Two Kettenrads

[maple_leaf_eh]

So to add to the multi-dimensional aspect, how about sellers who believe their junk is priceless and refuse to face reality. I can think of a roadside seller who had a couple of Canadian M151A2 hulks. His starting price was high four-figures or low five-figures and unwilling to budge - so I've been told. Running and roadworthy examples of those vehicles at the time were selling for well below that price range. Either he thought he had a monopoly, or was reluctant to think less of his treasures.

[Robert Bergeron]

Thanks Chris. Robert

[Ed Storey]

I believe that perception is key, no-one goes to an art museum to see mouldy artwork on rotted canvasses so why would the public want to see dilapidated military vehicles that are falling apart in a military museum? I have travelled extensively in Europe (on my own dime) and the national museums over there have dropped this antiquated display method in favour of restored vehicles which I feel shows a respect for the artefacts. This respect is in turn passed on to the viewing public who realize that they are not looking at unkempt metal but respected historic items.

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No rusty junk in the Panzer Museum in Munster.

[Russ Gregg]

James, it was a pleasure to meet you today, I really enjoyed seeing it in person and also the pictures of your extensive reconstruction of this unique vehicle. Thank you for making the effort to bring it to the Aquino event.

[Bruce MacMillan]

Here we see the oft blurred line between "museum" and "collector" quality.
Museums should preserve and display artifacts as found. This gives a item provenance. People often think that a item rebuilt to be as new is what museums want. Talk to any curator at the CWM or IWM and you'll find the history is more important than how it looks.

There is a need for both camps. Rebuilt vehicles are needed for living history displays. These venues can be taken to the public and give some idea of working items of that era. One of the biggest and popular is the Living History area of W&P.

The public there doesn't know that the German panzer is actually a FV432 chassis made up to look the part. But we are all entertained.

[James P]

^ I have to totally disagree with just about everything you are stating that museums should get a pass at doing restoration work and display a artifact/vehicle incorrectly because that is now its "history". I have heard that eye rolling line at the CWM and just think it is a an easy out and excuse.

[Bruce MacMillan]

Originally Posted by James P

^ I have to totally disagree with just about everything you are stating.

I take it you are responding to my comments.

The people that run the museums are professionals in their field. They follow standard practice & guidelines when dealing with exhibits. They are not in the hobby of restoring things.

You will notice my second paragraph said there is room for both camps. An example of leave alone is the LRDG Chev 30CWT at the IWM in London. It is displayed as found in the desert including rust & flat tires. The exhibit tells a story.

A great example of restoration is Rob Love's work on the cadillac. It also tells a story that can be brought to the people.

The point I was trying to make was that museums are a place where people can go to research or study original artifacts. If items are restored or modified then what happens to any historical significance?

[Jason Ginn]

Originally Posted by James P

^ I have to totally disagree with just about everything you are stating that museums should get a pass at doing restoration work and display a artifact/vehicle incorrectly because that is now its "history". I have heard that eye rolling line at the CWM and just think it is a an easy out and excuse.

Gord, As somone who directly benefited from the CWM's preservation of this artefact I'm a little surprised that you are implying the staff fed you a line concerning the long term preservation of objects, especially in an area originally intended as open storage space and not a formal display.

I'm not going to drone on about museum priorities, budgets, political pressures, stakeholders etc. But they often override many internal and external desires and drives to improve complex artefacts.

The key for any museum is and always will be non intrusive preservation and stabilization. Inrervention, especially Restoration is often only considered if interpretation of the object is not possible in its current state. The Kkrad at the CWM is in much the same state as when it was received, missing parts yes, incorrect paint yes, but neglected , deteriorating at an unacceptable rate-no.

Something that also may be considered is the fact that Axis light prime movers/ utility vehicled are pretty low on the long list of significant artefacts housed in the national collection needing additional labour, funds and interpretation.

I full well understand that the axe grinders would be chirping just as loudly if the same pieces were inaccessible and hidden away in closed storage.

I haven't directed this at the OP as he knows this full well as a member of the museum in questions internal structure. As Such he is also aware of the process to have an artefact conserved or restored and has been apart of many such projects.

If people are willing to lobby the CWM, the Friends of the CWM and Fenderal Gov't I am sure that they would be responsive to fund-raising initiatives and listen to the masses that would like to see this object improved.
If that was the intent of the OP super, but you may have wanted to say that in your first post.

Please note I am no longer with the CWM. I just have an opinion because I stayed in a Holiday Inn last night. Oh and I'm also the guy that fed Gord the eye rolling line years back.

[James P]

Originally Posted by Russ Gregg

James, it was a pleasure to meet you today, I really enjoyed seeing it in person and also the pictures of your extensive reconstruction of this unique vehicle. Thank you for making the effort to bring it to the Aquino event.

Thank you Russ, the day, the weather, and displays went well and many folks got to see the kett first hand and ask a million a one questions.