Plain invasion 2008

[SPTA team]

Thankfully the skills of Jack and joris have selvaged quite a bit of this tread. Just a quick recap on the brekkie side of the event. Who's having breakfast for the weekend, there are 50 up for grabs so lets help Dave out while he is on his holes and get a number together. This is problebly the best time to have a head count as well.
Tony

[rosie]

Thankfully the skills of Jack and joris have selvaged quite a bit of this tread. Just a quick recap on the brekkie side of the event. Who's having breakfast for the weekend, there are 50 up for grabs so lets help Dave out while he is on his holes and get a number together. This is problebly the best time to have a head count as well.
Tony
Yes please 4 here me (rosemary), r cubed and 2 small ones. :) (hey I found the smilies!!!!!!!)

[rambo1969]

I'm happy to help with brekkie on sunday morning if you don't mind my cooking skills

[SPTA team]

You can help with the cooking Rambo if you like.

[SPTA team]

Yes please 4 here me (rosemary), r cubed and 2 small ones. :) (hey I found the smilies!!!!!!!)

I cant find out how they work, I click on them but nothing seems to pop up.
Tony

[Chrisg]

Thankfully the skills of Jack and joris have selvaged quite a bit of this tread. Just a quick recap on the brekkie side of the event. Who's having breakfast for the weekend, there are 50 up for grabs so lets help Dave out while he is on his holes and get a number together. This is problebly the best time to have a head count as well.
Tony

Yes please Chrisg 1

[Markheliops]

Hi Guys.

7 brekkies for me please

Markheliops

[TooTallMike]

Very confused but 2 please - me & Grasshopper

- Tootallmike (formerly)

[00EC25]

1 for me please

John

[ashley]

Hi Tony 3 for me please (myself,wife and daughter) :)

Ashley

[00EC25]

PS

do we need to start the food bringing list again as well?

I'm happy to bring canned stuff (beans and/or tomatos)

[SPTA team]

You can bring anything you wish, every little helps. I will be bringing sugar puffs, corn flakes, and many more cereal based products. O ye and milk and sugar, tea and coffee.
Tony

[ArtistsRifles]

It was 3 for us as well - self, wife and daughter!

Let us know what to bring and we will!! :-)

[sean101ryan]

1 brekkie for me please

[David Ives]

well im back off holiday and have discovered the problem with losing the list
as for whos down im still doing catering for 50 which was bacon sausage egg tinned toms beans mush and b&b
we were short 4 for the 50 so everyone who put their name down first time dont worry

as for the extras for sun and mon thats up to you

[SPTA team]

Good to have you back Dave, hope the holiday was good? wasn'y sure weither to restart this tread but done it anyway. I may have 4 PARA boys coming so they might need the brekkies. Give you more when I find out.
Tony

[DaveP]

Tony
I'm still not ready:help:,struggled to get the truck through its annual mot,put me back a bit:whistle: and lost the plot:???,not even sure which vehicle to bring now,neither are what you may call ready to roll:red:
Going to assess the situation in the morning and draw up plan B:idea:,it can't be any worse than plan A.
All this makes going to work seem quite easy:coffee:
I,ve also been informed that we're going away for a long weekend next week:n00b:
Should be an interesting run up to the plain invasion but we,ll get there with something:cool2:
See you there about August:rofl:
DaveP

[DaveP]

:help:Plan B has today been scrapped due to the maternal instincts of a robin and her desire to set up home in the 432/30,at least she has good taste.
So it,s back to the 434 and plan A,whatever that was:red::idea:
Looking for inspiration(and a starter) are you sure it was under the bench Tony?:rofl:
DaveP

[SPTA team]

Hell mate it sounds if you have your work cut out mate. Bring what ever you want Dave, shame about the turreted 430 but the robin need a home her family.

[00EC25]

sorry if this is already covered but what sort of driving do we actually do on this trip:
- mainly on tarmac
- mainly on level/rolling dirt tracks :sweat:
- mainly on graded off road type things :shake:

I am starting to wimp about how comfortable and/or difficult it will be if the weather is bad and I am driving wheeled armour in which I have non existent cross country skills on wet terrain.

