War and peace show 2012

[andrew honychurch]

interesting observations on the driving to W and P. I have completely rewired the T16, all the lights works as they were meant to, it has a working Siren ( very loud) and has travelled about 10 miles around private land over a couple of occasions. It has performed pretty well, my biggest concern would be whether a track pin were to snap which would leave one pretty much standed. However, my view on these things is that some day you have to get hold of it and do it, you will never find the weak links ( sorry about the pun) unless you try the thing in anger. I reckon I would need some ear defenders though, as even running it around on turf it can be quite noisy.

It is insured, taxed and ready to go. I may just do it, or else its probably a £200 bill for transport there and back.........there again at 4 mpg !!!!!!!

[Ron Pier]

Daft question Andrew. I assume you have an 'H' licence? Ron

[RichardT10829]

Andrew, as long as you have spares, a jack and tools you can get away with most things... a seized lump or knackered engine is a different matter, but if you know a good recovery agent then no probs... like i say good top cover (commander) is a must, an amber beacon and patience... remember these things are like driving on marbles on the road i have been in carriers on a couple of occasions that have got out of shape on the roads.... and its very interesting indeed.

Shaun is a good one to speak to (amongst others here) as he has done massive miles in carriers over the years.. he usually carries at least two spare roadwheels..an idler.. and perhaps a return roller...even seen spare sprockets ! spare pins, spare links.. spare bearings... correct weight jack... gaskets.... you name it he takes it but most things can be repaired at the roadside with the right tools, so it makes sense.... its no wonder when we see images from the war these things are loaded right down.

you guys could come pick me up from the station in a convoy... now that would be awesome !! hahahahaha

[andrew honychurch]

I do have my "H" elicopter licence yes Ron! Now that is the way to arrive.

Its only 20 miles guys, these things were designed to drive from Normandy to Germany!

I will try it around the local lanes here first and see how I get along. I did drive a T16 in about 2007 at Mons and covered about 20 miles then, great fun it was too. Spun it in front of a Sherman though, carrying out a "high speed" long gradual turn. Message is to make all corners have dog legs on to avoid over heating the brake bands and causing a grab.

[eddy8men]

that's the spirit mate

ref the ear defence, if you go on ebay you can pick up clansman headsets for about a fiver a piece, they are designed to be worn when driving tracked vehicles and work very well, they also have an open and close flap so you can listen to people speak without removing the headset (very handy). if you want comms with any other crew members just buy 2 headsets and a cheap motorbike comm set and you'll have the perfect wireless set up. here's a link to a thread explaining it in detail.

http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread...ht=cheap+comms

[horsa]

We got to experience how easily the T-16 slides sideways on pavement when doing a turn at speed. It can happen with no warning and really will surprise you at how far it will travel due to forward momentum. Makes sense after thinking about the track links turning into skids when in a turn. Easier for them to slide than to grab the slick pavement and keep you on course.

I think you should go for it Andrew and drive to the event if you can line up someone else to ride with you and serve as a ground guide and traffic coordinator. Someone with a truck could probably tow you if needed in an emergency since the carrier would roll easily on flat ground.

[andrew honychurch]

thanks for the advice and comments . I will look into those Clansmen headsets and as you say, an inexpensive motorbike system will do the job. Presumably they have the same sort of jack plugs?

If I am not on lawnmowing duty this weekend, and it isnt raining, I am going to try it down the road and see how we fair. I will report back of course.