1

MAGAZINE OF THE CITROËN SPECIALS CLUB

Issue 137 July - August

2

2CV Nautique

More on page 25

3

Geoff Ticehurst 118 Old Roman Bank Terrington St Clement

King’ Lynn, Norfolk PE34 4JP Tel: 01553 829142

Email: editor@citroenspecialsclub.org

ADDRESS LABELS Carole Chitty

MAILING

Richard and Barbara Goodman Email: ragbag3948@yahoo.co.uk

Printed in England by:

Midland Printers

Copy for September/October needed

by 5th August

The next Flat Out will be issued around the

1st of September .

Please send articles by e-mail or typed to the Editor

Neither the Editor nor the officers of the Citroen Specials Club are necessarily in agreement with opinions expressed in this magazine. Such opinions are entirely the views of the author and imply no recommendation by the Citroen Specials Club.

All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealings as permitted under the terms of the Copyright Design and Patents Act of 1988, no part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the written permission of the Citroen Specials Club

4 Area Reps 6 Chairman’s Notes 7 Editorial 8 General Secretary 11 Scottish Frozen North 13 East Coasters 17 Cotswold Chat 18 North Wales and West Mids 20 North Thames Gas 21 North West Notes 22 Not so Wild West 24 Eastern Angles 25 East Midlands 16 Matter of Great Importance 25 2CV Nautique 26 Three Rivers Run 28 North Yorks Fun Run 30 Stilton Cheese 32 Wedding 33 Let the buyer beware 34 The Germans have a word 35 Quiz 36 2CV Racing 40 I sat in a Morgan 42 Norway - The Return Journey 45 Making a Dashboard

Editor

Copyright

www.citroenspecialsclub.org

4

Officers

Chairman: Steve Parrish 16 Ivor Close, Holbury, Southampton, Hants 023 8089 2071 SO45 2NY email: stevejan@talktalk.net Gen. Secretary: Dr John Fowler Rivendell” Shortsill Lane Flaxby 01423 867410 Knaresborough, N Yorks HG5 0RT e-mail john.fowler67@talktalk.net Minutes Secretary Jennie White 01387 370291 Treasurer: Alan Peacock Verazze, 61 Windmill Avenue, St Albans, Herts 01727 862971 AL4 9SJ e-mail: threewheeling@sky.com Membership Carole Chitty 8 Forest End, Fleet, Hampshire, Secretary: 01252 620 128 GU52 7XE e-mail: admin@citroenspecialsclub.org

Area Representatives

North Thames: Vic Braybrook 11 Meade Road, Billericay, Essex 01277 622 331 CM11 1DE

South West: Ron Bishop 2 Beresford Gardens, Landsdown Lane 01225 335777 Weston Bath, Avon BA1 4NX Cotswolds: Gordon & Allyson Burch 6 The Barracks, Parkend, Lydney 01594 562844 Glos. GL15 4HR E-mail badgerburch@tiscali.co.uk South Wales: Contact: Rob Raikes 90 Heol Bard, Bridgend, Vacant 01656 668683 Mid-Glamorgan CF31 4TD 01656 668 683 email: owlin.kats@virgin.net North East: Vvacant East Midlands: Jim & Joy Barry 164 Polwell Lane, Barton (Midshires) 01536 724 512 Seagrave, Kettering, Northants (Sub Group) NN15 6UB North West: Malcolm Hopwood 67 Station Road, Thornton, Cleveleys 01253 854363 Lancs. FY5 5HZ ` Scotland: Jennie White Whitelaw Cottage, 01387 370 291 Carlesgill, Westerkirk Langholm, Dumfrieshire DG13 0NZ North Wales & Philip Costin-Kelly 42, Timbertree Road, Cradley Heath West Midlands: 01384 567804 West Midlands, B64 7LE.

5

South Vacant South East Vacant Northern Raymond Lloyd 19 Monaville Avenue, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Ireland: 02892 587156 Northern Ireland BT28 2DF East Anglia: Dennis Page The Buntings, Ringsfield Corner, Weston, 01502 71349 8 Beccles, Suffolk. NR34 8LA East Midlands David field Warren House, 24 Cherry Tree Lane, (East Coast 01522 753372 Nettleham, Lincoln, Sub Group): Lincs. LN2 2PR North Wales: Contact Bob Lloyd The Oaks, Preston Gubbles Road, 01939 290216 Bomere Heath, Nr. Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 3LU

Area Representatives cont.

Falcon Contact: Joyce Taylor Ridge Cottage, Glevering Hill, 01728 746155 Wickham Market, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 0DG Specials Contact: Derek Smith 4 Shernbourne Drive, Windsor 01525 876 671 Berks SL4 4AE Pembleton Contact: Dave Parr Oaktree Cottage, High St, Inkberrow 01386 793042 Worcs WR7 4DY.

Advisers and Sales Technical Advisers: Derek Smith 4 Sherbourne Drive 01753 868 537 Windsor, Berks SL4 4AE5 Dicky Dawes 55 Pedlars grove, Frome, 01373 461589 Somerset BA11 2SX e.mail: Dickyandpat@hotmail.co.uk Regalia Sales: Lynda Kiley 14 Spender Close, Exmouth, S Devon 01395 263163 EX8 4LP Handbook Technical info: Jim Barry 164 Polwell Lane, Barton Seagrave 01536 724512 Kettering Northants NN15 6UB

Contacts

Front Cover A handsome cockpit and dashboard

Photo sent in by Paul Narramore

6

Chairman’s Ramblings By the time you read this, hopefully Geoff, our Editor, is getting back to his old self after his dealings with the NHS and I’m sure you all, as I do, wish him well. Stoneleigh Show was only one day for me this year and for the show it-self that was plenty of time to see everything I wanted. The Club stand had a good turnout on the Sunday and it was good to see and meet members old and new. The most interesting thing was that Triking had a stand for the first time that I can remember. Is it a sign of the times with the new Morgan due to come out soon? Have Triking had to get out and sell to the wider public but with a kit costing from 8K they will still not be cheap to build. It does make the prices that people asking for good Lomaxi look a bargain, maybe we should be asking more. Some members have been saying we sell our cars too cheap. Spring has seen the weather being ideal for getting out in those Specials and I hope you have had better luck than me. Spring has been very frus-trating with the Panhard engine leak-ing oil from a damaged pushrod oil seal just before the MOT. So engine out to get it through the MOT. Man-aged to get up to Stoneleigh with en-gine still leaking from somewhere. We got back OK. On close inspection I found the oil leaking from a cracked crankcase, cause unknown, but the engine was not far from being in two parts as the crack had gone from front right to rear left. Engine out

again, spare engine rebuilt and put in. First run out got one mile from home and the hy-draulic throt-tle broke a fitting (hydraulic throttle? Just an-other thing I have been playing with over the last couple of years. When it works properly it’s a very smooth easy action). Managed to get home with my trusty piece of string as a hand throttle and found a brass fitting had fractured. I managed to make a special stainless replacement, tried fitting it and could not bleed the sys-tem properly. After checking all the other fittings I found a chaffed hose with a small hole which has to be re-placed. What’s with me and oil? I must be keeping the profits of the oil industry high by myself. If there is an oil shortage, sorry it’s my fault. I keep on telling myself and Jan that it’s all part of the fun of owning a Spe-cial, but I would like to get out into the sun while it’s here, just now and again. Hopefully we will have made it to the Summer Gathering in Dorset and not used any oil. Let’s hope the weather is as good for the rest of the summer and we all have to use Fac-tor 50 (oil again). Keep on revving

Steve

7

Editorial Welcome to the 137th issue of Flat Out. I suppose I should say I’m quite pleased I am here to edit the maga-zine again. I must take this opportunity to thank all the members for all their good wishes after my recent incarcera-tion by the NHS. I have to say I am now in the rudest of health thanks to two lit-tle tubes no more than three millimetres in diameter and about twenty millime-tres long. I am now a fully paid up Member of the Stent and Bi-pass Club. We should start an SBPC regis-ter within the CSC. Nuff said. Thank yous must also go to David Field who started me on the hunt for 2CV racing boats and also sending me photos of weird and wonderful ma-chines. One of which appears on page forty six. Also thank you to Terry and Sue Pearson who were invited to the wed-ding of Bob Raikes and Valerie Beer and thought to send me report of said event. Bob was involved in a horren-dous accident in 2003 and eventually married one of his carers. Congratula-tions Bob and Valerie. Had a run in with my insurance broker a while back when the insurance on the 740 Volvo increased by about 150%. I had been warned by my daughter who works in insurance that most motor policies would increase by about 38% but I thought 150% was a bit steep. I contacted said broker and asked if the quote I had received was the best they could do, and it was. When I said I would go elsewhere they asked me to let them know if I found anyone cheaper. “Why, will you match it” I said, “because if you do I know

you’re taking me for a pratt” As it turned out not only did I find a cheaper quote but it was cheaper than my previous year’s pre-mium. I’m old enough to remember customer loyalty and the benefits it used to ac-cord. No more. Seems everybody now relies on ’looking around’. Not just insurance. No wonder the Just Com-pare websites are so prolific. I’ve just re-insured the Lomax as well and turns out I only did about 300 miles in it last year. A waste of a good car and a definite indication I’m getting old and soft. Reading Steve’s bit about selling our cars too cheap I think I have to agree. Having come upon a Morris Minor meet one cold and windy June day I decided to see what sort of prices they fetch. Looking round the internet (price comparing?) I find they sell from £2000 up to £9000 (much like 2CVs) so why do Lomaxes sell for so much less. Not such a good idea looking at the Minors because I learnt to drive in one and now I want one - or two. I’ve al-ways said I buy on impulse and now I’m empulsed to buy one. “No you won’t” says Gwen. Suppose I’ll have to stick to the C1. Good car for a tin top but not the same. What’s happened to the Falcon I hear you ask (or maybe I don’t). It’s waiting patiently for a large dob of enthusiasm. Or perhaps a large dob of decent weather. Keep your stents reamed out Geoff

