beyond the bitumen - february 2014

The Official Journal of the All Wheel Drive ClubAll Wheel Drive Club Of Sydney Inc.Of Sydney Inc. .

February 2014

All Wheel Drive ClubAll Wheel Drive Club Of Sydney Inc.Of Sydney Inc.

February 2014


February 2014 Page 2

February 2014


Editor’s Page Hi Everyone, Happy New Year! What a great number of Trips in the Calendar! We can expect to see some great magazines this year as a result of your trip reports. As some of you may know Brian and I will be doing lots of travelling too - first Africa then around Australia, so you may see a few different Assistant-Editors helping me (thank you Di), I truly appreciate their help. How exciting to have so many new Members to our Club - welcome.

Regards, Kirsten Sommerville Editor

Closing date for next month’s magazine: 28th February 2013

Cover photo this month: Pandanus Sunset Albatross Bay Weipa

Photos by Roger Bolton

This Month

Editor’s Report 3 Committee Members 4 President’s Report 5 Vice President’s Report 6 30th Anniversary Budget 7 Membership’s Report 8 Trip Coordinator's Report 10 Driver Trainer’s Report 11 Minutes 13 & 17 Diesel Filters/Berrima 16 Members Choice 21 & 25 Pics Elation 22 February Special Discount 26 Trip Calendar 27 Rated R Recover 46 Simpson Dessert Requirements 57 Association News 39 Trips:

Cape York 36

Driver Training 48

Major Clews 52 Advertising:

Traction4/ARB Page 2

Battery Business 12

Berrima Diesel Service 15

GPSOZ 11

Mowbray Radio 10 Forms:

Membership 61

Trip Notice 58

Guideline Links 62 Club Shop 60 App Links 63

Trip reports articles and photos can be sent to me by: Email: [email protected] Post: PO Box 781, Mona Vale NSW 1660. Or in person at the meetings. This magazine is printed solely for the benefit of our members and any article appearing may be wholly or partially fictitious. Therefore, nothing printed herein should be construed as a true interpretation of the Club, its members or their activities. Please support our Club sponsors, give them a chance to quote the best price. Where a discount is available it will be offered on production of your Membership card.

mailto:[email protected]


February 2014



ABN 45 4585 086 298

Postal Address: P O Box 82 Roseville NSW 2069

Email Address: [email protected]

Web Site: www.awdc.com.au

Management Committee Administration President [email protected]

Vice President [email protected]

Secretary [email protected]

Treasurer [email protected]

Trip Co-ordinator [email protected]

Editor [email protected]

Membership Registrar [email protected]

Training Officer [email protected]

Webmaster [email protected]

Brian Sommerville 0408 281 734

Brad Paull 0418 251 553

Dianne Compton 0410 330 392

Graham Broadbridge 0410 684 182

Harold Zev 0425 322 072

Kirsten Sommerville 0415 281 734

Sandra Parkin 0416 245 928

Stuart Millburn 0411 439 637

Richard Destefanis 0402 126 153

Club Meetings: Are held at 8pm on the second Wednesday of every month at the Forestville RSL Club, 22 Melwood Ave, Forestville. Note: Bistro meals are available. Visitors are most welcome! Committee Meetings: Are generally held on the fourth Wednesday of every month commencing at 8pm. Should Club members wish to attend please contact the President or Secretary to confirm the date and venue. Annual General Meeting: Is held in conjunction with the October Club General Meeting. Membership Financial Year: The Membership financial year is from 1 July to 30 June. Affiliations: The Club is an affiliated member of the NSW-ACT 4WD Association Inc and through that organisation has an active relationship with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Nominated Charity FY 2013/14: All funds raised by the Sergeant-at-Arms for misdemeanours, real or imagined, will be donated to the :

Care Flight Life Members:

Kevin Couter

Steve Dalli

Sue Dutfield

Neil Follett

Steve Hedges

Brian Mitchell

General Committee

Assistant Trip Co-ordinator [email protected]

Assistant Editor [email protected]

Assistant Training Officer [email protected]

DVD Librarian [email protected]

NSW-ACT 4WD Assn Rep [email protected]

Purchasing Officer [email protected]

Quartermaster [email protected]

Raffle Officer [email protected]

Sergeant-at-Arms [email protected]

Mark Kortink 0419 250 403

Penny Hunter 02 9401 9529

Steve Cox 0416 769 634

Chris Walker 0407 314 543

Mark Kortink 0419 250 403

Tiffany Alderson 00408 212 924

Scott Parkin 0413 752 244

Kevin Bauer 0407 187 308

Damian Wardell 0419 491 532


http://www.awdc.com.au




















February 2014


President’s Report

Hi All, Well we’re all back and settling in for another year. I trust you all had a great break. Kirsten and I managed the trifector, Christmas at home with family and friends, a week of 4WDing and camping and then a quick trip down to Tassie to see more family. Lots of things to report from the Committee table this month. First off the 30

th Birthday

Event is shaping up to be a great weekend. If you can manage to get away on Friday to make it a long weekend that would be great. Sue is doing a great job of contacting some of the “originals” so if you don’t know the history of the Club or how it started I’m sure some of the oldies will be able to fill you in. Sue and I have put together an indicative budget that we will put to the meeting in February for approval. We are seeking budget approval in total rather than asking for approval of each line item above $1000 (as per the bylaws). I have included it later in the magazine so you can cast your eyes over it before the meeting. During the last driver training weekend, it was asked “Well what is the definition of a rated recovery point?” So I decided to look. Turns out there isn’t an Australian Standard,

manufacturer’s standard or a rating system. But there are many comments on the net about what would be deemed suitable. As normal, common sense seems to apply. Have a look at extracts of two articles from reliable sources later in the magazine. Look for Rated “R” sealed section. Lastly insurance. There has been a number of comments about running Club Trips only so that Club participants are covered by our insurance. That’s fine and the more Club Trips the better. However I checked with an insurance broker and he said many (not all) household CONTENTS policies have third party liability cover OUTSIDE the owners property. So if you’re ever concerned about running a private trip , maybe you don’t have to be. Check the fine print. Anyway enough of the formalities, see you on Wednesday for another top night or out in the bush! See you beyond the bitumen, Cheers

Brian Sommerville, President


February 2014



30th Anniversary Budget

February 2014


Vice President’s Report

Hi all,

I hope you all had a great Christmas and

New Year! I certainly did, we spent 8 nights on Fraser Island with a group of

old Scout friends and Rugby friends. As always it didn’t go to plan with cars

breaking down and the like, nothing we couldn’t fix tho!

