Two Kettenrads

[Jason Ginn]

Originally Posted by James P

^ I have to totally disagree with just about everything you are stating that museums should get a pass at doing restoration work and display a artifact/vehicle incorrectly because that is now its "history". I have heard that eye rolling line at the CWM and just think it is a an easy out and excuse.

Gord, As somone who directly benefited from the CWM's preservation of this artefact I'm a little surprised that you are implying the staff fed you a line concerning the long term preservation of objects, especially in an area originally intended as open storage space and not a formal display.

I'm not going to drone on about museum priorities, budgets, political pressures, stakeholders etc. But they often override many internal and external desires and drives to improve complex artefacts.

The key for any museum is and always will be non intrusive preservation and stabilization. Inrervention, especially Restoration is often only considered if interpretation of the object is not possible in its current state. The Kkrad at the CWM is in much the same state as when it was received, missing parts yes, incorrect paint yes, but neglected , deteriorating at an unacceptable rate-no.

Something that also may be considered is the fact that Axis light prime movers/ utility vehicled are pretty low on the long list of significant artefacts housed in the national collection needing additional labour, funds and interpretation.

I full well understand that the axe grinders would be chirping just as loudly if the same pieces were inaccessible and hidden away in closed storage.

I haven't directed this at the OP as he knows this full well as a member of the museum in questions internal structure. As Such he is also aware of the process to have an artefact conserved or restored and has been apart of many such projects.

If people are willing to lobby the CWM, the Friends of the CWM and Fenderal Gov't I am sure that they would be responsive to fund-raising initiatives and listen to the masses that would like to see this object improved.
If that was the intent of the OP super, but you may have wanted to say that in your first post.

Please note I am no longer with the CWM. I just have an opinion because I stayed in a Holiday Inn last night. Oh and I'm also the guy that fed Gord the eye rolling line years back.