8

General Secretary Hi everyone I am sure that all too many of you will agree that time flashes past as soon as you give up the daily grind and it is already time for another edition of this esteemed publication - which as far as I know has yet to be featured on "Have I got News for You" and other smart-alec TV shows. However, with the Sun beating down outside and my 3-w h e e l e d F u n - W a g o n L o m a x "Demented Wasp" running and fully road-legal, life is far from bad right now. Nevertheless, things are unde-niably a little quiet on the CSC front now that our very successful AGM weekend in Llandudno is now history. Before I forget (and with outline ar-rangements now agreed with the ho-tel), I can confirm that next year's AGM Weekend will be from Friday 28 March to Sunday 1 April, once again at the Regency Royal Hotel Llandudno. Many of you will note that this will be one week later than it could be; but hopefully the delay will bring some good weather at that uncertain time of the year. I will include full details, booking forms and so on in later edi-tions of this magazine, but in the meantime please get the dates re-served in your diaries right now to en-sure a great (and extremely good value!) weekend on the North Wales Coast next Spring! I can also advise that the CSC is now a fully paid-up member of the Club of the Federation of British Historic Vehi-cle Clubs (FBHVC). This 500 club organisation is doing some really great things for the UK classic and kit car and bike movement as a whole - so it's

really good that we now play a full part in it. Space precedes too much de-tail right now (and with my good wife now hovering rather menacingly over this machine) - but those of you with computers may wish to log on at www.FBHVC.co.uk to read all about it. Al-ternatively, please give me a ring to see how FBHVC membership can benefit our Club as a whole. Before closing this month, I am hon-our-bound to relate a short story which I must admit fills me with some embar-rassment - especially as many of you have commented on how brilliantly and carefully made my Lomax 223 "Demented Wasp" undeniably seems. Going back over 10 years, some of you may remember my story of how it's rear arm bent on a rather enthusi-astic drive over Kettlewell, and how the resulting violently exploding rear tyre caused me to be recovered home on an AA truck. Eventually, I ob-tained a "Mark 2" reinforced rear arm from the wonderful Lomax Motor Com-pany - and after many hours of pain lifting the body off the chassis, fitted it in the dead of night in my garage. All was then well, but fast-forward 3 years and a loud graunching from the car's rear end occasionally spoiled my driving enjoyment. Additionally, some CSC members noted that my car's rear wheel was leaning some-what, but all merely put that down to the wonderful Lomax "precision engi-neering" of that time. In many in-spections of the car's chassis and sus-pension system, I could find nothing wrong and to be fair my car has "sailed through" it's annual MOT test these past 10 years. The occasional graunching got even worse and far

9

more frequent this year; so much so that I asked my good friend Dennis Cawston to investigate. Over 3 or 4 beers, this indeed showed that the rear bearing could be tightened up by a full turn but suffice to say the graunching was then worse then ever. At an appointed date Dennis, Alan Pells and I set about the car on ramps and jacks to see what was wrong. Lo and behold, (and after many more beers) and indeed once we had re-moved the remains of a very mangled suspension bearing, the truth was clear for all to see. I must now point out that one does not need to be a fo-rensic mechanic to conclude that over 10 years ago, some idiot (i.e. me) had failed to put on the bearing's outer race before screwing down and split-pinning the screw ring. Hence, I can now admit that my beloved car had run around 20,000 miles and indeed passed 10 MOT's in such a condition!!. A new bearing was quickly fitted and

things are now all well. Well there you are, I am sure that eve-ryone's faith in my mechanical ability is now sadly shattered. Unsurprisingly, I am still very embarrassed about the whole episode but I am also sure that Dennis and Alan would have certainly "blown the gaff" if I had not. Be-sides, this sorry story does show: 1. How strong our cars really are. 2. What a great Club we have that members come round and put things right so well. 3. Your Gen Sec is indeed human after all. That's all for this month and safe driv-ing to you all.

John

Rumour has it that a small jet engine is being tested

to assist small, slow vehicles to keep up with the traffic in towns.

Owing to the intense exhaust heat it is not recommended for any three wheeler.

10

South: The Cricketers Arms Pub, Chestnut Avenue, Chandlers Ford (Eastleigh), Hants. Last Sunday of the month, 12 noon. The Foresters Arms, Kirdford, Billingshurst, West Sussex. Tel: 01403 820205. 2nd Sunday of the month 12 noon. RH14 0ND South West: The Live & Let Live Frampton Cotterell nr. Bristol. 3rd Monday of the month. Tel: Derek 01454 250959. The Borough Arms, Bodmin, 2nd Monday each month. North West 2nd Saturday each month from 1.30pm onwards. The Bowling Green on the A49 at Charnock Richard PR7 4LA Malcolm Hopwood 01253 854363 Cotswolds 1st Sunday of the month. 12 noon. Hunters Inn, Longdon. contact Gordon & Allyson on: 01594 562844 for more details East Midlands (East Coast Sub Group) 12 noon, last Sunday in the month (unless this clashes with an event) Bainland Country Park, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. It is suggested that casual or first time visitors contact David Field (01522 753372) before travelling in case of an event clash. East Midlands: (Mid Shires Group) Monthly winter meetings (October to March) 4th Sunday of the month at Sibertoft Airfield (between Husbands Bosworth and Welford on the A5199) for 12 noon. Monthly summer meetings (April to September) Jim or Joy on: 01536 724512 to confirm venue and book numbers. East Anglia: The Horseshoes, Billingford (A143) or The Bell Wortwell, second Sunday of the month, 12.00 for 12.30 pm. Please phone as numbers need to be confirmed. Dennis Page 01502 713498. North Thames: The Airfield, Galleria Site, Lemsford, Comet Way, Hatfield, Herts. AL10 0DA. First Sunday of the month, October to April from 12 noon. Vic Braybrook 01277 622331

Monthly Meetings Regular Meetings not necessarily listed in Area Reports

11

SCOTLAND FROZEN NORTH Two great May events. The North Yorkshire Moors Fun Run was sun-shine all the way. Organised by Spike and Jan, with over thirty cars enjoying the scenery and great driving. Several CSC members and lots of other Pem-bletons and different cars, some we have met previously on Malcolm’s 10,000ft. Run. A super day with lunch at the Lion Inn high up on the Moors, and much hospitality from Beadlam Grange Farm Shop and Campsite. If you are in the area, try this Farm Shop. It has absolutely everything you could want, including a lovely tea room. Thanks Spike and Jan for a su-perb day out! At the end of May we went on the Three Rivers Run in the little known North Pennines Area. River Tyne on Saturday with Hadrian's Wall, the Wear on Sunday with lead mines and the Hartside Café at 1,900ft, and the Tees on Monday with High Force Wa-terfall, Bowes Museum and a last meal at Allenheads Inn. All three days were much enlivened by gale force wind and blustery showers, making the driv-ing even more exciting! The regulars welcomed “OUR FRIENDS from the SOUTH”, Philip and Natalie, Alan and Carole and Dave and Lynda. Very pleased one of them “volunteered” to do a proper write up. We also welcomed Alan and Malcolm from Jarrow on their first CSC event. Hope we have now conscripted them for SFN. We were joined on Sunday by Albert, great to see him again. We did miss Geoff and Gwen, but we are looking forward to seeing them at the

Summer Camp. 11 cars on this long weekend expertly arranged by Mat-thew and Alsie. Great information and directions - we wouldn’t expect any-thing else from these two! Thank you gifts on Sunday evening included two poetic offerings for their loo walls. These poems were duly read out, by Matthew and Alsie, in best “Geordie speak” - Much enjoyed by us all! Very many thanks from all of us Matthew and Alsie. One more piece of news. SFN are do-ing the Summer Camp in 2012. We found a lovely site at Faskally, just out with Pitlochry. This will be from Thurs-day 14th June to Monday morning 18th June. This is probably one of the best areas in Scotland for good car outings. Whichever direction you go there’s spectacular scenery! We have booked all the campsite’s letting stat-ics and chalets. Fifteen statics, 11 with three bedrooms, big bathrooms with separate loo with basin and four with 2 bedrooms and a put-you-up, in-cluding one van equipped for disability use. The statics are altogether as are the four chalets. Two of these with 3 bedrooms and two with two. There is plenty of camping space and vans and tents will be in one area. It’s a fairly small site so everyone will be able to get together easily. Great swimming pool and areas for our “dos”. In early June I will be revisiting the site to fix more details and have a haggle to get us the best prices! As the stat-ics and chalet places are limited start thinking about “phoning a friend!” If possible we need to get four people in each unit. If you have six, the price will

12

July 9th Motor Extravaganza at Glamis. Jennie August 26/29th Highland Games Run. Staying in two Lodges near Killen, eight in each lodge. Runs and Highland Games visit. Cost of accommodation only approx £50.00 p.p for 3 nights Camping space for vans. Janet and Iain MacRobert (652J) Tel: 01313191558 September 4th Grantown Motor Mania - Contact Callum if you want to go (1595) 01463 231787 16/18th Selkirk Show, Jennie 24th 10,000ft Run. Malcolm Hopwood. North West Rep. (1591) 01253 854363 December 2/4th Christmas Weekend. Jennie (1162J) XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX

Scotland Frozen North (contd.) be even better as there will be one set price for the statics and one for the chalets. You will be able to add on ex-tra nights at the same advantage prices per unit, yet to be negotiated. More details and booking forms in next Flat Out.

Hope that’s given you all something to think about - if you came to the last Scottish do we’re sure you will enjoy this one. If you didn’t then don’t miss out again!

Jennie Events Diary

Copy of the card sent to me by the Three Rivers Run after I had to pull

out

Editor

13

East Coasters We’re now well into the season

which started in April with our an-nual meander around the Lincoln-shire Wolds to blow away the cob-webs and to start the season off. This year, however, for the first time, I introduced a new dimension to the run – a mystery tour! After a meander around some of the smaller and less familiar rural vil-lages in the Lincolnshire Wolds we reached our secret destination, Stockwith Mill dating back to the early 17th century and located in an area of the Lincolnshire Wolds fa-miliar to Alfred Lord Tennyson dur-ing his early life. The 13 of us who took part thoroughly enjoyed the sun, the peace and quiet and the tea-rooms in this delightful setting.

