Mystery Lynx

[Perry Kitson]

The point I am making is that I believe our government places EXTRA restrictions on these vehicles. There are a few US M60's in private hands in the UK, Leopard 1's in Germany, M548's for sale to the public in the US, exportable to Canada, (all in the last 6-8 years) but the Canadian government will not sell surplus 548's here. Virtually every European nation bound by ITAR regulations has sold "home grown" and in some cases foreign vehicles, to private collectors and dealers in their own countries. But Canada will not allow AVGP's into private hands, or for that matter MLVW's. Even spares for the M113 family, automotive and running gear, can be had from surplus dealers (SECO in Georgia). I can speak from experience that most of the trouble in acquiring armour, even our former enemies armour, is from the paranoid folks in Ottawa.

Perry

[RHClarke]

Originally Posted by Perry Kitson

The point I am making is that I believe our government places EXTRA restrictions on these vehicles. There are a few US M60's in private hands in the UK, Leopard 1's in Germany, M548's for sale to the public in the US, exportable to Canada, (all in the last 6-8 years) but the Canadian government will not sell surplus 548's here. Virtually every European nation bound by ITAR regulations has sold "home grown" and in some cases foreign vehicles, to private collectors and dealers in their own countries. But Canada will not allow AVGP's into private hands, or for that matter MLVW's. Even spares for the M113 family, automotive and running gear, can be had from surplus dealers (SECO in Georgia). I can speak from experience that most of the trouble in acquiring armour, even our former enemies armour, is from the paranoid folks in Ottawa.

Perry

Perry,

I agree with you. I was just laying out the policy as I know it, which I too agree is overly excessive. But what can we do about it? I suppose one could write one's MP and complain, but I think it will be as useful as p*ssing into the wind.

It would appear from this thread that if you really want a M548 or M113 and can legally import them from the states, then I guess the problem is solved. (But be careful, the paranoids are watching!)

[Casey B]

My MP is a Liberal and a usless one at that! Writting to him calling him or dropping by the office is an effort in frustration and wasted energy! yes pissing in the wind but at least you got to piss! heh heh.
Well maybe they will be melted down to be used for something other than beer cans?
I thought maybe because of Alcan up the coast but don't think so. More like to be sent to China as part of our so called trade agreements. We send, they take, send back, we pay!

[Harry Moon]

Originally Posted by Casey B

My MP is a Liberal and a usless one at that! Writting to him calling him or dropping by the office is an effort in frustration and wasted energy! yes pissing in the wind but at least you got to piss! heh heh.
Well maybe they will be melted down to be used for something other than beer cans?
I thought maybe because of Alcan up the coast but don't think so. More like to be sent to China as part of our so called trade agreements. We send, they take, send back, we pay!

Actually he is a dipper. Still useless.

[Casey B]

yes you are correct Harry! and yes he is still useless at that I stand corrected not a liberal but still a politician! heh heh

[rob love]

Liberal/NDP: same thing.

[Perry Kitson]

To clarify, SECO told me M548's were available, NO M113's, components for the M113 family have been surplussed as well. This was 1 1/2 years ago, before I purchased the BMP.Don't get me wrong guys, I believe the present government has done good things for our military. I am just really frustrated that our small but very capable fraternity is not allowed to preserve some of Canada's military history. I know that the CWM is tasked with that job, but people like us do a very good job preserving and promoting our military. Just attend any "official" parade or function, and the bulk of the equipment will be from private hands. The policies being enforced now I believe were probably laid down 15-16 years ago. I was actually on a list to acquire two Lynx after they were taken out of service, then was notified when I was fifth from the top, that policy was now that only bonafide military museums could get functional vehicles. I have been approaching this policy from every angle I can think of, but like Rob says, I have been getting wet!

Perry