Aec "dorchester" armoured command vehicle

[cliff]

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

Cliff, THIS OLD THREAD shows a bit of accumulated info on the Dorchester. It features Bob Dimer's Dorchester (at that time) which appears to have an ARN 138713 and WD No.4137719, which would suggest Aust Army ownership. To determine the date of this acquistion, you'd have to check the AWM ARN books for 138713.

Thanks Tony. Can anyone who has access to the ARN books look this up for me please? Be nice to finish this model as an Aussie one if possible

[lynx42]

Cliff, there is or was a Dorchester in the to be restored collection at the Puckapunyal Armoured Museum a few years ago. It was out the back, just the hull, they were looking for a Matador chassis to put under it. Maybe a call to them might give up some details.

regards Rick.


By the way, should this be under the Armoured Section?

[George Moore]

Cliff, by way of interest, the "OLD THREAD" has some interior shots, though badly rusted, what could be the original interior colour can still be seen in parts.....white or cream!

I guess you have seen the discussion on Missing Links re the interior of these beasties ????
It looks as if the chequered pattern on the ceiling was some sort of adhesive to secure the padding "sound proofing", or maybe even a form of heat insulation for use in the desert ??

George.

[cliff]

Hi George I have not seen the item on Missing Links as I am not a member there. Just finished the chassis and started the rear floor area. I will do mine as an Australian one so may paint it in different colours yet but the interior will be white.

[cliff]

Originally Posted by lynx42

By the way, should this be under the Armoured Section?

Not really as it is a truck chassis under all that armour plate

[Tony Wheeler]

I found the Dorchester photo again, it's on the NZ National Library site. This is an excellent site for MV photos - extensive collection, high quality images, powerful search functions, and you can even access the high res image and zoom in on detail. As opposed to AWM who want $40 for their high res images!

http://mp.natlib.govt.nz/detail/?id=...raphic+Archive

Scroll to bottom of page and click on "View Archived Image on NDHA"

[lynx42]

Originally Posted by cliff

Not really as it is a truck chassis under all that armour plate

That is one way of looking at it, Cliff, but what about the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost based Armoured Cars and many other commercially based armoured vehicles.

They are nearly always are in the Armoured section, not the Soft Skin Forum.

Maybe this is one for the other moderators to decide on.

Regards Rick.

PS.Have you got dry feet yet?

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Hi Cliff - back in 2003 I was communicating with Bob Dimer in the west. The subjec of a Dorchester came up and as I did not know a Dorchester from a lettuce Bob sent me some images of his. Unfortunately Bob is no longer with us but maybe his images can help you with your model.

Bob

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

More images

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Last one. Bob is no longer with us but hopefully his legacies live on.

Bob

[cliff]

Originally Posted by lynx42

That is one way of looking at it, Cliff, but what about the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost based Armoured Cars and many other commercially based armoured vehicles.

They are nearly always are in the Armoured section, not the Soft Skin Forum.

Maybe this is one for the other moderators to decide on.

Regards Rick.

PS.Have you got dry feet yet?

Hi Rick,

I am happy with my post in the Softskin section and I know even among modelers there is a difference of opinion over whether to class them as Armour or softskin And why should the other moderators decide on this anyway?

As to dry feet what are they? We saw a small amount of sunshine yesterday but they tell us there is more rain coming so still time for another flood up here yet!

[Mike Cecil]

Seven AEC ACVs on the Australian inventory. Last disposed of in about 1960.

Bob Dimer had the hull: he sourced a rolling chassis from Geelong, Victoria (via me: that's how I know).

Mike C

[Allan Currey]

I came across this picture, must be in an Australian museum somewhere, maybe WA? It seems to carry the same ARN as Bob Dimer's did.
Also, all the pictures of these in Australia show High Power versions with the vents, so were any of the 7 we had Low Power? (as per the kit you have Cliff)

Cheers,
Allan

[Euan McDonald]

The last time I saw Bob's AEC was in the yard of the Merredin Military museum.
It was very late one night when i looked over the fence but it did look like it had a lot of work done on it since Bob owned it. I think it may be owned by Mal but maybe one of the westerners can update us.
The pic attached was found in an old post by Jack from WA.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by lynx42

By the way, should this be under the Armoured Section?

Rick,

Of course it should, the Army classified ACV's as "A" type vehicles. Cliff probably placed this thread in the softskin forum - for "B" type vehicles - as he's going to paint his model as an ACV camouflaged as a truck

Both brilliant camouflage, by the way.

H.