'twas indeed in 240's hangar for all of its repair time and mostly when with IAT. And I now admit to burning out one of 240's Rovers' Clutch when towing it one day.
The parts used were all completely and honestly hunted/scrounged/donated from whomever had the type (even a Saudi Herc delivered some used MR blades direct to Odi without notice)
The only thing that was 'bought' was the TR hub because we couldn't get one anywhere!
The "dodgy deal" to which, I think, you refer was selling the frame to IAT for £1 to get it off MOD's books for civil registration.
Not sure which "Thud & Blunder" you refer to...there could be more than one?
Rigga