WCMatt

I seen the piccy before, but never noticed those beams. They look like planks down the side?

Rare M4A7 wooden Sherman. Faired very poorly in combat due to it's log cabin construction......

Actually, like someone else called it, those wooden planks were placed there to prevent magnetic mines from being attached to the sides of the hull. A friend of mine used to own an M4A1 that was a PTO Vet. One of the mods that was still present on it was small steel patch plates crudly welded over the road wheel spokes to prevent "fouling" by iron bars inserted by Infantry.

Matt

The amphibious bit is really cool though and they really move in water.

That really seems to be the case with Soviet vehicles doesn't it? Personally, while that is very cool, I'm not sure how much "swimming" I'll be doing with any new "toy".

Matt

You have to ask yourself what will fit the best where you are..I bought my Ferret MK1 because of my budget but especially the small size of it which I can drive on the side of my house and into my shop in the backyard.....

Joe in the USA

Hence the reason why the title of this thread is BRDM-vs-ferret & not T-72 vs Centurion .

Matt

I have rebuilt a Ferret from a burnt out wreak and have learned so much in my ongoing struggle. I am not a mechanic by trade and I live in Ireland ( over a slightly smaller pond) so I know all about the cost of shipping parts. This Forun is a fantastic source of knowledge for every kind of repair but is only the tip of the iceberg. I cant imagine you would get the same level of input (without speaking Russian) for the BRDM. The parts are there or can be made/repaired, you just have to look for them and the right people to guide you. I'm currently restoring one that was complete but non running. The "burnt out wreck" is me :laugh:. I must admit that I am partial to the ferret. It's that the BRDM is a little bit larger (without being BTR60 big)& different that I think I'm attracted to it.

The ferret is a very desirable vehicle to own and if you are considering its re-saleability I would say it is the MB Jeep of the armoured world. Its permanent 4wd makes it a great toy off road but watch out for that "wind up" when on the road. - The only real drawback to the ferret (& others) in my opinion. As for resale, ferrets do seem to be hot sellers these days. Not my ultimate reason for buying one but that is something to consider down the road.

Mind your fingers on the top hatch too, it will eat them if ya let it. At only 4ton its not to bad on mpg or to ship. As for your friend who has one the only thing that looks better than a Ferret is two Ferret's . Yeah When I was function testing one of the rear view port hatches I gave myself a little taste of "ferret finger". When I first got my ferret (before I desided to tear it completly down for resto) I tried to organize a convoy with a few of the armored car owners in this area (Ferret Mk. 2/3, Sarasan & a V100). Didn't pan out. 'have to wonder if the owners actually like driving them?

 

If I had the money and was serious about keeping the vehicle for a very long time I would conceder getting two, one really good one and one for parts. That's sound advice. Guess you could always paint one up as Op. Granby & the other as BAOR?

 

What ever you decide, happy driving

 

Ross

As of this posting, I'm actually leaning heavily towards the ferret.

Matt

Spares for Ferrets aren't exactly jumping out of the wood work but most things can be had if you ask the right people. Some of the basic consumables like spark plugs can be found quite easily and even the oil filter can changed for a cartridge type, if you prefer that over the nappy type which can be washed out in petrol and reused. That is certainly true especially if you live across the pond like I do BTW, I'm a fan of your site & I have it book marked

 

I suspect the reason for lack of answers is that most forum members have experience of the Ferret but not the BRDM. The pro BRDM types have actually come out in force on this one. I was actually kind of surprised that this thread wasn't dominated by ferret owners. Both very cool vehicles IMHO.

 

For me I would buy a Ferret over a BDRM everyday as it is a vehicle that many people have experience of repairing, driving and using day to day. Its an armoured vehicle that you can fit in a garage, drive on your own and put a smile on most peoples faces when you drive by. Not 100% on this, but that might also be the case as well over here. I'm no master mechanic but, I do like to pull my own PMs & small repair jobs on the MVs I own. Speaking of fitting inside a garage, there's a Mk.1/2 in there now. I'm contimplating buying a runner rather then a resto project.

 

I'm not saying that you can not do the same in a BRDM you can. If you want to break new ground and learn things as you go I would say buy a BRDM but if you would prefer the experience and spares backing that goes with a Ferret that would be the direction to go in. Very good points. I think the real deciding factor for me would be to arrange a drive/ride in each.

 

If I say that the BRDM would be a challenge I suspect I know which direction you will take

 

The V100 is an impressive vehicle if you can find one and for the right money

The V100 would be awsome but I doubt I'll ever have anywhere near the going rate for one of those in "play money" -Unless the seller will actually accept "play money".....

