These guys are spot on, if you're looking for armor to play with, the Scorpion type vehicle is best. American armor is nice but heavy, expensive to maintain and driving it anywhere is not really fun. The permits will fry your brain, as the DOT folks don't really appreciate us. And the trucking costs unless you own your own "Dragon Wagon" or its equivalent also is a pain. Our "Group" works with an operational Sherman an everything about it is heavy. The tracks take a fearsom beating, and replacing them is all work. Even changing from side to side to get even wear is a two day job for five guys.
The feds don't even like demilled guns, we're having issues getting a form one permit for an old WWII 37mm anti-tank gun to make a saluting gun out of it for festivals, special occasions and funerals, (we've had a bunch of vets approach us about firing it at their funeral IF we get the approval. Currently we use a replica Civil War prarie howitzer they have not caught up with that yet) They seem to be afraid we'll try to take over the country with old armor or something.
That Sherman is a blast to work on and gets real attention where ever it goes, especially with a form one 76 mm gun that makes alot of noise with black powder rounds. But again the expense, liability and such is mind boggling. I'd be willing to bet the earlier smaller armor is the same. No, I'm sure you'd want the UK armor instead.
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