Now for our February meeting we are

having Grant Lucas from Conqueror Campers coming over and displaying 2 of

his different models, the UEV-490 and Commander. If you would like to check

them out come along early 6:30PM -7:30PM and you will find them in the

carpark. If you would like to check out

their website for further info it’s www.conqueror-newcastle.com.au

For the month of March we are heading on

another outing to Battery Business at Mona Vale. Clive has promised me he will be

supplying more of those yummy English Pork sausages again! Oh and he will also

be informing us about your car’s alternator, and how to get around

the variable voltage charging the new cars have.

For the month of December we had the

Sydney Harbour Trust come and talk about the sights around Sydney Harbour that you

can visit and enjoy. I certainly found it interesting. It gave me a lot of ideas to

take the whole tribe to on a weekend when

I’m looking for something to do.

Hope to see you all at Forestville RSL on Wednesday night.

Brad Vice President

http://www.conqueror-newcastle.com.au

http://www.conqueror-newcastle.com.au/


February 2014



Membership Report Welcome everyone to 2014. Since our December magazine we have had several new members join. In December we had Joc Manns from the Internet, Royce Scarcella a friend of Karen Hennessy and John and Barb Dengate, who are friends of Jim and Libby Polson. Then from the January meeting we received Brenton Pittman and Lynette Cartwright from the internet. It’s great to see that our members enjoy the Club enough to introduce their friends. Please everyone make our new members feel welcome and I hope they ask the more skilled members lots of questions. We now have 200 financial members for the year, which is soon running out and early June we will be emailing everyone their new registration forms for 2014/15. New members have been asked to write a short introduction about themselves, cars or experiences, hope you enjoy these. Thanks Sandra Parkin Membership Registrar

New Member - Joc Manns So I've been to the meetings and paid my dues. Now the Editor wants her piece of me. If I were writing in the personal ads I wonder what response there would be? "Tall overweight middle aged stranger, wife, three kids and dog. Looking for fun in the mud, has own Prado." The mind boggles! I have been in St Ives for 7 years, prior to coming to Oz I was trail driving Land Rovers in the UK for

many years. Now the kids are a bit older (9,10,17) I guess I'm allowed to get dirty again. The 4WD scene here is very different and "Going Bush" I will be a complete NOOB (according to my daughters). The truck is also a NOOB as it's still in showroom condition. I think that'll do as otherwise I won't have anything to reveal around the campfire. See you on the trails, Joc.

February 2014


Membership Report - (Cont’d) New Member - Barb and John Dengate Our truck is a 2010 Troopy with a 2" lift, GVM upgrade and some factory lockers. It has a Trakka roof bed and a fancy set of DIY draws, fridge, sink etc inside. We like the scenery and wildlife in the desert and have had some great camps on the Strzelecki and Birdsville Tracks. So far so good on the standard skinny tyres! We've done a bit of winching in Cape York, but we don't have a lot of experience off-road and really like keeping all four wheels on the ground! Kind regards, Barb and John Dengate PS. This is our Troopy on Big Red - Lake Nappanerica in the background.


February 2014



Trip Co-Ordinator’s Report

Hi, Less than two months to our big 30

th Anniversary party!

If you have not already booked in for this big bash, make sure you email [email protected] to make sure you don’t miss out on the celebrations -

28-30 March 2014 in Oberon. There are many trips on the board through to the middle of the year which are all a great

opportunity for members to get out beyond the bitumen and enjoy each other’s company and stories. See you all at the next meeting. Regards

Harold Zev,

Trip Co-Ordinator



February 2014


Driver Trainer’s Report

Hi, Last training had a record — 6 ladies who all did fantastic! Make sure you see the Driver Training Report. Next training in February is now full, so if you want to get on the next training in April, talk to me ASAP. Regards, Stuart Millburn, Driver Trainer


February 2014



http://www.batterybusiness.com.au/

February 2014


Minutes of General Meeting


February 2014



Minutes—11th Dec 2013 (Cont’d)

February 2014


Minutes—11th Dec 2013 (Cont’d)

http://thedieselexperts.com/


February 2014



Diesel Filters and Fuel Flow cooling

Just remember “Genuine is Best”. I always lead off with this comment about Fuel filters because the Fuel Injection system is such an expensive area to repair yet so cheap to maintain. As a gen-eral guide, Diesel fuel systems ‘before’ common rail would be filtered at about 5 Microns whilst lat-est common rail systems would be filtered down to about 2 Microns. So far the aftermarket filter makers have had no problems filtering at 5 Microns BUT I can’t get ANY of the current aftermarket filter companies to commit to the fact that their replacement original look-alike filter is going down to 2 Microns. Please do your homework if you are going to be using non-Genuine replacement Fuel filters on your common rail Diesel. There are some full replacement Fuel filter systems around that do offer a range of filter sizes and can be successfully used in common rail applications because you can choose with some of these full replacement systems from 50, 30, 5 and 2 Micron. Also you can usually equip these with hand primers to make bleeding a new filter easier and even glass bowls. Just be sure you choose the right Micron rating for the job. 50 and 30 micron filters are used more as pre-filters. This leads me to a common misconception about filters. “Run 2 fuel filters inline to be safe…more is better”? Well this is great on an old Toyota LC60 with a 2H Diesel but not advisable on a Toyota LC200 with the V8 CRD engine. Reason being ‘cooling fuel flow’. The good old 2H engine sucked only the fuel it needed to run on up through the filter and to the pump. 1 litre sucked up and 1 litre consumed. New common rail engines like the Toyota V8 CRD engine ‘may’ suck up 10 litres of fuel from the tank and ‘may’ use as little as only 1 litre to run the engine. The rest of the fuel is pushed back to the fuel tank via a large fuel cooler. This is all done in the interest of fuel cooling because with these ultra-high fuel pressures comes very high fuel temperatures which in turn require fuel cooling and flow to keep the fuel system freshly lubricated and cooled with Diesel. This high fuel flow also still requires very fine filtering and it is very advisable to not add additional filters but more so use only 1 x good quality 2 micron fuel filter. If you are going to modify filtration on the ‘new breed’ of CRD engines then consider using 1 x 50 Micron filter to assist pre-filtering the fuel without really causing a flow restriction and 1 x 2 Micron filter with glass bowl for correct particle catching and the added benefit of seeing the fuel. Just always remember to use filters that are of the right Micron for the Injection system. Not doing so may void your warranty as well as expose you to thousands of dollars of repair bills from a dam-aged Fuel system. Safe Travelling! Andrew Leimroth - Berrima Diesel

