The design Branch Records

[rob love]

About a dozen years back, while going through a divorce and a deep deep thinning out of my collection, I sold off an original 2 volume set of the Design Branch Records. Many of us are familiar with these, and I know they are available on CD. But as most of you know, there is nothing like the real thing, especially when it comes to books.

Anyway, long story short I was given the opportunity to purchase them back last week, and did not hesitate to. They are not something you come across everyday. I just won't be able to brag about getting them for $5 like I did the first time.

Along with them came an original copy of the Canadian Army Overseas Vehicle Data Book, which Bill Gregg later reproduced in soft cover. This one has the hard cover, and on the cover is marked for the Chief of Staff, and inside has the rubber stamp of General Montague and dated 1945. Not sure if that would have been his personal copy, or merely one of many in the HQ offices.

Photos attached. Looks like I will have a little light reading to re-do over the next while.

[rob love]

Below are some shots from the Design Branch Records. These were originally published in very limited numbers in an 8 volume set. They were later re-published in a 2 volume set, and in a little higher numbers. But all in, I don't think there were more than a couple hundred of both published, so they should be considered somewhat rare. The artwork in them is beautiful, so I have included a couple of the lead pages.

[Mrs Vampire]

HI Rob can you supply a link to where I might purchase a CD version??

Thanks

[rob love]

I can't find a link, but I believe it was through Clive Law's Service Publications.

[Ewen B]

It is nice to have the originals which have not been used by the mechanics that are covered in grease and fingerprints. Excellent find. You'll have to keep me from following you to these favourite haunts of yours when I move closer. e

[chris vickery]

I bought my CD copies from Andre Gilbeault from around the Montreal area.
He usually shows up at the OMVA swap meets in Ontario. Next time I see him I will inquire and try to obtain some contact info as well as price and availability.