If the forecast is bad and the route is tough I might like the option of switching to something easier (and drier!) as I have the fortunate position of having a Landy as a substitute vehicle and am too old to enjoy a head out in the rain and a butt sitting in a puddle in the drivers seat anymore!

[TooTallMike]

sorry if this is already covered but what sort of driving do we actually do on this trip:
- mainly on tarmac
- mainly on level/rolling dirt tracks :sweat:
- mainly on graded off road type things :shake:


Hoping for lots of number 2 & a bit of 3:)

There'll always be someone willing to climb out and attach a towrope to you if you did get mired down - his name is Grasshopper and if it's wet he'll be issued with snorkle, puddle-jumping, 1 for the use of.

[SPTA team]

The tracks on and around the ranges are in pretty good condition at present, We will be driving mainly on all weather tracks although there will be the odd pothole but we are not talking massive.

You don't need any off road skills as we will only take you to places we think suitable for your vehicles. We totally understand you guys have spent lots of time and money on your vehicles and you don't want to get them trashed. This is why we have chosen the routes for the driving part of the weekend. As the years go on, and the more you get to know the place we will start adding more challenging drives but at the moment we will keep it straight forward and safe.

Some places may be a bit muddy due to Army training but thankfully over the last few weeks its been raining, the MOD have placed a wet weather resriction on all training. This means that no tracked or wheeled vehicles can drive off the stone tracks. Over the last few months we have driven the planned routes without any problems. If anyone has any reservations on the driving side of the gathering then please let me reassure you. myself and the rest of the Plain Military boys have gone over this time and time again. Its is our aim to insure you you will be totally safe while you are out on the ranges and your vehicles go only where we no best. To get the licence for the event we have had to sign paper saying that everything we do has to run under the same rules as the Army.

Come along, have a beer or two and enjoy what we hope will be a great chance to have a drive on the largest Army training ground in Europe.
Not long to go and see you all soon.
Tony

[Chrisg]

Last year all we had to cope with was the dust

[Chrisg]

Here's another one

[SPTA team]

Was a bit dry, not the case this year if the last few weeks is anything to go by.

[rambo1969]

Ahhhh...... memories..............

[David Ives]

yes great memories and this year we will make a lot more
i wonder if that same runner will be out this year

[Jack]

yes great memories and this year we will make a lot more
i wonder if that same runner will be out this year


:cool2:
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/hmvf/Runnerdust.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/hmvf/SteveConvoy.jpg

[Jack]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/hmvf/jimmylayby.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/hmvf/lightweights.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/hmvf/Groupshot.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/hmvf/image3.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/hmvf/image7.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/hmvf/image4.jpg

[Jack]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/hmvf/jimjeep.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/hmvf/Ashwife.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/hmvf/image8.jpg

[SPTA team]

Those pics just bring back all the good memories, thanks Jack. I can't wait to see Rambos face when we pull into Greenlands for a photo shoot. I think this place is far better than Beachs barn we stopped at last year. With a bit of computer trickery we should be able to get some realistic old time pictures from this place. We have blown out farm buildings, woods, plenty of parking and a new addition, the Afgan compound with make shift buildings, gun inplacments and baracades. Anyone fancy nocking up a NI set peace please feel free to bring along some kit. If I can find a half decent picture of Greenland I will post.
Thanks again Jack for post the pictures. Good one chaps
Tony

[Jack]

Great memories Tone and a bloody great weekend - members are going to have a great time! :cry:

[David Ives]

just a quick note i have started another thread for the breakfasts so please sign your name there

[DaveP]

Tony
I,m sure we've covered this before but do we need to bring all our vehicle docs,driving licences etc?and also what was mentioned about vehicle mounted de-acs etc.Suitable military style clobber was also mentioned?:cool2:
As for vehicles,we,re now on plan C which is shoot the robin(only joking,honest):rofl:and bring the 434 with dickie starter ,dodgy intercom and a load of Plain dust from last year,and enjoy the weekend regardless:yay:,and not be put off by Roys warm beer:beer:
DaveP