On a particularly blustery day in the beginning of May, we visited the Springfield Classic Car Show in Spalding, entry to which also included access to Springfield Festival Gardens. On arrival at the site we discovered that Club signs had been erected on the allocated plots, however, the CSC plot was full of Citroen DS’s, BX’s and

other recent classics. We discov-ered later that the Peterborough branch of the Citroen Car Club had mistaken our plot for theirs (which was further on) and parked. There was plenty of room, however so they stayed and we joined them. They turned out to be a friendly bunch so the intention is to swap event information and possibly have more collaborative events in due course.

Citroen Specials

Club

Later in the month saw us back at Belvoir Castle for the second year running where we joined with members from other Groups in the East Midlands area for the annual Steam Fair & Classic Car Show. With 6 from the Mid-Shires includ-ing our East Midlands Reps Jim & Joy Barry, 4 from the Derby/Notts Group and 10 from the East Coasters we occupied a prime po-sition at the display of Classic Mo-tor-Cars. Also for the second year running, Ian & Martha Lowther very generously offered their cottage in Redmile (a stone’s throw from the castle) as an

14

Assembly at Chez Lowther

assembly point for those converg-ing from the different areas. Some had travelled some distance and so a half hour breather, comfort stop and the offer of Tea/Coffee and sausage sarnies was very wel-come prior to convoying into the event in style. The amount of atten-tion the cars were getting from the public was quite amazing, not just looking but also asking questions, including some chaps who were in the middle of a Lomax restoration who spent the afternoon looking under various bonnets and crawl-ing under several cars looking at the suspension set-ups. As usual the banter was hilarious and all in all it was a good day.

The Blackjack Zero/Guzzi build

currently underway by East Coaster Brian Boyle has reached a milestone - it’s now officially a roll-ing chassis. With suspension in place and a nice set of Avon Wet boots fitted, the chassis has now become mobile making the rest of the build easier to get at. As those who have built Blackjack cars will know, the quality and engineering of the individual components of these cars is legendary and justi-fies the price builders have to pay for the kit. Lastly, it isn’t often that we have news like this in the East Coasters, in fact during the time that I have been a member it is only the sec-ond. Just a week before our March Monthly Meeting, two of our mem-bers, Keith Bradshaw from Gran-tham and Annette King from Slea-ford became engaged to be mar-ried. The wedding will be some time next year, meanwhile, we wish them both our sincere con-gratulations – well done!

David Field

15

September: 3rd/4th Live Music Evening*/Classics in the Park, West Ashby Manor (Application form req’d for Saturday evening event only) 11th Belchford Downhill Run 25th Monthly Meeting - 12 Noon - Bainland Country Park, Woodhall

Spa followed by a visit to Metheringham Aifield to see and hear East Coaster Ian Allaway carrying out an engine test run on a recently refurbished ex RAF Jet Provost training aircraft.

October: 9th Market Rasen Classic 16th End of Season Meal - (12 for 12.30 Meal) Bainland Country Park, Woodhall Spa 30th No ‘Monthly Meeting’ November: 27th Monthly Meeting - 12 Noon - Bainland Country Park, Woodhall Spa

More over page

East Coasters Events List

(Events marked * require an application form – contact David for a copy) July: 10th Spilsby Show * 16th (Sat) Saxilby Show (Special Request by Pete & Jan Herbert – Come

and hear the lady sing!) 17th Fir Park Wings & Wheels (Near Mkt Rasen) * 31st Monthly Meeting - 12 Noon - Bainland Country Park, Woodhall Spa. August: 21st Steam & Vintage Vehicle Show (Lincolnshire Showground) We cannot

exhibit at the show but can have our own display in the car park as last year!

28th Monthly Meeting at Stamford Classic Car Show *

16

In addition, the following fill-in events are currently being investigated A seaside trip to Mablethorpe. Beach and Seal Sanctuary included. (Keith Halliwell investigating) A visit to Tattershall Castle - This may follow a monthly Meeting or may coincide with a Special Event being staged at the Castle A visit to Markham Grange Steam Museum and /or Brodsworth Hall nr Doncaster (Engines usually in steam on the first Sunday in the month EXCEPT for June and July when they are shut down for annual boiler inspection.) A day trip to Crich Tramway Museum in Derbyshire. (The last time we went we man-aged to arrange for our cars to be exhibited inside the Museum) A Garden BBQ somewhere by someone – any offers? A visit to the award winning ‘Brigg Farmers Market’ followed by a trip to Brigg Garden Centre. (Also award winning) The farmers market takes place on the fourth Saturday of the month.

Details and dates for all of these events to be confirmed

David Field

,East Coasters Events cont.

A Matter Of Even Greater Importance!! Philip in Macclesfield tells me that the only chrome polish that is any good on Harley Davidson is called ‘pig spit’, but this is only available in the USA. I said as a club we will help and this is how I plan to do it… When we are out in our open cars on the highways and byways and we see some Harley Davidson’s either on our side on the road or on the other we shout out, ‘Pig spit’, and when the said biker is sitting on his bike eating from a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken, he will say to the others, “Did I hear pig spit as we came up that hill?”. The other bikers will nod in agreement and one will say ‘pig spit’ is a special chrome polish made for the use on Harleys in the States, and the next time I am State side I will ship a load over… JOB DONE!! Caution: Do not say ‘pig spit’ to any that you may meet face to face on the high street as we don’t need any fisty cuffs!

Alexander Heywood

17

Cotswold Chat We have just returned from Evesham Balloon Festival where 4 Specials joined up with other Citroen vehicles – 6 H Vans, a couple of 2 CVs, an Ami and an Acadiane for a varied display. Unintentionally an Eriba Puck brought for accommodation purposes also be-came an exhibit as did our Motorhome when we left the door open on one oc-casion. Sadly due to a persistent ‘breeze’ there was a distinct lack of balloons! However that did not stop us from having a good time although the night glow was a little strange without the balloons and just the bare flames – as one bright spark noted “what a shame they all brought yellow gas”. Easter Monday saw 6 Specials at the Coleford Carnival of Transport but some disappointment was expressed again on where the club had been sited as there was really no room in the narrow one way street to put out a chair and have a good chat. Another 4 of us went to the classic car show at the Three Counties Showground, Mal-vern although on this day there was more emphasis put on Ford vehicles. There were some interesting classics there. John Walker’s “Steamy Day Out” on May 12th was well attended starting with lunch at the Golden Cross, Wooton Wawen followed by a pleasant drive to Ilshaw Heath which is the home of the Birmingham Society of

Model Engineers where the big kids in all of us were treated to numerous rides around the track circuit on a miniature steam locomotive. The after-noon was rounded off with a cream tea and ample cups of tea or coffee. There was a technical element to the pro-ceedings with John Sobey having to replace Rudolph’s voltage regulator (Rudolph is his 2CV) and after much in depth discussion the consensus of opinion was that unlike the fitting of brake pads to a 2 CV it doesn’t really matter which way round you put the jam and cream on a scone as long as there is plenty of it!! We are off to France again this year for the Caux Retro in July and unfortu-nately will miss the Summer Camp but let’s hope the weather is good. This year our annual camping week-end is a Little and Large event as we are inviting H Van owners to join us as well as other Citroen owners. It will be held on September 23rd- 25th at Apple Tree Caravan Park, near Dursley. Af-ter last year’s Water Tour we are hav-ing an Air Tour this time. Contact us for details. Well there’s not a lot else to say just hope to see you soon.

Gordon & Allyson Burch

Forthcoming events September 23rd – 25th Little & Large Camping weekend. Apple Tree Caravan Park, near Dursley – all welcome.

Contact Gordon & Allyson Burch

18

Hi everyone, And especially members who live in our wonderful CSC area. I hope you have been using your little cars a lot this summer despite the rising of cost of petrol. Does anyone have any tips on how to save the juice besides car-rying less weight and being a little more gentle on the gas peddle? I mean we just have to carry all those spares and our cars just have to be driven sprightly, don’t they! Well our first Summer run out to Ludlow was attended by a 2cv, a Burton, a Lomax 223 and a motorbike and sidecar; what a varied turn out with eight members. It was a great day with an Antiques \market in the main square and a goodly display of motorcycles coming and going, together with a Canadian three wheeled Bombardier (very nice) if you have won the Lottery. There was also a huge German trike powered by a Peugeot engine - all yellow and chrome and must have cost a bomb. Among this display was a lonely Lo-max. I waited around to see if it was a member who I had not met before. When he turned up I asked him if he was in our club but he made it very clear he did not want to speak to me and would never be a member of our club! This is the first rude Lomax owner I have ever met (I don’t get out much these days)!! Everyone said they enjoyed the day and good weather; it was such a pity that the members who have told me they like runs out did not turn out and enjoy the day. Then I attended one of the clubs main events of the year, the Stoneleigh kit

car show. I managed to cadge a lift in Mike Ryder’s Burton. It was great bowling along in Mike’s car with many second looks - it looks so good and boy does it go! It was nice to meet up with so many members. I had not been to the show for a few years and even though I feel it has changed some-what, I really enjoyed meeting up with club members and going around the other club pitches. Many thanks for the lift Mike. Our second run out to Foxton Locks was led by Ray John due to Natalie and I having to change our holiday dates and thus being away. It turned out to be a complete flop with only Ray turning out. You all missed Ray’s great company and a really interesting venue, with two tea shops, a pub, a great little museum and of course the locks and all the narrow boats passing by. Thank you Ray for your time and support. For our next adventure we went on the Three Rivers Run, very well organised by Matthew and Alsie Joy from the North East section. The cars on the runs included three and four wheeled Lomaxes, a four wheeled Falcon, a Hudson Kindred Free Spirit and our 2cv – nine in all. The event sold out the allocated hotel bedrooms but two members booked into the next closest hotel and joined us each morning. We really enjoyed the company, the fantastic views and scenery and the history County Dur-ham has to offer. This was a part of the country I have never visited before but certainly hope to return. Our 2cv completed 761 miles and never

North Wales and West Midlands Area Report

19

July Saturday 9th Gornal Fun day. DY9 9XV. From noon; this is one of my favourite events. A great little show and normally only one other member attends. Give this show a try - you might like it as well. Tuesday 12th Beckett’s Farm Classic Car meeting from 6pm. B47 6AJ. Sunday 31st Black Country Living Museum, DYI 4SQ Lomaxs only, or cars built in the Black Country. This is an excellent venue with lots to see and do. At present I do not have any entrance forms (I have some on order) August Tuesday 9th Beckett’s Farm Classic Car meeting from 6pm B47 6AJ. Sunday 21st Lupin Farm Gathering, Orgreave, Kings Bromley, close to DE13 7HP September Sunday 4th Himley Hall Car & Transport Show. Dudley,West Midlands, DY3 4DF Tuesday 13th Beckett’s Farm Classic Car meeting from 6pm. B47 6AJ.

missed a beat. What next? Well, we are planning our last garden party. It will have come and gone before you read this. It was the last of the planned events I had arranged before the ‘new rep’ should have taken over but as that did not happen I will stick to the Diary that was put in the last Flat Out, No.136, for you to pick out anything that interests you - so it’s up to you. If you are aware of

anything interesting going on just let me know and I will include it in the next ‘Diary’. But remember it’s a bi-monthly magazine and it is written up a month before, so really 3 months no-tice is required! No one came forward to organise a summer run so I’ve not included it. The winter meeting venue will be in the next magazine. I’m still waiting for any comments on this.

