simonsfotos

Already done the REME Museum at Arborfield - mainly just the vehicles on there at the moment but the gallery photos are to follow when I get the chance to add them. Here's the link: http://www.airmuseums.fotopic.net/c1742004.html Excellent museum.

Back in March on a bitterly cold windy day, I was fortunate to be able to visit the very extensive REME Historic Vehicle Collection which is housed within the SEME base at Bordon. On arrival I was greeted by ex-REME (though to them they are never EX-REME!) Roger Jones who looks after the Collection. Expecting to follow him to a car park, I was amazed to find that we drove into this huge building. Before arriving I had no idea exactly how large the collection was and my first sighting was a bit mind blowing! The complete collection (unfortunately missing the Mighty Antar - my favourite vehicle of the 60s from seeing them trundling around the Aldershot area when I was at school) can now be viewed on my website by following this link: http://www.airmuseums.fotopic.net/c1833123.html Depsite the size of the building, the vehicles are not easy to photograph due to the roof glazing and the fact that there was no lighting (or heating!) on the day of my visit. Being on an active Army base, the Collection is not open to the public except by special arrangement and during the summer months, some vehicles are not on site as they are taken to various events and rallies so that the public can see some of those that are in working order. My thanks to Roger for the welcome and allowing the solo visit.

Nice issue and good to see a forumite's vehicle featured. I do wish though that they would sort out their captioning. Not everyone with an interest in MVs knows exactly what they are looking at in the photos and yet MMI have the habit of not captioning some of the photos at all and when they do it is often the same one repeated. Something that for me CMV wins at hands down.

Totally great programme! No matter how many times I saw it it always raised a chuckle.

Off to We(s)t Wales early in the morning. Visiting the Museum Of Speed at Pendine. But got to be back for work on Monday - perils of working in the retail trade (Bank Holidays are merely another profit making opportunity for big chain stores!). Bummer as I wanted to visit the History On Wheels place at Eton for the first time.

Reference the replica Lancasters, they are indeed being built in New Zealand. In fact they are being made by a company called The Vintage Aviator who have already constructed/restored 2 Fe2bs, several Fokker Dr.1s and several other incredible WWI aircraft. Their attention to detail is incredible judging from the articles that I have read about them and from the photos that have been published. So, I have no qualms that the Lancs will look as accurate as it is possible to make them. The original version of Guy Gibson's book 'Enemy Coast Ahead' was indeed published (1946) whilst a lot of the details were still on the secret list. However, in 2006 a new 'Enemy Coast Ahead - Uncensored' was published where all the previously unavailable information was included. Unfortuantely though I've not had a chance to read it...yet. Ever since the new film was announced there have been worries about whether it will spoil people's memories of what, despite its inaccuracies, is a much loved film with a truly great actor in the lead role. Hopefully, Stephen Fry's script will not fall foul of this PC age.

Received Pathfinder Vol1 No3 today. Thanks. Very nice magazine! When I subscribed I ordered a back issue as well but can't remember which one! Maybe this is it! If so, are numbers 1 & 2 still around? If so, I'd love to complete the set.

For those who don't want a 'paper'mag, yes an online version would be preferable possibly, but it takes yet more time for Jack and crew and yet more bandwidth etc expense. Personally I like a 'paper' mag as online reading just isn't the same in the bath! Also, as I said in my main post, I am sure that Jack wants to keep it as simple as possible, not only for him but for the forumites as well. Oh, by the way subscription done and First Issue ordered as well!

