at least 4 years of rego stickers on the windsreens each. So it wouldn't have been a defence auction.