[RHClarke]

Earlier in the week we got an urgent request for CMP axle parts from a chap who lives near Kemptville, ON. Bill runs a CMP that has been converted to a snowplow. Earlier in the week, he lost power to the front axle. After some investigation, he found that the long drive axle had snapped about two inches from the splines on the diff side. So, he made the trek to Hammond to do some shopping. Bob fixed him up with a spare axle shaft. Bill parted with some money and a replacement part. But before he left, he passed on some local knowledge about mil veh wrecks in his neck of the woods...there will be some recces and recoveries in the New Year!

Saturday was a quiet day - most of us stayed home to enjoy the company of family and friends. Sunday saw some activity at the barn, but not much. There was no sense in firing up Lucifer as the visit to the barn was going to be short. My tasks were to dump some diesel fuel down the carb and in the spark plug holes of a few engines that refused to turn over - including the prototype HUP (which I come to find out is actually a "pilot" model). The HUP was easy to get to as it has its own shelter. The Ford (yes, a Ford) had to be unwrapped and space made in the cab to remove the doghouse. The plugs were caked in crap and it was too windy and cold (-32oC with wind chill factor) to mess around with them, so a liberal dose of diesel was dumped down the carb. Interestingly, the diesel started to leak out of a small tube that appears out of a rail assembly on the left side of the engine - the tube's free end spewed the diesel until I pinched it off with some vicegrips. I have no idea what the tube is for, but will seek this info later when it warms up. The Ford has moved up on the restoration list given its historic and "colourful" provenance.

Later in the afternoon, Guy, the Steam Guy made an appearance after a lengthy absence from the barn. He made a beeline to the barn to bask in the warmth of Lucifer's embrace, but was shocked that there was no fire. After catching up on his Christmas presents, Guy left us to our devices.

After Guy left, Bob and I stacked some wood for his home furnance. That worked up a bit of a sweat, so we had a couple of cold ones. Bob showed off his Christas presents and two photos that he got from Joyce's family. He will post copies later. After a quick snack, I headed back home to plan a couple of recces for the New Year.

Just in case the New Year sneaks up on us, all the best to MLU in the New Year!

Photo: Guy and Bob