Markheliops

You must be unlucky Richard - not a drop in Croydon area - Must practice your anti-rain dance a bit more.

I wouldn't pay too much attention to the weather forecast - They can't even get it right for a couple of days!!! It was supposed to rain this weekend - not a drop in sight and very warm. I use Gov Met which was very accurate. I used them when I was flying for the pilot weather reports but even they can't get it right. Come rain or shine - I'll be there. Markheliops

Got mine yesterday - Friday.

Happy Birthday to both of you chaps - Sorry if it's late. Markheliops

Hi chaps. I have a contact in the Gatwick area who has a supply and demand issue with contam. Problem is - he is supplying it and I can't use it all. At the moment, he has about 400 litres of the stuff. He may be able to deliver at a price agreed with interested parties. If anyone needs some contaminated fuel for their toys - drop me a mail / PM and I shall give you his details. Markheliops

I'm listening Sara - Markheliops

I saw this at Panes yard when I went up there for some parts. For those who remember, I had a major mis-hap on route to Bolero couple of years ago. Mike suggested Panes so I went up there for some brake chambers. Interesting chap and very informative. The Ward he still operates is heavily modified, brakes, engine, etc must it's nice to see them still doing what they were made to do. Markheliops

Hi all. I submitted an enquiry for prices of filters for my FV432 from a well known MV spares supplier. Rather shocked when I got a response - FV 432 Allison gearbox filter - £33.00 + VAT K60 fuel filter - £28.00 + VAT Oil filter sealing ring - £3.00 + VAT FV 432 K60 oil filter - £33.00 + VAT Fuel filter sealing washers - £3.00 each + VAT On top of that lot, carriage would be another £11 plus VAT. Is this normal? I'm not sure as I have never had to purchase these things before. Seems somewhat over the top to me! Can anyone suggest another supplier or does anyone have any spare they would like to pass on. Many thanks Markheliops

Quality job Jeff - you should be proud of your work.

Not lately -

Quite right Jimh - Common sense - However - I can carry a 9mm in my pocket - out of sight - but I'm still breaking the law whether you can see it or not.

The Police and other emergency vehicles shouldn't be using the dim - dip headlights at night. In our fire appliances - you can't operate the dim - dip headlights whilst using the vehicle head lights. In regards to show ground use - it does state restored vehicles can use blue lights and sirens but obviously not on the public high way. Pete - my drivers only ever use sirens if they have to after 11pm - I suppose it's down to where you live. Must admit though - I've been woken up at silly o clock by Police sirens and it does give me the hump. Trouble is - if they have an accident and they are not using blues and twos - they are really in the brown smelly stuff.

See you there then young gun.

Quite right David - I would expect nothing less of you young man. I think Doctors use green lights as they have no right to infringe highways laws and regulations. Not sure why - maybe it has something to do with the drivers not having been trained to proceed on blue lights and sirens. If you see a doctors vehicle behind you, you are expected to allow him to pass but there is no provision for this in the highway code - unlike emergency vehicles displaying blue lights and sirens.

Just for the record - You can display hundreds of blue lights on your vehicles - as long as you are on private land - As soon as you enter onto a public highway - you are pretending to be something you are not - hence you are breaking the law.

St Johns Ambulance service is an official ambulance service - as they provide back up to the NHS service and life support and first aid at organised events. Rally marshalls can display blue emergency lights if the vehicles they are using are being used in an official capacity - ie - providing medical cover at an organised event.

Had all mine agaes ago -

Okay - this will confuse you - You do not need an HGV1 to suspend tow using a commercial recovery vehicle - why - because I have already said recovery rules and regulations are different to commercial licencing and regulations. Likewise a recovery vehicle does not need an MOT or annual test certificate - When suspend towing using an underlift or spec lift, it doesn't matter what combination the vehicles are as they are refered to as - the load - hence rules and regulations are ignored in this respect. Told you it was confusing - In a word - recovery vehicles don't have much in the way of enforceable rules and regulations - That doesn't mean anyone with a vehicle designed as a recovery vehicle can do the same. The vehicle has to be taxed, insured and operated in an official capacity as a recovery vehicle.

Are you sure they are hot dogs mate - Look like something else to me.

Well done chaps. See you outside Lee's tent then - I believe he will have the kettle on.

My ten pence worth. It is illegal for any vehicle to display a blue beacon - working or not - unless it is an official emergency vehicle as being used for official purposes by one of the official emergency services. If a ex-authority ambulance is not being used in it's official capacity - it will be illegal to be fitted with blue lights - whether it is taxed as an ambulance or not. I think the term common sense should be used when traveling with a blue light - keep it covered and that way you will not draw attention to it. Also, it is also illegal to have any signs such as Police, Military Police, etc displayed unless it is an official vehicle being used by etc, etc.

Hi Rosie - As I understand the rules and regulations in regards to the HMVF camp - If you are blonde and female - you have instant access to all areas!!! See you there. Markheliops

Don't think Jack is planning to come to the Tunbridge show Chris!!!!

Just checked previous pages - 0900hrs seems to be the time away from Beltring - although haven't made final plans as yet. Waiting to see how many of us there are. The scene from Kellys heros springs to mind when Oddball arrives with a whole Army, including the band!!! "Who the hells that" - Its the band man!!!!!!

Oh come on chaps - No one can accuse me - the "HMVF Official Tea / Coffee Maker - of sliding away from tea making duties!!! I am always the first one with the kettle on. Ask anyone who visits the Heliops abode during shows. The thing is - the 432 did come complete with BV and connection leads but as yet - haven't tried them out as I always come complete with electric / gas kettle and associated items. Must try them out next time though.