PaulC Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 Good morning Ladies and Gents First off I must admit I have virtually no knowledge of HMV's, but this is not a completely alien world to me; I am the grandson of a fantastic lady who, in January, will turn 88. During the war my grandmother worked at Aveling Barfords in Grantham, and was involved in producing Bren Gun Carriers, specifically rivets. Grandma has always joked that she never got to take a ride in one, and with her 88th birthday fast approaching... well, you can see where I'm going with this! So, I'm hear to ask for help, advice and anything else you have to offer! Primarily I'm trying to locate a working Bren Gun Carrier. I realise there are umpteen models and variations, and ideally I'd love to find a working unit produced at Grantham during the war, but this isn't completely necessary. Secondly I'd like some advice on the practicality of an 88 year old attempting to ride in suck a vehicle. Grandma still has her mobility and is in great shape for her age. That being said I'm sure there are various H&S obstacles I'm not aware of. Thank you all in advance for any help you can offer. I really hope I can make this a reality; as far as birthday presents go it would certainly beat another vase or jumper! Regards, Paul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 Welcome Paul, from the sound of your Grandmother, you are the one who may have problems keeping up! :-D Ask her to talk about it, we all love genuine tales of those who built worked or used the vehicles for real. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackpowder44 Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 My carrier works o.k. But it is a Canadian built one. I live in Dorset so maybe too far for you. John. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulC Posted October 10, 2011 Author Share Posted October 10, 2011 (edited) Sorry, yes, I should have mentioned - we're both in the north east. Personally I'm happy to travel anywhere but ideally I wouldn't want to keep Grandma couped up in a car for more than a couple of hours (from North Yorkshire or Tynemouth). Still, beggars can't be choosers! Thanks for your replies so far. Paul. *Edit* With regard tales from the factory, the ones that seem to stick in mind are the horror stories about hair caught in machinery, mishandled white hot rivets and so on. I'm sure she's got some more positive stories, I shall have a word. Edited October 10, 2011 by PaulC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajmac Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 I know a chap in Lincoln with a mint Bren carrier, he would be happy to help I'd imagine, but it's a bit too far south for you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
private mw Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 didnt know they were made at avelings at grantham . i used to deliver castings there for the dumpers a few years ago . :cheesy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddy8men Posted October 10, 2011 Share Posted October 10, 2011 hi paul there's a couple of fella's in the north east with carriers but i'm not sure whether they're on the road yet but you could always ask them. the place for carrier owners is www.mapleleafup.net good luck rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MHillyard Posted October 11, 2011 Share Posted October 11, 2011 I've seen one which is kept at ex RAF Bentwaters, unfortunately i do not know the guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulC Posted October 12, 2011 Author Share Posted October 12, 2011 Thanks again for the continued replies. I know a chap in Lincoln with a mint Bren carrier, he would be happy to help I'd imagine, but it's a bit too far south for you... Lincoln is definitely doable! Could you possibly send me a personal message via this site with your friends details, or pass on my details (see PM) to him. Thanks, Paul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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