Firing Range Wrecks, Tracked Armour, wheeled or otherwise

[Robert Bergeron]

Gents, we live in an imperfect world inhabited by imperfect humans
, and i am the " perfect" example. I have made mistakes , some stupid and will continue altought less frequent because of experience. I strive having fun doing this hobby. Sometimes it is not fun because of the different objectives and goals and temperaments. So forgive and forget and move on to the next project is my method. And yes it is frustrating when enterprising individuals sell me stuff at a premium when their cost is nearly nothing especially when it comes from a Gov property range or Base . But then maybe i should of dared to ask myself . i have shot at hard targets on the ranges in Gagetown, Valcartier and Suffield for nearly 28 years now and it never crossed my mind to ask or try karting off with one ! This tread could just of been my Revelation ! thanks Kev . Bob

[Private_collector]

I've been on the receiving end of both poles of the sales spectrum. Some wish to sell junk as gold, some would sell ridiculously cheap, just to help another restorer out. Most of those I deal with now, fall into the latter category. If it's not worth the asking to me, I stays unsold, with the exception of an expensive sidevalve V8 which I took at word of the seller as 'good rebuildable'. On later disassembly, it was rusted solid, and total junk. I'm wiser now. That won't happen again.......I hope.

If it smells like a rat, it will probably bite!

I have a fellow who often sources vehicles and parts, that he offers me at very reasonable prices, even though he knows he COULD ask more, based on my needs. He is not only a source or parts, he is now a good friend and I value any opportunity to interact with him. His character has been proven through many deals with me. Incidentally, if I believe he is asking too little, I insist onmpaying fair price. That way, we can respect eash other!

Range wrecks, never seen any here. Dont think the Defence Force offer anything to private folks here in Australia. Anyone welcome to correct that, if they know to the contrary.

[Luke R]

Tony, check out Wayne Henderson's staghound thread.

[Rob Beale]

I agree with many of the opinions above, as I too have found fellow collectors to be very generous, especially when they know the parts are going into a project that is underway, not just 'onto the shelf'.

I am also a great believer in 'paying forward', as often the opportunity arrives to help others who are just embarking on a restoration.

We have an active of group of 'young guns' in our national club, who are taking on restorations. They are the future of the hobby, and will help ensure there is a market for our vehicles when we eventually need to divest.

I recall the help I got as a young fella 35 odd years ago restoring my first HMV, and it has continued ever since.

When buying from older collectors I acknowledge that the parts would have gone to scrap long ago if they hadn't got them, and the storage costs are not insignificant: land occupied by wrecks is not earning money as development projects

That's my half pennies worth
Rob
(and I remember halfpennys!)

[Wayne Henderson]

The two vehicles I recovered from ranges here in WA was after 3 years of phone calls, emails and meetings. Initial responses were to the negative but with persistence and contacts I eventually got permission and assistance from Defence in the recovery.

Would I do it again, no.