I had no idea of the history of the forum or that it was basically down to the pocket of one man! Now I know! I've seen ads for TPM but never got around to subscribing. This has given me the kick to get it done! A few points about what has been mentioned in some of the comments. I am a member of a few forums, though this is the only MV one that I am on. The others relate to my big interest of aviation and model collection/making (aircraft but mainly WWII British MVs of all types). All those are free but fund themselves mainly via ads or sponsors. They are all run by a few very dedicated individuals. But the point is that they are funded. HMVF needs funding in some way shape or form so if subscribing to TPM works then I am all for it. Making it a Pay For Use might put off a good few especially casual visitors who might wish to contribute very occasionally or who have maybe one question to ask. Levels of membership could be a minefield of complication, not least for Jack and anyone he has helping him to run the forum. Remember, the more detailed a forum becomes, then the more hours have to be spent in running it and lets face it, they are entitled to a life away from the froum just like the rest of us! Donate buttons work for some and not for others. Some close friends of mine run an aviation resource website and have had a donate button on there for the 8 years it has been running. Despite thousands of visitors over that time, not a single visitor clicked on the donate button! It has ended up with them having to make a decision as to whether to close down the site which is dear to their hearts or rattle an online begging bowl which was the last thing they wanted to do. Fortunately, their appeal has worked and it will continue for another year at least. Perish the thought that HMVF should ever get to that stage. So many of us (meaning the world wide us!) happily click away on the internet without a thought that even in this computerised age, someone smoewhere has to run the sites that we are looking at. Loads of course do it as a job and therefore are paid. But millions of website owners aren't, but we still view the sites freely. Enough of this ramble but I hope it makes some valid points. So, Jack as I said above, if subsriptions to TPM will help, then go for it! But make it plain and easy for all to see. A big bright button visible anywhere on the forum (within the header at the top of every page would work) to go straight to an online subscribing area would be an essential I should think! All the best and thanks for all the hard work.

I may be able to help you there. I very recently had the opportunity of visiting the Reserve Collection of the REME Museum which is located at SEME Bordon to photograph the entire collection - had free run of the place, lucky me! Unfortunately the Ward La France was rather tucked away in a corner but I did manage to get a shot of it from the other angle to that on their website, so it shows the markings on the other side of the vehicle. Give me a few days and it will be up on my website (museums section) and I'll be posting a few images of the vehicles held there on here as a taster.

Last I heard it was at Solent Sky in Southampton. One of the Metrovick Beryl compressors is also on display at the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum at Farnborough, Hants

Following my first visit last year, I'll definitely be there with the cameras. Excellent show and I loved every minute of my day there. I'll be there either Saturday or Sunday.

If you don't mind I won't contribute to this thread. My intention if it fits in with the reason for this board is to over the next few weeks, photograph my entire collection and then put it up. What's the collection? 1/72nd or 1/76 scale British vehicles in NW europe 1944/45. It includes all the armour and as many softskins as possible. So much attention is given in modelling to the 'classy' stuff - Shermans, Churchills, Cromwells etc that I wanted to cover as much of the spectrum as the model manufacturers will let me do - i.e what they make! The collection is a mixture of ready made or diecast (Dragon, Forces of Valour, Hobby Master) and plastic kits (Airfix, Italeri, Revell, Hasegawa). I think it's great that what are to many people obscure manufacturers such as IBG from Poland are bringing out thing like the Bedfird QL and CMPs and in several versions each. I just wish there were some Bedford O's and some of the other British vehicles - would love a 1/72 Tilly! I haven't tried any of the resin or white metal kits as for me they don't provide enough detail and I more enjoy the plastic type. One thing that will be noticed when I do get the photos up will be condition. Let's face it, what vehicle in NW Europe in 44/45 was in pristine condition? None! Therefore all the models - with the exception of nearly all the diecasts for the simple reason that it would detract from their future value - are in a very weathered condition even down to my so far pride and joy, the Scammell Pioneer Tank Transporter with Churchill complete with bullet holes and very battered appearance! I have just finished the M7 Priest and Daimler Armoured Car and reworked a Dragon Armor Sherman I with wading gear into British markings (it was as cheapie due to slight damage to the box!), and the Comet is awaiting decalling. Next will be the first of the CMP Chevrolets followed by a QL. Keep a look out! Pics should start appearing next week!

