OMVA -Aquino Weekend

[Robin Craig]

Picture number three is missing a few names, the tall distinguished gent is Sandy Marshall, I think next to him is Calvin Bird from the UK and next to him is Chad who is related to Sandy. Sandy and Chad brought the motorbike.

Also, for those seeking true accuracy, Frank Von R was temporarily renamed Frank Von Ponsonby-Smyth as he had the pleasure of driving the SAS replica Land Rover, he didn't want pictures to be taken but I am sure there is one somewhere.

[Robin Craig]

A couple of pictures from the other side of the event.

The Land Rover 90, owned by Al Duffy, who owns all the other Operation Granby vehicles has been converted into a very close replica of a little known SAS vehicle. While the SAS Land Rover 110 desert patrol vehicles built by Glover Webb and powered by a V8 are well know few know about the Dinkies.

There was a need for extra vehicles and the Regiment had some 2.5na Diesel 90s fitted out themselves in theatre, exactly how many were built is open for debate but none exist or have appeared thus far.

We felt that when a photo was to be taken of the vehicle and crew and hangers on that we should pay homage to the usual identity preservation seen in SAS pictures.

We opted for the low tech approach and used cardboard and black gaffer tape.

The image is used courtesy of Andrew Jones with permission.

[Robin Craig]

I was very privileged to be aired up with Rob Melvin who is driving in this picture.

25 years ago Rob was the REME corporal who commanded the real vehicle of which this is a replica. Aland Duffy had flown him and the other British veterans out for the event.

Rob was wonderful to chat with and talked about what it was like and the not so nice stuff as well.

It was an absolute pleasure to be his vehicle commander and be chauffeured by him.

My thanks go to Alan Duffy for inviting me to be part of his crew for the event

[Scott Taylor]

Hi folks:

I wandered through the OMVA area at the Aquino Tank Day a few weeks ago and photographed this vehicle (see attached). Like a dummy, I didn't look at the data plate to figure out what it was, and I haven't turned up anything in various searches since to identify it. I presume that either the owner or somebody who knows what it is is posting here. Could you please tell me what this vehicle is?

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Cheers and thanks,

Scott

[Terry Witiuk]

Scott. As per the owner, the pictured vehicle is a 1974 Bombardier Cargo Track prototype #1 that was trialed by the Canadian Armed Forces. Vehicle is owned by All Dornan from the Montreal area.

[maple_leaf_eh]

From the drive belts and tracks, it sure looks like a conventional snowmobile. (Edited - and now after posting someone has an explanation)

[chris vickery]

I believe that the intended usage was to carry items like 55gal drums of fuel, ammo or whatever other type of material was needed.

[Scott Taylor]

Hi Terry:

Many thanks for the quick response. That's a very exotic vehicle. It was nice to see so many OMVA vehicles at the show. Ryan, I look forward to seeing your Gama Goat next year - that's one of my favourite vehicles.

Cheers and thanks again,

Scott