It is with much sadness that I report the death of a member. She was the lovely Shirley Tyne. David you are much in our thoughts at this sad time. We know some members are in poor health at this time and we wish you all a speedy recovery. That’s all for now. Drive safe.

Philip and Natalie 1502J. Diary

20

North Thames Gas Hello, Geoff. Trust you are recovering well and will be able to join us at the Rally. Here is my July/August Report: The Bedford Classic Car Show at Woburn Abbey was very good again. Lovely set-ting, lots of deer and a very good discount for getting into the House and Gardens. Also, we met a "newish" member who is interested in coming to some events. The Chiltern Hills Rally on 15th May wasn't a washout like last year, but was cool. At least Jim and Trish who again laid on a splendid buffet, didn't have to put up with dripping clothes everywhere. A Red Kite, soaring about 20 ft. above their roof was an impressive sight. Entry form for the Chil-tern Open Air Museum Car Show on 24th July can now be downloaded, w.w.w.coam.org.uk. If you cannot access a computer, I

could put one in the post. The Royal Gunpowder Mills Car Show, on 7th August at Waltham Abbey - I have now obtained an entry form. I managed to con-tact somebody (very difficult) and was told I can enter all the cars on it. Entry is free for driver but £5.00 per passenger. I assume this can be paid on the day but am await-ing clarification. There is an Air Show at Little Gransden on the 28th August again (there was some doubt this year) but it clashes with Kneb-worth Classic Motor Show and most mem-bers wish to go to the Motor Show. The Milton Keynes Museum on 18th Sep-tember is the easiest for me to organise - I just have to 'phone them approx. numbers of vehicles attending - very laid back!

Vic and Denise Braybrook

July 3rd Sunday. Heathrow Classic Car Show, British Airways Concord Club, Crane Lodge Road, Cranford. £3.00 per vehicle - pay on entry. 9ththth Saturday Hoddesdon Vintage & Classic Car Show. Free, spaces limited so pre-book early. 24th Sunday Chiltern Hills Open Air Museum Classic Car Show. See Report above. August 7th Sunday Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, Essex. See Report above. 14th Sunday "It's Showtime" Classic Car Show, Purleigh, Essex - free - obtain forms from me. 28th Sunday. Knebworth Classic Motor Show. I obtain passes and have to apply 28 days in advance. Entry £3.00 per car and 2 occupants. Little Gransden Airshow (see Report above) September 4th Sunday Kensworth Vintage & Classic Car Rally. Download Entry Form on w.w.w.bhvcc.com. £3.50 for vehicle and 2 occupants. 18th Sunday Milton Keynes Museum (see Report above) 25th Sunday Motorbilia Day, Battlesbridge, Essex. Free but must book 14 days before. No entry without booking.

Events

21

North West Notes

July 2/3rd Fyled Vintage Weekend, Wharles, Kirkham 10th Leighton Hall, Carnforth, Lancashire 23/24th Pilling Agricultural Show 24th or 31st Bank Hall, Tarleton 30/31st Grange/Flookburgh 31/1st Aug Hambleton House, Garston Lancashire August 14th Lytham Hall, Lytham, Lancashire 28th Barrowford Show September 3rd Bentham Agricultural Show 24th 10,000ft Car Run

Phone Malcolm on 01253 854363 for all information.

Hope to see as many as we can in 2011

North West Area Report Hi Folks Got wind that the London to Edinburgh Rally was having a lunch time stop at Hawes. So a group of us went over. It was fantastic, millions of pounds worth of cars, and you could just wander about looking, listening and soaking in the atmosphere, how the other half live, couldn’t help but think that our cars cost a fraction of the price of those cars, but we get just as much pleasure and fun out of ours. Managed a trip to Stoneleigh on the Sunday thanks to my good mate Derek Martin. I was most impressed by the Triking stand. The CSC area stood out as one of the best sup-ported, a good turn out of cars and people.

Next came the North Yorkshire Fun Run. Well done to Dave And Jan for an excellent event. We hope this might become an annual run. Drove over with North West new members Dave and Julie Knight, they were in their JBA Falcon. (Their Lomax is not finished yet). Next was Chipping Steam Fair, drove over on the Friday and camped, a nice fine day. Woke up Saturday to heavy showers and windy, and thought of people who put all the hard work get-ting things ready and having such poor weather. It didn’t put me off I camped for four days and enjoyed it.

Malc

North West Events Diary

22

What I nice surprise…. Some rea-sonably good weather over the Bank Holidays and a chance to show of our “pride and joys” to best advan-tage. On Sunday 17th April we were in-vited to join the local Bristol group of 2CVGB on a “Coal and Water Run” around the area. We met mid morn-ing at the Easton in Gordano Ser-vices and were amazed to see a huge array of VWs already there. Some beautiful examples of all types of VW cars and vans which left in an impressive convoy shortly before us. We had joined several Gloucester Area Lomax, about a dozen or so assorted 2CVs and Dyanes and five really beautiful Traction Avantes (Maigret style Citroen). At around 11am nearly 30 of us set off in an orderly convoy around the local coastline, through Blagdon (where we made a brief comfort stop), up through the Cheddar Gorge and across country to a delightful thatched country pub near Head-dington for lunch. Unfortunately, as we were running rather late we did not join the others for their visit to the Caine Locks near Devizes. However, we had an enjoyable day and our sincere thanks go to Noel Hutchin-son of 2CVGB for his kind invite and all his organisation. The following Saturday four of us at-tended the Westbury Vintage Show near Bratton; a nice little local show, very relaxed, especially as the sun shone brightly all day.

On Sunday 24th I was joined by my middle son, Nigel, and we took both cars down to “Classics on the Lawn” at Weston - Super - Mare where we joined Bryan in his newly acquired Gogomobile and his wife Yvonne in her 2CV powered Berkeley, and an amazing array of other classic vehi-cles. The event attracted a huge amount of interest, loads and loads of visitors, and being set on the lawns parallel to the sea front it was an ideal venue. Bank Holiday Monday a couple of is visited the “COLEFORD FESTIVAL OF TRANSPORT” where we once again saw a wonderful array of clas-sic vehicles, and enjoyed wandering through the town admiring some beautiful models…. There were some great cars there as well!! On Sunday 8th May our newest re-cruits to the area Geoff and Pat ar-ranged for us to meet at The Inn at Freshford where we had lunch; after which we were treated to an hour or so of travelling round the local coun-tryside, through some lovely pretty villages and finally back to their home in Bradford on Avon for freshly baked cakes and welcome cups of tea. The following Sunday seven of us assembled at the Croohands, Old Sodbury where we met Janet and Patrick who gave us details of their “Mystery Tour”. We passed through many villages whose names were familiar but that had never been visited and arrived at

Not So Wild West

23

never been visited before, and ar-rived at the Swindon and Cricklade Steam Railway just in time for lunch. Although the weather was not bril-liant it was dry and warm enough to enjoy our picnic stop. We continued out journey through the winding lanes, had load of Japanese visitors scrabbling for their cameras as we slowly made our way through Castle-combe, continued up over Colerne and eventually back to Patrick and Janet’s home for another fine “Teatime Assortment”.

Thank you folks for your support, I know we all enjoy these runs, and a special “thank you” to Geoff/Pat and Patrick/Janet for organising these runs and for your very king hospital-ity. I am signing off now as Janet and I are flying off to Cyprus in a few hours to enjoy a well earned break in the sun….but we will be back.

Ron and Janet

Not So Wild West Events Diary Not So Wild West Events Diary June 11th - 12th WILTSHIRE STEAM AND VINTAGE RALLY ( Oare, Nr. Marlborough ) 18th -19th WESSEX MIDSUMMER VINTAGE GATHERING ( Semington. A361 between Trowbridge & Devizes ) July 2nd - 3rd HEDDINGTON & STOCKLEY STEAM & VINTAGE RALLY ( between Chippenham & Devizes )

Regards Ron & Janet

Belvoir Castle Steam Fair

It was a good show, chillier and windier than last year with a couple of light show-ers, but OK, especially if you like old steam traction engines, tractors (hundreds of tractors) and other old crocks.

John Davis

24

Eastern Angles There are not many occasions when we in the East Anglian Area get to-gether, aside from the Sunday lunches, so I was very pleased with our display at the recent Henham Wings and Wheels Show. I was only expecting a couple of cars because, unfortunately, as you are all aware, Geoff and Gwen our erstwhile editorship team were coming but Geoff’s faulty ‘motor’ pre-vented that happening. Member wise we had Trevor and Yvonne - in his not yet sold Lambda (it is now - editor) and Mick and Mary’s 223. We also had a very tasty Tri - King, not yet a member but I’m still working on that, trying to persuade him. A first time visitor was Eddie in his re-cently purchased 223, MOT’d at my recommended MOT centre, who is an even more recent new member! I also gave membership details to a chap with an exceptionally high ground clearance 224. It had a fixed bench seat and the owner (I can’t remember his name) told me he had to have cushions on the back of the seat as he had difficulty reaching the pedals. I did think a more permanent idea might have been bet-ter. There was also a Falcon looking car and guess what, I forgotten the name of it, must be a Senior Moment thing.

