rapier rob

Hi Mick

Glad you enjoyed the 432 rides, It took me all thursday to clear the route!

We had a few probs sun morning with water in the fuel and a suspect driveshaft but got them running for sunday afternoon (and raised a bundle of cash for BLESMA)

This years show was definitely bigger than last years, with more vehicles entered and more visitors.

To all those who attended either as participants, exhibitors or visitors, I'd like to say a big thank you on behalf of the Mills staff, and myself as show organiser.

They have already asked me to do one next year and I'm going to try and contact all the other show promoters to see if for once we can sort out some dates without things clashing.

My only moan is about people who book into a show and then don't turn up, the ones who did it last year did it this year too

If you don't intend going, don't ask for a form, for info, most of the them own Jeeps!

For those who DID turn up, a big big thank you.........now for that beer, and bath.

I hear what people are saying, but look at it from an editorial viewpoint.

If all you could write about was WW2 vehicles, then very soon you would run out of features.

Plus you would have a hard job attracting advertisers who deal in post war equipment.

There are only so many articles you can write about a jeep, dodge, gmc, or any of the other vehicles that were used during the war.

Very soon people would complain about reading the same old stuff.

It takes a lot to fill a magazine every month, and just because your not interested in some new bit of kit from across the sea, it doesn't mean that the next reader isn't.

I'm an occasional writer for one of the magazines named, and I write about what I know, I'm not a pro, but hopefully I get most of the facts right.

When Jeeps are changing hands for 10 grand, its not surprising that a lot of people buy post war vehicles.

My Rapier is only 16 years old, but they are all out of service now so does that make it a classic?

I can see both sides of this one, but the only way of changing things is to buy what you prefer, and let the market decide.....

Those Jeeps must be very unreliable, I see them quite often on trailers! :lol:

Suzy is making the tea.....and your dinner!

Hi all

The Military vehicle show at the gunpowder mills is just over 3 weeks away now, so any last minute entries need to be in quick.

We have nearly 100 vehicles booked in, along with living history, traders, live firing, and we feed you on the sat night.

Its a lovely site, with a museum, cinema, proper toilets and cafe, and the home of such inventions as Kevlar and RDX, the explosive used in the bouncing bomb!

Just off junc 26 of the M25

For more info see http://www.royalgunpowdermills.com or http://www.millsmilitaria.co.uk or pm me with an address for a form.

Cheers Rob

How about a Bedford MK or MJ

Bullet proof engine, easy to maintain, cheap to buy, you can park it on the road.

AND you can sleep in it......nice little caravan under the canvas, perfect!

The price of 9x9's has rocketed over the last few years.

Although I've got one I hardly use it now as I went down the other route of getting a vehicle big enough to kip in.

Much easier at shows when its pouring with rain!

Personally I don't mind if a vehicle isn't 100% original.

During its service life a vehicle changes, as different units make operational changes to the spec as the right parts might not be available at the time.

My only gripe is where someone may be advertising a vehicle for sale as say for example a WW2 Jeep, where the only part which actually dates from WW2 is one of the spark plugs!

Do one of the "Roadsure Girls" drive the recovery truck

Its a shame, but its been on the cards for a long while.

I'm surprised that the government haven't introduced a licence scheme where you can use certain designated areas after paying a fee.

A tax they haven't thought of yet........Maybe in the future!

Hi Mick

I saw some of your trucks at the Gunpowder Mills over the weekend, a really good display, not too neat or tidy, just how it would have looked.

Top class!

Cheers Rob

I learn't this myself after replacing a wing on the Rapier recently.

The answer depends on quite a few things, what paint your using, brushed or sprayed, one coat or two!

For those of us with vehicles outside, check your weather forecast and pick a dry warm day for painting............and then pick the dead bugs out once the paint has dried :lol:

Really good film, worked first time.

Can't do this month, I'll be away this weekend.

Taking the motor up to Coventry for the Midlands Crank Up!

My lad loves it, in fact he's so hooked on green stuff now that he wants to join the army when he's 17, which isn't far off :shock:

I actually prefer Military Odyssey as a weekend away, as its just so different because of the multi period aspect of the show (plus the sealed knot girls)

But if you just want to wander round a field looking at big toys, beltring can't be beat.

I'll be there

A lot of people whinge about the facilities at war and peace but if the showers are crap......take your own.

If the food is crap.......take your own.

Expensive beer..........you know what to do!

Beltring dust..............OK that one I can't solve....

My only gripe is the way people drive round like looneys at night.

It only needs one accident and the safety police would come down like a ton of bricks.

AND squirt some Molyslip in the box just in case your levels get low

The first show of the season usually finds me under the motor checking all levels and topping up/changing oils where neccesary.

This year its the above, plus a paint brush and a saucepan of Waxoyl for the chassis....

Might get messy seeing as the first show is at a pub! :lol:

Thats at Firepower of course not tilbury

What time do they want military vehicles in place by?

I've mentioned this in other posts but just in case anyone has missed them we are having our second military vehicle show at the Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, Essex.

Its on 24/25th June and all military vehicles are welcomed.

Its a relaxed friendly show in a historic setting, we even feed you on sat night!

For entry forms and or to apply for a traders stall give me a call on 020 8534 4246 or PM me with your details.

http://www.millsmilitaria

http://www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Cheers Rob

It will be easy to spot Lee (safariswing) he will be the one running around like a loony playing event organiser at the nuclear bunker show, and I'll be doing much the same thing at the gunpowder mills show :lol:

http://www.millsmilitaria.co.uk

http://www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Probably rotting away somewhere, all forgotten!

Still, they have got the straightest front wings I've ever seen on a pig, no chain damage at all

Any idea where these pigs are now, and if they have been put back to original?

Good luck with the Stollie, Just think of yourself behind the wheel and be positive