JEMIMA

Were right behind them - First sailing out of Portsmouth tomoorow morning - i see your Dad isnt flying his long johns from the front of his vehicle this time - we all had a laught 10 yrs ago when wherever he went the long johns would be on show hanging from the front of his F60 ! Safe trip to all - Looking forward to meeting many old freinds and aqquaintances over there again - Andy Kyte / West Sussex

I will be driving NHJ 751(1942) and accompanied by another - 425 JMV (1942) - Both Heavy Utilities when we head to Guernsey on the 6th May - when we were there last time(10 yrs ago) we had a photo shoot of all the Humbers taken - there were some 15-20 on the tour as i recall. Ive just helped change the clutch on NHJ 751 - Relativly easy once youve taken out all the tin work and interior,but a wonderful vehicle to drive and certainly draws attension wherever it goes.....

Ive been doing this since i was in my early 20's......im 46 on the outside now(but still early 20's in my head!) - for most im guessing its the first "in"....my "in" came in the form of a DKW munga which i restored and ran in(cringing with embarrasment......Africa corps markings and paint scheme).....its like getting on the housing market...once youve got your first - it gets easier....but which is the cheap "in" nowadays ? - in my day it was a hotchkiss or a gmc - i remeber you could take your pick of Jimmys on the road and in good order for next to nothing (yes i know its all comparable and inflation / vehicle markets rising etc) - but there was always a vehicle of choice for someone keen to get started. Today.... landrovers ? - if you are talking wartime i guess a Bedford MW or Motorcycle is the cheapest option ? - but they are not cheap ! Expecting to pay between £5000 - £10,000 for a weekend vehicle is a big ask for anyone young or old who wants to get into the hobby - personally i think they should be commended and congratulated / publically if possible for entering into the hobby and keeping the history / memories alive - i guess my advice would be - become a drivers mate...co-drive - occasional drive etc....many owners have more vehicles than they can drive and would welcome a freind to bring a vehicle along to an event and keep things moving and free....i know its not the same as having your own - but it gives you a good idea of life with an mv and the social side that goes with it...Start off by joining a local imps or mvt area and do some networking.

Travelling via Poole on the 6th with my mate in a 1942 Humber Heavy Utility (Tyne Tees Markings) - cant wait - we took the Humber across for the last one and had a fantastic time ! - counting down the days..........

We here in The West Sussex Area would always welcome anyone to come along and join us...I think its around an hours drive to Arundel from Buxted(40 miles) which i appreciate may be a little far,but as previously mentioned - you are more than welcome to come along and join us ! - Also i know many members of the IMPS,they are all a great bunch and would also recomend them as a good club to join !

The Dunsfold Wings & Wheels press launch got off to a sunny start today (12th August 2014) as the Aerodrome's resident DC3 took to the skies with the Old Flying Machine Company's P-51 Mustang to kick off the 10 day count down to the Show. Well known for adding a little extra magic in the air with some memorable and unusual formation displays, Wings & wheels confirmed that a very special tribute is planned to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Eight aircraft from the Second World War will grace the skies above the Aerodrome in a two section flypast. Section one will comprise of the Old Flying Machine Company's Spitfire and Mustang, Aces High Dakota DC3 and the RNAFHF B25 Mitchell. With a separation, section two will be formed by the Canadian Lancaster and BBMF Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane in section two. All these aircraft have history with Dunsfold Aerodrome as well as having played vital roles in the Second World War and will display on both days along with a collection of Military Vehicles and much more. - And as ive previously mentioned - Red Arrows,Wingwalkers,Vulcan,Canberra,appache and much more in the 5 hr air display !