February 2014


Minutes of General Meeting


February 2014



Minutes—8th January 2014 (Cont’d)

February 2014




February 2014



If you are not already a member of the AWDC Facebook Group and would like to become one, please search for 'All Wheel Drive Club of Sydney Inc'

and send a request.


February 2014


Name Rod Blackwell

Occupation Maintenance

Vehicle/ODO Toyota Prado 2002 95 series / 136500km

Colour White

Model 2002 95series

Engine 3ltr turbo diesel (1kz- TE) motor

Transmission Manual 5 speed

Tyres Mickey Thompson MTZ 265/75/16

Modifications 50mm spring lift

Suspension Lovell springs / Bilstein shocks

Internal accessories Dual cargo barriers, Dual centre storage floors, Rear Storage system. Waeco 50ltr Fridge on (Black Widow fridge slide). Magellan Explorist XL GPS. GME TX4400 UHF Radio. Dual battery monitor

External accessories alloy bull bar, warn winch, steel Side Steps, engine bay mounted ARB air compres-sor, ARB rear diff lock, Dual Batteries, Safari Snorkel, Tyre Dog tyre pressure moni-toring, Reverse Sensors.

Previous 4WDs Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Pajero

Next 4WD Don’t know

Favourite trips Fraser and Moreton islands, Victorian High Country, Flinders Ranges, The Kimberley via central Australia

Member’s Choice


February 2014



Pics-Elation

Don’t you wish you knew how to take a better photo!

Well read on, as our new monthly section

brings a new light to Photography!

There is a right way and a wrong way to care for your Camera and Lenses. With proper care and by following some common sense tips, your gear will last you a very long time. No matter whether it’s an expensive DSLR or a point and shoot compact camera - they all need care and maintenance. Cleaning Your clothes soak up all sorts of grime and sweat, so why would you use your shirt to clean your lens? Yes, I know it’s convenient, but it is sure to damage the glass of your lens. Use a Lens Tissue or a Microfiber cloth to wipe dust or fingerprints; a blower brush is also very good for dust. Never use compressed air! I highly recommend - if you are able - to fit a high quality UV filter for protection of your lenses. This is a small investment when you consider the value of your lenses. Buy a proper cleaning kit and carry 2 or 3 microfibre cloths for this purpose only. This is a must for 4WDing. Use a Camera Strap In all cases it’s best to have the camera strapped to your hand or neck. How often have you accidentally dropped your mobile phone? What if it was your camera! Lens Caps Keep your lens cap on all the time when not in use. When shooting outdoors the elements often throw up dirt, grit, moisture, salt etc at your lens and camera. It also helps protect against the accidental knock against a tree or rock when walking. The Lens is your most valuable asset!

February 2014


Sensor If you have interchangeable lenses with your camera you must never ever poke anything into the camera in an attempt to clean the sensor without the right training from a qualified technician. There are specific kits you can purchase to clean sensors when away from a service centre. I suggest you do some training as you can do real damage to your camera if you get it wrong!!!! When you change lenses, you must be very careful not to expose the sensor any longer than you absolutely have to. Dust is the enemy of digital photography and all sensors. Always point the camera downwards when changing lenses. Change lenses if possible, in a closed environment, e.g. in the car before venturing outside. Battery Even Lithium batteries can lose their charge over time so check its charge before usage. Alkaline batteries should be removed when not in use for extended periods. Camera Bags If you have a variety of lenses and accessories it may be worth your while to have 2 camera bags. One you use for the walk into the bush that holds just what you need, and one for storage when not in use. That way, the smaller bag gets all the dust and dirt (which can be cleaned) but the gear is not stored in all that grime, dust, salt, spray etc. Under no circumstances ever use a plastic bag or the bottom of your back pack, you are asking for trouble. At the very least, have a small camera bag with some silica crystals to remove moisture and clean the bag after your trips away. Extreme Conditions Heat: Do not leave the camera exposed to extreme heat conditions in the car if at all possible. If going from air conditioned inside to heat outside, moisture could form in the camera. Allow it to come to temperature naturally before turning it on. Keep Silica Gel packs in your camera bag to help absorb moisture when travelling in humid regions or even just for storage. Beach conditions are one of the worst elements for your camera and lenses, but most rewarding areas to photograph in.

