Author: Ivo Rigter SR

In the last two years the Militaria Fair of the Dutch Association Keep Them Rolling evaluated from a fair for “men searching for vehicle parts, tools, manuals etcetera” to a complete experience for the whole family. With music from the forties, a show of uniforms and vintage clothes, hairdressers and a barber shop the Militaria Fair became the meeting point for everyone who is dedicated to commemorate the Second World War.

In 2014 the Militaria Fair moved to an expo hall in the Southern part of the Netherlands. This location made it possible to house the exhibition fully indoor and with free parking for the visitors. But moreover, it also offered possibilities of expanding and enhancing the formula of the Militaria Fair to attract more people than only owners of military vehicles.
Because of its location, not far from Rotterdam, it also attracts people from surrounding countries.
The number of visitors of the biennial Militaria Fair of Keep Them Rolling therefore grew extensively. The most recent fair on March 20th 2016 welcomed no less than 3,500 visitors and it is expected that these numbers will grow further during the coming years.

Sellers from all over Europe and BAIV’s participation
During the recent Militaria Fair over one hundred and thirty sellers from the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany offered a large variety of goods and services. Of course all the large and also abroad well-known sellers and renovators were present.
Moreover, we spotted a large variety of parts, manuals, tools, military and personal equipment, uniforms, tents and WW2 collectibles.

The Dutch Company BAIV from Maarheeze even brought in a very nice collection fresh restored vehicles. Vehicles (2 halftracks and an early Ford GPW) were on the show just prior to their shipment to clients in the Southern part of France, USA and a The Netherlands.
Our crew received many very enthusiast reactions regarding the high level of restoration and craftsmanship. Also many were impressed that we bring a very nice collection of vehicles to the show! Occasionally even the previous owner of one of the halftracks (Mr. Kees van Gaal) visited ‘his’ halftrack prior to its shipment to the US!

Back to the forties
The whole atmosphere at the Militaria Fair was drenched in the forties and not only by music from that time. A vintage shop with all kind of civil clothes for men, women and children was constantly crowded with people.
In the hairdressing salon women had their hair done in forties style and the barber shaved many beards in the old-fashioned way.

At the large terrace friends and acquaintances sat together and enjoyed their lunch or drink, either watched the show of uniforms and vintage civil clothes at the catwalk, which was held three times that day.

In short, the Militaria Fair of Keep Them Rolling is an event to put in your agenda.
Should you want to visit the fair: On October 2nd 2016 there will be the next Militaria Fair.

Together with some members of our crew (the rest was on holliday) we had this week a very nice ride with our Sexton Mk-II. Great vehicle and a very nice runner.

Produced by the Canadian Montreal Locomotive Works in 1943 it was used by the British Army in the 2^nd WW. In total only 2.150 vehicles have been built in the period 1943-1945 and worldwide there are only a few survivors. This example ended its active army life on a scrap yard in Portsmouth however saved by a British collector in the early nineties of the last century .

Recently the vehicle was complete serviced. Still on its original Canadian Dry Pin tracks (the best tracks ever produced for Sherman tanks) the Sexton will come in great condition with new ammunition stowage, floors, bins etc. Also the 9 cylinder C4 Radial engine is in nice running order.

As you can see on the pictures great fun to drive. This specific vehicle is currently for sale.
If more information is required please ask for a detailed brochure.

If you are specialized in armoured vehicles and tanks the sourcing of parts is an important lifeline to serve your customers. However, many parts are still existing it is always difficult to source them.
Therefore our workshop manager Ruud Caspers visited this week an old warehouse in Southern France where he was very successful in his parts hunt.
However… the barn, in which the parts where located, was in such deplorable condition that he sometimes found his way with risk of a complete collapse of the roof structure.
Below a picture of Ruud’s part hunt.

The entire inventory of this barn was untouched since the last 4 decades. Without any doubt a very remarkable place.

Next to the supply line of parts also the supply line of project vehicles is important.

Ivo Rigter Sr., was therefore very lucky to find 2 very nice project vehicles being an M16 Halftrack build by White (Chassis number 283315) and an International Halftrack model M5 (Chassis number M5-M5-1565-ORD-12320).

The International is a very early model. According our dedicated calculation this vehicle left the Chicago production line on February 12^th 1943 around 13:30 hrs.

Originally it received from the US Army number USA#4030308 however definitely this vehicle went to Europe and performed its duties against the Germans as part of the allied armies.

As well the M16 and M5 are in remarkable good condition. Both vehicles will arrive in the Netherlands 2^nd half of June were restoration is scheduled to be started in Q4 2015.

As well the M5 (named Annelies) and M16 (named Nicole) will be brought back to factory specifications. Both vehicles deserve this!

The “Annelies”… International – Halftrack – model M5 (Chassis number M5-M5-1565-ORD-12320):

The “Nicole”… White – Halftrack – model M16 (Chassis number 283315):

 

[ezcol_1half][/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end]STRONG WAR HERO

In ‘De Telegraaf’ from Saturday March 14th a 3 Colom wide article was printed from Ivo Jr. and his M5 Halftrack.

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Translation:

IHC HALF-TRACK M5

STRONG WAR HERO

In the garage of a young car enthusiast you would expect a fast hatchback, not an armored car from World War II. Ivo Rigter (28), however, was lit by his father and restored along with him an IHC Half Track M5.

By Remco Slump

“Why an armored vehicle and not a sports car? That’s because of my grandfather. He found it much too dangerous that my father Ivo (Sr.) wanted to have a race car when he was young. “Let me give that boy an old jeep” ‘he thought, “then he can restore the car, is busy and, when it is ready, he will not crash that easy”. And so the ball started to roll. After he had restored several Jeeps my father bought this IHC Half Track M5 in 1987. In the 2^nd WW this great vehicle has served the Allied Polish troops. After the liberation of the German city of Wilhelmshaven it was completely reconditioned by Mercedes-Benz under the ‘Wiedergutmachung’ law.  After this the vehicle was deployed by the French army in South America (French Guiana). However after this initial purchase the Half-Track was many years untouched. When there was a nice workshop to restore the vehicle we started the restoration. This was, with exception of some small details, completed in 2009.

Just in time so to be able to participate in the commemoration of the 65 D-Day landings in Normandy.      At events we participate a couple of times per year, because the Half-Track – where a truck driving license is required – is not a car that you easily take to a super market.

For the long distances a low-loader is required. Its fuel consumption is 1 liter to the km. and the tracks are very expensive. “It’s me and my father therefore mainly to restore it and make sure that this very strong Half-Track technology will outlive us all”.