Car Transporter to Ottawa ?

Robert Dabkowski · #1 01-03-05, 07:36

If sufficient interest exists there is the option of organizing a Toronto to Ottawa vehicle transport for the VE day and Cdn. War Museum opening celebrations on the May 6-8 weekend.

There will be room for 6 MVs, jeeps, M37s, WCs and Universal Carriers are all possible.

Departure would be Friday morning with return to Toronto late Sunday night.

Cost would be approximately $200 each way depending on the number of MVs.

The MV owners would be responsible for their own transportation (car pool ?) to Ottawa.

Let me know if you are interested, first come, first served.

Robert Dabkowski membership@omva.ca

chris vickery · #2 02-03-05, 23:22

Nice idea Robert, certainly for those so inclined.
Don't take this the wrong way by any means, but, my guess is that this is voluntary, rather than an invitation by the CWM?
I realize that as collectors we are responsible for associated cost when it comes to event attendance, but I personally have a sore spot regarding some of these events.
That is to say that there are always numerous invites, from all kinds of places to bring out and show off our goodies, whether it be a parade, grand opening, school thing etc. The problem that gets me is that the general public does not understand the dollars that we as private individuals put into our vehicles, let alone the costs associated with operating and maintaining same.
I have often heard critisism from some organizers because of poor attendance and the like.
The point that I'm getting at is that some groups do very well by offering us some kind of incentive for our time and trouble to attend these things, whether it is a free beer, gas voucher, free transportation???
It seems to me that those who wish to really put on a show find a way to do it up right (ergo the Windsor armouries grand opening in October 2004) by arranging contacts that can get the job done. This often extends to local volunteers, City, Provincial and Federal Gov't agencies, businesses, Legions etc.
I have and will always be a supporter to those interested in this hobby, and it is nice to get the toys out to the public when we can. Unfortunately, this is usually limited though to the fellow with a "jeep" who can trailer it or even drive on their own.
Has anybody ever wondered why we don't see some of the wonderful vehicles that some have in thier possession, such as CMPs and armour?
Anyhow, that's my b***h of the day.

Robert Dabkowski · #3 03-03-05, 05:57

So Chris, should I put you down for one space on the trailer or two ??

In actual fact it seems that our much beloved (NOT) Liberal government wants to showcase its CWM vehicles and not be upstaged by those HMVs belonging to private collectors. They have limited space around the new museum and are rigidly controlling access so as not to have their thunder stolen.

As to why our hobby is not better supported ... ask your local politician. It seems that our government feels that it will get more votes by supporting gun control, more health care and shelters for battered women. All what I call "motherhood issues" that can't be argued against. Spending $ to support the hobby of mostly middle class white guys isn't even as politically popular as buying descent equipment for our troops overseas or paying our soldiers a wage that will let them support their families without going to foodbanks. And we know how popular those ideas are.

The only way that we will get support is to get our vehicles out there in the public eye where people can be educated, appreciate them and then get after their politicians to provide more help for the history of our country. But then how much did they just spend on a new CWM ?

Get used to the fact that we are NOT politically correct my friend. Guns are bad and the army has guns so the army must be bad and we restore old army trucks so we MUST be bad too, seems to be the thought process of John Q. Pubic and therefor the politicians.

I restore ex-MVs to honour the memory of the men that sacrificed everything for my freedom. If it costs me a few $ out of my pocket then so be it. At least I am alive and free to earn that $ in any way that I want to. I will continue to try to educate an uncaring public that takes their freedom for granted because it is the RIGHT thing to do.

You are correct in that with enough VOLUNTEERS then great events CAN be organized. Problem is that no one wants to volunteer. Everyone wants to restore the truck that they can sell for $ but no one wants to work for free to organize the events needed to show them off to the public, with proper help to the owners.

Why don't you volunteer and show us how to do it right ?

And lets face it, if I wasn't under a truck with a wrench then I'd be in a bar with a drink(s) and THAT would cost me far more than my MVs ever will.

Robert Dabkowski

Snowtractor · #4 03-03-05, 18:59

I know a couple chaps in the Prairie Command who get asked all the time to display their vehicle/carriers. They too have limited means and quite frankly say so to the requestors. Or they just do not have the capability to haul the unit. That said the town or city will often send out a truck and trailer and driver and pick up the vehicle and haul it to and from the event for free.
I do know from having arranged many many Canada days and other public events that it is highly unlikely to get hauled on short notice. If enough notice is given I could have easily had a truck and trailer freed up to pick the vehicles up the day before the event or perhaps the morning if it worked out. I know a lot of municipalities would be willing if they were informed , most just don't think of the idea.
Sean

Robert Dabkowski · #5 05-03-05, 20:50

Conversation with Eric Booth, the editor of the OMVA's CMP magazine, leads me to believe that financial support may indeed be available for vehicles making the trip to the CWM's Ottawa opening on May 8/05.

