paul connor

Does anyone per chance have a pair of rear fenders for a dodge 1941 pick up? The art deco ones with the four raised slats/grooves on the rear. I'm also after T112 engine parts.

Hi everyone, Can anyone tell me what the paint code for very dark drab BS381c 337 would be in equivalent RAL European code? I cannot seem to find an equivalent to get mixed in Germany? Thanks Paul.

Where does it stop? Vikings are all the fashion nowadays - but they raped and pillaged across Britain, but that's fun I guess? Pirates are the bad guys, but Hastings has a Pirate day each year, surely that is offensive? "Backpacking" in countries that have been bombed by the west on your gap-year using the exchange rate as a tool to be treated like Royalty is offensive, but they never hawk on about that! That is a right of passage and "enlightening". I am unsure how someone how has no real idea of her lineage and her ancestry can be offended by something she has no evidence of and take it subjectively? "From Europe" where? Quite a lot of Europe was Axis forces, so maybe she will get a shock if she digs deeper! If the sight of fabric on a person, that you subjectively identify (wrongly) can cause you a panic attack, I would suggest vetting all social interaction before leaving the house. And surely fascism would be the removal and propitiation of items, such as these uniforms, not freedom of speech? I find that ironic. Don't like it, don't go. I hate boy-bands, rap music and modern rap culture but I do not call the BBC and complain when they are on the TV, I turn the channel over.

Yes. It is unfortunate that some people are so extremely narrow minded. I also thought many groups would eject members if they conveyed such extremist views? It is unfortunate with the current political choices towards the continent that many have interpreted this as acceptance to be openly racist and bigoted, which they somehow assume others now have to accept or tolerate.

He seemed to just be by himself with some bunting. Rather strange.

I thought I would add a concluding summary to my previous posts. Good Points: Vehicles/Displays. Turn out was pretty good, there were loads of new vehicles large and small I had never seen. Also a good supply of armour being displayed. Living history was good, with some nice details. Home Front village is expanding and I really do love it there. Great effort to all concerned. I enjoyed that the best for sure. Staff. Well after my initial run in with Mr Rude, the booking-in official, the rest seemed very helpful. I guess that one guy, who upset others, needs addressing and maybe asked to not attend in future if he has such a poor attitude. Booking in should be greeting exhibitors, as well as handing them all the programme and welcome pack, something I also did not get. Overall good, except an individual. Public. I think other than the Saturday there was a significant drop in numbers, maybe this was the weather or the lack of a full weekend for their attendance. Saturday was clearly busier, which was good and the arena was watched by a huge crowd. Music/Beer tents. Victory was very low in attendance the nights I walked up there, which was quite strange as it is usually very busy. Spitfire tent was quite good with a new stage, which is a nice touch. The music wasn't to my liking, but I wasn't there to watch bands and being into Metal I was fully aware I would not get Motörhead or Iron Maiden! But the addition of stage is good and the atmosphere there the Saturday night was good and seemed popular. Toilets. We booked our own, so I cannot really comment on that. But I didn't notice many around. So for me, showers and toilets were excellent. Gripes: Mr Rude. See above and previous posts. Bins. Where were they? Black bags left in piles all through the living history areas and stalls. This looked awful and could easily be resolved. There was a decline in the metal drums and their placement and number was insufficient. This caused people to create small piles of rubbish in areas. Not very nice, especially with the temperature. Nazi Fanatics. While I do not have an issue with displays personally, I did this year with a few things I saw. Firstly was Nazi tattoos. A man with a full Himler sleeve piece on his arm, somewhat concerning! more so with the Swastika on the other upper arm. Another was noticed with clear Swastikas on both arms and a Tottenkopf deaths head on his hands. While freedom of expression is something that we all support, the subjective connotations this presented was somewhat shocking, moreover when wearing uniform to support it! But, that is not to be controlled by show staff I guess, just rather sinister to witness, especially with a German fiancee. In the back field there was one man by himself in a civilian tent with Swastika bunting and a huge Swastika flag in the doorway of his tent. I have no idea what that was for or why? But it is unnecessary and as it has no context is offensive to many. Caravans. It was disappointing to see so many displays ruined by civilian tents, caravans, gazebos and tarpaulins, losing the 'green' feel of the show. I was very surprised so many "UN" vehicles were paraded as having history and allowed in the displays. A 2004 Land Rover discovery is not UN, and the two Citroen Berlingo vans with UN on the sides made me realise that booking in do not care what rubbish people display as long as they have paid. These vehicles and civilian displays need to be all together, not mixed with people who have made such a valid and creditable effort. Stalls. Bit lower than normal in numbers. A shame as the two stalls I actually went there for have boycotted the show, which is a shame - mail order it is then. I was a little confused with stalls selling such items as crystal skulls and healing crystals and shoe laces? I guess it will become a local market before long with a Del Boy and a suitcase selling fax machines and wind up porcelain cats that play 'how much is that doggy in the window'? 8/10. Overall a good show, but I fear the numbers were a touch lower. Great to see some old friends whom I have not seen in a few years, and great social aspect to it all More bins, clear the civilian rubbish away from displays and keep it green! That's what people come to see, and monitor the area to ensure, like it was before, rules are adhered to with displays. Paul

