Sherman ARV at Camp Borden??

[Robin Craig]

Bob,

There are many things on Bases tucked away and known to a very few.

That was the case this summer when I came upon this at Borden

[Frank v R]

Since you guys asked , here is the scoop on the ARV, now first it is important to know that this ARV is a M-74 , these are post war conversions of M4A3E8 Shermans , these were built between 1950-55, a heavier recovery vehicle was needed due to the M-26 Pershing, the M-32 just could not do it, some brain trust has come up with the idea to remove the engine ,paint it up in WW 2 colours and markings for Holland then place it on a concrete pad to rot at the new RCEME museum location at the SIGS Museum in Kingston, the Tech that did the restoration is not happy and I think it is to late to stop,

[Ed Storey]

"some brain trust has come up with the idea to remove the engine ,paint it up in WW 2 colours and markings for Holland then place it on a concrete pad to rot at the new RCEME museum location at the SIGS Museum in Kingston, the Tech that did the restoration is not happy and I think it is to late to stop"

It is all about having things for kids to climb on and 'bird's nests' on display and little about the actual history.

Nice to see that the same old 1950s mindset is alive and strong in the CF musetainment community.

[Bob Phillips]

Thanks for all the input ! I will see if I can locate the vehicle in the next couple of weeks. I do not wish to be unduly critical but it seems a shame to turn this vehicle into a monument. I know for fact that considerable time and money went into getting this vehicle running again after the first engine failure. In fact the "new" engine (all the way from south carolina) had to be redone again when after the first rebuild the "mechanic" failed to follow recommended procedure and plane the head and tops of the cylinder sleeves (sleeves stick up too high) and so when they torqued down the heads and put in the antifreeze it ran out on the floor.

[maple_leaf_eh]

http://www.emebranchgem.ca/english/view.asp?x=898

Sigh, some of the back end work that has to happen with volunteer museums.

[Dean (Ajax)]

I am glad to see that many on this forum are AGAIN insulting and hammering those that try to keep the Museums alive. Perhaps a little research before you spout off would be good.

That Sherman that this thread started about is NOT part of the Borden Museum collection..it is one of a few Vehs that are owned and paid for by the CFEME Association, and is held at the CFEME school...not by the Museum!!!!

Perhaps when the question was asked as to where it was..the person they talked to might have been a Volanteer.. or one of those Military People that is there for a day or a week to help out.

Regardless..it is so very easy to insault those that are trying to save our Military History...


Just My Thoughts. waiting for the shit storm

Dean O

[David Herbert]

No need for a shit storm ! In Bob's first post he specificaly says that he knows it is not part of the museum collection. No one disagreed with him as far as I can see but people did lament that a vehicle that had been brought to running condition should be plinthed outside.

That seems fair comment to me. We all know that all organisations and enthusiasts have finite resorces. I have had to store things in damp conditions in the past with the result that they deteriorated. It was certainly a bad thing to do but you can only do your best. My pet hate is when things are scrapped when they could be offered to other people / organisations.

David