Member #33 Jim Bennie`s 1943 GMC CCKW

Member #33 Jim Bennie’s 1943 GMC CCKW-353 at Corowa 2004 more inside.
Victorian Military Vehicle Corps Office Bearers
President: Bevan Fenner – (03) 59443937
117 Split Rock Road Mob. 0438 362 027
Beaconsfield Upper. Vic. 3808
Vice president: Graham Jacobs – (03) 94672001
Secretary: Gordon Edwards – (03) 93768208
PO Box 1209
Kensington 3031 (Able to issue trip permits)
[email protected]
Treasurer: Ray Edsall-(03)94352346
160 Yan Yean Road
Plenty Vic. 3090
[email protected]
Committee Members
Don Ashton – (03)59624587
Russell Hughes – (03)56296042
Ian Eddy– (03)97784097
Vehicle Inspection Officer:
Lionel Smart– (03) 9758-2748
15 Lightwood Drive
Ferntree Gully.
Vic 3156 (Able to issue trip permits)
[email protected]
CO-OPTED MEMBERS
Editor:
Gordon Edwards / Russell Hughes (contact details above)
ANZAC day Co-coordinator:
Jim Harris
PO Box 70
Romsey 3434
Quartermasters:
Jan and Ron Readings
Phone– (03) 9801-0838
AOMC Delegate;
Bevan Fenner – (03)59443937
Catering Officer:
Ian Eddy – (03) 97784097
Librarian:
Euan McDonald – (03) 94391187
Meetings held at Rats of Tobruk hall, 44 Victoria Avenue, Albert
Park the first Tuesday of the month 8pm. On meeting nights. Hall
phone number, emergency only contact (03) 97784097. No meeting
in January.
Official VMVC Website: WWW.VMVC.NET
Members Help and Technical Information
If any members are restoring, repairing their vehicle, need or technical advice
or seek information on where to obtain parts or any other advice for their
vehicles. Please, do not hesitate to send your enquires for insertion into the
newsletter. Include a name and contact address and number.
Notice: Editors will only accept for sale and wanted ads, trip reports in the
usual way. All other correspondence to the secretary, please. Closing date is
the 20th of each month
Reminders for CH Vehicles
To legally retain your CH Permit, and to lawfully drive your vehicle on the
road, you must be a current financial member of an association under AOMC
and Vic. Roads rules and regulations. It is therefore advisable to renew your
club membership by the due date. Please carry your receipted Vic. Roads
Club Permit Certificate plus a club newsletter or a current permit with you on
all outings. If not, you may be booked for illegally driving an un-roadworthy
and unregistered vehicle – L.Smart. Vehicle inspection officer.
Disclaimer
The statements and opinions expressed in this newsletter are not
necessarily those of the members of the Committee of the Victorian
Military Vehicles Corp Inc. We do not take responsibility for any
statements, advertisements, notices, letters or opinions that are
published. Such are published at the risk of the contributor who
accepts liability for any intended publication. Writers of articles provide
their suggestions as general information only and accept no
responsibility if you choose to follow-up their suggestions. All
contributors agree to indemnify the publisher and warrant that the
material is accurate and is neither deceptive nor misleading, in breach
of copyright, defamatory or in breach of any laws
It is permitted to travel on CH plates the day before and after the advertised
event, when this journey would require more than one days travel from your
home.
July
Tuesday 1st July 2008; VMVC Meeting Tobruk House
8:00pm.
Saturday 5th July 2008. Military Shooters Club SSAA Rifle
Range, Little River. Rod Mills coordinator; Tel. 97074831.
Rendezvous Geelong side of the ring road, Geelong Highway
9:00am come to look or participate.
Sun 6th July Waurn Ponds Commemoration Ceremony,
GMRG attending, All VMVC members welcome,
Ph Frank Vella, 0415 593992.
Sunday July 26th Emerald Winter Fest. Emerald. Arrive
main street by 9:00 am. Graham Jacobs 94672001
August
Tuesday 5th August 2008; VMVC Meeting Tobruk House
8:00pm.
