MLVW sightings

Phil Waterman · #1 24-02-11, 16:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob love

I can certainly see them limiting the armour from the public as they will all be ITAR controlled. Nothing new there. The M113 lynx was not sold publicly either. But other than the M151A2, I cannot think of another wheeled 'B' vehicle that has been held away from public sale.
...l.

Hi Rob

Just to confirm my memory and identification below is (I think) a Lynx fully restored in the hands of a private collector here in the States. The unit is a regular participant at our Summer Rally. Owner hauls it close to 200 miles round trip on his own military flat bed unit usually with a second tracked unit as well.

So at-least one is surviving in running and in this case museum quality.

Cheers Phil

rob love · #2 24-02-11, 16:41

I'm sure that Lynx has a story behind it's escape. Apparently a bunch were scrapped at the closeout of Canada's commitment to Germany. Most had a hole cut through the side armor, which was not really up to the specs required to demil them. I believe I heard of others that were "scrapped" and managed to leave the base unscathed. While they made it onto the world market, there were questions asked, especially when satellite observation started picking out small batches of them in other parts of the world.

There is a running one in private hands out in Alberta as well. It too comes with a story of it's escape, which was not entirely done by the book on the losing unit's end.

Plenty of the lynx survive as monuments. There is 2 of them located here in Shilo, and I tarted one of a pair into UN livery back when I was in Moose Jaw. Those two grace the front yard of the armouries there.

They were a fun vehicle, kind of like an overgrown snowmobile. Compared to the old M113A1 we used at the time, a lynx had a lot of pickup.

Phil Waterman · #3 24-02-11, 23:49

Hi Rob

I've seen this Lynx on and off road and the performance is impressive, I'll do some digging and see if I can find some video of it running around. The Lynx looks to be in factory fresh condition, and is maintained at the level. I've heard how he acquired it but I don't remember the full story.

The gentleman who owns it has some interesting vehicles. He has had some very good luck collecting unusual vehicles in extraordinary condition. Such as Tow Missile Version of the M113 in basically unused complete condition, which had been given to a water treatment plan as spare parts for some related vehicle which was being used to move sand in a filter tanks.

Cheers Phil

Marauder_Pilot · #4 25-02-11, 01:23

What I find weirdest is that you can't get a MLVW in Canada, but a Canadian can easily, as I understand it, drive down to the USA, buy an M35 or an M800, register it, import it and drive it on the roads.

alleramilitaria · #5 25-02-11, 01:26

but if you are in the US and want a WWII 1/2 track or US made tank from europe you cant get it back to the USA. but we can get a NEW T-72 or challanger with minimum paperwork. its crazy

Marauder_Pilot · #6 25-02-11, 20:09

Also, that you can put an armoured car or rubber-tracked tank on the road with minimal effort (Signals, mirrors and capable of safe road speeds? Good to go!), but getting an actual M-series truck, only fundamentally different from a civillian 2.5 or 5-ton truck by virtue of more drive wheels and tougher construction? Hard as all hell.

Phil Waterman · #7 13-03-11, 22:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Waterman

Hi Rob

I've seen this Lynx on and off road and the performance is impressive, .....

Cheers Phil

Rob Love said

"I'm sure that Lynx has a story behind it's escape. Apparently a bunch were scrapped at the closeout of Canada's commitment to Germany."

Well today I was talking to people who know the story, it came from a base in Belgium which was closed contents of the base (less any weapons) were sold as surplus, to a Dutch dealer. Among the vehicles on the base was this Lynx and at least one other. The collector in the US made arrangements import papers to import both vehicles. He decided at the time not to buy the second one (something he later regretted) because it was not in as good condition as the one he did import. Next time I see the owner I'll try and get more information.

Cheers Phil