Big Al

Yes the videos are good they got some funding to enable them to do this I do hope they can carry on with it on the next project they do not sure what's will be next. They have a few smaller projects on the go at the present.

Al 

This is a good series of restoration videos on YouTube, talking to Jonathan he enjoyed his trip, he had to help while he was there on the owners sheep farm in the mornings and in the afternoon tanking !

I have a Reo and the insurance is just over £100 that's with Cherished they also have a HMVF/MVT discount.

Al

The price of deacts is a lot for a price of metal (New deact standards) I bought a airsoft SMG which is a very good copy and you can use it I have some SMG mags with inert 9mm rounds looks the great.

Al

Stay with derv its the easiest option

Al

As many said there has been always issue with toilets and showers at W&P yes it was vastly improved at the last venue, I hope the show owner is reading these comments so they could improve things for next year. They may wish to talk to other shows management teams on how they deal with these issues, there is a lot of other big shows and smaller ones who tend to get it right, end of the day if it was not for our willingness to bring vehicles and displays they would not have a show.

Al

And taken as such Ron And I agree with greyhound32122 The choice of vehicle is ours as is the choice of whether to attend. I just made the point its not just a £25 week for the owners - there are other costs. Perhaps I should have said costs we pay happily, esp. now we are back at the hop Farm with that decent arena.

 

On a serious note though, being in Living History (and being sites by the permanent loo's this year) meant I got to hear a lot of off-the cuff comments from passers-by and one of the main themes was the lack of heavy post/cold war armour compared to the last time the show was there. WW2 seemed well represented but the number of 43x's and CVR(T)'s was visibly down although Nick Vaughan's OT-90 was there, there was the Leopard a1 the restoration firm brought over but no sign of the Centurion, Chieftain's, T55, T62 or T74's that have attended in previous years. I think the Centurion AVRE was about it for that era. Perhaps the reason(s) why might be investigated by the organisers for next year and some way found of encouraging the owners to return?

I noted that there is no comments about john pearsons valentine which was in the arena twice a day (We lost a road wheel on the Friday) and the Vickers medium which appeared a few times. Yes post war heavy was not around this year there was a lot of ferrets this year compared with other years in the arena.

Alec

Well I had a great week the normal problems with the pitch which was sorted out for us thanks to the Scottish MVT for letting us have a part of your pitch, toilets well what can we say normal problems a great job the gurkers did with what they had the shower pods great. The arena was challenging in the wet but great to test your driving skills, the trade stands didn't seem the normal numbers but I personal found a bit expensive the catering stalls prices went up during the week, the victory bar and carvery was great. Overall it was a great week will be back next year YES

Al

I am concerned that what been advertised and we will have maybe different the last few years they have listed the catering and restaurants services this year you click on the page and there is nothing there you click on facilities and again nothing there about showers and toilets also I cannot see anything about the Gurkers cleaning service we have had over the years a good job they did as well. The list of traders is also not listed on there web page. I do hope its just a web page problem because I like many this event as my annual holiday.

Al

Ok, thanks for the reply.

I just rang the office and they were very helpful.

 

I never got a email (lost in the mail?) but I am booked in. I have paid so no problem there.

So she said that there shouldn't be a problem.

I'll just arrive at the booking in with my details and they will give the wristbands.

 

So I'll see some of you guys there I hope.

Come and say hi if you see a small sign with a Swan and "Camp Kohout" on it.

I hope it all works out for you my experience over the years is not and a lot of wasted time while they check things not the girls and lads problem in booking in its just communication from the office to them I think.

Al

Stowage brackets but Bren not .30.

yes bren

Al

Ready to move

 

It's slowly moving (and the sun is setting)

Nice Rick great to see you had success with plenty of help

Al

What engine parts do you have ?

Alec

There are four altogether. The rear two are the same (thin) ones on both the MkII and MkIII. Sorry, no idea about the MkI. The MkIi had thin front two and the MkIII used the weight saved by not having an armoured roof by just about doubling the thickness of the front two to increase mine protection for the crew. A bit later, MkII vehicles lost the armoured roof and at least some were then fitted with surplus/salvaged MkIII thicker ones. In any case, they are a pain in the ass getting in the way of maintence so I leave mine off all the time

To right they get in the way good move I think

Al

I'm bemused as to why the ATDU were stripping engines?

 

Andy

Spoke to spike last night they removed the engine because the scorpion was being placed as a gate guardian it is still there at the D and M school Bovington . You can see it from the Tank museum car park.

Al

2nd engine is a take out. Why, where, when? I wonder whether the name 'Spike Walker' means anything to anyone? The engine notes for this one say "Stripped for the last time Spike Walker ATDU August 2008". I guess that means the engine was stripped for the last time and not Spike Walker :nut:. Not knowing much about history of this engine I think this is best kept as a spare.

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I think I know this man I will email him when I get home

Al

Cheers Al, it's getting there. Had a bit of a setback in that the forward/reverse pivot had seized due to the ravages of time but it's all sorted now. Hoping to get some batteries in it this evening and go for the maiden voyage!

Check all fluids and pedal up correctly before moving

Looking good nice and clean I see im not the only one who uses the floor as a tool storage ! :-)

Al

i don't know about leonardo decaprio i was thinking more bernard manning, anyway hollywood will have to wait. it's going to be a year of tank recoveries

Yep Bernard Manning is about right !

You will need a bigger yard !

Al :-)

You will ned to show a VCR exemptiipn to purschase one from dealear. Though if you can show ownership of MV or re-enactment and public liability insurance, which is part of the membership of many groups, your fine.

Yes I used the MVT no problems

Al

Have you considered the air soft route I have one its not bad from a distance you would find it difficult tell them apart.

Al

I had a Camilius knife stolen off the stall if anyone gets one offered I would appreciate a heads up it was

in a nearly new leather scabbard stamped "Camilius US" the leather grip had a old piece of damage on it

Commander

Shame you lost stock, it was very busy enjoyed the day

Al

Spoke to the W&P team yesterday had a few positive comments from them about the old/new site and transport to the show regarding tanks, we will wait and see what becomes of it ! I was not planning to go this year but going back "Home" for the show has changed my mind may be there with armour or not we will wait and see what the deal is.

Al

A few days later the hull was delivered. It was decided that whilst we had the use of the crane, to lift the turret off. It was only held on by a few bolts which were quickly removed. Hull then placed in the shed ready to access the work required and start to strip out. We had already decided that we would completely strip the internals of the Hull. What we were faced with was not a surprise seeing what others have encountered with these poor vehicles being left to the elements for so long.

 

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I wished I had a nice clean, warm workshop like yours

Al

Great photos keep them coming very interesting not very often you see things like this around the shows people don't realise the forces had a very large selection of vehicles all had a part to play.

Al