Excellent news! Somewhere to show off my collection! Plus will be good to exchange ideas. At the moment all my MV modelling chat all comes through the Diecast Aviation Forum. Once the forum on here gets going, I'll send out a recommendation to the guys on DAF.

All very interesting information, but haven't we gone off track here? I thought this was a Spitfire pictures thread!

Don't let the owners see that you've posted the pic of H98 after the mishap as they weren't happy the last time that pics were posted on a forum! You will notice that it's the same Spit as in one of the pics I posted and the pilot is a friend.

Anotonov AN2 is regarded as the largest single engined biplane in the world. Seeing the AN2 Club's version start up and taxi out at its base at Popham is a great site. This year they are planning to do some air displays with it - not the usual arrival and open it up for people to look around but an actual display routine!

A few from me Mk.IX MH434 Mk.Vc AB910 Mk.IX PL344 PR.XIX PS835 & Mk.IX PL344 Mk.Vb BM597 PR.XIX PM631 Mk.XVIII SM845 Mk.Tr9 H98 Yes, I'm a bit of a Spitaholic (and Hurricanes, Mustangs etc etc...anything with a big piston engine on the front!)

Having just read an article on the Budge Collection in the current issue of MMI, what was the reason that the collection was disposed of. Being only into MVs for a year now, this was the first time that I'd heard of this incredible collection.

Thanks for the replies. Curiosity satisfied!

I am currently reading a fascinating book called 'WW2 Allied Vehicles Military Portfolio 1939-1945 published by Brooklands Books. It is a collection of reprints from such as Motor, Autocar, Liight Car etc. Excellent period stuff on thinggs like Humber, Dingo and all sorts of others. owever my question is this. There is an article dated December 1942 where the correspondent visits te wilds of Wales and conducts an off-road test of what we know as a Ford GPW or Jeep. However, in thhe article and in serveral of the others that I have read, it refers to it being a 'Peep'. It is even entitled 'He rode in a Peep'. Anyone know the origin of this and why it was used?

There's a substantial article in the new issue of Flypast magazine about the new Nangchang pair which will be displaying around the UK this year. Also has a brief history of how the CJ-6 was developed. Originally designated the Hongzhuan 502, it differed from the Yak 18 in that it had an all metal semi-monocoque fueslage and the wings, when seen head on have a slightly gull-wing' appearance. The other inmmediately obvious difference is when the aircraft is in flight. A notable feature of the Yak is that when retracted, the undercarriage is still slightly down. thhis was to permit less damage in the instance of a belly landing. The Chinese aircraft hhas fully retracting main wheels. The first Hongzhuan flew in 1958. Following further development the design became the Nangchang CJ-6. The new display team, flown by Bob Davy and Lee Myall are aiming to put some fun into the display season. Named the 'Chang Gang', organisers can order their display routine from a Chinese Menu (yes really!) and the manoeuvres are all related to Chinese restaurants. The 'Take Away Smoke' is generated with used cooking oil. The 'Chinese Skewer' is where one 'Chang barrel rolls around the other, 'Chop Suey' is a crossing break in front of the crowd and 'Prawn Balls' is a double smoke loop - renamed 'Wun Hung Low' if they get it wrong! Apparently they will have supplies of Fortune Cookies and Prawn Crackers on board to hand out when they land! Nope, it's not 1st April. However, the cover date of Flypast from which the information is taken - about thhe display routine is April 2010!

You got that right!

I dont know about posting a Googgle map on here but thanks to a useful workshop guide in a computer magazine I''ve just been able to post an interractive one onto my website that enables you to have pins to locations. Now done for all the events I''ve photographed. Really chuffed with it. It's even fully viewable via Google Earth!

Have checked Pat Ware's "WWII Military Vehicles" and can find nothing in there. Only similar thing was built on an Opel Blitz chassis but that was on a 4-wheel chassis not a 6-wheel. The body on the photo shown in that book was a called a Koffer or 'house' body used for a variety of roles including signals and ambulance.