For as long as I can remember (bearing in mind that’s not long) I have a some-times reluctant ISKRA starter motor. The symptoms pointed to worn brushes and ECAS reckon these are difficult to fit, I got in touch with a local automotive electrics engineer who was quite ex-cited by the challenge. The brushes were worn and he told me he “should be able to find something”. Less than three hours later he was on the ‘phone to tell me “Job done”. In addition to the brushes, he had replaced the pinion bush which he said was also worn. So, for any one within driving distance of Lowestoft who need any electrical work carried out, I would wholeheartedly rec-ommend The South Lowestoft Fuel in-jection Company who you can contact on 01502 585879. On the subject of diminishing area members, I do wonder if any members living in the Cambridgeshire area, which the BBC sometimes include in their Look East regional programme and obviously consider it to be an east-ern region, Citroen Specials Club East Anglia region members instead of the North Thames Group. I appreciate this may an issue and will raise the idea at the next committee meeting.

Dennis

Dates for your Diary 10th July Hevingham Hall Country Fair (which is the same day as) Sunday Lunch at the Horse Shoes, Billingford. Contact Fran on 01473 730434 24th July Gillingham Transport Rally 31st July Weston Country Fair 14th August Sunday Lunch at the Wortwell Bell. Contact Fran

25

PT0

As I said in last months report the Mid-shires Sub Group, which covers North-amptonshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and East Warwickshire, South Notting-hamshire and Derbyshire, has many members who we never see or even hear from. We would like to hear from you to see if you would like to join us for monthly or any other meetings. Apart from a very pleasant meeting with David and his team from the East Coast Sub Group at Belvoir Castle, by David and Lynda Brownlie together with Joy and myself there has been nothing happening within the Mid-shires Sub Group. Hopefully we can get something going after the Summer Camp Our meeting venue is at the Gliding Club based at Sibbertoft Airfield, which is between Husbands Bosworth and

Welford on the A5199. Our meetings are on the 4th Sunday of the Month and it is therefore advisable to give me a ring on 01536 724512 to clarify the situation and to inform us if you wish to join us at Sibertoft. It is an interesting venue, which attracts other classic car clubs and of course, you have the at-traction of the gliders taking off and landing. If you feel that another meeting place would be more appropriate let me know so that we can discuss the op-tions. Also if you have an event or idea that would be of interest to our mem-bers just give me a ring on 01536 724512 or email me on jim.barry@ntlworld.com.

Jim and Joy Barry

East Midlands (Mid Shires) June - July Report

2CV Nautique

2CV Boat Racing

All the rage in France but with a good following in this country as well. The boats use the 2CV en-gine as an outboard. They are water cooled and usu-ally turbo charged as well. They don’t hang about. I hope to do a more substan-tial article next issue.

26

Three Rivers Run We have just returned home from a most enjoyable trip to the North Pennines or-ganised by Matthew and Alsie Joy. We journeyed up to Helme Park, County Dur-ham via a stop over at Owston near Don-caster. We were first to arrive on Friday and were soon joined by the rest of the party, last to arrive being Chris and Judy Rigby. There were several members that we had not met before namely Alan Moseley and Malcolm, John Alford and Hywell also John Plaister. What a friendly bunch, every one set on enjoying the break. Matthew and Alsie had prepared a de-tailed itinerary for the whole weekend, with wonderfully clear route instructions and a quiz based on place names that kept Carole occupied as we drove through the wonderful scenery. Pheas-ants, peacocks and baby ducks all seemed intent on coming into close con-tact with our cars but all except the pheasant escaped unharmed. Fantastic roads to drive, straight but with great un-dulating dips and climbs the Pepsi Max roller coaster at Blackpool would seem tame by comparison. We visited the Ro-man Army Museum at Greenhead and were able to walk to Hadrian’s Wall to enjoy the remoteness and wonderful views, the weather windy with a few showers somehow added to the feel of the place making us think of those Ro-man soldiers so far from sunny Italy. Lunch was had in the Anchor Inn in Hay-don Bridge by the side of the river, the sun now shining, then another ride through spectacular scenery to Stanhope. Finally back to our Hotel, via Derwent Reservoir for dinner and banter in the bar, a wonderful day. Day two saw us out and about again this time visiting the Killhope lead mine after which we travelled over Alston Moor to the Killhope summit (2,040 feet) on our journey to the Hartside Summit Café over

1,900 feet for lunch, a great place full of cyclists refuelling after climbing the twist-ing roads the hard way. From here we motored again across beautiful wild coun-tryside finishing up for coffee at the Wear-dale Inn in Ireshopeburn. Where some of the party still had the energy to visit the museum and High House Chapel built in 1760 and still in use, another perfect day. Monday came around to soon but even though most had to return home, all en-joyed another half day of sightseeing, we stopped to stretch our legs at the impres-sive Bowes Museum a magnificent build-ing then visited the High Force waterfall, England’s highest at 70 feet. Lunch had been pre-booked at Allenheads Inn. Un-fortunately the demonstration of the Hy-draulic Engine that had been arranged was not possible due to a fractured com-ponent, we will see this next time. After lunch we waved goodbye to Iain and Janet MacRobert, Jenny White, Merlin and Chessy, Chris and Judy Rigby and Craig and Leslie Ashbridge. Philip and Natalie Costin-Kelly visited the cobbled town of Alston whilst Matthew and Alsie, Dave and Lynda Brownlie and ourselves took a ride to Lambley Viaduct and walked the short distance to climb up onto it and enjoy the views down the river valley it crossed. Then back to the hotel for our last night. We can’t remember a more enjoyable CSC get together, well organised at a great venue, with good food and at all times in the company of friends. We thank every one for making us so wel-come and despite the mileage that we covered, 907 miles, I can’t wait for the next opportunity to ‘Go North’. Finally our thanks to Matthew and Alsie for all their hard work in making this event such a success.

Carole and Alan Peacock

27

We are planning a great weekend in the heart of Scotland, in and around the spectacular scenery of Perthshire. Accommodation will be in highland lodges close to the village of Killin over-looking the river Tay and near the Falls of Dochart. We have managed to secure self-catering accommodation for around £50 a head for 3 nights : Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday we will be at-tending a highland games in the beautiful town of Dunkeld, followed by a barbeque in the evening On Sunday we plan to have a run over the Perthshire hills to Loch Tummel and on to Rannoch Station . The weekend, including entrance to games, all food, including Sunday lunch (but not refreshments and lunches on Friday and Sat-urday) will be in the region of £80 - £95 per person. If you want to join us please call Janet and Iain on 0131 319 1558 or send a de-posit cheque for £20 per person made out to Janet MacRobert and addressed to 21 Long Crook, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, EH30 9XR

THE HEART OF SCOTLAND RUN 26TH - 29TH August 2011

28

Joy and I rose early on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning in order to ensure that we were there to get ourselves set up and to welcome the early birds that were normally waiting for us to arrive at 9am. Af-ter an uneventful run to Quenby we arrived at 8:45 am to find Sarah and the other staff busy laying out the picnic tables and chairs on the lawn. Surprise, Surprise this year our first entrants did not arrive until nearly 10am. Never mind it gave Joy and myself time to have a cup of coffee and to unwind before the oncoming rush that we knew was to follow as we had 190 vehicles booked in. Some of the entrants came as far as Billericay in Essex, Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, Pers-more, in Worcestershire, King's Lynn in Norfolk, Stroud in Glouces-tershire, Banbury in Oxon and of course we had to have one from Hungarton and another from Stil-ton. At first there was a steady trickle and then, all of a sudden there was a queue, fortunately Lynn and Tony Mellor arrived to give us a hand. Big big thanks to Lynn, es-pecially following her recent opera-tion. The front of the Hall and overflow car park was soon taken up with a wonderful array of classic vehicles including Terry Davies’s 1948 Austin K4 5Ton Dropside lorry which was carrying a very large

wooden crate, covered with a tarpaulin, that looked very 1940’s. When asked what was inside the crate I was informed it housed bedding, washing and toilet facilities for when they were at weekend events. Another car, among many, worthy of note, was Robert Leacroft’s very pretty 1947 Triumph 1800 Roadster seen here leaving Quenby Hall.

Friday 6th May saw us motoring to Helmsley from sunny Norfolk for the NYMFR organised by Jan & Spike S t e p h e n s o n . T r a v e l l i n g i n “Bolide” ( Pembleton Brooklands, BMW motor) we avoided motorways and dual carriageways, but our “keep it simple” intent was overcome by road works and closures. It was with some relief we arrived at Plumpton Court, some 400 yards from the eve-ning meal and less than a mile from the start of the Run at Beadlam

Grange Farm Shop. Add Pembleton to Beadlam and you get bedlam. The evening meal was a hoot. The “Desi Spice Club” is a Bengali restau-rant and a communal table for 14 was a riot. Unable to separate individual orders, a “tab” was created. Again, no great emphasis on dish was applied, but “another beer Sir?” seemed to be

North Yorkshire Fun Run 2011

29

A particular feature of the roads from here on, was the element of “patching” – indeed, there was often

more patch, than original road. We arrived at Rosedale Bank – a series of sharp bends up a 1 in 4 and really challenging motoring. My own particu-lar progress was marred by the driver of a Euro box who decided to slow down and stop to admire the view, mid-climb!. A restart on a wet 1-in-4 brought steam from my spinning front wheels! A hex has been placed on the driver of the Eurobox.

All completed the run safely, back to Beadlam Grange Farm where advan-tage was taken of their diversified Tea

Rooms and home-baked cakes. Those remaining at Plumpton Court for the the evening were collected by minibus (thanks Duncan!) and taken to The Fox and Hounds at Sinnington for an-other evening meal. Fewer than antici-pated turned up , but after a “wait in the Lounge, please” for the tables, a few bevies and quote of the day (Dave Parr) “Nice Jugs!”, the evening meal proved worth the wait.