As both an ehxibitor of vehicles,organiser of shows and marshal at events - its a real can of worms you guys have opened up here! - personally i always try and am usually lucky to be able to walk around prior to the arean event and ask for volunteers to join me,usually i have a great responce - Yes i live in the back of my truck and display it as part of a diarahma - but i spend half an hour getting things stowed in the back and then i display in the areana - i use it to explain to the public of our presence at the given show and where we are / please go and talk to the owners etc.... Yes i agree its not always safe to leave your campsite / display - but usually there is someone nearby(fellow camper or stallholder) who is happy to keep an eye on things - again i try to take any valubles with me and not leave all for the lightfingered oppertunists! Im always concerned as to vehicle movement at shows,especially when retruning to your park up area,where large vehicles are then trying to revers into their previous positions and Jo Public often are oblivious to whats going on around them.....but again we have a great system here where we marshall each other and hold the public back etc... Likewise when parked - we try to avoid the regimented lines of vehicles that were often the case a few years back - we try to park as random as we can get away with which again add to the diarhamas and displays....Yes this hobby id definetely two halves when it comes to shows - the day time / public / arena /talks to those who are interested etc....and the evenings of beer/bbqs and socializing......and i wouldnt have it any other way !!!!

If your keen to see both MV's and some amazing aircraft - visit Dunsfold 23rd & 24th August (Home of BBC's Topgear) as well as a great airshow (5hr display) there is a morning full of motoring including Military Vehicle drive by and static display - as well as the 2 x Lancs and the Vulcan ,also due to display is an apache gunship,chinook,the Red Arrows and The world's only air-worthy Canberra PR9 will be celebrating its 65th anniversary and displaying at Wings & Wheels for the first time to see more details - http://www.wingsandwheels.net/ to see the list of planes confirmed to attend - http://www.wingsandwheels.net/whatson/wings.html

I know we have all heard that her flying days are numbered many times.......but this really doesnt sound good for her long term future. She belongs up in the sky dazzling crowds around the country......Im sure i cant be the only person who will drop everything and travel a considerable distance just to marvel at the big lumbering beast gently rolling around the sky and have been fortunate enough over the past few years to see her perfroming in the skys over Southern England everytime she flew over....Lets all hope this story has a happy ending and both funding and a new suitable home can be found for her - she is such a crowd puller at shows up and down the country,it would be such a shame to see her become another static exhibition at a museum somewhere.......

Many of us ,especially with larger vehicles have no option other than to park them in farms,old buildings etc - lets not criticise this poor family at their time of loss over where or why it was parked - likewise whever or not they could have done more to secure it - hindsight is a wonderful thing - but as we all know,and this sad tale proves - if someone wants something or wants access bad enough.....theres not a lot you can do to stop it ! (i myself know of a few years ago - some grab handles were unbolted from the rear of an F60 whilst the owner slept in the back at a show,and the rear of the vehicle where the theft took place was surrounded by occupied tents who were part of the same group!) Lets pull together.....stop critisizing and analizing this theft and the circumstances around it and all make sure we are extra vigilant in the search for this jeep and in fact our own vehicles and kit..... Best of luck to the family,i hope they are re-united with their jeep very soon......

I wouldnt say dying out,but i would say its evolving ! 15 or so years ago a military show was just rows of neatly parked vehicles on display - the odd driver wearing some uniform but that was about it,the public didnt really mix with the owners of the vehicles,they didnt ask many questions ... Now more and more vehicles are displaying diahramas and equipemnt.....and personally i think this is a great thing ! Walking past a jeep,another jeep,a jeep with a wire cutter,another jeep etc,All ok if you liked jeeps (other MV's are available!) but for many it was getting very much same old/same old - now there are displays and things to look at,the public get more value from a visit to a show as they learn more about the equipment and lives of those who drove or worked with the vehicles they are looking at.Owners take a pride in their vehicles,their kit and their knowladge of thier display....They park in random fashion and show sites are much more appealing on the eye than the military car -parks they resembled in the past... For many now this is the first foot into the MV world - they start collecting kit / equipment and work towards a vehicle or buddy up with a vehicle owner to compliment each others displays. Yes of course the cost of our hobby has increased - but so has everything,and so has the ease of restorations - the internet has made the world of spares and advice shrink and we no longer rely on auto jumbles and yearly shows to search or collect that missing part so needed. I think the hobby is in a better place today than it has ever been in the 26 years ive been participating.....Facilities on tours and show sites have improved,camping equipemnt has got lighter and more practicle,mobile phones and the internet have opened our world up to members of the public and other like-minded enthusiasts,its enabled us all to reseach our vehicles and equipment like we never could before.......Sorry to disagree - but as ive said - i think its better now than its ever been.