The Gippsland Vehicle Collection is holding an American
Vehicles Display Day on Sunday August 10th commencing
at 10pm. Free entry for display vehicle drivers, others $5,
children under 15 free. Camping available, for further info
contact Leigh Sheilds 51411461 AH or visit
www.gippslandvehiclecollection.org.au
Saturday 9th, 10th August Snow Trip Rubicon Camping
Area, Rubicon Rd, Rubicon. I plan to have the weekend as an
overnighter (for those interested) .We will meet at Lilydale on
the Saturday at around 8:30AM near the railway station. From
there a drive up through Healesville and the Black Spur to
Rubicon where we will go to the snow from there. Ben
Hemmings. Tel, 98870938
Friday 29th August to 1st September. Burkes Flat Marong
Weekend. Counter tea Friday night, organised trip Saturday.
Sunday convoy to Marong. Saturday Night meal and Sunday
Breakfast supplied. Contact Cheryl on 54962243 Gaston Saint
Sunday 31st August 2008; Reserve Forces Day March
meet St Kilda Rd Flinders St Junction opposite Arts centre
10:30am
September
Tuesday 2nd September 2008; VMVC Meeting Tobruk
House 8:00pm.
October
Tuesday 7th October 2008; VMVC Meeting Tobruk House
8:00pm
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th October. Lardner Park
Warragul. Working displays of steam power. Vintage
vehicles, Model T Ford 100th.
November
Saturday 1st Nov. Euroa Wool Week Festival. 10am .
Neville Mawson 418588868
Tuesday 4th November 2008; VMVC Meeting Tobruk
House 8:00pm
Minutes of VMVC Inc. A5955 General
Meeting held at ROTA Hall
2-6-08
Meeting Opened by the President at 8:00pm
Apologies: I.Austin, B.Hemmings, W.Montgomery, J.Harris
Members present: 28
New Members:
Minutes of previous general meeting:
Accepted: D.Bailey Seconded B.Watt
Business arising from previous meeting
R.Hughes; Looked into the possibility of colour pages for the
newsletter, but they are too expensive. Plastic envelopes may
be a cheaper option for the mailing of the newsletter.
Correspondence in:
Review
AMVCS April
Command and Reconnaissance
AOMC May
Olive Drab May
Renewal G.Donald
Letter to the Editor.
Dear Gordon,
The newsletter has much improved since you have been
Editor, thank you and keep up the good work!
With regard to the June issue I would like to clarify the
‘Highlander” in the photo with Gino and Bruce at the ANZAC
Parade (page 10); this was a VMVC member No.208 wearing
his father’s Glengarry of the Victorian Scottish Regiment
which was incorporated into the 2/5th Battalion AIF.
The list of VMVC tasks on page 9 is impressive but here were
other tasks not recorded which add to the effort we put into
the event. I for one had two tasks with Diggers for 2/5 and
2/6th Battalions for the first and two Greek soldiers and a
Greek Sailor for the second, both kindly organised by Ian
Austin. It was a great day which I have not missed for a few
years since restoring the Jeep.
Robin Mawson and I will be heading to Beltring for the War
and Peace Show next month so we should be able to give a
report on this famous event.
Yours Sincerely,
David Kelly.
Correspondence Out:
Permits
Applications
Rego Renewals
Accepted D.Ashton Seconded R.Geddes
Treasurer’s Report
2-6-08 Balance $3,500.00
Outlays $ 373.00
Total $3,127.00
At the committee meeting it was resolved to increase
membership fees to $30 Full $20 Concession. Last year 128
members paid $25 full fees, while 52 paid $12.50 concession.
Accepted B.Brown Seconded A.Seymour
AOMC Report
The new CH scheme is making slow progress, but is now
ready to put to the minister for approval. Then it must be
advertised in the government gazette. Still has another 12
months before there is anything likely to happen.
Bevan Fenner
A number of members expressed an interest in receiving their
newsletter on E mail, members are requested to provide a E
mail address to facilitate this.
Mike Kelly has been approached about becoming the web
master, intends to close down the unauthorised web page.
R.Geddes suggested we inquire about putting a link to our site
on G 503(The Jeep web page).
R.Edsall asked about the number of permissible days under
the new CH system. We think it might be 90 days.
