For some years now the Sandstone Heritage Trust has worked closely with the Armour Museum in Bloemfontein to identify historically significant Classic Military vehicles to rescue them and to restore them to working order. From time to time special events are held which showcase these vehicles to the general public. This is in line with the Defence Force's desire to be seen as a valuable contributor to society in many different ways. We are currently working on an expansion of our relationship with the museum and this will be reflected in more news on Classic Military Vehicles on our web site.
Our pictures give an indication of the vehicles which are jointly owned and operated by the School of Armour and in association with our Narrow Gauge railway and in association with some of South Africa's top vintage and classic aircraft, many of which have a military origin. Our photographs show both a Tiger Moth and a pair of Harvards which joined us recently for one of our joint military vehicle displays. It is our intention to further develop our relationship with organisations such as the Harvard Club of South Africa and the Tiger Moth Club of South Africa.
Sandstone was happy to assist the SA Armour Museum Workshop recently with their new fence,
The installation of the new perimeter fence at Lesakeng and The Sprocket commenced in November 2025 and was successfully completed later in in the month.
The latest edition of Classic Military Vehicles magazine features an article by accomplished military vehicle writer, Tim Gosling, features the repatriation to the UK of two Crusader tanks through the efforts of the Sandstone Heritage Museum.
Sandstone has just completed a restoration of the QF 3,7 (Quick Fire) Anti-Aircraft Gun in the military collection plus a repaint in the correct colour.
As part of our cooperation agreement with the South African Armour Museum we recently received two new display vehicles for our collection, a Comet Tank and a PT-76 Amphibious Tank.
Sandstone’s close relationship with the SA Armour Museum goes back 22 years to January 2003 when this partnership was formalised. Brigadier General Andre Retief (Ret), then Officer Commanding of the School of Armour, was the driving force behind this partnership which has flourished to this day.
After suffering a major gearbox failure the White M5 Armoured Personnel Carrier is now back in action.
With a number of new acquisitions the stock list for the Military Collection has been updated.
The concept of preservation is pretty straight forward. If it’s endangered save it, take it out of reach of people who might want to scrap it, modify it in an unacceptable way or possibly just abandon it for a long and steady decline to extinction.
Back from the brink
We recently brought a WW2 Canadian Military Pattern vehicle back from the brink as it was deemed unrepairable. However, we did not give up and it is now a runner as our story reveals.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Father and son, Harry and John Illsley, who donated the BM Volvo tractor to Sandstone early in 2022, have now made another very special donation to Sandstone, a Boer War Scotch Cart.
Interestingly, according to various online dictionaries, the name Scotch-cart is of South African origin and is defined as a small two-wheeled cart of southern Africa with a detachable or slanting panel at the back.
The name may have a connection with the design being thought to have originated in Scotland. With its Boer War military origin, this Scotch Cart will become a welcome addition to the Sandstone Military Collection.