The front wheel cylinders have arrived. Only 8 days from order to arrival. Really only 7 days, because I got the package note yesterday, and couldn't pick up until today. Less than $100AUD for both, including shipping.
Also, take a look at this footage I found on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSnDr6zMlJs
It is an amauter film of the Victory Parade, London, 1946.
A dear friend of mine is the commander of the Churchill Tank that appears 3:05 into the film. What an honor that would have been. The film is even in color. I don't believe todays O.H & S would allow tanks to run so close to pedestrians these days. And probably not that fast either.
I remember in the early 1990s, I was at a "VJ" Day parade in Brisbane, and a couple of modern tanks were participating in that. I vividly recall the tanks were shut down for an RAAF fly past, then they started up together. I was standing quite near one of the two when the engines were started. Oh my GOD! I have never felt such a shaking of the ground, as they both roared into life. The whole street just vibrated with the immense power and noise. That's a feeling I will never forget. Mind you, there is such a number of pipes etc below the streets, that probably played a part in magnifying the effect.
The most moving sight for me that day was one old soldier who had obviously had a stroke at some point in the past and could hardly walk, but he half staggered, half dragged one leg, the ENTIRE LENGTH of the parade. He would be gone now, no doubt. There's no justice in the world
For those who don't know, VJ stands for Victory over Japan. In these politically correct & enlightened times, we now call the day VP day (Victory in the Pacific). Wouldn't want to upset the defeated agressors!