After the ANZAC Day march a number of individuals have
requested lifts back to the city. Could this be organised? We
think this may not be permissible under the CH system.
Reports on Past Events
R.Edsall Puckapunyal; I.Jarrott turned up with D. Bailey and
we set off in our Dodge’s, stopped at Wandon for fuel. Don
didn’t feel too good and we had to call the ambulance. That
was the end of our trip. (Perhaps Don was over excited by Ray
getting his vehicle onto the road?)
B.Fenner Puckapunyal; Met at Donnybrook left at 7:30. A.
Brooks, G.Edwards, B.Hemmings, P.Reiffel,. Had a good look
through the museum then on to the Seymour Railway
museum, lots of vintage Railway stock. One day we hope Ray
will get past Wandon.
Coming Events
Dates needed for Bendigo swap meet, Emerald Winter fest,
Warburton.
Buy, Sell or Swap
Don had a huge selection of Auscam for sale.
Gino had some free ex-army gear
Special Announcement
The President and committee regret to announce the passing
of long time club member#145 John Duff. He will be sadly
missed by all.
Meeting Finished 8:40pm
General Business
Pg 3
Restoration Engineering Services especially for military
Vehicles; Mechanical, electrical, panel and trim. Complete
servicing and vehicle check over. RWC preparation. Repairs
and refurbishment. Total vehicle strip down and rebuild.
Component restoration or remanufacture. Convenient central
Victorian location, or onsite service if required. Over 30 year’s
restoration expertise. Highest quality at reasonable rates. 117
Mike Edwards PO Box 807 Castlemaine Vic. 3450 Tel (0427)
840 258
2 For Sale; Anyone wanting shoulder flashes and or
pennants please contact the Quartermaster Ron on (03)
98010838 as we need numbers for orders and prices will be
advised before final order is made. Ron
VMVC CLUB ITEMS FOR SALE
Square Jumper Badges
$5
Round Logo Jumper badges
$5
Red Shoulder Flashes
$5
Metal Hat Badges
$5
Window sticker Round
$1.50
VMVC Tac Stickers
$3.00
Club Base ball caps
$10
Available on meeting nights or contact Quartermaster Ron.
2For Sale; Dodge ¾ Tonner Good motor, gear box, transfer
case, broken axle. Front and rear
diff. need work. $800 ONO
Phone Luke 0448563923.
(Pictured)
Bill Cole, member, Tel 56223805 .Looking for crown wheel
and pinion to suit lend lease 3ton Chev truck.
Wanted Euan McDonald – (03) 94391187
Looking for a #19 Radio and power pack.
For Swap; John Moore has a large collection of Russian
medals, cloth insignia, commemorative badges which he is
interested in swapping for Dodge parts. J. Moore 0418322813
Wanted mid to late 1990's Air Force tailer the trailer is a
tandem wheel configuration. 4 x 16" wheels colour is light
khaki the frame is built into the body axles are just stubs
mounted to each side, not going from one side to the other as
they normally would the pay load area is about? 7' x 4' 6" x
about 15" deep the side guards are square and run the full
length of the sides suspension is coil spring and shock
absorber, built into the guard area they have a long draw bar
with a spare tyre mount and a pintle hook tow attachment.
Need to get one or more of these in any condition .My contact
details are: Chas Dale mobile 0419578111
[email protected]
2For sale. Tester QM 142
(1942) with operators manual
$200
R.Edsall Tel 94352346
2FOR SALE: Original Jeep
Trailer 2WH, 8cwt, Aust No. 4,
FMC Serial No. 1060, 1945
D/D. Suitable for restoration.
Contact Rod Coutts,
Swan Reach Vic, Mob. 0412045464.
21. Jeep Parts. NOS Rezeppa CV kit p/n A-1A-16, $50;
thermostat NOS, $10.
2. 1941 Dodge Plymouth DeSoto sedan/ military coupe utility
front clip, headlight and park light fittings, DeSoto grille,
some instruments, door glass, dash panel, trunk lid, steering
wheel, SVS 6 218 ci engine and other stuff left over from my
'41 sedan restoration. Must go prices negotiable.
