ghannah86 said:
I will take some pics and post them and look for further numbers. Is their any centreal database available to the public that I can run the plate through to find out the history of the vehicle. The problem with this tank is it was used in movies and the turret is not a full leopard turret. It has been cut and only the lower half is left. The upper half including the gun has been repalced with a custom build possiblly for the mvoies it was used in. The radio box I am refering to is on the right rear of the tank that would contain the telephone for the infantry to talk to the tank. I dont remember seeing any callsign on the toolboxes but I will try and take some pictures tomorrow. My next quest is try and find the serial numbers ont he M113A2 and Illtis as they have been repainted. The M113A2 doesnt even have an engine for me to pull a serial number from.
There is no Database available to the public. However, some CF/DND folks can access various databases that may contain some history on vehicles relating to past Holding Units, Modifications, Repairs/Rebuilds and Disposal/Auction info.
The Iltis is easy, the CFR is actually the last 7 digits of the Serial Number on the dash Dataplate. Any Call Signs would have been stenciled on the Body just below and in front of the Mirrors on the side of the Body. Tac Signs were usually stenciled on the rear Bumperettes and on the lower drivers side of the Windshield Frame. Careful sanding or use of a heat gun is your friend for lifting paint to uncover markings.
M113 CFRs were usually stenciled/painted right below the Wire Cutter on the side of the Hull closest to the Drivers Hatch. Some careful sanding should reveal it. I seem to remember the Serial Number being stamped somewhere on the Hull. Although a bit of a dig, the Serial Number can be used to determine the CFR, and then of course the subsequent info I mentioned above. Call Signs would have been on both sides. Tac Signs would have been on the rear left below the Tail Lamp, and the front left or right of the Hull just up from the flat portion above the Final Drives.
I realize that the 113 is Engineless, but FYI, unlike most cars, any Serial Numbers pulled from Powerpacks etc on Military Vehicles will not reveal any history and except for stuff like Generators etc, are not searchable in the Databases. Reason being, (Can't speak for the Leopard mind you), but I recall our M113 going through at least 2 rebuilds just in my few years riding in it. It served for well over 30 years so you can do the math on the likelyhood of any Engines being original
Lastly, pics are everything. Anything showing Tac Signs, Call Signs, Numbers, Emblems will all tell a great deal about the Vehicle.