Pics-Elation (Cont’d)


February 2014



Only take the lenses you have to use, choose very carefully before you go to the beach and avoid changing lenses if possible. Have a UV filter, carry a microfiber cloth, use a blower brush to clean the camera after use. Use extreme caution if cleaning the inside of the camera. Try not to change lenses at the beach. You can use a plastic bag to protect the camera whilst still using it. Use elastic bands to wrap the camera leaving the end of the lens uncovered. It’s a bit of an effort but in mist, rain and salt spray your camera will last longer. Please - if you have any questions - shoot me an email; I am only too happy to answer questions or be of help if I can be. Is there any topic you would like me to cover for you?? Happy shooting Warmest regards Danny [email protected]

Pics-Elation (Cont’d)


February 2014


Name Kevin and Karen Couter

Age Between 40 and death

Occupation Yes, fully occupied

Vehicle Volkswagen

Colour Blue

Model R50

Engine 5litre turbo diesel

Transmission 6 speed automatic

Tyres Very wide very low profile on 21” alloy rims But for offroad a not so low profile set of all-terrain tyres on 20” alloy rims

Modifications 3rd

battery, Alloy underbody protection plates for engine, transmission and rear suspension units UHF radio

Suspension Standard air bag adjustable

Internal accessories ‘Phone charger

External accessories Tow bar Roof rack from time to time

Favourite bits Magic suspension, seat heaters, huuuuge torque, bloody tricky clever gearbox and transmission

Next vehicle Crikey, we might have this one well into retirement so it’s too soon to tell…

Previous vehicles 80 series x 2, V8 powered Hiluxes x 2, 2A Land Rovers x 2, Fiat 124, Fiat 125, Toyota Corona, VW beetle, 1954 Vauxhall six…

Favourite Club trips Wirraba Ridge, Bendethera, Victorian High Country, Stockton, Trophies

Future modifications Dunno…probably not too much

Member’s Choice


February 2014



February 2014


TRIP Calendar Harold Zev Trip Coordinator

YENGO / WOLLEMI

Start Date: Saturday, 15 February 2014 Finish Date: Sunday, 16 February 2014

Grade: C

Trip Leader: Mark Kortink Trip Leader’s number: 0419 574 881

Max Vehicles: 10(excl leader) Camper Trailers Permitted: No

Description: Cross Yengo NP into Wollembi NP camping at Sheepskin Hut. Exit via

Commission Rd and cross Old Convict Trail to Paynes Crossing finishing at

Wollombi on Sunday.

Meeting Place: Laguna Tea House, Great North Road at 10am on 15 February.

(2 hours from Sydney)

DRIVER TRAINING

Start Date: Saturday, 22 February 2014 Finish Date: Sunday, 23 February 2014

Grade: L

Max Vehicles: 6

Trip Leader: Stuart Millburn Trip Leader’s Number: 0411 439 637

Description: Please contact Stuart Millburn DIRECTLY to book your driver training. There is a

Min of 4 vehicles to run Driver training.

Theory night held on Tuesday at 7.30pm prior to the weekend at Stuart Millburn’s.


February 2014



TRIP Calendar (Cont’d)

SUPER HEROES GOURMET WEEKEND

Start Date: Friday 28th

February 2014 Finish Date: Sunday 2nd

March 2014

Grade: E (Social)

Max Vehicles: 15 (excluding leader)

Trip Leader: Sue Dutfield Trip Leader’s Number: 0409 045 368

Description: To be advised

CAPERTEE AREA / PRIVATE PROPERTY

Start Date: Friday, 7 March 2014 Finish Date: Sunday, 9 March 2014

Trip Leader: Steve Dalli Trip Leader’s Number: 0419 901 993

Grade: C


Camper Trailers Permitted: Yes

Description: Base camp on Steve Dalli’s property. Fruit picking on the property. Participants can

keep the fruit. Explore the local tracks on Saturday and Sunday.

Weather permitting swimming in Dunn Swamp, near Rylstone

Pizza night – Saturday night

Hot showers and toilets on site

There will be a nominal charge for gas etc.

Meeting Place: Capertee Pub: Meet either 3.00pm Friday or 9.00am Saturday

February 2014


TOSS OF THE COIN

ABERCROMBIE OR BARRINGTON

Start Date: Saturday 22nd

March 2014 Finish Date: Sunday 23rd

March 2014 Grade: C Max Vehicles: 5 (excluding leader) Trip Leader: Gary Wallis Trip Leader’s number: 0402 893 832 Description: When we meet, the last driver to arrive will toss a coin to decide which direction to

head. Heads (Abercrombie) or Tails (Barrington). We will have a fair drive before we reach “beyond the bitumen”. Both jump off points (Oberon and Gloucester) are about 3 hours drive.

Meeting Place: Tentatively Forestville RSL Club car park. 22

nd March 2014 at 6.00am.

Both locations can be cold so plan for all sorts of weather.

30TH

BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE - OBERON SHOWGROUND

Date: Saturday 29 March 2014

Grade: E

Description: The 30th Anniversary party is for all past and present members of the

All Wheel Drive Club and their families.



February 2014



DRIVER TRAINING Start Date: Saturday, 5 April 2014 Finish Date: Sunday, 6 April 2014

Grade: L

Max Vehicles: 6





FEMME WHEEL DRIVE Start Date: Saturday 5

th April 2014 Finish Date: Sunday 6

th April 2014

Grade: C

Trip Leader: Di Compton Trip Leader’s number: 0410 330 392


Description: Wombeyan Caves to Jenolan Caves. Husbands/partners welcome

DARK CORNER EXPLORER Start Date: Saturday, 5

th April 2014 Finish Date: Sunday, 6

th April 2014

Grade: C

Trip Leader: Mark Kortink Trip Leader’s number: 0419 574 881

Max Vehicles; 9 (excl leader) No trailers

Description: Explore the tracks to the west of Dark Corner, camp in the upper Turon River,

exit via Sunny Corner (or maybe Baal Bone Gap and Zig Zag).

Meeting place: Lithgow McDonald’s 10am Saturday 5th April


February 2014


FIRST AID COURSE

Date: Saturday 12th

April 2014

Location: Palm Beach Golf Club

Cost: $110-00 per person – Full day course

Max number: 20

Bookings: Bookings to Harold Zev [email protected] or 0425 322 072

INNAMINCKA / COONGEE LAKES -

EASTER Start Date: Sunday, 13 April 2014 Finish Date: Friday, 25 April 2014

Grade: C

Trip Leader: David Wilson Trip Leader’s number: 0407 592 310

Max Vehicles: 7 (excl leader)

Meet: White Cliffs Caravan Park on the Sunday 13th April.