Matt

I don't remember who it was who asked about the WC62's horse power per ton ratio but here it is: empty WC62 weighs in at 6900lbs with a 92HP engine. That gives us a ratio of roughly 26.5 HP per ton. With a fully loaded cargo bed, the 'ol Dodge tips the scales at almost 10,000 lbs. reducing the HP per ton to roughly 18.5 per ton. Interestingly, the WC62 has a better HP to weight ratio then the newer M35 2.5 ton.

Matt

BRDM Driver

I must admit after seeing your screen name, that I would have been surprised if you posted in favor of the feerret...:-D. Spares is a concern of mine as no one wants a toy that if/when it breaks can't be repaired. Spares for the ferret aren't exactly flooding the market either but I'd imagine that they are a bit more readily available at least west of the iron curtain? From what I've read on here, owners seem to genuinely like their BRDMs and that speaks well for the design.

I am somewhat surprised that more ferret owners haven't pop'd in to extoll the virtues of their beloved Daimler scout car....

Matt

Lauren

Thank you for your reply. I have been inside both a ferret & a BRDM so I'm familar with their relative sizes. Unfortunately, I've never driven or gone for a ride in either vehicle. I like ferrets, they're small (fits in any garage), peppy and certainly have a "cool factor" all their own. Did not know that they were " easier" to work on or that the BRDM was more complicated - things to really consider. Another advantage to the ferret is that there is a ferret owner who lives not too far away from me. The down side to that is the old urge to be different. What appeals to me about the BRDM is that it's probably about as close as I'll ever come to owning a V100.

Matt

Hello List!

I'm considering a new toy with the impending sale of my M151A2. Two vehicles I'm (passivly)looking at are a Ferret Mk.1/2 and the other is a BRDM. I'm partial to wheeled armor as it presents far less headaches for me over here (across the pond) & I've owned armor in the past.

I know there are ferret owners as well as BRDM jockeys on this site but does anyone on here have experience with both vehicles that could give some good comparisons? Any insite into why you'd own/pick one over the other?

Thanks,

Matt

Onr thing to bear in mind. No MV was built for comfort. Though I'd rather drive the Dodge long distance than a Series 3 Landy. .

Ah! Now my curiosity is piqued!

Longest I ever drove my WC51 was roughly 100 miles & that was in the winter. Wasn't bad (if properly dressed), just kind of noisy. Longest I've ever driven any MV was around 140 miles round trip. That was in an M151A2 in warmer weather. I do like a G838 :cool2: .

Matt

Diesel fuel is much more common in Europe than the US.

 

It would be great if there was a multifuel diesel (like the M35A2) that could burn just about anything. I'd do it just to be able to drive more. A GMC 270 weighs about 500lbs, I don't think a diesel of the proper HP is going to be anywhere near that light. A Cummins BT4 (same power) is 800lbs, and not multifuel, and you need air for brakes.

 

For the cost of conversion you could simply buy an M35A2....

 

If you really wanted to get the 'purists' going put a CCKW cab on an M35A2 frame... that should kill us instantly

Yes I understand the popularity of diesel over petrol "overthere" & you're right about diesel powerplants weighing a ton compared to their gas engine counterparts. Don't think a CCKW cab will fit on an M35 frame as it is too wide. If you wanted to average better fuel milage how about one of those 6X4 2.5 tons? What where they called? CCWs? Funny, the WC61 is starting to sound better......

Matt

Hello,

If I were you, and assuming you're not an out and out 'purist', I'd take the practical choice and procure a 353 with a diesel fitted. I can hear the gnashing of teeth and the sanctimonious condemnations even as I type this message, but I used to run a 353 with a P6 fitted which gave perfectly adequate performance AND economy. My present one has a P6354 fitted,

which is nicer altogether. Just a thought. Hope all goes well anyroad and that it all comes off. Cheers.

Did not know that was possible (well, I'd not heard of it until I read your post).

Commander

I too am also partial to Dodges. The first MV that I ever completed a frame off resto on was a '44 WC51. How I miss her.....

Matt

It would be kind of funny if you past someone in a Horch heading the otherway towards the English channel....

Matt

Matt

Is the bhp per ton worse than the GMC then ? A GMC is approx 5 tons and the (net) bhp is 91.5 which gives I reckon about 18 bhp per ton. Slightest hill, I'm slowing downnnnnn

Vulture

Vulture

I'm trying to find that out for you. The engine in the WC62 was a Dodge T223 230 CI flathead developing roughly 92 HP at 3200 RPM. The truck itself weighed in at 7250lbs gross.

