16 WW2 Stuart tanks imported into the UK

[malcolm erik bogaert]

Chris yes that a fair point but at some time all this WW2 stuff is going to dry up....and its not everybody that can afford those prices...even old range hulks are fetching crazy money...my own preference is a working tank ready to run for reasonable bucks! best regards malcolm

[chris vickery]

given a choice Malcolm, I would probably op for the as new conditon T55 as well.

[malcolm erik bogaert]

Chris if Santa is good to you this year I can always send one over!best regardfs malcolm

[Mike K]

This type of thing throws up the old dilemma: should we profit from history .

Me. I think of the people who had to drive those tanks in the most arduous conditions e.g., in the North African desert ..it would have been hell, the heat and not to mention being shot at . Did those young guys make huge profits for their endevours ?

Call me anti-capitalist.. call me a socialist.. call me a communist even.. it's a conscience thing for me... and it's why the world is going downhill fast.. greed.

Mike

[malcolm erik bogaert]

couldnt agree more with you ......thats why the world is in shit shape at the moment...greedy bankers etc.....myself I knew things would go pear-shaped when you have pen-pushing accountants running the MOD instead of good old fashioned Generals as for those that made the supreme sacrafice on all sides and fronts...the modern world dosnt care...apart from payng lip-service once a year best regards malcolm

[chris vickery]

This brings up an interesting debate, one that I have heard many times over...

Remember that if it wasn't for the many vendors of militaria and mv related parts we as a hobby would not exist.

In defence of those who do make a profit, it is fair afterall to make something as one needs to make a decent and reasonable living.
Many of these vendors have laid out huge sums of money and investment over the years to aquire, sort, and store much of the surplus parts we are fortunate to still be able to buy.

Afterall, I am sure that the importation of the Stuarts was a very large investment, not to mention a risk and I am sure was a lot of leg work, legalities and pure dirt and sweat....

[malcolm erik bogaert]

again a fair point...I can remember years ago my old dad used to buy ex WD motorcycles and the like for his own use and everybody used to laugh..in the 1970's he was exporting machinery to the Arab world in the shape of Range-Rovers...he was in business and had to make a profit to survive...Mike is a very shrewd and hard headed businesman but again he's doing it for profit and not to see more tanks in Mons in 2009!most of us in this hobby are collectors who sometimes are able to turn a quick buck or two.....dont be fooled by the big boys they would have the shirt off your back in ther name of profit!! best regards malcolm