Trailers: Welcome

Description: Depart for Cameron’s Corner on the Monday morning, camping either at the corner

store or further along the Merty Merty Road depending on conditions and the

consensus of the group. Then on to Innamincka camping by Cooper Creek. We

will spend a couple of days here, with options for individual (at least 2 vehicles) trips

to the dig tree or Cordillo Downs Station. We will then go on to Coongee Lakes for

another 2 days. From there we will make our way to Maree and a day trip to

Lake Eyre before returning back to NSW via Peterborough to Broken Hill.

Equipment required: Basic Recovery gear, UHF radio, front and rear tow points, a

sense of adventure, All Terrain Tyres in good condition as a MINIMUM. No pets.

Trip leader has an HF Radio with RFS channels as well as a sat phone.




February 2014



BENDETHERA / DEUA NATIONAL PARK Start Date: Friday 18

th April 2014 Finish Date: Monday, 21

st April 2014

Grade: C

Trip Leader: Stuart Millburn Trip Leader’s number: 0411 439 637

Max Vehicles: 8 (excluding trip leader)

Description: Meet at Braidwood on Friday and then travel into Bendethera Valley inland from

Moruya with lots of options for camping.

Trailers: Yes for experienced drivers

NORTHERN NAMIBIA AND BOTSWANA THESE TRIPS ARE FULL

Dates: Group 1: May 2014

Group 2: June 2014

Grade: C / E - Self drive in rental vehicles

Contact: Harold Zev Tel number: 0425 322 072

Email: [email protected]

Max Vehicles: 6 per group (These trips are now full)

Description: 31 days of self drive in fully equipped rental 4WD vehicle (plus travel time to and

from Australia). Visiting Windhoek, Waterberg, Etosha and Chobe National Parks,

Sossusvlei and Victoria Falls.



February 2014


DRIVER TRAINING Start Date: Saturday, 21 June 2014 Finish Date: Sunday, 22 June 2014

Grade: L

Max Vehicles: 6

Trip Leader: Stuart Millburn Trip Leaders Number: 0411 439 637




KIDS OUTBACK TRIP (BOURKE TO ALICE SPRINGS)

Start Date: Friday 27 June 2014

Finish Date: Approx. Sunday 13 July 2014 (weather and track dependent)

Trip Leader: Gary Wallis Trip Leaders phone: 0402 893 832

Grade: C

Max vehicles: 5 (excluding leader) Trailers: No

Description: The intention is travel to Birdsville from Bourke via Camerons Corner and

Innamincka. From Birdsville head west to the Hay River Track and then north to

Jervios Station on the Plenty Highway in the Northern Territory. Before finishing in

Alice Springs and if time permits, the plan is to head into the East McDonnell

Range. The trip ends in Alice Springs and participants are welcome to make

arrangements between themselves for the return journey to Sydney.

Meeting Place: Bourke, NSW

Meeting Date: Friday night 27 June 2014 for an

8:00am departure on Saturday morning 28th

June.

Other information needed for the trip: This trip intentionally coincides with NSW school holidays.

The trip leader will be taking along one child (age 11), and potentially another (age

9) and will give preference to other members with children of a similar age.

Participant’s vehicles must be capable, well maintained and appropriately

prepared for travel into remote areas.



February 2014



DRIVER TRAINING Start Date: Saturday, 9 August 2014 Finish Date: Sunday, 10 August 2014

Grade: L

Max Vehicles: 6

Trip Leader: Stuart Millburn Trip Leaders Number: 0411 439 637



Theory night held on Tuesday at 7.30pm prior to the weekend at Stuart Millburn.

DRIVER TRAINING Start Date: Saturday, 18 October 2014 Finish Date: Sunday, 19 October 2014

Grade: L

Max Vehicles: 6





NAMIBIA / BOTSWANA / ZIMBABWE Start Date: 16

May 2015 Finish Date: 30 June 2015

Grade: C / E - Self drive in rental vehicles

Contact: Harold Zev Tel number: 0425 322 072

Email: [email protected]

Max Vehicles: 6

Description: 46 days of self drive in fully equipped rental 4WD vehicle (plus travel time to and from

Australia). Visiting Windhoek, Okavango Delta, Moremi, Hwange, Motopos and

Etosha National Parks, Lake Kariba, Kalahari and Victoria Falls.

See next Page



February 2014



February 2014



Trip — Cape York Date:13/8/13 to 2/9/13 Roger Bolton (trip leader) with Stuart Finlay Nissan Patrol Kim and Lee Jefferson Nissan Patrol Ute Benedict and Turid Chan Prado Brian Mitchell (author) 80 series Photographer: Roger Bolton

Met up in Cairns after Ben and Turid came up in the train with their truck. Proceeded on the coastal road to some great lookouts. Stopped several times to look out over lush vegetation and great beaches. Camped overnight at the famous Lion's Den Hotel. Had a great meal and a very good night’s sleep.

February 2014


Proceeded on to Cooktown and had fantastic views from the lighthouse plus info on Captain Cook's refit here.

Great views from Lighthouse Lookout

Trip — Cape York (Cont’d)


February 2014



Next night we could not access Battle Camp (behind a locked gate) so we went on and camped at a lovely lagoon some 2 kms off the main road. Stacks of flowers and birds, including 2 very blue Kingfishers.

Campsite by lagoon The roads were very dusty with river crossings every now and then. Also had to watch out for big trucks which really got your attention.

Big truck on corner Stopped for the compulsory ants nests which cover the area. Travelled a very sandy track up to Cape Melville. Roger got stuck on one occasion and he was lucky to get a tow out from one of the two cars following us. We threw in a line but not even a bite. We found a crab cage and caught one which we all shared. Took lots of photos of the sunset over the hills to the north.

