VR 414 discovered and cannibalised

[Darrin Wright]

Several weeks back, while driving the country side, I discovered a BGC siting in a derelict yard.
Made some enquiries and took some pics. Thoughts I would share as there are some interesting features for an early hull made by Victorian Railways Newport Wksp in Aust.

There were other items collected for it around the yard.

[Darrin Wright]

Today we returned and salvaged everything that was of value. Due to the recent heat & dry weather we had to use a generator and angle grinders; however, it rained most of the day.

they had a 8BA engine for it, but it was junk.

There was a modification to the front of the hull, with 2 rods welded in front of the drivers vision shutter. These are for additional track as you can see the wear marks in the armour hull.

There was also a rectangular bracket in the LHR hull, next to the air scoop. I thought it was for a bren magazine chest but it is too short. I have seen this modification on 4 hulls now. Anyone know what it is for?

[Darrin Wright]

The pics show different locations with holes. I think this may be a/the modification for a radio fit out. There was not enough of the hull left to see if it had mounting brackets for the armoured radio cover.
Unusual for a very early hull to be fitted with radio.

The original ARN was still painted on the guard, in a square block style. This had been painted out with lines so that it was hard to read.
Looks like 8888. upon closer inspection could be AIF T 6386.

The owner will look at scrapping the remainder.