Neil Wain (VMVC # 061), (CRC # 643 ) 03 9435 3505
2For Sale, 2 X 1944 /45 WS 38 Mark 3 Radio sets. Made for
tropical conditions, for infantry. Both sets are in very good
condition and have microphones and Bakelite headsets.
$150.00 each. Peter Walsh 94321143475
Wanted Willys Mb parts required for restoration, complete
motor (rebuild material OK) Ford or Willys, Inner windscreen
frame and glass. Hood bows and 2nd hand hood(holes OK).
Speedo and fuel gauge, H/ lamp buckets, fuel tank.
Wanted Australian sub machine gun Austen MK 1 parts
wanted. Pistol grip rear, magazines, slings. Any original parts,
to make a dummy.
Member# 295 Peter Walsh 0432143475
Gino, Ian and Alf on the good ship Enterprize
2For Sale; The ultimate accessory
for your L.R.D.G. Chev or Blitz
wagon! Genuine Marsden Bog mat
steel sheets. 2 only, good condition,
sandblasted and painted. 10Ft X 15
Inch $200 each. Also available, a
very limited number of other sheets,
“as is’ with minor rust. $100 each.
Phone Terry Kay after 6 pm (03)
5766 2455 Glenrowan Vic.
VMVC 162
Pg 4
Todd Vail’s Tank Rollover
My journey to Corowa 08 almost didn't occur this year. On the
Sunday 9th March I had booked transport to move the Stuart
with two Ferret Scout Cars from Sydney to Corowa. In
preparation for the event I had filled the Stuart with equipment
that would be required for its maintenance and running. I had
also strapped onto its back the AAVA Club tent. After a two
hour delay the step-deck transporter arrived. Len McCready
duly positioned the first Ferret up on the step-deck and it was
chained down. The Stuart was next. She started and I positioned
her behind the step deck waiting for the signal to proceed up the
ramp. Having executed this procedure numerous times I had no
premonition of disaster. I was given the proceed up the ramp
signal by the driver and proceeded up in first gear. The first
indication that all was not right was when the driver was
indicating more left stick and that the adjustment I was giving
were producing no results. Not wishing to stall on the ramp I
increased power, gave more left stick and proceeded up the
ramp. The tank hit its balance point and slid to the right,
I increased power to bring its weight onto the deck to gain
control. The tank came up onto the deck but slid across the
deck without traction and rolled off the side of the truck. I
locked myself into the drivers position by pushing back into the
seat, pulling back both steering leavers and pushing forward
with my feet. The tank hit the ground on its side, rolled over its
turret and came it rest on its left side. The position I had
adopted saved me being thrown around and fortunately the
turret basket protected my head from being struck by loose
equipment that was thrown around during the rollover.
leakage. There was equipment spawn everywhere as the loose
objects had been flung out of the turret during the rollover
and the tied down equipment on the deck had been flung off.
Apart from one hatch being jammed into the turret and the
battery hanging out of its box by it leads there was no obvious
sign of major damage.
My next concern was the recovery. We cleared away all the
loose equipment. The tank was facing the wrong direction for
"righting" as it was against a wire fence that would be crushed
if we were to tip the tank back onto its tracks. I returned to the
tank shed and started the halftrack. With the tow cable I pulled
the tank on its side around 90 degrees so that we could right it
without damage to the fence line. This caused the most damage
to the tank as the track guards were buckled, rear lights torn off
and the stowage bin crumpled. We then used the 30 ton winch
on the truck to pull her over and the halftrack to arrest the fall
with another tow cable and achieved a very gentle "righting" of
the tank back on her tracks. The battery had been damaged
and was U/S so I used the battery from the halftrack and after
fixing the damaged battery wires the tank started. I reversed
back down the road, the truck turned around and selected a
square stretch of road, I pulled rubber conveyor belts over the
ramps and I proceeded to load without further difficulty.
On reflection the following contributed to the accident: over
confidence, worn tank tracks, truck being parked on a slight
angle and failure to foresee the consequences. Had I had the
benefit of hindsight I would have repositioned the truck onto
flatter ground, used the rubber mats and even used the winch.