In my opinion it really is declining in numbers of exhibits and stalls. New organisers who don't care for the people who are vital to their own income - wake up! Less security, crap facilities, expensive, nothing enforced, rude staff, caravans and transit vans taking priority over displays - the list goes on. If they can charge for it, they will. Rex did a fantastic job and it is a real shame as those days are easily achieved with some thought, care, and absorbing some constructive criticism. If I had the means I would happily run the show, and I know I could do a far better job than they currently are, that's for sure!

Yesterday I drove my GMC to the WP show. I intended to leave the truck with the group I am camping with, who are also Marshalls for the event, and head home to return next week. I was told I "Had" to book in so I went to the booking in office. This is where it started. I explained I was dropping the truck off, who it was with, and who I was. They found my name on the list, no problem there, but then insisted I had to take a wrist band and book in. I explained I was only there for 15 minutes to deliver the vehicle and then I was heading home for the next three days, so I would rather not take a wrist band as it will be dangerous to keep on at work, and will get defaced. "£30 Deposit then, or you can't go in!" I was greeted with. I was a touch shocked, as he could see I had the correct booking in forms and was entitled to a wrist band, but he was just very rude and insisted I could just "Disappear" into the show, when I could just take a wrist band and do that anyhow and I did intent to return for my truck! I asked what would happen when I take my wrist band off as I have to work between now and my arrival back "Then you pay £30 for a new one" I was pleasantly greeted with. He was rude, unhelpful and quite obviously didn't want to be in the trailer. He successfully made me feel small, as if I was trying to scam the show and untrustworthy, also in front of another vehicle owner as well! So I have filled my truck with £70 of fuel, driven to the show site, been greeted with a bloody rude booking in official, who has already partly ruined my experience to be honest. If I did not bring vehicles, like everyone else, there would be no WP show. I do not appreciate being treated like I am scamming the show, and the clear undertone of money-making is very evident. What happened to the friendly understanding staff Rex once employed? Do low-loader drivers all have to have a wrist band, do they have to pay? Money, that is all it is about. I do not like someone barking "£30 deposit or you cannot go in" over and over at me when I am an exhibitor! Shame on you WP show. You are run by people who do not care about Military vehicles, the hobby, or the community to which supports it. Maybe stick to shooting shows and hand WP back so somebody can run it who cares. Already while driving in I was nearly struck by a group of teenage girls in a golf cart thrashing around the site, obviously with no insurance or licensing.. once again, War and Fleece is upon us. I think this may well be my last time there. Booking in have already dragged a grey cloud over the show for me, thank you for your pleasant and warm welcoming staff after a 30 mile drive in rush hour traffic in a 1940's vehicle. I am sorry I inconvenienced them from their smart phones and coffee, next time I shall not bother.

