New on the show circuit for 2013 is Warwick Boulton’s M41 Walker Bulldog, the only running example in private hands in the UK. Pictured here fresh from restoration, it looks absolutely superb and we look forward to seeing it in action at Wicksteed at War, 7-9 June, at Wicksteed Park in Northamptonshire. For more information visit www.wicksteedatwar.co.uk.

Mark 1 Tanks has just added a 1:6 scale Willys Jeep to its range of radio-controlled models. Company principle Mark Spencer told CMV: ‘I am confident that we have created the most capable 1:6 scale off-road radio-controlled four-wheeled vehicle anywhere in the world. It uses a true four-wheel drive mechanical system and its off-road abilities are amazing, even more so when fitted with the optional softer and wider ‘traction’ wheels and tyres.

‘Having all four wheels locked you would think that the Jeep would not steer very well, this is not the case. Being low geared, the Jeep is also able to be driven at an extremely low speed whilst having plenty of power to climb steep slopes and negotiate large obstacles easily. However, it can still move along at 6mph (10km/h) if required, even on rough ground. Using a standard 3800-milliamp 7.2V NiCd battery pack, the Jeep will run for at least an hour depending on conditions and speed etc.’

Although only in its third year and a relative newcomer on the show circuit, the Military Vehicle Trust has recognised the popularity of Wicksteed at War and awarded the 2013 event, which takes place 7-9 June, National Show status.

Show director Tim Hawkes said: ‘The success of the show seems to be down to the link between Wicksteed Park, the UK’s 12th most visited children’s attraction, and the South East Midlands MVT. I am really pleased to say that we have already booked the Alvis Fighting Vehicle Society and Armourgeddon’s Sherman. John Denney will also be there with his Mk IV Marmon-Herrington armoured car – hopefully he won’t get it stuck in the mud during the battle re-enactment this year ­– and we may possibly have two OT-90s swimming in the park’s huge lake during the ‘swim window’ available to the owners of amphibious vehicles.

On the 31 May in Caen, Normandy, Aiolfi & Partners (www.aiolfipartners.com) will be presiding over an auction at which a fascinating selection of vehicles and vehicle components will be offered to the highest bidder. The items are drawn from two sources, the first of which is the collection of Michel Leloup who, in 1987, founded the August ’44 Battle of Falaise Museum which closed in 2010.

The collection largely consisted of artefacts discovered hidden in the Normandy woods and although we understand much of it will be exhibited in a new museum to open later this year, among the items being disposed of are a Sheman hulk, various half-track frames and components, both Allied and German, and even a pair of GM Canada Otter hulls, at least one of which comes with its turret. Among myriad wheels, tracks and other bits and pieces there is also a Diamond T M20, a Bedford OY, an Austin K2 and a ‘Jimmy’, all of which, it is fair to say, are for the ‘committed’ restorer.