Back to Blitzhaven Part 3

zemsi · #1 21-03-09, 05:56

Well, after my visit to Max & Kathy in Yass in 2005 and 2007, I came back to pick up my Blitz, which has been currently restored by Keefy in Melbourne.

As good old Max used to do in the former years, he has put me into work just after my arrival on Sunday evening with the Corowa Convoy.

Unfortunately, his free labour will be away the next weekend for the F1 race in Melbourne.

Greetings
Chris

Tony Smith · #2 21-03-09, 11:50

It's only right Max puts you to work. Consider it an Apprenticeship. Upon your return home, you will be the only F15 Blitz Mechanic in Switzerland.

zemsi · #3 26-03-09, 14:36

... what a ripper of a day, mate

!!

This morning we had left Yass very early direction Oberon NSW to see what Matt has hidden in his sheds. Max, Ben and I arrived at Matt's place, one Carrier parked out of the shed and 2 other Carriers were parked out the back which we drove around to join the Matilda Tank.

Matt organised a convoy up the paddock, probably the best looking armoured convoy in peacetime in Aussie. 3 Bren Gun Carriers and one Matilda Tank, with one Swiss chappy and fully equipped camera!

We all had a driver training lesson at Matt's Gumleaf Bush School. Without crashing the gears (using a preselected gearbox for the first time), the biggest test was to miss the 3 Carriers, that were been driven around at full pace by Matt's friends, which were there to help.

Matt gave a demonstration on how to scare the passengers when he drove up the bank of a big dam wall with a sharp right hand turn to miss the water. Looked very impressive!

On the way back to the shed, Matt had a little test for me, driving through a creek crossing for beginners. I passed that one with flying colors. However, when it came to the crossing for the advanced driver, Matt gave a demonstration and I thought Matt done a wonderful job in crossing the creek, so just drove around it.

Unfortunately, fuel problems stopped the big Centurion Tank to be driven.

Thanks Matt, we 3 all had a wonderful day. The experience was something we will never forget. Especially it's probably the only running Matilda in the Southern Hemisphere, that a bloke could come from Switzerland and have fantastic driving experience without knowing each other beforehand!!!

Attached are some pics about our adventures. Videos will come soon, as I'm off tomorrow for the weekend in Melbourne (F1 race).

Thanks very much
Chris, Max and Ben

zemsi · #4 26-03-09, 14:38

... more pics

zemsi · #5 26-03-09, 14:38

... Keefy, where rrrr ya?????

Keith Webb · #6 26-03-09, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by zemsi

... Keefy, where rrrr ya?????

Good to see you've mastered the intricacies of the Australian argot, Chris.

Looks like you've been having FAR too much fun over here! Next you're doing something as boring as the Grand Prix in Melbourne. No CMPs there but we should arrange a celebrity race in a few F15s around the track don't you think? It would increase the crowd numbers substantially.

Looking forward to seeing you Sat night. Maybe if you can give me a call today sometime.

zemsi · #7 26-03-09, 21:39

... Max driving the big Beauty for the first time

zemsi · #8 28-03-09, 23:27

... I am in Melbourne since Friday and enjoying the races.

Met yesterday Euan and could "nearly" have a drive in the Mini around the race track ;-) Unfortunately a lady driver crashed one of his Minis before...

Later in the evening I met Keefy and his wife for fancy dinner in town.

I am going soon to see the pit stop lane.

greetings
chris

Max Hedges · #9 28-03-09, 23:52

Keith did Chris tell you about the visitor who tried to get into his bedroom in the early hours of the morning.

Max

Keith Webb · #10 28-03-09, 23:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Hedges

Keith did Chris tell you about the visitor who tried to get into his bedroom in the early hours of the morning.

Max

No... was it by chance a sheep?

Max Hedges · #11 29-03-09, 02:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Webb

No... was it by chance a sheep?

Keith no it wasn't a sheep , but it did have fur. We had a knock, knock at the door about 5am , can you come and have a look and seee what I've got.

Max

zemsi · #12 29-03-09, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Webb

No... was it by chance a sheep?

... niet, look at the little cuty who scared me. Thought at first when I only saw a tail that it would be a Koala Teddy-Baer ;-)

PS Keefy, good you did not tell me anyhing about the Blitz fire

Keith Webb · #13 29-03-09, 00:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by zemsi

... I am in Melbourne since Friday and enjoying the races.

Met yesterday Euan and could "nearly" have a drive in the Mini around the race track ;-) Unfortunately a lady driver crashed one of his Minis before...

Later in the evening I met Keefy and his wife for fancy dinner in town.

I am going soon to see the pit stop lane.

greetings
chris

And we both thank you very much for the meal, Chris!

Wife is of course Belinda, one-time driver of my F60L (she drove it once back in 1998).