Dorchester up for auction

[Mike Cecil]

I wonder why it is not headed to the Army Tank Museum, if it is surplus from AMB. Both are part of the Army Museum Network (AMN).

Mike

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

I wonder why it is not headed to the Army Tank Museum, if it is surplus from AMB. Both are part of the Army Museum Network (AMN).

Mike

The Dorchester was photographed on a low loader on the road somewhere a few months ago. I saw it on a website. Have a feeling it must have come from further away than Bandiana. Wondered if it had come off a range maybe.

[Mike Cecil]

Thanks Richard - I'm a little puzzled as the chassis looks a lot like the one I organised for Bob Dimer in WA many years ago (the paint matches) - does anyone in WA know what happened to his rolling chassis (ex-Matador) and Dorchester hull?

It is not like there are many around: Australia had, from memory, only seven. The ATM have the remains of a hull.

Mike

[Philliphastings]

This is the Puckapunyal Tank Museum's one. Bit sad they gave up on restoring it.

I used to own Bob Dimer's in WA and it is now restored and residing in NSW. The chassis in the above pics is fitted for a winch which Bob's/ mine was not, nor were original Dorchester chassis.

I hope someone completes the restoration of the one above.

Cheers

Phill

[Mike Cecil]

Thanks Phillip, that clears that one up!

Agree: such a pity to not do at least a cosmetic external refurbishment, but all sorts of factors come into play in a museum, not just the restoration itself.

Bob's chassis certainly did some miles: it came from a yard in Geelong. It had been a crane truck. Bob drove to Victoria with a Humber Box on the back of his tray truck with the red cab - can't remember what make. The box is now residing in Vic under restoration. Bob then went back to WA with the Matador chassis. Now the Dorchester/Matador is back in the east in NSW! Quite a journey.

Mike

[Mike K]

Somebody on FB said it sold for $4K seems rather low

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Mike Kelly

Somebody on FB said it sold for $4K seems rather low

A lot of work required, so someone had a good deal. No doubt we will hear where it went soon!