introduction Introduction (and looking for FV432 MK2 AMPHIBIOUS)

[RECAMLVBL]

Hi FV432 lovers

 

I'm a former Cavalry Lieutenant (Militia) of the Portuguese Army, trying to be a entrepreneur on tourism business, with Team Building classes, leadership evaluation, military training simulations (paint and soft ball) and real week-end military training, driving experiences in tracked APC, Wine tourism and Regional Gastronomy, horse riding, etc.

For so, I think the best UK model is the FV432 MK2, because they have a large slit-hatch opening in the (10)passenger compartment. I think there's only one in Portugal, in a private museum. The Russian/soviet vehicles have no large split-hatch for passenger; only MG or cannon turrets. Good for fight, but bad for touring...

I know that most of FV432 are with amphibious hardware removed, but that's what I need. In my HQ (see http://www.adegadasmouras.pt ) we have access to small dams, as well as in the "neighbourhood". I've many alternatives as Alqueva - the biggest artificial lake in Europe - or some private properties in Algarve. In Portugal, those vehicles are not allowed to use roads. They can only stay in private proprieties, or "swim" in public dams were motorised boats are allowed.

So, I have to buy (for starting) two FV432 MK2, WITH AMPHIBIOUS CAPABILITY. Can you help me?

The M113 were perfect, but I can't find any... and the Swiss army killed 500 to melt...

And there's another catch: I can only buy Ex MOD vehicles, for proprietaries that can issue an invoice, because there are some EU money involved in this tourist matters.

 

Sorry for my errors / mistakes; I think I didn't wrote a single word of English since 1980...till last week...

I've never wrote my "Curriculum Militum", before.

There's a first time for everything. So, there we go:

 

- 1984 - Specialization at Practical Cavalry School (in Santarém), Recognition (REC) and Driving Instruction of AML - Auto Metrelhadoras Ligeiras (Light Scout Cars Ferret and Saladin) and VBL - Viaturas Blindadas Ligeiras (Armoured Personnel Carriers Chaimite V200 and M113). That's why my nick is RECAMLVBL...

- 1985 - As Sub-Second Lieutenant (you don't have equivalent), I was Platoon Leader of Basic Recruit and instrutor for future drivers of Saladin and Ferret in RC6 (Cavalry Regiment, at Braga), till August; then, I asked to transfer to RC3 (Estremoz). Till the end of the year I led the Regimental Transport Platoon;

- 1986 - Promotion to Second Lieutenant. Platoon leader of the 3rd Rec Platoon, 2nd Rec Squadron;

- 1987 - Adjunct to 2nd Rec Squadron leader and S2. Accumulation with Regimental Fire Officer (coordinator of the maintenance fire plan for light and heavy machine-guns Brownning .30 - Ferret and Saladin mounted; HK21 7.62mm Chaimite mounted; Browning .50 "jeep" UMM Cournil mounted; Saladin 76mm cannons; heavy 120mm mortar Chaimite towed; SS-11 missiles Chaimite mounted).

2nd Rec Squadron leader (interim Jun-Jul).

In August I was designated (by choice), "Aid-de-Camp" of the Commander of the Southern Military Region, Sir General João de Almeida Bruno (decorated by HM The Queen Elisabeth in 1986), till Sep 1989;

- 1988 - Jan - Promotion to Lieutenant;

- 1989 - Sep - The interim Commander, Brigadier Júlio Faria Ribeiro de Oliveira, invited me to keep my usual functions; I accepted till be replaced (by a Captain...), what happened in December.

I asked to serve in Reserve and I was honourably discharged, Dec 29th 1989, 5 years, 4 month and 10 days (=1958 days) of efective service. And I'm very proud of it.

Never, ever before, a militia Second Lieutenant was designated "Aid-the-Camp" of a General, in Portugal... and the second most decorated Officer (in Africa campaign 1961/74).

 

 

Best regards

 

Luís Neves dos Santos

Edited May 1, 2012 by RECAMLVBL

[shane.c]

Welcome in,

[montie]

Welcome in, hope you get your vehicle! Although not tracked, a stolly would be fun too!

[stevenivers]

Welcome aboard mate