21 cars took part:

9 Pembletons, 3 Lomax, 1 Wilbot ( with champagne toasting for the inaugural outing), 2 DRKs, 1 Tempest, 1 BRA, 1 Bar-low Alfa (just about everyone voted Philip Barlow as the man they’d like to have as a neighbour!), 1 Marlin, 1 Falcon and 1 Midge. Eve-ryone completed the run, there were no breakdowns and no one got lost! All in all a most superb event.

All credit to Jan & Spike Stephenson.

Mike Meakin

30

Joy and I rose early on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning in order to ensure that we were there to get ourselves set up and to welcome the early birds that were normally waiting for us to arrive at 9am. Af-ter an uneventful run to Quenby we arrived at 8:45 am to find Sarah and the other staff busy laying out the picnic tables and chairs on the lawn. Surprise, Surprise this year our first entrants did not arrive until nearly 10am. Never mind it gave Joy and myself time to have a cup of coffee and to unwind before the oncoming rush that we knew was to follow as we had 190 vehicles booked in. Some of the entrants came as far as Billericay in Essex, Potters Bar in Hertfordshire, Pers-more, in Worcestershire, King's Lynn in Norfolk, Stroud in Gloucestershire, Banbury in Oxon and of course we had to have one from Hungarton and another from Stilton. At first there was a steady trickle and then, all of a sudden there was a queue, fortunately Lynn and Tony Mellor arrived to give us a hand. Big big thanks to Lynn, es-pecially following her recent op-eration. The front of the Hall and overflow car park was soon taken up with a wonderful array of classic vehicles including Terry Davies’s 1948 Austin K4 5Ton Dropside

lorry which was carrying a very large wooden crate, covered with a tarpaulin, that looked very 1940’s. When asked what was inside the crate I was informed it housed bedding, washing and toilet facilities for when they were at weekend events. Another car, among many, worthy of note, was Robert Leacroft’s very pretty 1947 Triumph 1800 Roadster seen here leaving Quenby Hall.

This year, for the first time, Freddie and Aubyn DeLisle had decided to open the doors of Quenby Hall, which was soon taken up and groups were soon being led off for the grand tour. The most enjoyable parts of this event are the casual groups leav-ing at various times during the morning and not all in one long convoy. Everyone can go at their own speed at their own leisure, stopping when they liked and tak-ing in the wonderful scenery along the way. Each village they drove through is like a little gem among so many.

Stilton Cheese Classic Vehicle Run April 17th 2011

31

Time soon passed and at 12:30 the final ‘Late Entry’ was booked in and away they went together with the last of the viewers of the hall. Time for Joy and myself to pack away the paperwork into the car and set off to New Lodge Farm where we could relax and mingle with all of the others and enjoy the Hog Roast and picnic before mov-ing on to The Bell at Stilton. How-ever it was not to be, when I turned the starter the engine failed to start. Despite many attempts and checking the wiring I found there was no spark, this meant

calling the breakdown service who took just over 2 hours to find us. As we had a rather large cheese to deliver we asked the driver if he could take us home via The Bell which agreed to. But as we ap-proached Stilton he received a message from his boss informing we had to pay a surcharge of £41.75 to cover the extra mileage. So that my friends is the end of our part of the story. Except to say when we arrived at the Bell we were very pleased to see every one relaxing with beers and re-freshments in the warm sunshine. Jo, the manager of The Bell,

kindly made us some delicious sandwiches to eat on our way home as we had not had anything since our early morning breakfast.

We were due to meet up with David Whale, The Heritage Direc-tor, of the F.B.H.V.C and members of the Air Ambulance fund raising team at New Lodge Farm but of course this was not to be, but he and they have contacted us saying

how much they enjoyed the wel-come and relaxed atmosphere of the event. David said he was par-ticularly impressed with the person-alized details on the entry card and the certificates of achievements re-lating to the event. We have also received many other phone calls

and emails telling us how much they enjoyed the day and the wonderful weather that we had organised.

32

Stilton Cheese Run (contd) We are still waiting for more

photo’s taken during the event to be sent to us. Hopefully they will be sent in the near future. The very good news is that this year we raised £930 for the Air Ambulance Fund, not quite the tar-get of £1,000 we had hoped for but

we hope we can achieve this next year. The problem with the Lomax was subsequently traced to a faulty coil which I have now replaced.

Jim and Joy Barry

P.S. Footman James/AXA breakdown service agreed, under the circum-stances to refund the £41.47 charge that was made. Jim asked me whether I knew the couple in a Blackjack who came from the King’s Lynn area. I haven’t seen a Blackjack around King’s Lynn and I wonder if anybody else knows this couple.

Geoff Editor

Bob Raikes has been a stalwart member of the club for many years. Several of these were served as area rep for South Wales. Apart from owning and driving a spectacular Buckland Special he built and drove a lovely Lomax Lambda. Many members will remember that in 2003 while on-route to the clubs Summer event in the Cotswolds Bob was involved in an horrendous collision on the M5. This col-lision resulted in Bob suffering very exten-sive injuries and enduring many months in Hospital. They say there is a silver lin-ing in every cloud and in Bob's case this appeared in the form of Staff Nurse Val-erie Beer. Caring for Bob was her duty falling in love with him was above the call of duty. We can only guess that Bob thought that from his sick bed he could only fantasize about what might have been with Staff Nurse Beer. Early in 2004 doctors thought they could do little more for Bob and he was moved to a different

hospital. Bob and Val began to write to each other and Val visited Bob. Whilst caring for Bob it would have been unpro-fessional for Val to be anything but a carer for Bob but at this second hospital she could be a friend and it wasn't long before Bob stole a kiss from Val. The rest as they say is history. The most recent event in this inspirational tale took place at St.Mary Magdelen Church Maudlem South Wales on Tuesday 7th June 2011 when Robert Mervyn Raikes took Valerie Jane Beer to be his lawful wedded wife. We were privileged to attend this warm loving event where we met the families and friends of Bob and Val, this gave us an insight into the strength of the love and support they have. P.S. Bob is planning to build a Black Jack Zero. The kit is on order and the Moto Guzzi engine awaits in Bob's garage.

CSC Member Marries

Photo on back cover

33

This one for the lovers off poetry Since the magazine appears to be go-ing a bit poetical of late, I thought I would dig out a few of my own efforts! These were scribbled during my lunch breaks, inspired by co-workers in the Inspection Department of a local air-craft parts manufacturer, circa 1996. The Chief Inspector in the Buyer Be-ware, took a copy home to his wife,

who had it framed and hung over the fireplace. I’m indebted to another ex-colleague who typed, decorated and theme printed them on his computer.

Tony Hogan (1157)

Let the Buyer Beware

34

Quiz No. 9

Name the Windings of this famous Pass in Italy - NOT THE PASS name

Replies to: Anthony Shelton 39, Vine Close

Ramsgate CT11 7BJ

………………………………………………………………….

There’s nothing like a good day out in the summer, my Dear.

Here’s a nice cup of tea

to warm you up

35

Indicators: Die Blinkenlightenmittickenfurturnen. Bonnet: Der Fingerpinsher und Kopfchopper. Exhaust Pipe: Das Spitzenpoppenbangentuben. Speedometer: Der Egobooster und Lyneschootinbackerupper. Clutch: Das Kupptinvherks mit Schlippen und Schtinken. Air Horns: Der Vhatderhellvosdadt Klaxonfanfaren. Puncture: Das Pflatt mit Dammundblasten. Learner Driver: Die Dumpkoff mit Elplatz. Driver (3rd person): Die Dumpkoff mitaut Elplatz. Driver (Ist person): Die Grandwagertmeister mit Grossere goundschvollenkopf. Rally Driver: Der Fasterundfaster vor Kraschenschteerin vhellverker. Sports Car: Der Cipentoppen mit Draften road hold en und Lotz erpoke, Estate Car: Der Schnogginvhagen mit Bagzeroomfurrompiner hand. Mini: Der Buzzboxen mit TrafficveerinvhistshakenundFin geraisin. Petrol: Das Koslijooze fur Geddinzegreezcoffendentrousen. Motor Club: Der Meetinghaus fur Wagennatterinelbowraisin und Chaddenupzie­birds.

The Germans have a word for it Club Members visiting Deutchland in their ‘Pride and Joys’ May find the following phrases very helpful and amusing.

(the Germans might not)

Ken Haddleton (Mem 1268)

36

1 Week Before Testing. I spent the previous week sorting jobs on the car. This included adjusting the rear camber, which meant cutting through the welds on the strength-ening on the rear arms, then bending the rear arm and re-welding the strengthening back on and fitting the new engine built by Sammie Fritchley. Sorting the front lighting bar/engine loom to make engine re-moval easier. Swap the Ami shockers for new Gaz adjustables. I had a slight panic with the shockers, I left the job until last seeing as all to do was a couple of nuts off, old shocker off, new shocker on, not quite! As the car had Ami shockers on I found that it also had Ami shocker mounts that are M14 and not M12 like the 2cv. So had to change the mountings, luckily they came out easily as someone had copper greased them in.

Friday 6th May Testing. I arrived just in time for the first test session. Luckily I always make sure that the car is ready to go straight off the trailer, so I signed on at race control and went out on my first trip around the Silverstone National Cir-cuit. I could see by my timing beacon that my lap time was about 1:35. The car went reasonably well but was suffering from fuel starvation half-way through Copse Corner, so we changed the primary jet and emulsion tube in the carb and jacked the near side of the engine up more to com-pensate for the movement of fuel in the carb. This made a considerable difference to my lap times that were now down to 1:33.50. I also discov-ered that by removing the front anti roll bar that I reduced some of the un-dersteer into Brooklands. I spent the rest of the day adjusting the shocker settings to help settle the car in the corners and eventually ended with a fairly soft set up and a lap time of 1:32.7.

Saturday 7th May Qualifying 1 and 2 We had torrential rain Friday night Saturday morning but our qualifying wasn’t until late afternoon. The weather brightened up just before lunch-time and we were allowed to get the cars to scrutinizing early. No changes were made to the car set up.