[SPTA team]

Dave you are the man, let me be the first to give you a great big hug when you turn up. If pos mate and everyone else, can you please bring all your current docs just incase we get a visit from Westdown camp. As for guns and cammo gear, its up to you what you wear within reason, no rubber. GUNS, You may bring them but remember we are on public rights of way so the law is the same as civvie street. No running around with them unless its for photo shoots. Vehicles carrying guns must have them coverd while transiting the ranges but again when we are taking pictures you may take the wraps of. These are not my rules this has been handed down by the MOD. Sorry
Tony
PS Dave any news on Dougy, I know last year he wanted to play in some mud and I think I may have just what he is looking for.

[DaveP]

Tony
Dougy came up here on Saturday and we fitted a new front spring to his lorry:cool2: but he still needs working on to persuade him to come:nono:,talk dirty to him and it may just work.He might be put off by the 'no rubber' rule though,what do others think?:red:We could fit it in with the team building and crossing the river,it would certainly give Westdown something to think about:rofl::rofl::rofl:
DaveP

[SPTA team]

Dougy you know you want to come and play again this year, we have some mud for you to play in. Well to be truefull there is a lot of mud to play in, well to be totally truefull the bloody place is coverd in the stuff. We have so much of it we need you to come and take some away.
The stone track ways are pretty clear of mud but we do have some good of roading for folk who fancy a go at it, the rest of us will stand back and watch Dave P pull you out. If there is anyone out there that is thinking on joining us on this weekend and hasn't put there name down yet, nows the time, we are going to need to know some sort of numbers of attendance.
Not sure but I think Jack is still working on getting some of the route to victory vehicles over for a visit so everyone push up a bit and stop hogging all the sand bags.
Everything is more or less in place, just a few minor things like grass cutting and last minute jobs needs sorting.
Its getting near the time were I start panicing so bare with me, remember this weekend is a pre season get together, a place to put faces to names, share a beer or two and have a good drive around Salisbury Plain.
Reading some treads I have noticed there will be a camcorder on site, magic now that will keep folk on there toes.
I will be posting a mobil number on the forum very soon, this is if you need to contact me or any of the SPTA team at any point. So thats about it, I think I have coverd everything.
All the best and see you all soon.
Tony

[Enigma]

:pfrt:
Yeah yeah, you lot just go ahead and have fun without me.
Don't feel guilty or anything...

(Sulking)

[ArtistsRifles]

Jump a ferry then mate and come join in the fun!! Plenty of room in the back of the OT for passengers to ride in.... :) :)

Simple solutions are always the best ones!! :cool2::cool2:

[Enigma]

Jump a ferry then mate and come join in the fun!! Plenty of room in the back of the OT for passengers to ride in.... :) :)

Simple solutions are always the best ones!! :cool2::cool2:

I would like too but after having to buy another car money is a problem.

See, http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?t=7296

[ArtistsRifles]

Ooops!! :red: Sorry sir - forgot about that spell of nastiness you had. :red:

If you can afford to get get to Dover Ferry port next Thursday, AM, I can pick you up from the port and take you down to the plains..

Think about it and let me know if you can - offer is there mate, sorry I can't collect from the Netherlands.

[ArtistsRifles]

Tony - Degsy just made a good point over in the thread on tracked vehicles - he says
Some of the paths we may use have "vehicular rights of way on them" so the OT 90 would need to be registered and an appropriate driving licence.

I think the license is covered by "L" plates as I've a full license.
But the OT will not be registered with the DVLA by then. As regards lighting equipment etc. it will be fully compliant with UK regs, it's just that it won't have a registration number/plates - only it's Czech ones.

Will this be a problem do you think????

[SPTA team]

Neil is the OT-90 fully road legal? if so then there is not a problem. All vehicles that come to the ranges will be treated the same as if they were on the roads. Full driving licence, tax, MOT and insurance. If you can give me any more on your sutuation reguarding the vehicle I will find out just how it stands. Would it be legal to drive at W&P, so on, if so I cant see anything wrong.