Matt

good luck on your trip it it was me

doing your trip I would go for a Dodge 6X6

Commander

A great truck & my very first MV :cool2: . However, I think they are about as long as a CCKW so there's that parking space issue again.... Their long whellbase does make for a smoother ride not quite as bouncy as the shorter wheel based WC51 and yes, the 1.5 ton Dodges are underpowered. I guess vehicle size would also depend on how many friends are you planing on bringing along?

Matt

Wow! Sounds like it would be a lot of fun! I've driven a couple of GMCs but have owned/restored a few WCs. My vote would probably be for either the GMC or a Chevy G506 1.5 ton. The WC51 (for example) is a great truck but the seats ar not that comfortable for long drives and while larger then a jeep, there isn't a whole lot of room to carry spares, kit & passengers (comfortably & safely). With either the Jimmy or the Chevy you could do all of that. In fact, the Chevy 1.5 ton might be the best of both worlds. Larger then the WC but not as garganchuan as the GMC. As others have said, keep the board posted as this sounds like a great adventure!

Matt

Guys

Thank you for all of the replies and so many positive experiences to boot! I posted this question as I'm marshaling my funds to buy a D110 and they (P.A. Blanchard) were one of the companies I was thinking of dealing with. I did make an inquiry about D110s to them & they were quick to respond & have experience in exporting vehicles to the USA. Largest item I've imported from the UK to date has been a few sets of DPMs & a set of P58 webgear.

I know Witham's also sells LRs but the impression I got from them was "come over here, look through the lot & pick one out then we'll discuss price". They weren't rude, but I got the impression that they deal with a lot of tire kickers who may get in the way of larger business deals. If that makes any sence?

I also posted this same question over on the "LandRover Owners International" site in their "Military" section and have received zero replies.... 'Guess all the cool LR guys are over on this site? :cool2:

Matt

Does anyone on here have any experience in dealing with P.A. Blanchard & Co? Good?......Bad?... I have no personal experience with them myself & was wondering if they were a good company to deal with. Thanks.

Regards,

Matt

The way it was explained to me was that there is a small "launching charge" at the bottom of each tube. The smoke grenade is inserted into the tube (after the charge) and the pin is removed. The circumfrance of the tube is tight enough to hold the grenade spoon down so as not to activate said 'nade.

When they are needed, the charges are activated by a crewmen (driver?) and that launches the SGs into a pattern in front of the vehicle creating a smoke screen in which the vehicle can either withdraw/advance. A common "whoopsie" was to accidentally leave the pins in and launch the grenades....

Matt

She was sent off for restoration about 2 weeks ago to a place back east in the US. Should be done by mid july.

 

Sad to see her gone :embarrassed:

So......Are you restoring it back to it's Iraqi service days or something else?

Matt

$45.000 for a fv 432 you can pick them up for around 6-7 k haha

Yeah, no doubt.... I guess the ,mark up is from when they fly them over in first class...

Matt

I'm in brentwood essex (England haha)

Then you should be able to "pick one up" for a lot less then us unfortunate types living in other parts of the globe! if you want to see what Yanks are paying for AFVs just have a look here: http://www.armyjeeps.net

Matt

Bill

To answer your question I guess one would have to ask where are you located? BMPs in Europe are considerably less expensive then they are in USA or Down Under (shipping is a killer ).

Finally heard back from my friend the State Trooper. Apparently, 8' 6" width is the maximum width allowed on roads in Va without a wide load permit. Now that's in Virginia, I'm not sure what the regs are where you live.

Matt

Joe

As others have posted, be patient as the internet is a wonderful thing. You're on it...Right now I know of three different units that my Mk.1/2 served with. After conducting an internet search I found a Veteran's organization for one of the units (5th Royal Engineers). Made contact with the web master and he in turn, put me in contact with one of my ferret's former drivers. Over on the ferret heaven group, there is a former REME mechanic that also turned a wrench on my ferret while they were in service together......

Matt

Great! Now I want a BMP! Knew I shouldn't have subscribed to this thread :laugh:. I'm not 100% on this but, I think anything over 8' wide* will require a wide load permit to transport on public roadways in the U.S. I used to own an M59APC (10' 4" wide by 18' long by 8' tall) and my "track" was pretty much a stripped hull but it still weighed in at 26,000 lbs & required such a permit to move it.

Matt

* Have a friend who is a State Trooper, I'll ask him and report what I find out.