All in all I was very lucky in that I was not injured and the tank
sustained very little damage.
Report by Todd Vail
New “park anywhere” tank.
When the tank came to rest I switched off the power and
checked for leaking fuel - called out that I was OK and then
pushed open the drivers hatch and crawled out into the dirt and
grass. I then visually inspected the damage and for signs of fuel
Pg 5
1943 GMC CCKW-353Continued from the
front cover.
The name "GMC" didn’t always stand for "General Motors
Truck Company." In 1902, it stood for "Grabowsky Motor
Vehicle Company" (owned by Max Grabowsky), whose trucks
first made headlines by climbing to the top of Pike's Peak in
1909. From that glorious moment on (and true to today's GMC
motto), early-1900s GMC vehicles quickly became famous for
their ability to handle "professional grade" tasks.
In 1901, Max Grabowski established a company called the
"Rapid Motor Vehicle Company", which developed some of the
earliest commercial trucks ever designed. The trucks utilized
one-cylinder engines. In 1909, the company was purchased by
General Motors to form the basis for the General Motors Truck
Company, from which GMC Truck was derived.
Another independent manufacturer purchased by GM that same
year was Reliance Motor Car Company. Rapid & Reliance
were merged in 1911, and in 1912 the marque "GMC Truck"
was first shown at the New York International Auto Show.
Some 22,000 trucks were produced that year, though GMC's
contribution to that total was a mere 372 units. In 1916, a GMC
Truck crossed the country from Seattle to New York City in
thirty days, and in 1926, a 2-ton GMC truck was driven from
New York to San Francisco in 5 days and 30 minutes. During
the Second World War, GMC Truck produced 600,000 trucks
for use by the U.S. military. In 1925, GM purchased the
controlling interest in Yellow Coach, a bus manufacturer based
in Chicago, Illinois which was founded by John D. Hertz. After
purchasing the remaining portion in 1943, GM renamed it GM
Truck and Coach Division, and it manufactured transit and
inter-urban buses in Canada and the United States until the
1980s. GM faced increased competition in the late 1970s and
1980s and stopped producing buses soon after. In 1987, GMC
later sold their bus models to Transportation Manufacturing
Corporation (also under Motor Coach Industries in Canada) and
later Nova Bus.
1941 - GMC built the first of nearly 530,000
2-1/2 ton 6x6 trucks for the U.S. Army. Most
were powered by the GMC 270 cid engine
that became famous as the "workhorse"
engine of Army trucks. 1941-1945 - GMC produced nearly
584,000 multi-drive military vehicles for World War II. 1942 In June, all civilian truck production was suspended by the U.S.
Government.
1943 "Duck"
1943 - The first of over 21,000 GMC
amphibious 6x6 "Ducks" was delivered to
the U.S. Army. Based on the GMC 2-1/2-ton
6x6 chassis, they were used in many sea-land invasions and
river crossings.
1944 - GMC received the Army-Navy "E" award for excellence
in the War effort.
1944 - Gen. Dwight Eisenhower included GMC 6x6 trucks and
"Ducks" in the list of the six machines that contributed the most
toward winning World War II.
1944 - Limited production of heavy trucks for civilian use
resumed under tight U.S. Government control.
1945 - Government restrictions on civilian truck production
were lifted midyear. GMC began building a limited selection of
"Victory" light trucks, basically carried over from 1942,
without chrome trim.
B. Vanderveen, Historic Military Vehicles Directory
Re-Birth of a Dodge
By Mike Edwards
Thanks Gordon for the interest in the Dodge WC52 and Ben
Hur trailer at Corowa 2008 and also for your notes and photos
of same in May newsletter.
Whilst I was responsible for mechanical and electrical
restoration on this job, the true credit is due to my father and
fellow member Graham Edwards, the actual owner.
Currently without computer, I was unable to forward this article
and photos earlier, via e mail or disc, as preferred. (My
apologies for creating extra work for you in re-typing and
scanning).
Better late than never, here is an outline of the Dodge
restoration and how it is possible with team work and good
mates, to bring new life to a rotting pile of scrap!
