Berties progress 14 June 08
at 3:52 pm on Sunday, 15 June 2008
Bertie’s progress this weekend again saw Cpls Lennon and Kirk along with LCpl Burles and his dad, Harry and myself all mucking in to do more work on the ‘desertification’ of old Bertie.
Whilst I fitted the new (later type) handbrake the guys went about sorting out the sand channels (albeit not the proper WW2 type-still looking for them!) spraying miscellaneous items, relocating and refitting the antenna mount and the fabrication and fitting of the various cages to hold the 15 or so jerricans required for the trip.
Also relocation of the exhaust and fitting the new transmission skid plate was on the menu and it all went swimmingly well, touch wood for the next load of work!
Next up will be the electrics (again) where hopefully we can get the circuits finally sorted out and working again (without the onboard barberque). The steering/front axles king pin bearings and shims, the lower shock and engine mountings, also on the agenda, then all being well it’s off to the MOT test and final registration.
More to follow
Major G A W
Weekend 7/8 June 08
at 8:19 pm on Monday, 9 June 2008
This weekend saw us revisiting the trailer and refurbishing the axle to compensate for the jeep weight and the electrics rewired
Cpls Kirk and Lennon, Pte Hegarty and myself all worked a nightshift to get it done to ready it for the transporting of jeep etc.
Also picked up 5 bar treads to replace the old cracked ones.
Next weekend will see me, and hopefully others, getting the mechanical programme continued with items to ready it for it’s MOT test.
To be continued……………………….
Major G A W
The socialising [and work] continues
at 8:08 pm on Sunday, 1 June 2008
Bugger me what a day!
Called up Peter yesterday and told him he should pop round with the camera
to shoot these vehicles here. He pops round about 1630 and is inspired by the Landy/Willys/CMP as any chap who has subscribed to “Boys’ Own” should!
CPL James MacKenzie turned up like clockwork to work on the CMP and not
only gave Peter the tour but between them they got a bit of footage down.
James also managed to free the headlights and get at the bulbs.
We agreed to meet with Sparky Essenden at the Twisted Hop [where else]
and bumped into Felicity Price, SGT Chris McKeen and CPL Andrew McEwen.
Sparky arrived with his Willys and we sorted out vehicles, film footage of
the vehicles, ales and banter.
Words were made over the marketing plan, more of which later.
Quiet words were spoken by yours truly about dedication and team building and working together. I also put it to the team that we get involved with the ANZAC Poppy Day appeal, as well as the parade and this was met unanimously by all.
I have a good, if not irreverant and boisterous bunch of lads involved in this trip - all mad as hatters and fiercely proud of NZ.
Peter’s first appearence with the group went down like a cold ale on a hot day. He and McKeen will be working closely together and they certainly yakked on about kit. I got them and Sparky talking about recharging units onboard the vehicles, whilst Peter explained how he intended to mount cameras on the Jeeps.
All in all the evening was an exceptionally productive one, with action promised and charity service in the works.
We pored over the map of the Torless Camp and organised a work party of Landrover + Trailer and Willys + Trailer to head in on Friday [11th April] night to set up camp with food, BBQ, tents and equipment for the arrival of the remainder party on or about 0900 Saturday morning. McKeen and I will be the forward party plus anyone else available.
Sunday looks to be a grand affair, with all present tonight, plus partners, going to the Papanui RSA at 1800 for dinner and drinks. We will fill out forms of membership, plus talk to the President about our plans and of anything we and they can do for each other. Team Tee shirts are now issued and we will have a few vehicles present. Peter and Sarah-Jane will be in house filming proceedings for the doco.
Photos will of course be added and I’ll make sure Chris takes them - mine are good, but not McKeen good…
B Shapiro
Captain
K Troop
The work continues
at 8:06 pm on Sunday, 1 June 2008
This weekend saw Bertie get it’s final spray of matt sand paint. all of the accessories were also painted, a new speedo fitted, underside waxoyled, and the glove box finally restored in sand coloured hue.
All that remains now is to fit the parts and accessories onto the jeep and then its mechanics for the next stage to get it through its MOT test and finally registered. - Final fits for the jeep will include getting it desert ready and cammed up as per LRDG /SAS markings.
Major G A W