Qualifying session 1. I lined up in the collection area for qualifying and as we were released and I drove into the first corner I realised that I had footbrake trouble. The pedal went almost to the floor and I found that pumping the pedal brought

2CV Racing Silverstone 7th/8th May 2011

37

the firm pedal feel back again so there must have been a problem with rear adjustment or shoes. Anyway I continued with the session and the brakes got a little better and I soon got used to driving the car with the brake trouble. I struggled to get a good tow down the back straight, and I felt the car could still go a little softer on the shockers as it still felt too stiff into Brooklands and turning into Copse. Fastest lap was 1.32.7

Qualifying session 2. The next session started from the pit lane as some cars are shared and there are driver changes to make. I took this opportunity to soften all of my shockers off by one click. On the first out lap the car felt a lot more stable through the corners and more grip through Brooklands and Copse although I was getting a small amount of fuel starvation turning into Brooklands. Unfortunately this is due to a faster cornering speed and the amount the engine was jacked up on the near side, so to have a smooth drive through Copse I would have to put up with the small amount of star-vation at Brooklands. The session was red flagged due to an accident involving the Tete Rouge team at Copse. I struggled to get a good lap sorted but ended the session with a fastest lap of 1:32.6

Qualifying results. Race 1 ………Grid position 18th 1:32.7

Race 2……….Grid position 17th 1:32.6

Pole position was 1:28/9

Sunday 8th May Race 1 and 2. Again we had overnight rain, but it was dry by the time the first race of the day started and as we were due to race after dinner, I finished help-ing Tete Rouge rebuilding there cars and managed to check the front tracking and corner weights on my car. I also fixed the brake problem, which turned out to be a misplaced adjuster. I also fitted the new plastic headlamp covers and looked over the car to remove items that were ex-tra weight to gain a little more.

Race 1. I was determined to stay with the other cars as I didn’t at Oulton and it cost me a lot of time catching up! Everyone got through the first corner ok but going into Maggots 3 or 4 cars in front someone spun as did the car behind and the car behind him t-boned the drivers door, so I had to take avoiding action and I think I lost a few places in the chaos. I managed to

38

keep with the main pack and my lap time was down to 1:31.8. The next lap I lost some time as the rear of the car slid a little too much through Copse. The following lap I was caught by Neil Savage in Team Stinky at Brooklands, I got a bit flustered and could not find 3rd gear and lost mo-mentum coming into Luffield and the start/finish straight. So it was catch up time again! Unknown to me the front runners had been getting a bit too close to each other and over the next few laps I overtook 3 cars all with problems. I finished 15th place overall.

Race 2. I was contemplating whether to change my rear shockers by one more click to soften it a little, but decided that it would be best to leave it as it was, as I didn’t want to risk changing the car before a race. I managed to get a good start and to stay with the pack. I fought with Matt Hollis and Christine Thompson for a few laps and we kept swapping places, with me being faster through the corners and them a little faster on the straights. When I got in front going down the back straight I did my best to not give the other two a slipstream tow and I managed to gain a little more distance between us. It all went wrong though when I slid side-ways going into Brooklands, and this gave the two chasing a chance to catch up. We again swapped places for a few laps, until I found myself very close to the back of Matt and Christine entering Copse unable to see my line into Copse I guessed it and as usual the car started to slide a little so I used a small amount of extra lock to control it, but it kept slid-ing and just as I thought I had it under control the rear slid right around with me heading towards the barrier. Luckily the car gripped the strip of tarmac at the pit exit and the car turned in the right direction and I put it in gear and set off no damage phew!! This meant that the other two had disappeared into the distance and although I managed to get a tow from the back of Jessica Owen, it meant that I finished 17th with my fastest lap a 1:32.03.

Although my result for race 2 was worse than race 1 I thought I had a cracking race and I wasn’t concerned about the overall result as this is the first time I was involved in a personal battle for what turned out to be 15th place, and we never touched once! The car performed brilliantly and although the car seems up to the pace the driver still needs some improvement.

Glenn Oswin

2CV Racing (contd)

39

Prices do not include Postage or Packing For Order or Enquiries please contact: Lynda Kiley (Regalia Sales Rep) Tel: 01395 263163 (evenings or weekends) 14 Spencer Close Exmouth Devon EX8 4LP

Product Price per item Boyer Bransden Ignition Dual Output Coil….. £39.50 Boyer Bransden ignition Kit………………….. £24.50 Oil cooler feed adaptors (pair)……………….. £5.50 Breather Reed valve………………………….. £25.00 Oil Filter Cover………………………………… £3.00 Sets Exhaust/Rocker Cover nuts…………… £6.50 Stainless steel Car badge…………………… £7.50 Self Adhesive Club Logo badge……………. £1.30 Windscreen Sticker………………………….. £1.00 Embroidered Club Badge…………………… £4.00 Enamel Lapel Badge………………………... £2.50 Sweatshirts……………………….. £15.00 Polo Shirts ………………………………. £13.75 Baseball caps……………………………….. £7.00 ZIP NECK FLEECE…………………….… £18.00 FULL ZIP FLEECE (UNLINED)…………. £22.00 FULL ZIP FLEECE (LINED)…………….. £25.00 Cast Metal badges………………………….. £2.50 Magazine Binders…………………………… £4.00 Mugs…………………………………………. £2.00 Lomax Books……………………………….. £8.95

Citroen Specials Club Regalia

40

First some background. I was hooked on 3 wheelers from the age of 8-9 when my dad got a Gordon and I helped him renovate it (probably around 1957/58). Then he got a new Bond Minicar when they were first released – first one in Northampton from Moto Baldet, if memory serves me well. After a few more years he needed 4 wheels, as the family grew, so sold the Bond. My first 3 wheeler was a Berke-ley T60, at the age of 17. Then I had Isetta whilst I was at college. Got married and needed some wheels to carry the family, so a tatty old Reliant Regal with an “on/off” clutch was bought to do up. Then I had a Reliant Robin that I used to overtake “normal” cars on the M1 (when I was on my own), just to see the surprise/anger that this unstable piece of plas-tic burning them off!! My kids cringed at the thought that they were being transported all over the country in this bright red Robin, but I loved it. I too then needed 4 wheels as the fam-ily grew, so did without a 3 wheeler for a while. All that time, I thought the best vehicle that anyone could ever own (aside from motorbikes), was a Mor-gan 3 wheeler. Given the rarity of them, not to mention the cost, I real-ised I was unlikely to get one. So, in 1991, I decided to build a Lomax. I still have it, and may even complete it one day – although this is unlikely as

I will never define the parameters for “completed”. Then, Morgan announced that they are going to build 3 wheelers again! What joy – I can get one. If I had not retired in 2002 I would have immediately have put a deposit down without a second thought. If I want one now I would have to sell my mo-torbikes, L200, and Lomax. I have always liked all Mor-gans, so as a treat, I went with my wife for the Morgan factory tour yester-day. I figured I might also get to see the new 3 wheeler. It was fantastic to see cars still being built by hand – wonderful smells and sounds all around the factory - but the real goal for me was to come at the end. I would get to see the 3 wheeler. We went into the building where it will be built, and there it was in the middle of a large empty floor – looking all drab and “ordinary”. It was a bog standard grey one with black mud-guards, headlamps, wheels, exhaust. It did have a nice big shiny S&S vee twin on the front though. Much to my surprise, no increase in heart rate, no “wow look at that”, no tongue hanging out, etc. etc. – even my wife Realising that I might get re-fused, I did not ask if I could sit in it. I just figured it would be easier to ask for forgiveness, rather than permis-sion, so I jumped straight in it. This

I had a sit in the new Morgan three wheeler yesterday afternoon…………

Well they say you should never meet your heroes

41

s been my dream since the age of 9 (53 years ago!). I realised that they were trying to make it look authentic, and I realised that the original ones were “snug”, but this was a tight fit. I am overweight (all belly – normal every-where else), but it was not my belly that was squashed, it really is tight width wise. I just had a light jacket and jeans on, and I felt too cramped. Flying jackets, two up would be more than snug! The seats were lovely, but nar-row. The pedals move fore and aft, and legroom is also narrow. The in-struments do not look right to me. I know that Morgan said they were not just building a replica of the old cars, but I think some period dials would be better (I thought this from the first mo-ment I saw the publicity photos). I got out, and had another look around the car. It looks OK, I suppose - it has a huge rear tyre under the back, and will go like stink!!! BUT – I like the look and feel (and size!) of my Lomax better than the Morgan. I like JZRs, Trikings, etc. better than the new Morgan 3 wheeler. I am shell shocked, which is why I am writing this long post. My dream is shattered – after over 50 years. My wife guessed immediately. As soon as the 3 wheeler was announced I had told her that I would gladly give up all my other toys, just to own the car of my dreams. Now, I might con-sider it if I win the lottery (I don’t do the Lottery, but she does!). To console myself, I had another look at the price list this morning and

can see I can get it all shiny and I can have it in brighter colours, but that would cost me £35k (at today’s prices – I guess more by the time it would be built in over 2 years time). But I would still feel too cramped (at elbow level, the inside of the cockpit is about 5 of my hand spans wide – about 35” and Lomax is 41”). The Morgan build quality is abso-lute tops and it will go like a rocket, but I would not sacrifice my other toys for it. I will go for a test drive when they have built the demonstrators, so I may be back on here in 6 months to say I have ordered one, but I doubt it. I was told that they are starting pro-duction next month. Pre-production of parts is under way already in the back of the building, and they will be kitting out the large empty floor shortly. The first 2 years production is sold out al-ready. Bottom line – I come back to one thing. Even though I have (had!) al-ways wanted a Morgan 3 wheeler, I realise now that there is a much stronger emotion about 3 wheelers than coveting a Morgan – it was ME who built my Lomax. Even though skilled craftsmen build the Morgan, using the same tools/techniques us “kit car” boys use, when you build it yourself it is special to you. Right, I am off out now for a ride in my Lomax – time for some big grins to ease my pain.