This chaps listing his Schwimmwagen for sale(MILWEB / LIGHT VEHICLE SECTION) - in the text it states that is is held currently in the now closed Isle of Wight Military Museum - a good first point of contact maybe.....or if you have a spare 87k you could just contact him and offer to buy his Schwimmwagen! - Nick Doubble: 01372 725687 or e-mail - jdoubble@supanet.com

http://www.milweb.net/webvert/69609/ You have to ask why?.......couldnt a transit van have been molested rather than a classic ww2 Vehicle ?

Just came across this thread with interest.....my first MV many years ago (over 25) was a Munga - it was a real rarity back then......being young and very naive i restored and painted mine in Africa Corp markings and paint scheme - Is it still around ? LSV 996 - It featured in a magazine article as i recall although i cant remeber the magazine ! It used to sing along quite happily and was a great / fun entry into the world of MV's !

In the past i have used both (de-act & airsoft) - i have to say the public generally dont know the difference anyway - For me it made sence to have a £45 airsoft SA80 either displayed in the vehicle or carried around(as part of my display and only at shows i hasten to add!) rather than the expense of a real sa80 - being an MVT member i knew i was covered by the re-enactor licence - A word of caution though (not wanting to offend or teach anyone to suck eggs......).....Like all airsoft guns - they are now sold in "obvious colours" - either with an orange tip / barrel or the whole thing as in my case was painted red......I did i'm ashamed to say paint mine to replicate a "proper" firearm - and heres the problem - you are now in a very dodgy position - you are now sporting a very genuine looking firearm,with no de-act certification or other.....if that were ever to fall into the wrong hands or be mistaken for the real mcoy.....imagine the headlines...."armed police shoot man with toy gun" - the press would have a field day , not to mention the implications of a head to head with a firearms unit - i guess to summerise i would say,yes it makes perfect sence - but be very careful - treat the weapon once painted(because i know you will!) - with as much respect as an orriginal - never leve it unattended or not securley locked away.....ive lost count the number of times over the years i have seen firearms left unattended in vehicles that themselves arnt secure......carbine holders in jeeps......sa80's in stripped down landrovers.......Just be careful.....an immitation firearms is as menacing as the real thing.......

Great video,very artistic !.......

I use these on the back of my QLR -at only £10 each including P&P you wont find better / cheaper ! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Slow-Vehicle-Fluorescent-Magnetic-Warning-Sign-/271225826088?pt=UK_Car_Parts_Vehicles_Automobila_ET&hash=item3f2651ab28#ht_617wt_1018 They are great value and really work - i also have an ARB that gets a canvas bag placed over it at shows to disguise it - although of course you can use a magnetic ARB.....I have personally tried to raise awareness for many years of the need to be seen in an MV - Please dont be fooled by thinking this is just a Motorway related problem - this time of year sees many lanes develop leafy canopies and you can change from bright sunlight to dark shadows in an instant - Even a cheap HI-VIZ jacket attched to the jerry can or spare tire on the rear of a jeep makes a big difference.... As mentioned in a previous comment relating to this incident - we dont know the reasons or circumstances behind the collision - whilst everyone here is debating speed and vision as factors - it can serve as a timely reminder to all of us that no-matter what we drive,how large,small, fast or slow - Accidents do happen - anything that can help reduce the likelyhood of that happening should be encouraged.I personally would like to see magnetic signs similar to these made available at discount to MVT members throught the club shop or other outlets via forums /club shops etc.... - im sure buying in bulk a decent deal could be struck !

