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With the long winter months drawing to a close, preparations in numerous sheds, garages and our members’ workshops all over our region clank away to the tune of routine maintenance turning the rust into trusted vehicles ready to enjoy life on the road once more.
We closed our last report with news of the New Year floods across the region.
The rain continued for much of January with very little sun to combat the damp and pretty miserable countryside conditions.
Nic Clay however, managed to make the best of things with one of his vehicles and help out several local stranded
farmers into the bargain. While the floods receded from national news, many villages in Swaledale were still badly affected with surrounding water cutting off many livestock farms. Nic’s Alvis Stalwart was called into action to rescue livestock from starvation by carrying almost 10 tons of feed to these isolated farms.
Nic says that whilst the water depth was only around 5 feet, considered only “shallow wading” he was concerned that he’d not gotten around to fitting that new bilge pump yet and the impellers hadn’t been used in years. Nic’s pretty sure they should work but would prefer to try them out in more controlled circumstances! Well done to Nic for his “Operation Piglet” we’re sure he’ll be getting a few bacon sarnies next time he passes these farms.
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Meanwhile, back in our member’s workshops – we continue to see a number interesting and impressive transformations. All restorations start with a vision of what things might be, Adam Wright is an experienced old hand at this so his latest re-birth a DODGE WC 16 1/2 TON RADIO COMMAND CAR
( 1941 ) is especially impressive, a pretty rare treat to see one complete and in great condition. This vehicle served with US 6th Armoured Signals Corps and was in the European theatre so almost certainly spent some time in the UK before heading overseas. Adam located her in a field in Washington State USA several years back and returned her to the UK to await funds and commence restoration work. After 18 months work with each nut and bolt rebuilt she now only needs her leather seats and canvas to be added so she’ll be ready for this season’s show circuit.
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Not all of our member’s projects are vehicles; Stuart Wright has several interesting two wheeled projects underway. Recently completed is a rare US 1944 Trussbilt manufactured M3A4 Handcart. US handcarts are quite rare in Europe,
Trussbilt models in particular.
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These were hunted down and acquired, complete minus any wheels & tires. More searching and parts sourced from the state. Wheels recreated in Yorkshire to the original specifications thanks to Adam Wright.
Handcarts were used to transport, heavy infantry equipment & ammo. See pictured c/w original US 60mm mortar.
Next on Stuart’s restoration list, is an equally rare Wartime US Carrier, Field Collapsible Manu by The Colson Corp, June 1942. Used to carrier a single field stretcher, a real WW2 rarity.
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It’s been grit blasted, primed & painted, and is now ready for re-assembly, we look forward to seeing them at our spring and summer events. These are a only a few examples of the often unseen dedicated restoration work happening up in our region, bringing historic vehicles back to a life for a new generation to enjoy and cherish.
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