Freeland Posted April 24, 2013 Share Posted April 24, 2013 (edited) Good day! After having snooped around at the HMVF forum for a long time time I thought it was time to finally get registered and introduce myself. A few years ago, two friends of mine inherited their father's collection (Freeland museum) of WW2 military vehicles, weapons, uniforms and other collectibles. Being involved in restoring the vehicles from the get go, they have gained valuable technical skills in a variety of restoration areas.Their main objective is to preserve and restore the vehicles and expand the collection whenever possible. Since they only have limited time to maintain the rolling stock, I was asked to do the (very) necessary maintenance and preservation of weapons/uniforms and take care of any missing documentation/equipment. My ongoing and profound interest in (the western theater of) World War 2 made that I was more than happy to assist when asked. About a year ago I finished this first challenge and then made some attempts to restore the large comms section that still needs some overhauling and sorting out. The founder of this "Airborne and Logistics" museum bought quantities of NOS material overtime but never got to the point of actually making matters presentable nor finding out if all that "green stuff" was indeed period correct. You will probably hear from me later in the "Ads" section here on HMVF since we are looking to sell the non-WW2 items in due course. Since one year we are in a full overhaul and restoration of a Diamond T 981 with Hercules Diesel engine and going forward, I will most likely have a question or two on this vehicle in the proper sub forum. Simultanously, a Daimler Dingo is being prepared for final finishing to take part in the massive Market Garden activities in 2014, alongside the Diamond T :laugh: The current line-up of is as follows: - Willys Overland (former jeep of James Gavin, 82nd AB) * - Scout Car M3A1 * - Dodge WC-52 * - Dodge WC-53 Carryall - Dodge WC-54 Ambulance - Dodge WC-56 Command Car - Dodge WC-63 - White Halftrack M3 - DUKW ** - Ford GPA - Chevrolet C8A HUP ** - GMC Airborne Kipper - Ward LaFrance M1A1 *** - Harley Davidson WLA * - Cushman Airborne scooter - Packard Clipper (owned by Gen. Eisenhower June-Oct 1944) - Daimler Dingo MKIII ** - Greyhound M20 * - Autocar U177T + Stake Trailer - Diamond T 981 (looking for the M9 Rogers trailer!) *** - Howitzer, Pack, 75mm M1 * * = needs some tlc ** = technically 100% but needs a paint job and additional dressing up ***= candidate for a full restoration! Thank you for reading my first post and I am looking forward to exchange information and ideas here on HMVF! Best regards, Marco Edited April 25, 2013 by Freeland updated list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locolines Posted April 25, 2013 Share Posted April 25, 2013 Welcome to the forum ! An impressive list indeed but I am particularly interested in the airbourne kipper ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arcot1751 Posted April 25, 2013 Share Posted April 25, 2013 Welcome to the HMVF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted April 25, 2013 Share Posted April 25, 2013 Welcome! Is the museum open to the public, and where is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freeland Posted April 25, 2013 Author Share Posted April 25, 2013 Good morning, The airborne kipper, now in mint condition, is actually the workhorse of the collection when it comes to moving "men and material" to the various shows. The premises are not open to the general public (otherwise it would be an official museum, you would need opening hours etc.) but can be visited on appointment. The location is Gemonde, in the south of The Netherlands near the city of 's-Hertogenbosch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted April 25, 2013 Share Posted April 25, 2013 Thanks! Pictures would be nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freeland Posted April 25, 2013 Author Share Posted April 25, 2013 Thanks! Pictures would be nice. (currently not at a place with access to the majority of pics) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfy Posted April 25, 2013 Share Posted April 25, 2013 Welcome. Great collection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeePig Posted April 25, 2013 Share Posted April 25, 2013 Nice! Glad to see you here Trevor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shane.c Posted April 25, 2013 Share Posted April 25, 2013 Welcome to the forum, great looking collection, :cool2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted April 25, 2013 Share Posted April 25, 2013 Nice folding bike! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freeland Posted April 25, 2013 Author Share Posted April 25, 2013 That one was taken at the 2nd Red Ball Express (2012) weekend ("Twente Achterhoekweekend"). An excellent weekend with over 350 WW2 vehicles, from parabike to M10. http://www.twente-achterhoekweekend.nl/EN/ If you happen to be in The Netherlands at that time it is sure worthwhile visiting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fesm_ndt Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 G'Day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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