Exciting developments...

[Philliphastings]

I received today some images via email of Scout Carriers from a fellow MLUer (Thanks George) and among them is a single image which has made my year.

It is an Australian War Memorial image of a british Mk1 Universal (marked 'C7') and my Scout Carrier dressed in olive drab and light stone camouflage,engaged in a public demonstration on the streets of Melbourne during the war.

The most interesting aspect is that the photo clearly shows the mofified Australian Pattern roadwheels fitted to the scout ! so no need to try to import british pattern wheels afterall. The Scout is carrying an 'X' identification in white on the side which would indicate an experimental vehicle on strength with DAVP Melbourne. This photo has answered all my questions at once, - very exciting stuff.

In the fullness of time I will try to obtain permission to publish this photo onto the MLU site. It is almost without a doubt of my actual vehicle.

In another odd twist of fate the Scout is being stored and restored in my shed 300m from the original 5 Base Ordnance Depot (Nungarin) Armoured Vehicle Park where the carrier was stored during ww2 and disposed of at auction in 1947. Driven by the previous owner 100km to his farm where it was driven around once then stripped of it's engine, gearbox and radiator to put into a farm truck. Now in 2010 all the main parts are back in Nungarin and being restored - so the story comes full circle.

While working on the carrier I can look out over the vehicle park itself !

Cheers

Phill

[Philliphastings]

Australian War Memorial image number 029888 is the one in question and state that the photo was taken in PERTH on 27 March 1943 during Army week, the two carriers were part of a demonstration in the streets of Perth in support of the third liberty loan...

This image is marked as in the public domain and can be posted up. If anyone has the means of posting it up on MLU please feel free to do so.

I now have NO doubt at all that it is the same vehicle.

Cheers

Phill

[Lynn Eades]

I assume this means the original tyres were worn out by the army, and they fitted her up with the modified local pattern wheels. I would just put standard aussie wheels and track on her. She will keep her tracks on better. and spares will continue to be easier to get.

[Keith Webb]

Here you go Phill
I can imagine how exciting it must be to actually find a pic of your very vehicle from all those years ago. Hope you've ordered a large print from the AWM.

Originally Posted by Philliphastings

Australian War Memorial image number 029888 is the one in question and state that the photo was taken in PERTH on 27 March 1943 during Army week, the two carriers were part of a demonstration in the streets of Perth in support of the third liberty loan...

This image is marked as in the public domain and can be posted up. If anyone has the means of posting it up on MLU please feel free to do so.

I now have NO doubt at all that it is the same vehicle.

Cheers

Phill

[Snowy]

G'day Phil,
Congratulations! It's a great feeling, having an actual wartime photo of your very own vehicle isn't it? Dare I say it, it's almost like being part of a small but exclusive club of historic MV restorers . I have two of my Australian army Weasel, one of which is on the AWM photo database as well.
By the way - from time to time I still use parts of that jeep chassis you gave me, oh, fifteen years back

Steve.

[RichardT10829]

awesome, just pure awesome ! so chuffed for you mate

[ron]

Hi Phil. Well done mate. great pics you are one very lucky man,I have a full set of those wheels,that i took off that Marmon Herrington tank carrier conversion, and there must be others out there, once again well done Regards Ron