[ArtistsRifles]

I'm assured by Russian Military that it is fully road legal mate - headlights, indicators, sidelights and stop lights, mirrors, rear-view camera etc. have been fitted as required.

Insurance - It is insured with RoadSure on the same policy/cover level as the Stalwart & LandRover.

License - will be on "L" plates as I don't yet have a full class H ticket.

Literally the only thing it wont have will be UK registration plates and - if necessary depending on how they classify it (hoping for Historic Military Vehicle) - a tax disc as I have to get it registered with DVLA.

I believe it would be legal to drive at W&P - if shipped there on a low-loader as wouldn't be legal to drive it there till registered.

Hope this helps and I don't have to cancel!!!!!

[sirhc]

Neil,

I think you need to be very careful here, if it's not registered then technially it isn't fully road leagal. What year was it built? If after 1972 then tax will be required and if you drive it on public roads (or public rights of way) without paying the tax you are comitting a crime. I have only driven unregistered vehicles on the roads to and from the MoT test station, literally 2 miles away. I think anything more is pushing your luck, especially when it isn't difficult and doesn't take long to register the vehicle.

Chris

[Degsy]

Neil can't Russian Trucks get it registered for you? I would have thought it was normal procedure for a dealer.

[ArtistsRifles]

Did ask about this Chris - it's the first one they've had coming through thats going to be used on the road, though, and they were unsure themselves. Done pleanty of Zils etc but the tracked bit worried them. Also they've literally just finished the work on it.
When I'm up there on Friday I'll get the paper work and and kick off the registration business when I get back in the afternoon.
Problem I see will be if they want to have a look at it (SVA ???) before issuing registration numbers and a tax disc (paid or free). If thats the case then I might as well can the low-loader trip to the plains right now :cry: and just get it dropped at Yeldham as I can't see a beaurocracy like DVLA taking an application from Dagenham and visiting up in Cambridgeshire!!

What a bummer after all this effort in trying to get it there!!!!! :cry: :cry: :cry:

Addenedum - just rung local DVLA office - they see no problems in registering the OT - BUT - process will take 7 to 10 days!! So unless the SPTA team can come up with an alternative it looks like I'm stuffed & will have to cancel!! :cry: :cry:

[SPTA team]

Hi Neil,

As Chris has mentioned, I would be very careful on this matter: All range tracks are subject to public rights of way. All vehicles that attend this event must be fully road legal. I can make a few phone calls for you but I really can't see any way around this other than hoping DVLA can get you sorted before the trip!

The plains are patrolled constantly by MOD plod and civvie alike. Please mate don't take the chance, We can get around most things but we are not above the law when it comes to driving unregisterd vehicles. We see folk every weekend turn up on the plains with un-taxed 4X4s and moto crossers and they don't like the outcome of the fines.

At the end of the day you have the FFR to bring and you will still have a great time driving in convoy. We do not descriminate anyone, it makes no difference whether you turn up in a tank or on a push bike... The thing is you come over and support what we are trying to do down here.

There will always be next year and the year after so you will get it here at some point.

All the best,

Tony.

[ArtistsRifles]

Cheers Tony - I'll have to keep fingers crossed on the DVLA as the run down in the FFR isn't something to be undertaken lightly. The run to and from Pirbright last year was about the limit of how far I'd take her currently as only one tank is working whilst the fuel gauge isn't! - plus I'm not sure the ankles will be able to take the driving position right now. That is/was one of the plus points of the OT - room to move the feet!! :)

[David Ives]

neil if you have to do what i did last year to take part and that is turn up and go round with the others as a crew member but arrive in own vehicle
the taking part is the best thing for this event:yay::yay::yay:

[ArtistsRifles]

Thats certainly an option Dave!!

Thing is - I'm all psyched up to get to use the OT after both the long wait to get it and the "interesting times" I've been through over the last few months.
To get this close then find it may well not happen despite all my best efforts is a real gut-wrencher mate, it really is!!

