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Markheliops

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Posts posted by Markheliops

    Bunker Bash 2008 Photos

    in Bunker Bash

    Posted

    Well done to Lee, Ian and the team - excellent weekend. The rain didn't dampen our spirits in The Ward La France (UK Branch) area. Me, the tall one and Grasshopper just found things to play with as you have seen by some of the pictures.

     

    Great to meet old and new faces from the forum. John and Pat, Mark, Neil, The Bunker Team, Tony, Snapper, John (CMV), Kyle, David (118-118) and his red beret sidekick Gorden and everyone else -

     

    Sorry for the noise Friday night - it was Mikes fault - I was okay on the beer till then.

     

    Only thing to get me down was my Ward. On route home the engine siezed on the M25. Going along quite happily then, knock, knock, knock - bang - stop.

     

    Many thanks Mike for tugging me off the motorway.

     

    Had to have low loader pick me up from Thurrock Services - finally got home at 0145hrs this morning.

     

    To say I am upset would be a serious under-statement. Yesterday I was ready to scrap the truck and chuck it all in. In the last 12 months the truck has been out 5 times and has broken down twice with terminal faults - and required other repairs the other times. Mike and I didn't finish replacing the gearbox until very late Thursday night before the Bunker Bash so after going through all that - the engine siezes.

     

    Still - today was a new day and after a chat with the tall one - we have planned a return for the Rugged Boys Wrecker at this years War and Peace Show. Plan is to fit another petrol engine and then look at a diesel conversion over the winter period.

     

    Must say huge thanks to Mike and Vince - if it wasn't for them I would have probably given up a long time ago - and still be stuck on a motorway somewhere.

     

    So fear not - the Rugged Boys Wrecker has not finished collecting awards or being silly in the mud.

     

    Watch this space for Ward La France M1A1 Restoration Project Part III.

     

    Markheliops

    Bunker Bash 2008 (17/18th May)

    in Bunker Bash

    Posted

    The Ward Lafrance Owners Club (UK Branch) should be there in strengh - providing it's members can sort out my gearbox fault on the Ward Thursday!!!

     

    Should I have received something in the post for the Bunker Bash, entry tickets, etc or is it just turn up and pitch? If so, I haven't had anything arrive.

     

    Markheliops

    Seen on the M25

    in The meetings log and photobook

    Posted

    I was driving on the M25 today (Friday 2nd May) heading towards Kent, and saw 2 Ward La France wreckers going clockwise, heading West. Was it anyone from the HMVF? One was towing a trailer.

     

     

    Yes, it was us -

     

    May I say how honoured you must feel - I wish I could have seen it as well.

     

    Markheliops

     

    PS - It's nice to be recognised.

    been there want to go again

    in Salisbury Plain 2008

    Posted

    Hi all.

     

    Just a quicky to say a massive thanks to Tony and the team. Excellent weekend. What more can I say.

     

    Top bloke David for doing the brekkies - apart from he wouldn't get his Landie dirty - he's the man.

     

    Thanks too to tootallmike and Grasshopper for sharing their home from home with me and making my guests most welcome.

     

    Nice to put faces to names from the forum.

     

    For me, over-joyed with the Ward's behaviour through the weekend. Gearbox has given up the ghost on the route back - oh well - at least I had loads of fun and yes, the WLF grin was still evident when Mike and Vince passed me by.

     

    Unfortunately won't be able to fix the WLF for the Bunker Bash, so I am probably out of it this year.

     

    Just received some news of a family death over the weekend so may not be on much for a while, so once again, thanks to everyone involved with the Plains Trip 2008. Bring it on for 2009.

     

    Markheliops

     

    PS. Who won the prize for spotting the smiles on the RTV convoy. I spotted .................... - can't remember but wow - weren't the vehicles shiney. LOL.

    Wet weather restrition

    in Salisbury Plain 2008

    Posted

    Mark

    Will you still be able to pick up Ian's roof panel if I can get it there:-)

    I'm going to try and sort out the L/Rover and trailer,that should be entertaining,haven't used them much since last year when I changed the engine and g/box(fitted a 300tdi):red:.All part of the adventure.

     

    DaveP

     

    Dave.

     

    Should be okay as long as I can get it on the back of the Ward - and keep it there.

     

    Markheliops

    Wet weather restrition

    in Salisbury Plain 2008

    Posted

    Yep, but on the down side, we now have to go at the speed of a petrol WLF :shake:.

     

    Look on the bright side, at 10mph our fuel economy is going to be great :-D.

     

     

    Yeah right Mike.

     

    Let's see how fast you go towing a petrol WLF cause it broke down.

     

    Markheliops

    Wet weather restrition

    in Salisbury Plain 2008

    Posted

    Hi all -

     

    We in the WLF owners club (UK Branch) have decided to drive up to the Plains on Friday. (let go of my arm tall one).

     

    Tony and the Plains crew have put lots of effort into the trip so we feel it fair to get butts into gear and drive up. I shall be slightly nervous - flashbacks of Bolero and all that) besides, who would be around to pull you all out of the mud.

     

    So David - breekies for me are down to 1 from 7.

     

    I shall have a spare seat in the Ward La France but co-drivers are expected to measure up to the entrance criteria of WLF owners. Anyone who feels they can make the grade feel free to chance their arm and show some real spit. ???

     

    Markheliops

    Wet weather restrition

    in Salisbury Plain 2008

    Posted

    Hi Tony.

     

    Stop fretting mate. It's not your fault and no blame is attached except to Jack because he didn't perform his sun dance enough.

     

    However this leaves me with little alternative but to cancel my joining the Plains trip. As you are aware, my friend and co-owner of the 432, Hans, was travelling all the way from Germany with his family to join the event and be able to use the 432 on the ranges. As there is no opportunity for this to now happen, I shall advise Hans there is little point in him coming.

     

    As we were sharing a low loader, I would now face having to pay for the low loader myself, which means I would have to pay out £900 plus fuel costs for the Ward - all in all, it makes a weekends fun a bit too expensive.

     

    As such, I will withdraw from the fun and frolics on the Plains. Bit gutted but on the bright side I have just saved myself a shed load of money.

     

    I hope all going have a great time and maybe next year. Many thanks to Tony and the rest of the Plains organisers for their sterling efforts.

     

    And as for Jack - get your a--e down to the gym and practice your sun dance for next year.

     

    Markheliops

    Plain invasion 2008

    in Salisbury Plain 2008

    Posted

    Best I chuck a few spare jerry cans on board or it could be embarrasing:red::rofl:might end up having to be rescued by something American:shocking:

     

    DaveP

     

     

    That Sir, is the kind of slur which will leave you stranded. Be sure to count the amount of stars on my American flag as I pass you by.

     

    Markheliops

    Sunday 6th July 08 - Gravesham Borough Council Maritime Festival

    in Future events and meetings

    Posted

    Hi all.

     

    Gravesham Council are holding a maritime Festival on Sunday 6th July. They are looking for military vehicles to take part. Lots of exhibitors such as sea cadets, RNLI, Port of London, Maritime Coastguard Agency and many other non-related maritime clubs, etc. Although the event is themed around the maritime world, it also encompasses many other military related areas.

     

    There will be a large grassed area to display your green pride and joy. Sorry, no tracked vehicles as it is a grass area.

     

    I am taking the Ward La France M1A1. It' s a free event and open to the public.

     

    For further details contact Lyndsey Thompson on lyndsey.thompson@gravesham.gov.uk

     

    or call her direct line on 01474 337442.

     

    Markheliops

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