Despite numerous other projects, my father Graham and I just
had to add a Dodge Weapons Carrier to the list. Following a
lead from Ray Edsall, Graham ended up securing several
examples form Stawell, Victoria in May 2003. Both vehicles
were in fairly complete but very rough condition, having been
used as Super spreaders on a property near Edenhope.
The intention was to build one out of two, but upon stripping
down the first truck we discovered expansive rust growth
between the double chassis rails. Cross members were no
better! (Super phosphate may be a good fertiliser, but it sure
rots steel!).
Unloading Dodges as found
Assuming the second truck would be just as bad, we abandoned
the idea of wrecking it. Thanks again to Ray Edsall, we were
given a better chassis, which was in his back yard.
Early one cold morning we headed to Ray’s in Graham’s truck
with crane, to pick up the chassis.
Unbeknown to us at the time, Ray’s back yard extends for what
seems like miles, in very hilly country. The chassis lay down a
steep slope way out of reach of Graham’s truck crane.
As providence would have it, Don Bailley was visiting in his
WC 51 and Ian Jarrott was also there working on his Dodge
Carry All. With plenty of hands to hook up the chassis, Don
pulled it up with his Dodge, idling along like a Swiss watch.
Thanks again guys!
Back then to the workshop; some straightening of forward
chassis rails, away for sandblasting, then back again for
phosphoric de-rusting, etch priming and painting. Cross
members were replaced where required. The inverted one
behind the gearbox was replaced with a new unit courtesy of
Dave Mottram, while the box-section mid member(which was
as usual, totally rusted away) was cut out, repaired by Graham
and
replaced.
Bare
chassis
painted
and mid
cross
member
partially
fitted
Around
this time,
we were also very grateful for the help of Darren Wright, who
kindly donated many surplus parts to our cause.
Next came the re-build of springs and shackles, drive shafts and
universal joints, gearbox and transfer case, over what seemed a
hell of a long time with the chassis sitting on the stands. The
original engine was badly worn and the block was so badly
clogged with rust from saline Western District dam water, that
no amount of hot tanking would ever clear out all the nooks and
crannies.
Winch and bumpers fitted
Back on the phone again! This time to Bruce Doughty at
Jindera in N.S.W. who had just completed his WC 52
restoration. From Bruce, we obtained many small parts
including a nice clean standard bore block, which we used as
the basis of a complete engine re-build.
I then fitted the new short block on the chassis, fitted oil pump,
distributor, head, manifold and accessories. In went a N.O.S.
clutch assembly from Ross Prince, then the refit of gearbox,
transfer case, drive shafts and all new brake lines and brake
components. I had previously stripped and cleaned all the wheel
hubs and found all bearings to be in perfect condition. It’s good
to have a win occasionally!
After fitting new seals, I packed and replaced all hubs and
newly machined brake drums. Then came the wheels, fitted
with new tyres and the chassis now stood on it’s wheels again!
Next came the refit of a re-cored radiator in it’s frame as well
as new fuel lines and chassis wiring.
In the meantime, Graham was completing the most involved
part of the entire job.
Pg 8
Anyone familiar with Dodge Weapons Carriers will know that
the body components are nearly always rotted away or bent
beyond all belief and this was a typical case. The rear floor and
troop seats were nonexistent, as were the canopy bows.
Graham restored the remains of the tray box sides over many
months as well as fabricating new rear joists and floor, the
troop seats, bows and bow corners. He also repaired the cab and
front sheet metal, made countless small components and
painted everything ready for assembly.
With the cab sections up on stands, I wired under the dash and
fitted off instruments and switches, working from underneath.
Graham and I then refitted the cab section to the chassis,
spending a lot of time re-establishing mountings and packing’s,
to ensure correct alignment with front mudguards, bonnet and
running boards.
In mid 2007 the hard work was done and after years of no
apparent progress, the “fun part” began.
With a bit of tweaking and swearing, in went a new fuel tank,
then Graham and I fitted the rear side boxes and tray floor.
Next came the front mud guards, windscreen, bonnet, running
boards and cab floor. After fitting off all lights, it was looking
like a proper WC 52 again!