I have applied for the SPIRE licence. This was not easiest of forms to complete, wanting to know where I am heading and also have a reference from the person the other end. This is also the case for the trailer as it is still "Ex Army" kit. I have not heard back from them as yet, and it has been nearly 2 weeks now. How do others get on with this, as surely not everyone goes through this process as some may not even know their Defender or similar is Ex Army? Do I have to go through the same process and waiting time if I was to buy, for example; a WW2 vehicle and trailer it to Germany? Would I have to wait for them to process this licence before I could head through customs? It all seems a bit crazy. I understand some equipment is indeed sensitive with NBC, ECM and the such. But a Land Rover 110 isn't really of issue, surely? Paul

1944 GMC CCKW 353 A2 (Banjo Axle) Hard cab truck with steel load-bed. Rear wooden folding benches. Great overall condition, one of the best ‘Jimmys’ I have seen. 11 Very good tyres, mostly Firestone. This was a body off restoration around 5 years ago. Cab roof hatch with canvas cover, so could have a 50cal and gun ring installed if you have one. Engine is a French recon from the 1960’s as this truck continued in French service after the War, but the correct wartime engine. Great condition rear canvas with no leaks. Indicators sympathetically hidden in period 1940’s lights. 12v Jolly alternator conversion, with 12v fuel pump and alternator. A small amount of spares included, including a starter motor, seals, some ignition parts and gaskets. 2x large folder manuals for service and maintenance. Starts every time. Brakes are excellent. Drives very well with no wandering or usual bad points these trucks can have. Fuel – this truck will do 8-12mpg depending how driven. This truck will be available for viewing at War & Peace 2018 @ Paddock Wood, Kent from the 19th – 29th July. Located at the Kelly's Heroes group stand in Monkton field. It is stored in Uckfield, East Sussex. This really is a lovely truck. It has been reliable the last two years I have owned it, and I even know the previous 2 owners before that. It has been a Sussex truck since the 1990’s. I am only selling due to business prospects, or I would honestly keep this truck. I would consider Willys MB, Ford GPW, Dodge WC series (any) restoration projects, or a LHD Land Rover Defender as P/X or trade. Price £11500 o.v.n.o Come and have a chat... Regards Paul

Oh yes, I forgot about that part, after 70yrs they remove your minibus D1 entitlement and C1 >7.5 tonnes categories I believe?

Wow! I knew you had a few spares squirrelled away, but not that much!

I have had a fair share of that with a Pig in the past also. ".. of course, it's based on a Land Rover chassis" "That's a Saracen, I drove those in Northern Ireland" "No, Sir, it isn't, it's a Humber Pig" I replied "What do you know?!" I was aggressively told! So I just moved away. I even had one with my neighbour recently, who is a know-it-all! "Of course it's only 2 wheel drive" He states while tapping the wings of my vehicle and doors. "No, it has three axles and they all have drive, hence the driveshafts" I reply about my GMC 353 "I'm a mechanical engineer, I used to drive these" "Kindly do not touch my vehicle and please go away" That seemed to end the situation. I don't mind being a captive audience at a show, but loading my truck at my home I could do without being told what something is when I clearly own it. I guess any vehicle brings the silly comments. Even my Land Rover gets called a Jeep more times that Land Rover!

A sad day. It only seems like a few years ago you kindly took the time out of your weekend to show me how to service a Pig. That must be around 2002 now I think about it - wow! You also manager to talk an over enthusiastic younger me out of purchasing the very same Pig, as I wanted to weld all the armour back on to remake the MK2 look. I'm still hooked on Pigs and I shall one day, when I have the suitable space, have another. My Pig somehow lives on through my Land Rover 110, I guess as the money from the Pig went into that. The 110 has been off the road now for over a year, but is nearly rebuilt and ready to provide more service. I guess what I am trying to say is the longer you have a vehicle the harder it is to part with it. Paul

Hi Chris, Welcome to HMVF. I do not personally take vehicles to Tankfest, mostly due to work commitments, and lacking a tank and only having lighter vehicles. I am interested in the fact you visit the Canadian archive. Do you go there often, and if so would you be able to do a few cursory searches for me this side of the pond? I am trying to locate Canadian forces movements in the UK during the 1940's and I have reference to certain things being kept in the Canadian archive that are ommited from the UK natioanl archive. It would fill a few gaps in my research. Only if you have time of course, but would be a great help. Kind regards Paul

