[Matt Stephenson]

Progress on the restoration of my LP2 has been slow up until recently, but since taking some long overdue leave from work, and also having built up a fairly sizable bank of "nag-free" hours, I got in and got some much needed work done.

The engine and gearbox was removed from the hull in late March, exposing a decent size hole in the floor courtesy of a farmer and a gas-axe, all in order to facilitate the fitting of a PTO for a crude winch. This has been nearly completely rectified now, with only the welds to be ground down smooth. I also took the time to make up new bracket/mounting points for the floor in the front driver's/gunner's section as most of these were deteriorated beyond salvage, with most of the bolt hole having the snapped-off bolts still in situ.

As a South Australian Railways hull, there is a quite prominent and unusually shaped piece on the floor between the driver and gunner. This piece on mine had previously been cut and damaged during its former life, with about 2/3 of the original still in place. I debated for a while only replacing the missing section, but in the end decided to replace the entire piece. I think it will be well worth it in the end.... Also welded on the rear mud guards.... not much, I know, but one more thing off the to-do-list.

Finally, the ATO was kind enough to give me some of my hard earned back to me in the form of a tax return. On being told by the accountant how much I was getting back, I exclaimed to the Minister for Nagriculture that it was what I needed to get the carrier sandblasted and painted... Expecting the usual response, I was surprised to hear her say...."Sure, go for it." After picking my jaw back up off the ground and checking that she did say that, and I wasn't in some alternate reality, I am now working toward getting the hull ready so it can go away and come back Khaki green. I'm hoping to get it done in about 8 to 12 weeks when the weather warms up some more, and there isn't as much moisture about.

Progress pics attached.