Meanwhile, Jim Harris had kindly organised the importation of
a new canvas cab roof, rear canopy, end curtains, seat covers
and straps from U.S.A. Jim and I went to pick them up from the
freight terminal at Braybrook early in 2008.
These goodies were like the icing on a cake and once fitted the
job was right!
After several test trips locally, Graham and I took the Dodge on
a longer trip on a very hot day in February 2008.
However confident in the job, one is always slightly nervous
about a new and tight engine in these conditions. Fortunately,
there were no problems and after returning to the workshop, I
drained a sump full of new oil and tossed out the filter element.
In went a new load of oil and a new filter. We were now
confident that the Dodge would make it to Corowa and back!
Engine bay fitted out
I then fitted of all remaining wiring from engine to fire wall
including voltage regulator, ignition, horn, etc. As weapons
Carriers are prone to fuel vapour locks due to the position of the
mechanical fuel pump (it gets very not) I had installed am
electrical fuel pump in series with the original, to counteract
this problem.
Under dash wiring in progress
This as well as the modern day necessity of turn indicators
required the inclusion of a fuse panel for same, which was
subsequently mounted on the firewall, just below that nasty
bank of suppression capacitors. (More on this subject in a
future article) Next came the fit out of fuel filter and oil
pressure gauge lines with new flexible hoses, as well as
accelerator, throttle and choke hook-up, with new Bowden
cables adapted to original knobs on the dash panel
The Ben Hur trailer was repaired by Graham over many months
prior, including the complete fabrication of new stake sides,
bows and axle. A week prior to Corowa, I fitted the new axle
and re-built both hubs with new bearings and seals, as well as
new wiring and light fit off.
Graham and I then fitted the stake sides and bows. As we are
still waiting on canvas for the trailer, we borrowed a French
NATO pattern canopy, courtesy of Bernie Brooks.
After a quick pack up of our mess tent etc., food, beer and swap
meet gear, we left for Corowa early Monday in a two up
convoy with our local mate Geoff Hansford in his MB Jeep.
The weather was extremely hot, as all will remember, but the
Dodge performed well both there and back.
No amount of diligence or fanatical attention to detail can ever
guarantee a lack of teething problems with any restoration.
Even modern, new components can fail without warning, or
may be defective in their unopened boxes.
Are we lucky? We most certainly are!
We are lucky to be part of a great network of like-minded
enthusiasts, each dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment
of mechanised military history.
Without such camaraderie, we would all be at a great
disadvantage.
In addition to those members previously mentioned, Graham
and I thank the following people for their help and valued
support;
Clay Harris
Howard Wilson
Ross Prince
H. &V. Pearce
Mick Rizoli
Pg 9
Trip Report
Puckapunyal Tank Museum
We rendezvous at Donnybrook Rd as per plans and waited for
the group to arrive. There were lots of car clubs zooming up the
Hume highway, the modern Jeep club turned up and came and
inspected out vehicles. After a pleasant chat with their members
and a once over of the Jeeps we made our way off up to
Seymour.
It took us only 45 minutes to arrive at the museum, we kept the
speed down and no one encountered any problems, the distance
was about right, not too far with the price of fuel being what it
is today.
The Tank
Museum is a low
key relaxed
place, but with
lots of displays
to take your
interest. The
outside
collection of
armoured
vehicles is very
comprehensive with a wide range of vehicles tracking
Australian armoured fighting vehicles from the 1920’s up and
until the present day. The museum holds many specialized
examples such as bridging, de-mining and flame throwing
tanks.
We didn’t know this
at the time but part
of the contingent
failed to make it to
Seymour, the Dodge
drivers were making
their way to
Seymour when Don
Bailey fell ill and an
ambulance had to be
called. Fortunately
this happened when they had stopped to refuel their vehicles;
it’s a pity they two groups of vehicles were unable to unite. But
the important thing is the Don’s was O.K.
Attendee’s
Ben Hemming
4X4 Escort Car
Terry & Alf Brooks
GPW Jeep
Gordon Edwards
MB Jeep
Bevan Fenner
Series 1 Land Rover
Phil Reiffel
’88 Navarra
Mike Gurkin
M606
Ian Jarrott
Dodge Power Wagon
Ray Edsall
Dodge Carry All
Don Bailey
Dodge Power Wagon
My favourite
tank was
there, a
Sherman and a
‘Pacific” mock
up, that seems
to have spent
some time on
a firing range
with lots of
nicks from
small arms
fire.
