Bandiana 4x4 Land Rover FFRs.
There are a dozen of them for April. This is the first time at Bandiana I think? Minto in Sydney has no LRs. And no 6x6 to be seen in all the auctions. Tons of Macks and Mogs.
The FFRs have had parts removed to get the local rego approval. B/O lights, sugar scoops, airlift parts, pintle hook, tool holders, Joe Coolin' windscreen supports... all removed. They have the repaint and new canopy (auscam) treatment and some have new tyres. Most have the Army plates still attached (covered with cardboard). Unusual.
See photo of one of the Federals, almost a hwy pattern. Only some have new Federal tyres to be passed as roadworthy in civvy street, some still have Michelins.
Now during 2017-18 a trainload of NOS Michelins were auctioned out thru AFM as we all know. Then in 2019 the Bandiana Q gets a request for tyres 'cause some LRs have high-km/high-wear Michelins. Hmmm. "Out of Stock". So then either the taxpayer or AFM buys new asian tyres. Maybe 100 sets, who knows. I first thought that they were perhaps replaced due to the Michelins being inspected for date of manuf. -and rejected as they were 2013 manuf, in the main... but thats not the case. Manuf. date is not an issue for roadworthy down there as I saw some of this April dozen wearing low-km/low-wear Michelins.
Well, the taxpayer won't be at a loss overall, the bid prices are covering the Federal tyres, paint, canopy and more. But still...
ps,
http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0047-3015516/ is 50-247, and (like my FFR) it is from Bandiana RACT. It is one that has an in-service recovery type photo. It is wearing the Michelins.