Hill End Blitz NSW

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Howard

No, it is not back to "original" condition, but it HAS been preserved, and it will be stored appropriately, and maintained. And, might I add, loved. All sorts of modifications were made to these beasts post-war, why can't these uses/modifications be preserved as well?

I agree completely Howard, I'm a big fan of these community based restorations which see historic vehicles not only preserved, but well loved and maintained as you say, and participating actively in community events. It's always great to see local history preserved in the face of development and modernization, whether it be buildings or vehicles. This old girl has given great service to Hill End district community over several decades, and thanks to Chris G and his team it will remain with Hill End forever, to be embraced and enjoyed by future generations.

Also as you point out it's perfectly valid to represent a particular period in a vehicle's history, which goes to paintwork and any modifications that may have been performed over the years, irrespective of how repugnant one particular individual may find them! However I would argue strongly that the most significant period in this vehicle's history is the period between it's acquisition by Hill End and its "modernization", which presumably spanned 20 years or thereabouts. All the more so in view of the circumstances under which it arrived, as mentioned by Chris in his MLU post last year: "The Ford Blitz came to Hill End fifty four years ago following the big fire of 1958, it was the first vehicle the Brigade had." Interesting article on this fire which struck on Christmas Eve '57: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/arti...ts=exactPhrase

Hence my query to Chris: "Has any thought been given to restoring it to its original Hill End RFS state? I'm sure we could help source a blitz motor and gearbox if you ever consider it." I was merely trying to flag that assistance is available and cost would not be prohibitive. As Grant says it's entirely their decision.

Yes I was a little over the top in my next post and I apologize for my 'artless butcher' comment. It's just that these engine conversions are rarely an improvement and usually hasten the vehicle's demise on the scrapheap. If the 'Inter period' is considered a significant part of this vehicle's history it could be recorded and displayed photographically, as Grant suggests in relation to the earlier Hill End period. It's worth noting of course that if this conversion had been performed subsequent to Hill End RFS disposal there'd be no desire to preserve it.

Anyway I think you can see I'm not just being a CMP purist here, the fact is I've always found CMP civilian history at least as interesting as their military history, and I've often advocated along the lines you mention Howard, eg. restoration of PMG stretched CMPs, which I think we all agree are pretty damned ugly! In that case historical significance overrides ugliness, but I don't see that with the Hill End vehicle. Of course the imperative is to get it on the road, these matters are just something for discussion here.