2009 at the Hammond Barn

[RHClarke]

The first photo depicts a camouflaged vehicle that was not known to exist at the barn prior to last Saturday.

Sgt Doorite,

Next time, don't be so shy! You may approach the center of HUP excellence at any time. I would be pleased to give you the royal tour. The green "cocoon" is to discourage local cats from marking their territory and to keep beer caps out of the back of the vehicle...

If you are around next weekend, you can lend a hand putting up a new shelter. And trust me, I won't even mention that lovely but lonely orange Ford sitting around the corner in the wagon lines...

[Greg]

Hi Rob,

I see that your litter of cmp's are growing. it is nice to see the trucks coming to the east end of the province. If you are coming out my way, I have a big pile of rags and other items for you guys at the barn.

Cheers,
Greg

[RHClarke]

Sunday morning's calm was interrupted by the sound of an air wrench as I followed Bob's lead and swapped the winter tires for the usual all season tires. I expect snow this week...

After that task, I started to set up a new shelter for the storage of the Prototype. Grant arrived on the scene as I was putting together the skeleton frame of the shelter. Guy arrived shortly thereafter. Both were press ganged into shelter duties. The outer skin was put on and secured to the frame.



Right on cue, Bob made his way slowly to the barn. It seems our chum isn't feeling just right these days. But that did not stop him from standing in and walk-marching the shelter over the Prototype. After nailing together some footing boards, Bob and Grant bent up some rebar as anchors. Four lengths were heated near the tip and bent over forming a hook at the end. These were set into the ground and tied off to the shelter frame. It should hold -eventhough this is a temporary location, these shelters tend to take flight if not properly secured. Seems to me sightings of a flying shelter were made near Kars recently...



I of course took some photos to commemorate this event, and Grant came upon the realization, that while I was taking the photos, the subjects of the photos were doing work...busted! Arguments about recording the history of the barn were met with the expected replies...Guy laughed it up a bit then left to help some other deserving souls.

After a lunch in Hammond, Bob took a siesta. Grant and I restocked the inside wood supply and then we worked on the Prototype - and gave thanks that the mosquitoes have yet to make their bloody appearances. I decided that I would like to see what damage was inflicted on the roof by mother nature. Both the front small and rear large sliding hatches were gummed shut with more than a lot of tar. The front hatch cover came away without too much of fight and I was pleasantly surprised of the good shape it was in.



The rear hatch opening hardware was rusted into place and would not rotate. So, we soaked it with penetrating fluid and will wait until it does its magic. Initial assessment - the roof has to come off and it seems that it should, being bolted to the upper vertical panels. There are a lot of rust holes along the front edge and along the rain channels. It may take a lot of time and spot welding to replace the rotted away metal, but it will be worth the effort.

Grant gave the interior a blast with the air hose and I think the Prototype lost about 25 pounds...We decided to let the dust settle and have a go at the truck next week. Thanks for the help Grant, Guy and Bob. It was appreciated.

[Keith Webb]

What great news to hear she's to be restored, and what a caring custodian she has gone to as well.

I remember my sense of awe when Brian first took me to visit the chicken ranch - an experience I'll always treasure.

And I also endorse the comments about we being custodians of these artifacts. For some, like Brian the custodian also has a more important role: he was the one to save it in the first place (and in this case with an unlikely Aussie connection).

In addition to the pictures on my OldCMP site there is also a video walkaround and interview with Brian on the "Year of the Blitz" DVD.

[Col Tigwell]

I really enjoy watching all your efforts, its guys like you stop the history of the world going back to dust and into the ground.

I also note with keen interest that you have troops in reserve and under training and ready to take over when your bones just cannot answer the call.

Next time you have photos you are posting, can you post some of the children from base reserve, I am sure I am not the only one who enjoys watching them grow up.

Best of luck with the latest four wheel baby, many people I am sure appreciate your efforts.

Regards

Col

[RHClarke]

Saturday: Bob and Grant (along with a neighbour) cut wood. Not satisfied that they had worked up enough sweat they then removed the front axle from the Dodge ambulance...
Sunday: After some shelter repairs (we had high winds on Saturday afternoon), Bob worked on some welding while I tinkered with the accelerator linkage for the 45 HUP. Come to learn that the transplanted 235 and the original linkage are not compatible - when I moved the gas pedal the engine side arm slightly tapped the fuel pump sight glass and it was rude enough to shatter. It would appear that I will have to use the non-sight glass fuel pump... I also played with the light pots for the 45. There seems to be a variety of pots available, but we were able to find a set that wasn't too rusty or bent up.

Still no mosquitoes!!!! Still no roll out...maybe next weekend...

[Phil Waterman]

Originally Posted by RHClarke

Saturday: ......

Still no mosquitoes!!!! Still no roll out...maybe next weekend...

Hi Rob

I can send you up a box of black flies and mosquitoes? Do you want them in separate boxes or just one large box.

We went from having cold weather to 91 in three days so the black flies hatched out all at once and the mosquitoes are starting to hatch.

Cheers Phil

[maple_leaf_eh]

Did Guy Vapeur choose his choce of canvas? I will need some sewing on M38A1 side curtains and doors.