Crab entree


February 2014


Next day went swimming at a lovely water hole just south of our camp site. Proceeded to Musgrave Station for the next night's camp and enjoyed a great shower and meal at the homestead. Went on to Laura and morning tea at the Sexchange Hotel.

Sexchange Hotel Then on to Archer River Road House for lunch. Lee tried out the Russ Hinze chair for size but he was way too small.

Russ Hinze Chair lso took a photo of the sign high in the trees showing the height of the 2003 flood.

2003 flood water height



February 2014



Camped at Moreton Telegraph Station and enjoyed a lovely meal in the camp kitchen. Walked up the creek some distance and saw plenty of wildlife. Camped at Musgrave Station and enjoyed another great meal and shower. Then it was onto the famous Telegraph Track. We visited Eliott Falls and Indian Head for lunch and a swim in the beautifully clear waters.

Eliott Head Falls Then on to the Jardine River Ferry where we waited for the ferry staff to finish their lunch.

Jardine Ferry at lunch Proceeded to the wharf area at Seisa and onto the Tip of Cape York. The walk to the Tip was crowded as it was high tide and you had to walk back the same way you came in. Crowd at the Tip

At the Tip


February 2014


Drove out to Summerset for some more great views. Decided to give Seisa and Punsand Bay a miss and camp at Loyalty Beach. It had plenty of room, great showers and a fantastic restaurant. Went over by ferry to Thursday Island. Was impressed by the gun emplacements, museum presentation and the plane wrecks.

Gun emplacement on TI

Plane wreck TI



February 2014



Disappointed we could not walk down the main street of TI as we had done on previous trips. Nevertheless, it was a very informative tour. While on our tour we had a horsey visitor to our camp site at Loyalty Beach.

Horsey visitor


On our way out to Virilya Point we had to access an interesting wooden bridge. We were ably guided by Lee.

Lee guiding across bridge

February 2014


Trip — Cape York (Cont’d) Proceeded down to the Cotterall River for our next campsite and stayed for two nights. Ben was invited out on a boat and caught a nice sized Tuna which was cut up for susumhi later that evening.

Fish photo We returned to the Telegraph Track and camped at Eliot Falls. Proceeded down the track to Gunshot which was a lot easier than expected. Old Gunshot

New Gunshot


February 2014




We found the last crossing (or the first heading north) was our hardest, but all made it through despite very muddy and slippery conditions. After dinner at Batavia Downs we returned to Weipa. Whilst there we did a mine tour which came highly recommended, especially if you like seeing huge machinery in operation.

Heavy Machinery at Weipa Also recommended was the afternoon dinner cruise out of Weipa. Saw a huge croc sun baking on a sand dune in the bay. Another great sunset and plenty of birds.

Plenty of birds

February 2014


Afternoon dinner cruise

Heading north from Weipa we turned towards the Pentecost River. Unfortunately, we missed the turn north and had to drive along the coast which was made up of very soft sand. That inland route that we missed comes out at an inlet and good campsite. Again, more fishing but no results. We could see a very large croc on an offshore island. We returned to Weipa and down the Developmental Road to Laura where we said our goodbyes and headed off in various directions:

Ben and Turid the inland route

Mitch the Developmental Road

The brothers down the coast to Fraser Island

Roger recuperated to Stuart's house in Cairns



February 2014



For a long time now, the 4WD industry has suggested having rated recovery points on all 4WDs. We had a question raised lately that asked about how recovery points were rated. Good question, so I thought I would go digging on the internet. This is what I found: Common Sense really. An extract from an article by ARB, full article can be found here:

ask-arb/recovery/Recovery_points.php It is an unfortunate fact that no 4x4 vehicle available in Australia comes with a factory recovery point. There is a good reason for this that all owners should understand. When we talk of 4x4 vehicle recovery, we are referring to the use of either winches or kinetic energy recovery (snatch) straps. Winch recovery using either single or double line pull methods exert significant forces on mounting and recovery points, however the loads exerted by recovery straps are far more significant. If you consider the engineering challenge here, you begin to understand what sort of recovery point we should all be looking for. That challenge is to ensure that the recovery strap is always the weakest link in the ‘recovery train’ as we call it. We definitely do not want anything the strap is attached to (or with) failing and being catapulted about at high speed. Many people have unfortunately been killed around the world from such failures. And a second one from Robert Pepper:

myth-rated-4WD-recovery-points The truth is no vehicle manufacturer approves anything on its vehicles for recovery, nor do they usually specify a working load limit for its recovery points So what is a safe recovery point? As rough guidelines, if a recovery point is of at least 10mm diameter steel, is welded to a chassis rail with at least 4 inches of weld or bolted on using at least two high-tensible bolts of at least 12mm diameter, and is undamaged, then it may, and emphasis on may, be suitable for recovery. Using bridles to reduce the load on two recovery points is also a good idea, but even then there's some misconceptions - bridles do not halve the load on each point, they do exert an inwards force on the points which can be significant, and unless the centre strap is free to equalise the load it may actually create more stress than a single-line pull. I think Robert sums it up pretty well. Take care, Brian

Rated “R” for Recovery

http://www.arb.com.au/getting-started/ask-arb/recovery/Recovery_points.php

http://www.l2sfbc.com/rmp/blog/myth-rated-4WD-recovery-points

February 2014



February 2014



Trip — Driver Training Weekend 7-8 December 2013

With burnt-out bush from the recent big fires all around, the December training group met at the Zig Zag Railway at Clarence in the beautiful Blue Mountains for a weekend of superb warm weather and some intense 4WD training. After a few words from the fearless leaders and much hissing of air from tyres, we headed out onto what were the first bush tracks ever for some of the group. At a clearing in the blackened soils, we stopped at what would only later be realised to be the easiest hill of the weekend. Ignorance of what was to come was probably best all round as everyone practised the hill ascents with a stall and restart, followed by the descent. While everyone else was having fun moving onto learning the art of snatch-strapping, Russ was nose down under the bonnet of the BT50. The car appeared to all and sundry as near-dead – headlights worked, the fuel pump whirred but no amount of coaxing could start the engine. But we couldn’t have been too far from civilisation and the mobile worked, so a call was put in to our Mazda workshop. After fruitless suggestions (had already tried them all, nothing a solution) the mechanic, almost as an afterthought, mentioned that a voltage spike may have shut down the computer and suggested a way to test this. Hallelujah and hooray, it worked, the car came to life again and Russ was able to do his stalls and snatching. Travelling on and out of the bushfire zone we continued on tracks to the top of a hill where the first of our real challenges unfolded down the slope in front of us. But the rocks and ledges and dips were no match for this hardy group and all reached the base of the hill in one piece. The

