Elliott's Yard, Ontario in 1993

[Brian Gough]

In Wheels & Tracks #11, p.43. there is a picture from the Elliot Brothers yard, identifying it as a Sd.Kfz. 7 8-ton semi-track tractor. Bart Vanderveen had visited there along with Bill Gregg and commented, "Now well beyond the possibility of restoration, it was reportedly used at CFB Bordon for heavy recovery practice in the post-war years, after it had been shipped from across the Atlantic 'for another look'. "

Brian

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Brian Gough

In Wheels & Tracks #11, p.43. there is a picture from the Elliot Brothers yard, identifying it as a Sd.Kfz. 7 8-ton semi-track tractor. Bart Vanderveen had visited there along with Bill Gregg and commented, "Now well beyond the possibility of restoration, it was reportedly used at CFB Bordon for heavy recovery practice in the post-war years, after it had been shipped from across the Atlantic 'for another look'. "

Brian

Here's the vehicle as sold at the Sotheby's auction. I'd love somebody to find and post a pic of what it looked like all those years ago at Elliotts. From what I recall it was nothing more than a rusting tangle of steel. If it was restored there's hope for the rest of us.

[Bob Phillips]

So here are a couple of pictures, first from W&T (thanks for the lead Brian) and it shows what I remember, a badly smashed vehicle rolled over repeatedly. I don't recall seeing any track- anybody know if there was any at the yard? I have not yet found my printed catalog from the Littlefield sale but will add any extra details (if there are any) when I do.

Second photo shows what I believe is Bill Gregg's ex Yale fully restored and flying. The restoration project was led by a fellow named Joe Gabany from Stoney Creek who was subsequently and sadly killed in a small plane crash flying home from cottage country through a bad storm.

elliottsA.jpg elliotsB.jpg

[James P]

Originally Posted by Brian Gough

In Wheels & Tracks #11, p.43. there is a picture from the Elliot Brothers yard, identifying it as a Sd.Kfz. 7 8-ton semi-track tractor. Bart Vanderveen had visited there along with Bill Gregg and commented, "Now well beyond the possibility of restoration, it was reportedly used at CFB Bordon for heavy recovery practice in the post-war years, after it had been shipped from across the Atlantic 'for another look'. "

Brian

Bahh !! sounds like buddy is one to throw in the towel and succumb to "Never try..........never fail. I have a post war picture of that same (now restored) Sd.Kfz.8 in front of the Peace Tower on the hill.

[Ed Storey]

I think it is more a case that the metrics for what is now deemed to be restorable have changed in the past 35 years. What was once considered to be scrap in the mid-1980s is now looked at as worthy of restoration. Back in the day, Bill Gregg was a leading figure in military vehicle restoration/preservation and if he were still alive I am sure he would be impressed with how the hobby has progressed.

[James P]

Originally Posted by Ed Storey

I think it is more a case that the metrics for what is now deemed to be restorable have changed in the past 35 years. What was once considered to be scrap in the mid-1980s is now looked at as worthy of restoration. Back in the day, Bill Gregg was a leading figure in military vehicle restoration/preservation and if he were still alive I am sure he would be impressed with how the hobby has progressed.

..........questioned and held to account for his role in seeing the Mowat StuG depart Canada.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by James P

..........questioned and held to account for his role in seeing the Mowat StuG depart Canada.

Good question. But museums buy/sell/trade/connive all the time to improve their collections. Same could be said about the CWM moving the Panzer II along. Farley had a hand in collecting that one too.

[Ed Storey]

Originally Posted by James P

..........questioned and held to account for his role in seeing the Mowat StuG depart Canada.

I had not heard that Bill had a hand in the Stug departing Canada as I believe the vehicle was a DND asset and the deal was arranged by the military, where as Bill was a private collector. I know he had a hand in the import of Grizzlies from Portugal.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Ed Storey

I think it is more a case that the metrics for what is now deemed to be restorable have changed in the past 35 years. What was once considered to be scrap in the mid-1980s is now looked at as worthy of restoration. Back in the day, Bill Gregg was a leading figure in military vehicle restoration/preservation and if he were still alive I am sure he would be impressed with how the hobby has progressed.

From this to this, nothin' to it. Just throw on a coat of paint...

[m606paz]

Originally Posted by Bruce Parker

From this to this, nothin' to it. Just throw on a coat of paint...

Amazing Bruce!!

[Wayne Hingley]

Thats a beauty Bruce! Nice work.

[Ed Storey]

Originally Posted by Bruce Parker

From this to this, nothin' to it. Just throw on a coat of paint...

Amazing what a coat of paint can accomplish! I know a few museums which could use your talent.