Preserved Stuart tanks in Canada ?

[Bob Cohoon]

In 1988, there was one stripped hull with a fairly complete turret on it, 2 engine covers, one stripped turret on the ground, some idler wheels and suspension arms and 2 sets of track there for an M5A1 Stuart at Elliott Auyo parts. They decided to sell the hull, one turret,tracks and suspension parts to me, the person from Quebec, and years later, a collector from Washington state bought the stripped turret and one engine cover. Markus bought all the Stuart parts I had collected over the years plus the hull, turret at Elliott's a few years ago. He then purchased more parts to help complete the project and began doing work on it. This is What Happened, for real, because I was involved, and I would like to see the facts right for just once. I heard now that the tank project has been resold again

[Brock J]

I am not usually in a position to peruse the forums, but as I am looking to find an M29C , thought I would scan.
I came across this thread with long legs and gave it a read. I see some discussion about Bill Gregg and his Stuart, and where it came from.
Here are some details, from my personal experience, nothing important, just a story .... with pictures !

Back in the winter of 83, Bill was looking for a Stuart. Southeastern Equipment Co had lots of them come in from Portugal. Bill asked Brian Asbury if he was interested in going down to SE and checking them out. So in winter of 83, Brian and I drove down to Southeastern in Augusta, GA, to go through the Stuarts and choose one for Bill.

As it happened, we arranged meet up with a then Director of the MVCC, Roy Hamilton, (Roy flew in from Calif.) and the three of us would search for 2 Stuarts, one for Bill and one for Roy. Brian and I spent several days excitedly scouring the Southeastern property, and also their bonded storage location in Charleston, SC, in awe. It was massive and loaded with great stuff. And of course we checked many Stuarts out, we had to drain water out of several, and made a decision on a real nice one for Bill. His tank would be processed and shipped north soon after. The tank was finished in 85 !

Brian and I stuffed the vehicle with all the militaria we could fit in, (things, of course, that we just HAD to have!) and RUSHED back home.

'Rushed' you say?

Well, while at SE, Brian had seen some Ferrets, and we rushed back to Canada, to head off to Quebec, so we could go pick one out ... but that's another story...

oooh sorry ... didn't mean to ramble, actually only really intended to post a sampling of some pics of Southeastern Equipment, back in 1983. I would hazard to say, that most of us have never been, or seen the property, and these images may tantalize.

Brock

[Brock J]

couldn't resist... more Southeastern Equipment Co. pics from 1983

Interesting note: the photo of the CDN radio trucks.
I believe SE (SECO) purchased those trucks from Northern Salvage in Barrie, Ontario and shipped them to Georgia.


Brock

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

WOW!
Thanks for posting.
Must have been a fascinating trip.
Rich.

[Hans Mulder]

Wow! Is anything still there?

[Brock J]

Hans

As I haven't been down to Southeastern Equipment Co, since 1983, so I couldn't tell you what they have available now. They ARE still in business, but may now be more commercial than surplus. Southeastern Equipment Co. now operates under the banner SECO and I believe if you google 'SECO augusta', that company will come up. Give them a call !



Richard

For sure, the 70's and 80's were full of adventures and characters, with many interesting stories to be told, most of which needed very little embellishment to make them seem incredible and sometimes near unbelievable.

... but alas ... much of which, is unprintable

aaaah .... the good old days

B

[Brian Carey]

Outstanding display of vehs. the stuff of my childhood dreams (which incidentally were over by 1983)