David’s first foray

Graeme clambering down the first hill

Russ calling the hotline for help

February 2014


next ascent was a doozy though, and Mohit showed us all how it was most spectacularly done with a breathtaking three wheel cornering technique captured for all to see on camera! …though no-one seemed particularly keen to emulate his method… But more rocky climbs were to come and each was more challenging than the last until finally it was time to set up camp and reflect on the day’s action. Our homework was called for, discussion was at times lively and naturally all participants conceded that the trainer is always right (sometimes/depending on the situation/these questions are how old?).

Trip — Driver Training (Cont’d)

Look Mum, I only need three weeks

Time to relax and reflect on the day and get the homework marked.


February 2014



Day 2 and more in store for unsuspecting players. First stop a flooded track and calls for volunteers to walk the water. Hugo and Mohit were the “volunteers” but Hugo couldn’t find his shoes – sensible lad! All looked fine and we were mentally preparing to tackle it when Mohit fell into a hole waist-deep that Stuart and Steve had of course known about all along. More slopes – up here, down there, and each time our confidence rose as we discovered firstly what our vehicles were capable of and importantly what we were capable of. The side slope exercise ended with all participants still on four wheels at the end. This appeared to be Liz’s worst nightmare and she insisted David be in the car with her – the “If I’m going over then you are coming with me…” syndrome. But she’s still here to tell the tale. Then finally a water crossing where our tyres would actually get wet. The Coxs River gently meanders through a green lush valley, clear water rippling over smooth rocks positively inviting us to walk through – though we speculated that doing the same thing in July might be distinctly less appealing! Up one way, a turn around on dry land and back again. Rob and Rebecca thought the water too good not to have a good dunk and cool-off. It was just the tadpole that tried to hitch a ride in his swimmers that gave Rob pause for thought… By Sunday afternoon, we had tested ourselves and the cars thoroughly, and some convoy procedure practice, interspersed by just one last steep hill climb, on the way back to the highway saw much swapping of places in the line. Stuart gave a final wrap-up and presented the car stickers – tangible proof of surviving the weekend.


Mohit enjoys a simple stroll through the water

The shorty with Geoff at the wheel quite likes side slopes

Rob’s LWB really needed a wash by this time.

February 2014


Liz walking the 100 series down the hard way—step by step


Our thanks to both Stuart and Steve for a fabulous weekend. Not a soul amongst us is not a better driver for it. Not one of us did not learn a great deal about our cars and ourselves. We are all now all set for some Club trips!

PS: The trick to getting a computer to come alive after a shut-down was quite simple and many of you may wish to tuck this information away. Disconnect the earth lead from the battery, pump the brake pedal several times to discharge all residual power in the capacitors and reconnect the lead to the battery. That was all it took to get our Mazda BT50 going again. Author: Sue Smith Photographs: Sue Smith

Participants

Stuart Millburn – valiant leader Patrol

Steve Cox – hardy tail-end Charlie Patrol

Russ Smith with Sue Mazda BT50 with camper

Liz Quartly with David 100 series Land Cruiser

Cliff Bunce 200 series Land Cruiser

Geoff Grant with Tracey SWB Land Rover

Rob Lewis with Rebecca LWB Land Rover

Mohit Manchanda Pajero

David Ferguson with son Hugo Pajero

Graeme Hills Jeep

Is there anything your 200 series Cruiser can’t do, Cliff?


February 2014



27 Dec to 2 Jan 2014 Participants Brian (Trip Leader) and Kirsten Sommerville 100 series Peter and Sue Dutfield 100 series Brian Mitchell (Author) 80 series After the hectic pace associated with Christmas it was good to get away for the 5 to 6 hour drive to meet up with the others in Jindabyne around midday. After a great coffee and light snack we fuelled up and headed for the hills. We came across a large number of Range and Land Rovers heading for the same general area we were. There was actually a large number of vehicles on the road to Thredbo and also parked on the side of the road at various spots, their passengers doing a bit of bushwalking and sightseeing. We had a look into Tom Groggin but it was very popular. We proceeded on to Geehi to view one of the huts which looked outstanding and despite several creek crossings we could not find a spare spot for our three cars.

Trip — Major Clews

February 2014


Brian had two further spots in mind. Unfortunately the first, by the creek was already occupied. The second was Major Clews Hut which we had all to ourselves. We had been advised that there was a lovely little valley some 200 metres behind the hut but we liked the plentiful shade provided by the various trees planted by Major Clews some 50 years ago. Lt. Col. Hugh Powell Gough Clews, otherwise known as 'Major' Clews, was an army surveyor who retired from the military in 1949. He was recruited to work for the Snowy Mountain Scheme in 1950 to map the area. Prior to the Scheme, no real accurate maps of the area existed. Even the border of NSW and Victoria was only marked with stone cairns and blazed trees. The hut itself was home for the Major during construction of the Snowy River Hydro Electric Project. He was a the principal surveyor for the project and an outstanding bushman. On Saturday we rested in the shade and were only disturbed by a few vehicles coming in to check out the hut. We walked the short distance to the valley behind the hut but decided to stay where we were. Perhaps a larger group would have preferred this site.

