Richard Farrant

Heck, what a damned performance to get a licence now. When I took my test in the late 1960's, the examiner walked around the streets and told you to do a circuit, stopping you every so often at different places. I noticed him go into a bakery on one of my circuits, next time around he was still in the queue. Those were the days ;-) Richard

Also a warning regarding these kinetic ropes, after a period of use, the heat build up in the rope core tends to weld the fibres together and they loose their elasticity. I understand they are perfectly alright for normal towing, but will have lost their kinetic capability. Richard

Yes, I have seen it in operation with CVR(T) vehicles. Not elastic in the sense of rubber, it is plaited nylon which when stretched stores up considerable energy. The way to pull out a stuck vehicle is to attach the rope and lay it zig zag in front of the casualty, back up towing vehicle and connect. Take off at a rate of knots and when fully stretched, I think the driver feels this point as it happens, you stop dead and hold the brakes on, the stored energy in the rope then pulls the casualty out. Very impressive. Mention is made of using one of these ropes on Land Rovers, etc. The amount of energy in a CVR rope is probably to great for safety and I believe the makers, Marlow Ropes, developed a smaller rope for this purpose. Richard

We will see your Saracen on the off road course at Beltring in July, then? :-D

Jack, Just realised, the photo Clive posted of that actual trailer at Gt. Dorset steam fair 1990, it shows a Bedford RL light recovery behind. My guess is that its the same one you posted a pic of a few days ago. Small world! Richard

Hi Clive, Going by the camo pattern it is the actual trailer in your photo. The illustration you showed is an earlier trailer. The one in question had a row of hose reels across the back in a seperate compartment, much like a garage set up. We used to get called up to the adjacent Ord. Depot, their TMP used one for servicing. They used to shoot at rabbits with the grease gun, a good test for pressure and delivery! Re. Ian's comment on the trailer make. It was a Sentinel chassis, whole equipment designation was FV2502(T). Width was 7'4". Richard

Neil, The trailer looks like a Tecalemit serving unit. It is built on the 2 ton chassis, so doubtful it would be heavy enough for machine tools. The photos do not show the rear, but I would say it has a full width lift up door, under which are grease and oil lines on reels. Inside is a large compressor driven by a Petter petrol engine and various grase or oil pumps and containers. There looks to be a door on the side near front that drops down as a ramp and a power washer contained within on a wheeled trolley. Richard

A strong shovel is better, you can fit the wheel on your own. Also when at the shows, look out for a U shaped tool, looking like two tyre levers. This is the proper military tyre lifting bar, again, magic when alone. Richard

Yes, I go with that one, but my favourite one of Kev's is "Living next door to Alan". My list would Status Quo, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Bill Haley.........now another oldie, Glenn Miller ;-)

Lee, Best time so far is 0.229 secs, the last sheep was shot in zero secs.

John, Looking at your photo of the RL, it is not an Army one. It is in fact a Civil Defence vehicle, and was owned by The Home Office. I do not think they had a chassis data plate as Ian shows on his, that was a military attachment. Bedfords usually have the chassis number stamped in to the side of the chassis rail, from memory on the nearside, below the cab or just to rear off, not certain on RL though. Also there should be a makers number plate attached to the passenger seat base again if my memory is working. Richard

30.65 secs - record to beat :-D

Clive, I put the lack of snow down to the fact it is milder in this part of Kent and we often miss the snow :wink: As for the fancy bits, well, I do look at the gallery, no probs there, but cannot be bothered with the wiki bit. And.........as you know, like you, I am not a youngster anymore Richard

I don't get it, regularly come on here every day, never seen the snow on here yet and have no problems, how come :? Richard

I recently sold a M20 with a tyre dated 1939 and WD stamped, cannot remember the latest date of stamped tyres I've seen, but think it may be in the 60's. Have seen Champion spark plugs issued in the 70's, stamped W /l\ D. Richard

Thats better, should get a more accurate figure now.

Jack, Assume you are talking about the gearbox specifically? Providing you are using the correct oil, any out of the ordinary noises, could mean damaged gears / teeth, and worn bearings. If axles, again worn bearings and gears. There are additives you can add to oil, but they are mostly friction reducers, which will not cure the above faults. Richard

As mine are all in the same era, it would appear that it has only registered me as one, not three as I was trying to do. Richard

Jack, I went to vote for my 3 vehicles and after voting once, the poll will not let me vote again :? Richard

Jack, Does this mean we are not allowed to talk about it? I am planning on going to it. Richard

Clive, I you have trouble sleeping, a bit of bed time reading with one of those will cure it. We used to be paid to read them :-D Richard

Jack, Same here, regular Friday evening viewing at 6.30 on Southern TV. They don't make progammes like that anymore............and I have just started whistling the tune :-) Richard

Jack, That looks OK for a "windscreen ID", so forum members can spot each other. Now to make this simple to produce, how about having a self print facility on here. Have a blank that we can type in and then print off, on to vinyl sticker sheet, or cards, to suit everybodies different wishes, ie m/cycles and A vehicles don't usually have windscreens. The large letters HMVF be dropped and changed to the website address, with the full name of forum below as you have done already. Richard

Just recieved two long service badges from MVT, a 10 year and a 20 year, next year eligible for the 30 year one, so like Lee, running short of room now

Lee, Latest entry form states free MV entry to IMPS members if they joined prior to December 2003. I have been entering since the first ones at Tenterden in 1982, never had to pay, but for 8 days holiday amongst friends from worldwide, what is £25. Richard