N.O.S.

On the North Norfolk coast - looking like what might have been a military landing craft, seen here at low tide (note the excavator in the background): On the way back (with tide coming in) it could be seen loading with rock for sea defences: A little further on - remember the digger in pic 1? Something didn't look right: Oops! Back to the Landing Craft - turns out it was indeed military, dating from 1980 (more recent than I'd imagined), but the contractor couldn't tell me any more about it

Welcome James, there's a pint at the bar for you. p.s. Any chance you could spare Harry and Helena for a few weeks? If you can't let them both go I could probably manage without Harry.

Lost for many words, but as others have said - what an inspiration for us all.

Don't you mean whine, Bernard? :whistle:

The Cletrac runs?:dancinggirls: The dancing girls don't come out very often these days, but this is definitely an occasion to celebrate!

Cosrec, I think you might have just had it the wrong way round - Dover Corp were acquiring various wrecker manufacturing companies, and were then in turn acquired by Miller Industries in about 2005 according to some U.S. auto history website (if you can believe anything you see on the web :cool2:). As you say, fascinating how most of the gear has a common U.S. pedigree.

And if I'm not mistaken he is also custodian of a very tidy Explorer? (steady now, Andy :nut: ).

One thing's for sure - you're not alone :-D I'll put the kettle on.

I don't think so, Mark - a friend picked one up from Withams with a load of odd stuff and I had a good look at it as he couldn't work out what it was for, but as far as we could make out it was purpose made for a non-iso military container.

A fairly tidy example was offered on Saturday at the Cheffins Vintage auction. Lot 2907. I didn't get there, so do not know if it sold or for how much.

It would be nice to think that nobody will be left without a ride, but I hope no one will be offended if vehicle drivers politely decline to fill their trucks up beyond a certain capacity - some insurers impose a limit on the number of persons covered by the policy (typically 7 or 8 including driver - may be based on PSV limitations?).

Same goes for me. Clive, would you mind if I set up a stall selling wheelbarrow inner tubes inflated to 2.5 psi for the benefit of those riding all that way in the back of a GMC?

The only way is Essex? Well no, you could get to Hardwick by going clockwise round the M25 then up into Hertfordshire, Cambridshire and around the top of Suffolk, but the truth is for you it is probably easier to go through the Dartford Tunnel and up through Essex, and certainly cheaper if using a low loader. What?

If someone is going to order from USA I'd be happy to grab one and split postage costs.

OK tankers, try this one...

Matt, stop messing about on here and get that ruddy book written and published!!!!! :-D Looks like each unit had its own unique way of applying markings and blackout strips etc (e.g. full white bumpoer or just ends).

That subject has been bugging me, I wonder if early vehicles the star had no ring, but those supplied later did? I noticed in the same picture the triangle below windscreen. ??

Some stunning images there, Joris. The wind-blown sand has created a very interesting effect by polishing the rusted surfaces over the years, making them appear almost 'new'.

Something not discussed on here before (?) is the practice of naming vehicles and applying artwork. Thought it would might make for an interesting thread - WW1 through WW2 to present day, all entries welcome! I'm sure I've seen photos of WW1 tanks with names applied? There must have been a few amusing ones in National Service days! The only 'proper' pin-up style artwork I've come across was on a WW2 Diamond T tipper on a Pacific island, will try to find the photo. Often the reason for choice of name / art is fairly self-explanatory, but one I found recently has really got me wondering 'Why?". This was on a USAAF Federal C-2 wrecker at an East Anglian bomber base:

:laugh: Well spotted. :laugh: A friend has a labrador which he uses for shooting. Someone asked him what his dog is like with a gun. Reply was "Well he's pretty good, mind you someone has to load it for him"

Welcome aboard. The Clubhouse is slowly being adapted for you guys - you will notice the right front lawn has been covered in PSP (no more ruts) and the Summer Canvas air fresheners (kindly supplied by Allied Forces) in the canteen toilets have been replaced by Cordite and Jasmine.

Oh yeah? Suggest you start planning a tactical withdrawl from the storage shed and prepare to negotiate, Robin :cool2:

I went from Roadsure to Footman James a while ago. The only hassle with FJ's policy c/w FJ is that instead of 'any driver' I can now only have up to 10 named drivers. Difficult when someone wants to have a drive on the spur of the moment and you have to say 'sorry but no'.

Clive - hasn't someone locally got one of those pedal car Jeeps you could borrow?