Shilo's new T-16

[rob love]

At this point I am sure the DND number is 81-032. Why there was a 82-032 will likely forever be a mystery. The numbers have been re-applied at least 6 times that I can see.

I can also confirm that it was central command. I fingernailed some of the paint off the shield, and the lettering support the word central. The word command is obvious.

On both sides underneath or over some of the DND numbers is the blue square with the red corner on the top right. So likely an A bty vehicle at some point. However, there are multiple overlapping unit identifiers in other areas.

On the rear box is a checkerboard of red and white (two red and two white) with a white strip overtop. Very possible the units is identified on the white top strip. According to my 1947 manual of markings (which I sent electronic copies to several of you) that makes it an infantry school vehicle, which would tie in with the mortar conversion.

Photos to follow.....

[Jes Andersen]

Rob, That's a great find and contribution to the museum. I'm still amazed at how many old military vehicles are still out there, relatively unmolested. Out this way, not too much survives the wet climate, although there are still a few inside, just waiting to be rediscovered. Thanks for posting the pictures...

[Frank v R]

well Rob I guess the time has come to teach the Boss the difference between parts only and worthy of restoration and so rare it must be restored, nice carrier!

[rob love]

To be honest I had to make sure it was not just my obsessiveness that saw the beauty. I shot an email to another addict who may or may not ID himself here, and had my worries calmed. I was sold when I saw the mortar brackets.

But as you know Frank, we have a building full of vehicles that need ongoing maintenance, and a compound full of vehicles waiting restoration. This one will be waiting it's turn. As it stands now, the 2VP carrier still waits completion along with the Ford pilot truck, a 15cwt signals, a stuart, a jagpanzer......the list goes on and on. And those are on top of the running repairs, the public parades and displays (which seem to take up so much of the summer/sandblast/paint season).

The one good thing is it will not be going to a scrapper, and can be reasonably preserved in this state without further deterioration until it does climb up the priority list.