Trip — Major Clews (Cont’d)


February 2014



On Sunday we travelled back the 30 kms to Thredbo to meet up with family and friends. We walked through the village after getting the last few car spaces in the first car park. We had morning tea and lunch at the Bakehouse and enjoyed several coffees. After lunch we went up the chairlift and walked up to view Mt Kosciusko. Strangely enough there were still large areas of snow even in the middle of summer.

On the way back along the Alpine Way we turned off into Scammells Lookout, which is well signposted approximately 2.7km south from the exit of Major Clews Fire Trail. It was visited by Queen Elizabeth in 1963 on her Snowy Mountains tour and gives views to the south over Scammells Ridge, named after a local grazing family who used the ridge for access to the summer grazing areas. Late Sunday after dinner we experienced a warm westerly followed by a cool northerly. It was very pleasant conditions to be camping in. On Monday we took the shortcut into Khancoban. What a lovely little village. Had a great coffee in the cafe on the western side and enjoyed a little walk around the village. Returning back along the Alpine Way we called into the Murray Visitors Centre which was quite crowded, but very informative nevertheless. We took the turnoff to Olsen Lookout and continued on to have lunch at Geehi Dam. We arrived back to some visitors in the form of Kim and Stuart having set up their van on arrival from Tathra.


February 2014


Tuesday saw us away early to Tom Groggin and across the Murray River. We were heading for the Davies High Plain Hut. About halfway up we came across fellow Club members Shane Davison and Terry Saddler heading down. They had camped at Charlies Creek which is where we were to have lunch. Heading onwards and upwards we made our way to Davies High Plain Hut, where we checked out the hut, Kim took some photos of galahs and had some morning tea. In the process Kim managed to misplace her phone which was not recovered until we returned to camp. We went past Backwong (or Connolys) Hut. Brian and Stuart went up Mt Pinnabar while Peter and I returned to camp via Mt Hope. Wednesday was spent at camp while Stuart and Kim went for a run to Khancoban, the Murray Visitors Centre and Scammells Lookout. We had to admire Kim's new camera equipment – massive new lens and tripod – she



February 2014



will develop muscles on her muscles with all that equipment. Kirsten brought out her new long distance lens for her iPhone – much lighter than Kim's gear. We had visitors from Land Rover Club who had painted various parts of the hut yesterday, but ran out of green paint for the uprights. Nevertheless, they are doing a great job keeping these huts in good condition. That afternoon Brian made a banana damper with ginger beer. What a treat, it went down very well. The next morning (Thursday) we packed up and were on the road early. Called in to Khancoban for a quick coffee, toilet and rubbish stop, then headed home.

Reference: “The Major” Lt. Col. Hugh Powell Gough Clews by Noel R Gough


February 2014


Outback Crossing

This is a great website: www.outbackcrossing.com.au/

mailto:%20http://www.outbackcrossing.com.au/


February 2014



February 2014


Four Wheel Drive NSW and ACT, INC ABN: 51 879 448 402

PO Box 1371, Parramatta, NSW, 2124 Phone: 1300 4WD NOW

[email protected]

NSW-ACT 4WD Association Quarterly Minutes

November 2013 Snippets from the Association Minutes: So, what is happening, well at last the Stockton Plan of management is up, it certainly needs everyone’s input to show that we really want high dune access and group camping. Another plan of management will be out soon and this will need us to be very active on it to make sure we keep access, the area is Col’s property Mt Airly, we have to keep an eye on that one. Through our representation with the ACMC we have finally got a gazettal list up from the RMS and it is pretty good and well laid out in an easy to read format. Probably the only real bad news is the demise of the training centre, we could not come to an agreement with Western Sydney Dragways that would be suitable for both parties and as a committee we could not justify spending over $30,000 a year to stay there for limited access. Full minutes can be found on our web site at our Members Lounge.


http://www.awdc.com.au/members/members-lounge.html


February 2014



1 2 3

4

5

6

7

1 AWDC Shirt $30 2 AWDC Polar Jumper $45 3 AWDC Vest $30

4 AWDC Bucket Hat, Cap and Beanie $10 ea 5 AWDC Key Ring $3.50

6 AWDC Logo Car Sticker $2.50 7 AWDC Thermo Mug $10

ALL AVAILABLE FROM THE PURCHASING OFFICER: Gary Wallis - [email protected] or 0402 893 832


February 2014



February 2014



AWDC Guidelines

Want to know : How the “Trip Booking System” Driver Training Requirements ClubTrip Gradings Log into the Members Lounge to see: Guideline for Trip Leaders Writing Trip Reports Swagman Point Rules

http://www.awdc.com.au/calendar/trip-booking-system.html

http://www.awdc.com.au/about/driver-training.html

C:/Users/Kirsten/Documents/Doctor info

http://www.awdc.com.au/



February 2014


Favourite Apps

Flightradar 24 Tracks and identifies commercial flights around the world

Live Traffic NSW Live feed from NSW traffic cameras

ABC Keep up to date with 10 secs news segments

Red Laser Read those funny QR codes

Weatherzone Says it all really

Road Trip Keeps track of vehicle expenses

WikiCamps Great way to locate a campsite

StarChart One of many sky gazing apps

Fires Near Me NSW Gives live locations and maps of fires in NSW.

TripColor My favourite as it is Photos, map location and blog with dates.

Send me your favourite links to put in the next Magazine. Send them to: [email protected]

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/flightradar24-pro/id382069612?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/live-traffic-nsw/id447303817?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/australian-broadcasting-corporation/id306583229?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/redlaser-barcode-scanner-shopping/id474902001?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/weatherzone/id409060691?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/road-trip-mpg-mileage-fuel/id298398207?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/wikicamps-australia/id505365608?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/star-chart/id345542655?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/fires-near-me-nsw/id370891827?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/tripcolor-social-travel-sharing/id459934160?mt=8



February 2014



Begger’s belief but it can and does happen. Check out the front number plate on the Prado - obviously the consequences didn't 'Dawn' on them.

beyond the bitumen - february 2014

Documents

club meetings

club shop

club welcome

club sponsors

editors page

trip coordinators report

trip calendar

traction4arb page