Details and an application form will be posted here shortly but it seems that Ottawa IS providing fuel cost support on a case by case basis. Obviously they are more interested in having the more rare and unusual HMVs make the trip rather than paying for the 112th example of a jeep but "if you don't ask then you don't get".

Chris, can you get that IHC dusted off and running before May 6/ 05 ? Just less than two months to go ...

Robert Dabkowski (OMVA membership)

brit boyo · #6 08-03-05, 17:47

Crikey!

I met one MB bloke (retired CF) in ottawa who considers the milveh hobby as a "volunteer organization"

he tells any govenment or private official milveh owners will show up for free for any event.

Talk about sabotaging your mates bank accounts

he justs needs a uniform to call him Major Wanker!

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #7 09-03-05, 04:22

The following is from OMVA:

60TH ANNIVERSARY OF VE-DAY CELEBRATIONS

The National events planned for Ottawa start on Friday 06 May and run until Sunday 08 May 2005.

06 May - 08 May To Stand On guard For Thee (TSOGFT) this is an annual event, taking place to help educate students on Canadian Military History. This event consists of static displays, battles and demonstrations. This is open to all era military vehicles and re-enactors. Location: TBA Ottawa ON. Contact person: Gene Michaud 613-722-6565.

07 May:
Military Vehicle Display. (MVD) Due to limited space at the CWM, only a select number of Military Vehicles will be at this site, while all others will be on display at the TSOGFT location.

08 May:
10:30- Official Ceremonies at the National War Memorial. All era military vehicles will be on display set up on the roads surrounding the National War Memorial.

12:00 ?- Military Vehicle and Veterans Parade departs National War Memorial with Veterans on board. Marchers and vehicles will proceed west on Wellington St for 2 klm to the site of the new Canadian War Museum. Open to all era military vehicles. Vehicles must be registered with the organizers to participate. Contact Person: Eric Booth H) 613-838-5073

15:00- 16:00 - Official Opening of the Canadian War Museum. (CWM). Due to the lack of display area, only a select number of WW2 era vehicles will remain on site, the others will set up a display at a nearby location.

CAA will provide light recovery towing during the events in Ottawa for participating light vehicles.
Camping and meals are being arranged but no details are available yet.

REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Address:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………….…….

Phone Number:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………..

E-mail:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………...

Type of Vehicle: (e.g. ¼ ton)……………………………………………………………………….…………………….……………..

Make: (e.g. Ford, USA)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Model: (e.g. GPW)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Year: (eg.1942)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………..…...

Owner (if different than above)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Licence plate number & Province issued (If applicable):………………………………………………………………………………

Check the event's) you wish to participate in: TSOGFT…………MVD…………Ceremony…………Parade…………CWM.…

Please fax this form to the attention of Gene Michaud at 613-722-7471, or e-mail to cmpmagazine@hotmail.com before 08 April 2005.

Follow up information will be sent to you based on the information provided.

6 March 2005

Stewart Loy · #8 06-04-05, 18:57

Quote:

Originally posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball
The following is from OMVA:

60TH ANNIVERSARY OF VE-DAY CELEBRATIONS

The National events planned for Ottawa start on Friday 06 May and run until Sunday 08 May 2005.

06 May - 08 May To Stand On guard For Thee (TSOGFT) this is an annual event, taking place to help educate students on Canadian Military History. This event consists of static displays, battles and demonstrations. This is open to all era military vehicles and re-enactors. Location: TBA Ottawa ON. Contact person: Gene Michaud 613-722-6565.

07 May:
Military Vehicle Display. (MVD) Due to limited space at the CWM, only a select number of Military Vehicles will be at this site, while all others will be on display at the TSOGFT location.

So,

Who is attending this event?

I plan on dragging a Carrier up that way for the weekend.

Anyone else?

Will there be a MLU official on site?

Stewart

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #9 07-04-05, 00:41

Quote:

Originally posted by Stewart Loy
So,

Who is attending this event?

I plan on dragging a Carrier up that way for the weekend.

Anyone else?

Will there be a MLU official on site?

Stewart

If I can find us a place to stay (which doesn't cost a bloody fortune), Karmen and I will be there. Stewart, contact me via PM with your plans/schedule.

Gunner · #10 16-04-05, 03:02

Hi All:

No promises, but I will look into accomodations at Connaught Range. My own backyard (1/2 hour South of Ottawa) is avail for those who still can tolerate canvas and a cot. I'll set up three sections of modular and borrow some cots if it will help.

TSOGFT will have a canvas camp for re-enactors so dress up to match your MV and bring a sleeping bag! (Ohh my aging/aching back!)

Cheers! Mike

Gunner · #11 19-04-05, 22:51

An update to my previous:

Unfortunately, Connaught is full that weekend as the Ceremonial Guard have already started their summer training cycle.

My backyard is still on offer and as has been posted elsewhere on this forum and others, there is accomodation (tents) available onsite at To Stand On Guard For Thee (TSOGFT).

Cheers! Mike