Author: Ivo Rigter SR

In February BAIV received an order from Christophe and Annelies Grosset for the ground up restoration of their Halftrack M9A1 as originally delivered to the US Army in August 1943.

Mr. Grosset, who runs a special butcery in Flumet France, acquired this unique by International build Half-track early 2014. This for sure a 2^nd WW survivor is basically original however due its intensive and active service and rough de-commissioning it need a ground up restoration.

Moreover the entire rear Armour is missing and need to be refabricated. Same for the rear bed, storage cabinets and many brackets, seats and clamps. For undefined reasons the engine was roughly opened but never finished. Same for the gearbox what resulted in the fact that water entered the transmission.

The Family Grosset live in Flumet Savoy, a nice resort with the ski area Espace Diamant. Christophe has a butchery and since this summer also a cheese shop which is absolutely great and very tasteful (See: http://charcuterie-grosset.com/).

During the pick up of the vehicle in Southern France Christophe passed the BAIV team a very nice sausage witch was absolutely great!

Annelies is a goldsmith and received her education in Schoonhoven the Netherlands and has a nice atelier (see http://www.atelierdebijoux.com/)
Christophe and Annelies selected BAIV as partner for the restauration of this unique historic object due to BAIV’s professional approach and detailed offer, easy communication and in depth knowledge. Between parties it was agreed that the vehicle must be delivered on August 20^th 2015!

First public presentation is already scheduled and will be its participation in the parade in Veigy (Haute Savoie) early September.

The upcoming months you will find regular updates on our website at  service / restoration work and also on our Facebook page.

BAIV got Letter of Intent from Dutch Railway Museum for the Casco renovation of 2 historic carriages Plan K & D WR

Just before Christmas BAIV received a Letter of Intent for the Casco renovation of 2 unique historic railway carriages! Order was awarded by Mr Peter-Paul de Winter, head of Collections of the Dutch Railway museum

The carriage Plan K was built by the Dutch manufacturer Beijnes Haarlem in the period 1957 – 1958. This specific carriage was, after its intensive service as international train to travel passengers to the sun, the mountains or ski resorts, added to the royal train. In this period it was used to transport Dutch officials and members of the government during state visits of the Queen.

Plan D was in use between 1950 and 1987 by the Dutch Railways. In 1949 the Dutch railways decided to enlarge their fleet with seventy express train carriages who received the type designation Plan D. The order was awarded to Werkspoor and Beijnes This specific carriage was delivered by Beijnes as combined restoration / baggage car with a restoration room for fifteen travelers. Moreover it had a built in bar, a conductor section and even a payphone for possible future installation of wireless (which by-the-way never was realized).

BAIV was selected to execute this unique project by its specific approach and track record. The sustainable restoration of the hull of the carriage K plan, and Plan D-WR will be executed:

• With the interior remains in the carriage as much as possible,
• the entire work will be performed in accordance with the applicable regulations and permits,
• the presence of asbestos insulation (handled in accordance with asbestos regulations),
• presence of windows, hard to reach areas, etc.,
• Work must be carried out under a ‘hot work permit’ regime,
• The Dutch Railway Museum will act as principal.

Work will be executed by the BAIV team in the period January-July 2015 in a facility in Blerick / Venlo, The Netherlands. Formal contract will be signed in January 2015.

A unique project which requires a unique approach and contractor!
By the way: did you know that in the WW-II many US carriage builders were active in production of Tanks?

For more info please contact us