Ron Lewis

42

6th July-Altafjord Our return journey at first seemed like it was going to be an anti-climax as much of the journey south was return-ing on the same road that we took travelling north. There was no other way as this was the one and only road. However this proved not to be the case as the views were just as spec-tacular but from a different perspec-tive, i.e. we were looking at the other sides of the mountains and fjords. Our first stop was at the Altafjord camp site where we had stayed before. When we arrived we received a warm wel-come from Marianne who informed us we were to stay in the “old house”, which was the first to be rebuilt after

the war when the Germans burned down all the buildings in their scorched earth policy. Although it had all mod cons it also featured many items relat-

ing to its earlier period such as boiler and kitchen equipment. It also dis-played many photos of the family go-ing back to the 1920s. It was like liv-ing in a museum. Marianne’s husband had still not pumped up the tyre on the Volvo van using the excuse he wanted us to witness the event. 7th July After a very comfortable night’s rest we said our farewells and headed to our next destination at Skibotn. It was on this part of the journey that we met up with a coach load of Rus-sians. Again the scenery was spec-tacular with every twist and turn of the almost deserted road. We ar-rived, in glorious sunshine, to the cus-tomary clean and well maintained camp site and cabin. It was here that we met our one and only British cou-ple, who came from Scotland, they were touring Norway using their caravan. Our starting problem was still with us, and a Finnish family, the husband being a motor mechanic, tried to find a solution, but he too

was left scratch-ing his head. 8th July The fol-

lowing morning we set off Ballangen, again in clear blue skies and warm sunshine. This leg included another ferry which helps to make the jour-ney more restful.

Norway and the Midnight Sun The Return Journey

43

It was lovely just standing on the deck looking out onto the beautiful fjords and mountains. It seemed a strange phenomenon but somehow or other the mountains seemed larger on the return than they did on the outward journey. As we approached the Arctic Circle the heavens opened whilst ne-gotiating some very tight hairpin bends in the mountains. Not a pleasant ex-

perience in an open top car with only one wiper working some of the time. However by the time we reached the Visitor Centre the rain had cleared. Once inside I left Joy to wander about as only a woman can do, to do some retail therapy, as I thought she had thoroughly earned it. As soon as I could extract Joy amid many admiring comments about the cars, we set off onwards to Ballangen. Once we cleared the barren ruggedness of the Arctic Circle we again found ourselves back amongst the lush green fields, trees, the roadside turquoise clear wa-terfalls and the fjords. Occasionally we stopped at clearings, on the roadsides, where the Sami In-digenous Tribe had set up trading posts, aimed mainly at the tourists. Since Chernobyl, the vast feeding grounds where the reindeer breed is no more and the Sami have had to re-sort to reducing their herds and head-

ing south. Money from the sale of venison was halted and it’s only now, 25 years later, that it is being eaten again. At times, as you travel along, you could easily think you were in Northern Canada and looking at the North American Indians, so similar to the Sami are they. Over recent years they have had to resort to producing souvenirs for the tourists. It was just as well we were in the Specials and couldn’t carry much. 9th July Ballengen to Mo I Rana After a truly marvellous drive today we arrived at our destination just 9 miles out of Mo I Rana (Morana) on the side of Yvettisfjord and a lovely cabin with a balcony on the edge of the fjord. Our attention was soon taken with a couple of oyster catchers trying to hatch their eggs on a rock close to where we were sitting. Out came the binoculars and the next couple of hours was spent very much like a BBC2 Spring-watch programme of our own. The owner of the site informed us that the first batch of eggs had been stolen from these poor oyster catchers and now, a little late in the season for them, they were trying again. Bless them. Just our luck towards evening, the heavens opened and down came the rain, so we settled down to our eve-ning meal. Yes, good guess, noodles and beans.

It was a shame that we couldn’t sit a bit longer out-side with a nice bottle of wine.

44

10th July Mo I Rana to Grong After a good night’s sleep we wake up to lovely blue skies, but these soon changed to rather threatening clouds and Alan decided that he was going to play safe and wear his wet weather gear. Our destination at Grong was Hi Hostels again, but before we got there we were to experience our first break-down. Having stopped for coffee in a lay-by Joy and I set off only to find Alan was not behind us. Thinking that he had not quite finished his drink and would soon catch up we continued slowly. After a mile or so there was still no sign of him so we stopped in another lay-by and waited for him. At this time the weather changed and it started to rain and as there was still no sign of him we turned around and headed back to find him with the bonnet off and surrounded with tools. It transpired that he has a flat battery and the alternator had failed. Although both of us had spares neither of these fitted his mounting bracket which needed about a quarter of an inch to be removed from one corner in order to get the required belt tension. I think that between us we had enough tools to build another car but the one thing we didn’t have was a file. Fortu-nately someone had left a large concrete block in the lay-by and Alan managed to scrape enough metal away to get the adjustment and leave a very large groove in the concrete. With alternator and bonnet fitted and a push start from me, remember I was waiting for a heart op, Alan was up and running. Joy in the meantime had been sheltering from the rain under an umbrella. Eventually we arrived at the Hostel

which appeared to be closed and not wanting to sit around in the rain waiting for whomever to turn up with a key, we managed to shelter ourselves and the cars in a big garage. It was agreed that we could park the cars in here overnight, so saving them from getting any wetter. For our meal it was to be noodles again but with hotdogs to make a change. It was a bit disappointing to find we had to share the kitchen and dining room with a family with irritable kids, especially as they wanted to get their meal cooked first and our wait seemed endless. To make matters worse another family, this time with teenage kids came into the Hostel. Their main aim was to ca-reer around the building, up and down stairs, making as much noise as they could. With time passing and having devel-oped an unforgiving headache, Joy de-cided all she wanted to do was to get to bed, having lost whatever appetite she’d had before. 11th July Grong to Oppdal We left as early as possible and had a reasonably good run in between all the bad starting. On this particular section of the journey we were to meet the trolls. .

Jim and Joy Barry

Norway and the Midnight Sun (contd)

to be continued

45

I'm currently making a dashboard for my 223 and there's certainly lots to consider. By chatting to local owners, I've made my mind up and decided on a light coloured wood for the main panel with a black crackle finish on the binnacle. Binnacle - this will have the speedo and rev counter and very little else, on a painted background using black crackle finish. One tip I was given last weekend was to paint it both on a warm day and in sunlight as this helps the crackle process to begin and dries it off quickly. Main panel - I want a glove box just like the ones on Herald/Vitesses, hinged at the bottom and with a catch on the top. I also want the four gauges (oil temperature, oil pressure, volts and fuel) plus the switches and warning lights to be in a recessed panel to the right of the glove box. This recessed panel will be of thin aluminium and painted with black crackle finish also. I already have some 3/8" (10mm) plywood with a light wood on one face. Using some 4mm ply I made a template of this panel and marked out the glove box in felt tip and cut out 52mm cardboard discs to try different places for the gauges. With the oil temperature/pressure gauges being the most impor tant gauges on the

dashboard, I didn't want them ob-structed by my hands or the steer-ing wheel. I initially tried a piece of ply for the binnacle but as the glass fibre is concave, I could see prob-lems getting the ply to lie flat. I also considered carbon fibre ef-fect (too modern), engine turned aluminium (a possible problem with reflections), satin finish aluminium (again a bit modern), black vinyl over aluminium or burr walnut ve-neer over ply (too dark), and a plank of solid wood. Unless the backs of the 52mm holes are par-tially drilled oversize, the gauge re-tainers on the back would need to be shortened. After chopping and changing the positions of the gauges and the size of the glove box, yesterday I cut out the actual dashboard from 10mm ply using my old B&D jigsaw with the finest blade. Being a cheap jigsaw, (a bit like it's owner) there's no guide roller for the blade to run up and down in and it was very easy for the blade to wander. By taking my time I ALMOST got it perfectly right. For the dashboard lid, I drilled a small number of 2mm holes so the jigsaw blade could slide down through the wood. Only the eagle eyed could tell and it'll be hidden by a hinge. After sanding down (although the finish was very good, especially the edges) I dug out a can of Ronseal

Making a Dashboard for a Lomax

46

We have our kitcars, some people have their bikes. Some people have big bikes and other people have their bikes even bigger. Some people like their bikes absolutely huge. Here is a huge one. One blip of the throttle and the bike goes round the engine. From a series of photos sent in by David Field. We will see some more in a later edition of Flat Out.

Making a Dashboard for a Lomax (contd)

Polyurethane Outdoor Varnish (Gloss). I should mention that I am a tad concerned about water/moisture getting into the sawn edges so I intend to give the dashboard a lot of coats of varnish, and with a stated drying time of eight hours, this will take me a few days. The initial coat I made up a mix-ture of 75% White Spirit/25% Var-nish and it went on easily, well like tap water really, covering both front, back and the sawn edges. At 1130 last night I went out to give it an-other coat. This morning I gave it a coat of 25% White Spirit/75% Var-nish after rubbing down the sur-face. Already the grain of the wood is starting to disappear under a couple of flies and a leaf or two. No matter, I intend to give the dashboard at least a dozen coats

rubbing down in between with very fine wet & dry paper. Today I got a piece of thin alumin-ium out and marked out the aper-ture and the position of the gauges, and using a borrowed 54mm hole cutter mounted in the pillar drill, be-gan to cut the holes. I've found this is too large a hole diameter for the gauges which are 52mm in diame-ter so will try again using an adjust-able hole cutter to get a snugger fit. There's very little shoulder to the gauges with the 54mm holes and easy to see a little daylight around them. So all in all, it's nice to see some progress. Presently looking at Smiths Oil Temperature Gauges in FleaBay ;-

Paul Narramore

Superbike or what!!!!!!

47

What! Bonnet off and no-one appears interested!! High Force Waterfall

Alan and Carole preparing to drown the Lomax in a ford!!

Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle

Lomax attract-ing attention

Even with the

bonnet on

I know there is a religious caption here but I’ll settle

for

“I thought every-body knew light

bulbs got hot when they are

turned on Iain!!”

Three Rivers Gallery

48

Deux Lomaux meet Deux Chevaux (Three Rivers Run) Photo - Philip Costin-Kelly

CSC Member marries caring

nurse Bob Raikes and Valerie Beer marry on the 7th June. Valerie and Bob met when he was in hospital after an horrendous crash on the M5 in 2003. Valerie was a staff nurse at the hospital where he was treated and love blossomed while he was there.

Full storey on page 32

49

50

51

52

CSC member marries