A sobering sight....and one that will give all a heavy heart.To echoe others - my thoughts and wishes to all involved. It wrong to jump to comclusions as to blame / cause regarding this incident - We all need to remember that we are driving vehicles that are designed not to be seen on our ever busy roads . Closing speed is something that is measured in seconds and it often suprises how much ground can be covered in just a few....... Additional lighting can only be a good thing - magnetic or temporary high viz cheverons or markings - even a high viz jacket tied securly to the back of a vehicle is a bonus - anything that helps to be seen is a good idea and should be encouraged. In a former life as a police officer i visited a similar accident involving a vintage car and a modern car - the closing speed and force of the rear-end impact was catastophic and made me look at the way i present my own historic vehicles for road use. I now change old/orriginal wartime lights for modern lights - suitably disguised but offering a brighter view and more reflection,especially important when in the middle of the road and waiting to turn right ,with the local roads around here being more like the Isle of Man TT at times. I also have magnetic / flourecent "SLOW VEHICLE" signs,A.R.B's - We have also encouraged all other club members,regardless of vehicle type to do the same. Again - my thoughts and best wishes to all those involved................

Of course there is ! - they are not fitted to my truck ! - seriously - if ever you want to start knocking some out for your fellow QL owners........Im sure there would be a bursting order book ! - mine are wooden and a mix of orriginal and refurbished - and part of my winter-time to-do-list ! The attension to detail on this project is amazing and im in awe at every aspect of your restoration - thank you for sharing the pictures with us all ! - (Andy Kyte)

Every now and then i get sell / give a lot of my aqquired kit away when selling a vehicle,i always want the new owner to feel like they are purchasing something very special..... ,i tend to want to see the stuff i used to display with the vehicle,continue to do so - i of course have no control over what happens to it once its driven out of sight - but it makes me feel good at the time and the new owner always seems to appreciate it.......and YES - i always regret it later - i often then spend ages trying to relocate items that i have previously given away to replace for my next vehicle / diahrama/display.... I guess this "culling" of aqquired kit helps keep the amount of stuff i hoard down - but i still always seem to have too much according to my wife....but not enough according to me ! The vehicles are left to my sons - the will is open in the wording that any vehicles or vehicle owned by myself at the time of my death is shared equally between them - they are both into the whole MV thing despite their young years,so appreciate the value and importance of such items..... I would hope that my nearest and dearest would arrange at least a couple of MV's to take part in the funeral procession...and of course have some appropriate period music playing at some point of the service......such is the way to us die-hard mv owners..... As for leaving the hobby before i meet my maker - ive always been in denial and said it will never happen......,but know that its only a "vehicle sale and some free kit thrown in" away (i often joke that the MVs are my back-up pension fund!).....im sure we have all thought about the alternatives.....a shiny vintage sports car......a camper van......something easier and less demanding......but then immediatly dismissed such thoughts and gone back out to the workshop to get oily and greasy again !

I cant remeber / find the name but i used a mobile / motorway commercial tyre fitter to change the tyres on my Dodge a few years ago.I purchased the tyres seperatly and booked this chap to come around - kept him in tea and chocky biscuits and think he charged around £25 a rim - I think it may have been a company called Motorway tyres ???

It seems from what i have found that my QLR has had some donor parts added during its life - its a 42 chassis but has many parts from a later model to the front cab such as the roof hatch / ring ,The wing support brackets,the later type engine cover/cowling - Im not sure if its a completely "new" cab or just the top half or just a comming together of many parts ! - whatever its a snug fit for both driver and passenger when your over 6ft - but i love it !

I know exactly what the box is off.....Its an ex-British Telecom rear body as fitted to Bedford TK's ! - the hatches at the front were to allow for longer ladders to be carried - and in some case telegraph poles(although this was very much frowned upon !) - It should have had a factory fitted gas hob fitted in the rear and bences and racking to carry the plastic lin-bins.......

Hi Scott, Its not on the register yet ! - i still have a few registration forms awaiting return......(and one paticular owner who has 6 x qls to register!) So far the figures are - QLC - 4 QLD - 6 QLT - 2 QLR - 8 - And just to add to the confussion - many that started out as one variant are now something differnt - there are a few qld & qlc's that started off as qlr's ....Members are still slowly comming forward - but i dont anticipate too many more out there - there is a huge network in both the MVT and HMVF and its from this that the contacts are being made.... I know of a definate 11 more still to register / return forms....but even so - this is proving to be a very rare vehicle in comparison to other ww2 vehicles. I really believe there to be less than 50 surviving examples of QL in the world today - making this both an iconic and extreamly rare vehicle !