Thanks for the reply, Neil. I hope all is well by the way, sure we will catch up at WP show for a chat. Good to get some idea of clarification. I'm not sure where I heard that the 6 way switch was an issue, I think it was in regard to MOT and export licences somewhere in the past, but you know how ridiculous information spreads like wildfire. The end goal will be to register both in Germany, as I intend to move there as soon as I can in the future. I am hoping the Merlin reports for both vehicles will suffice for registering both vehicles, as the trailer will be classed as a vehicle, but that is another day, I guess. So the idea of the SPIRE licence is to show that the vehicle has been cast and not stolen I guess? Are these free to apply for and just a simple application stating rough dates I shall be travelling and to where? Thanks Paul

Good morning everyone, Can anyone shed some light on a few topics - namely the use of my Land Rover 110 (1989) and Sankey MK2 trailer through France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany. It is my understanding that to take the 110 to France I need an export licence, as some parts of the vehicle do not have 'EU' friendly components, such as; NATO Hitch, convoy lights, brake-away cable on the trailer and reverse over-ride button. With the trailer, I guess if I was to get the history card showing the details, clearly display the plates so they match, then add a break-away cable it would be compliant? As I am aware many countries such as Germany require an MOT for trailers, but guess I am bound by UK law on many accounts. The 110 is also confusing in regard to the Dixon Bate tow hitch. Is this hitch legal to use in these places, as I am guessing most NATO vehicles have them? Although I understand Military have different legal obligations to adhere with and indemnities. Furthermore, is my convoy light switch really such an issue as I am led to believe, and if so do I really require an export licence to pass through these places? I would like to stay legal, and be prepared, rather than look as if I am flaunting the law with ignorance. Thanks in advance Paul

Another excellent show. My thanks to everyone who attended, displayed and brought along an interesting array of vehicles. Good stuff! Thanks to Peter Hibbs for the www.pillbox.org.uk pictures and bringing a full size Type 24 Mock Pillbox

I am also getting annoyed with the daily updates about nothing arriving in my inbox. They are flaunting and ignoring the new data protection regulations now in force, I have not been asked once if I would like to continue to receiving this spam. I really do think that since this new group have taken over WP it is run in a very amateur way. The website is awful and confusing, the home page still has a guide to 2017 show on the main drop-bars, and nothing is straight forward. I think this will be my last year at the show. I will not go into the usual gripes and complaints, but toilets, lack of marshals, no enforcement and illegal driving are certainly high on the list. As well as stalls closing early, people leaving and the civilian cars, vans and marquees in the middle of great displays. I guess it all died a death when Rex stepped down. Now it seems to be a money spinner with no real substance.

Mention your son/brother/relative lives in Rome. Ask for them to meet him! That'll throw him!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/redsquash-uk/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from= It would appear on the above link to the Seller, that they have the most varied stock of items for sale. I hope it isn't an innocent persons account that has been somehow hacked, as the feedback trail has been inactive for 6 months?

The current username is "Redsquash-uk" with a user rating of 574 at 100%! I guess you can fake or hack anything these days. So far I can see the AEC Militant, Series 3 Lightweight, Willy MB and a replica Willys. They are using stock picture from 'Google Images'. I think we should all try and have some fun with the scammer and bombard them with useless questions! "Does it come in blue?" "What make is the AEC Militant?" "I can come and pay in cash now, is that okay?" Paul

I do keep seeing this. There are also many other vehicles appearing and being cancelled by a similar seller. It always states "GB, UK" as a location. I have reported around 10 of these myself as it would be all to easy for the unfamiliar on eBay to get caught out. I wonder what they will reply? Paul

It is close to the 'last call!' for bookings. We are still happy to accept anything related to the Home Front period (1939-1945). Also, we are always happy to book in Living History or Re-enactment groups or individuals. Vehicles both civilian and military, tractors, engines, or steam! Drop me a line via HMVF or the contact details above. See you all on the 16th and 17th of June! Paul

I have been following this thread with great enthusiasm. Your skill in fabrication and engineering is inspiring. You certainly should try the 'YouTube' route, I am sure many companies would sponsor your work and want to be associated. I have seen various channels grow and become sponsored from the likes of Land Rover parts dealers, to the tool manufactures themselves providing tools for a quick 'plug' of their goods; it may cut your costs and become very beneficial. I cannot wait to see the finished product, and hopefully someday at a show! Keep up the great work. Regards Paul