After about
two hours of
wandering
about we went
into Seymour
for lunch,
Bevan
suggested that
we visit the
Seymour
railway
museum,
which I didn’t even know existed. This was well worth the trip
in its own right, as the museum holds a number of the state
carriages from the turn of the century up until the 1960’s.
Indeed one of the carriages transported Prince Charles and
Lady Dianna around the state on their last visit. (They mustn’t
have enjoyed the trip as they have not returned.)
I'm not sure if this is a Bushmaster or one of the South
African vehicles that was imported for evaluation, but it has
obviously been used for some sort of evil experimentation
by defence department Boffins.
Pg 10
Trip Report H.M.A.S. Castlemaine
A very successful day, lots of members turned up for this event,
either because of the better weather or its growing reputation
within the club. As luck would have it we picked the same day
as the Williamstown Sunday market was on. So there was
another attraction to view.
This is our third year that we have run this event and the
organisation went smoothly, we parked in our normal place
alongside the ship on Gem Pier. Most members had arrived by
9:30 and it didn’t take long to set up. Alf Brooks had ridden his
Harley down for the event and Ian Jarrott brought his Dodge,
which I think is the first time we have had this type of vehicle
displayed at this event.
The level of presentations on the day was very high. Members
had taken some care in presenting their vehicles in the best
possible light. With a number of excellent weapons and
equipment displays. The ship was looking good, there seemed
to have been a lot of painting going on since last year and the
crew was as welcoming and helpful as ever. We were provided
with snacks and coffee throughout the day.
I was particularly impressed with the new compressed air
driven engine display on the ship,
this really seemed to make the
old ship come to life.
As well as plenty of gossiping
with the members there was also
time to go for strolls around the
parks and shops of Williamstown.
There are lots of shops to savour.
Russel and I went to the Maritime
Museum and took in their
displays.
B.Brown
Jeep
G.Di Tella
Jeep
D. Furness
Jeep &Trailer
M.Gurkin
Jeep &Trailer
I. Jarrott
Dodge
WC52
B.Fenner
Land Rover
R.Hughes
Jeep and trailer
A.Brooks
Harley Motor
cycle & side car
P. Reifell
M40
Motorcycle
J. Chapple
Jeep
G. Edwards
Jeep &Trailer
Excellent line up beside the ship (Just arrived no crowd yet)
Some of the more brave hearted members and I went for a short
cruise on the ‘Enterprize”. All in all an excellent day, by 3:00 I
was back on the road for the short trip back to Kensington
during which I managed to blow up the Jeep transfer case.
Alf Brooks Harley Davison, a popular attraction with the
public
Film Review:
Indiana Jones
and the kingdom
of the Crystal
Skull.
We don’t usually review films in
the newsletter but there is a first
time for everything.
Looking for a film about our age
group and interests? That’s got
lots of military vehicles being
driven to destruction. Then take
a tip and go and see the latest
Indiana Jones movie, its right up
our alley.
There are lots of stunts involving U.S. Army Rio trucks,
M
606 Jeeps, staff cars, Seeps, power wagons and Harley Davison
motor cycles, all being put through their paces in some very
challenging advanced driving techniques. Needless to say many
of the vehicles do not survive the film
Indy about to enter the infamous area 51. Not the array of
fabulous 50's vehicles.
Pg 11
YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEES ARE DUE NOW!
THIS COULD BE YOUR LAST NEWSLETTER
Every year there is massive confusion over newsletters and mailing addresses because members do not pay their fees promptly. If you
want the club to operate smoothly and not have any interruption to deliveries of the newsletter please pay your fees now. Remember you
must be a current club member to legally drive your CH Plate vehicle.
Please Help us by completing this form (Or a facsimile). Your cooperation will be appreciated; Gordon Edwards (Secretary/Editor)
Membership renewal 2008-2009
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Pg 12