[David Ives]

i know neil i was like that last year:cry::cry::cry:
but you would be able to use it at the bunker bash and have a play then:yay::yay::yay:
you can always come out on the convoys with me and the wife and daughter can go in the rear if they want
better safe than sorry
heres hoping you can get the details of the ot90 to the dvla and get a set of plates straight away

[SPTA team]

Neil the thing is mate as this event is being held on Military land and I have had to sell my soul to get what I want. Like last year, were ever we went we were being watched and things were being logged. The same will happen this year and for many years to come. Something else I must say regarding the ranges, the Army are trying to dig up every bit of c**p they can to shut the ranges down to the public. I for one don't want to be on the receiving end of such actions nor any of my team.
Im 100& sure if you have to come down in a car there will be plenty of room in some ones vehicle for you and the girls.
All the best and hope to see you soon.

[ArtistsRifles]

Don't worry mate - if it can't be used without issues to anyone then it won't.

I'll move heaven and earth to get it registered/taxed in time.
If I fail then either it won't be there or, if it's too late to cancel the low-loader, it'll just sit where it's off-loaded for the weekend. If nothing else people will get a chance for a good look!

Just realized I've also got to sort out the first MOT for my vehicle and need to get to a class VII testing station (Ford F-250) - think I'm going to busy next week!!! :)

[Grasshopper]

Neil, if you end up in a DVLA office with all your registration papers, make sure that you have the phone number of place that can make number plates for you, in the event that you manage to get it registered, you can pick up your plates on the way home!

When i registered my 101 years ago, they were completely confused by it being ex military, but as i had all the correct forms and associated paperwork, they registered it. i ordered my plates on the way ack to work, and they were waiting for me when i got there.

[ArtistsRifles]

Thanks for the tip kind sir!!

Question though - IF - they give me the ticket for the plates cannot a Halfords - or similar - be used??
They make up plates while you wait - had to have two made for caravans in recent years.....

[Degsy]

Halfords can but they tend to be a bit expensive, try ringing around for a price most places make them while you wait, only takes 5 mins.

[David Ives]

due to mod needing definate numbers and vehicles please can you sign your name and vehicle type on the definate thread before wed am
thank you

[DaveP]

Tony
Whats the plan for the weekend as regards driving out,rough mileage,etc, just need to know how much fuel etc to bring:??? Trying to be organised and it,s not working much:red:
Is it right that Roy is giving away free beer the weekend:beer::rofl:
DaveP

[SPTA team]

Dave, the mileage will go on what time we get up sort brekkies and do all the security checks. We have routes layed out which I will go through with eveyone when they are settled. As for Roy giving away free beer, its only the warm stuff. Any news on Dougie?

[DaveP]

Tony
I presume it will be somewhere around the same sort of mileage as last year,I think I clocked 40 miles.. ish.:-D
I don't know what Dougy's plans are, you obviously aren't talking enough dirt and filth to him,he needs more working on:n00b:
All being well, I'll see you Sat morning although there's plenty of time for things to go t--s up yet:cool2:
DaveP

[ArtistsRifles]

40 miles - definitely refuelling time!! Local filling station will think he's won the jackpot when (if???) the OT gets about 100 to 150 litres pumped into it!! :shocked: :shocked:

[David Ives]

i think it will be more than 40miles this year as we have more time :yay::yay::yay:
last year we only had one night :nono:this year we are running friday to monday with trips each day so you had better double it

[DaveP]

Best I chuck a few spare jerry cans on board or it could be embarrasing:red::rofl:might end up having to be rescued by something American:shocking:

DaveP

[Markheliops]

Best I chuck a few spare jerry cans on board or it could be embarrasing:red::rofl:might end up having to be rescued by something American:shocking:

DaveP


That Sir, is the kind of slur which will leave you stranded. Be sure to count the amount of stars on my American flag as I pass you by.

Markheliops

[ArtistsRifles]

Be fair now Mark - sometimes American things have to rescued by something British!! :) :)