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The Victorian MilitaryVehicle Corps Inc.

NewsletterA5955

DECEMBER 2003

V M V C

Victorian Military Vehicle Corps

OFFICE BEARRS: CO-OPTED MEMBERS:

PRESIDENT:Lionel Smart (03) 9758 2748

EDITORS:Leane McPherson

Alex McPherson1 Simons S1.TECOMA 3160

(03) 9752 6216

Fax: (03) 9752 6216

VICE PRESIDENT:Graham Jacobs (03) 9467 2001

SECRETARY:Brian BrownPO Box 367RESERVOIR 3073

(03) 94369016

TRI COMMTTEE:Don AshtonMichael Kaukas

(03) 5962 4587(03) 9870 8287

TREASURR:Michael KaukasVMC Treasurer6 Avalon GroveRIGWOOD 3134COMMITTEE MEMBERS:David MarshDon AshtonIan Eddy

(03) 9870 8287

LffRA/QUARTERMSTER:David Marsh (03) 8711 4385

0403 503 043

Email: davidmarshOl~hotmail.com

(03) 9779 0212(03) 5962 4587(03) 9778 4097

AOMC DELEGATES:Gordon Edwards (03) 9376 8208Bevan Fenner (03) 5944 3937VEmCLE INSPECTION OFFICER:Lionel Smar (03) 9758 2748

CATERIG OFFICER:Ian Eddy (03) 9778 4097

Meetings held at RATS OF. TOBRUK HAL, 44 Victoria Avenue, ALBERTPAR - first Tuesday of the month. EMERGENCIES ONLY on meeting night,contact (03) 9690 5710.No meeting in Januar.WEB SITE: ww.vmvc.cjb.netCONTACT: Ian Eddy vmvc~hotmail.com OR (03) 9778 4097

CLOSING DATE FOR THE FEBRUARY 2004NEWSLETTER IS

FRIDAY 23RD JANUARY2004

Remember, there is no Newsletter or meeting in January, wedeserve a break at least once a year!

The Editors reserve the right to amend, edit or delete any articles or items sub-mitted for publication in the Newsletter. Furher, the Editors do not necessarilyagree with any opinions expressed within.

CLUB ITEMS FOR SALEJumper Badge $5.00 ea (square type) Shoulder Flash $5.00 each

Metal Hat badge $5.00 each Club Logo badge $5.00 each (round type)Peak Cap with Logo badge $8.00 Window stickers $1.50Tac Sign Stickers $2.50 Tac Sign holders $2.50 each (sml &Ige)Left Hand Drive stickers $10.00 ea Victorian Club Permit scheme book $4.00

NEW BY ORDER ONLYPolo T shirts $18.00 each (with embroidered logo)Windcheaters $25.00 each (with embroidered logo)

Contact David Marsh Librarian/QM.(03) 8711 4385

SUBMITTING ITEMS TO THE NEWSLETTERWhen submitting items for the newsletter DO NOT SEND: Coming Events whichmust be sent to the Secretary or articles or photo's on floppy disc as they will NOTBE PRINTED due to problems of computer Virus, discs damaged in transit andother issues that we have encountered in the past.

Also we are not the mailing list editors and as such all changes of address shouldbe forwarded to the Secretary to be passed on to the mailing list Editor who isRussel Sloan.

WE ACCEPT ONLY: Trip reports, general articles, for sale and wanted Ads. Allother correspondence must be sent to the Secretary.Place your ad or article on hard copy (pen and paper) and we wil print it as spacepermits. These can be Faxed or posted. Short for sale and wanted adverts can betelephoned through.Your co-operation with this will ensure continued smooth running and a high qualitynewsletter.

Alex McPherson Editor.

Front Cover

With thanks to John Belfield, the engine powering the generator we have had onthe front cover as part of the searchlight series, is in fact powered by a HerculesJXD engine almost identical to the units fitted to White Scout Cars and Stude's.The carburettor is different to allow for the engine to be used as a stationary en-gine and governed. This months pic is a close up of the engine and generatorcontrol paneL. Next year, we take a closed look at the trailer it's mounted on.

Ed.

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MEETING *BILL WHEELERS MEMORILADIES NIGHT* - Tobruk house 8 p.m. To make thismore of a social evening we will be including membersfamilies/children/grandchildren. There will be show bagsand raffes. If attending contact the Secretary or his wife

ASAP with numbers attending to avoid anydisappointment for the children and to allow for cateringon 94369016

CHRISTMAS CAMP - Poplar Flats camping ground,Noojee. See map this newsletter. For details contactLionel Smart on 97582748.

2004

REMEMBER - THERE is NO MEETING IN JANUARY

JAN 18 - SUN RACV CENTENARY GREAT AUSTRALIAN 2004RALLY - Melbourne to Mornington. Entry fee of$30.00 which goes to Peter Mac HospitaL. All entriesreceive a free Rally Pack which includes a badge for yourcap. Prizes awarded to best vehicles, uniform etc. For allclubs with 10 or more entries there will be issued aframed, personalised RACV badge with club name. Entryforms from club Secretar or down loaded atww.petermac.org or at ww.abccc.com.au

JAN 26 - MON CAVALCADE OF TRASPORT - in the DomainGardens. Those who attended last year will have an entryform posted to them. Anyone else will have to apply byringing Kevin Churchill on 0412 0802 0177. Remember,you must send in an entry form to attend the event. If wewish to park together we must arrive together. Meet in Domain Rd, between Walsh St. and Punt Rd. by 9:00 am.

FEB 3 - TUE MEETING - First meeting for 2004, Tobruk House 8pm

Coming Events contd

FEB 29 - SUN RAF MUSEUM AI PAGEANT - at Point Cook. Astatic display plus a convoy drive along the taxiway. Somevehicles may also be used to transport pilots to aircraft.Free entry to people in Military vehicles and free lunch ofsome kind for drivers only at this stage. Bring along anyextras such as tents, camo nets etc but NO WEAPONSBY REQUEST. They would like us to arrive as a group.Meet in McDonalds car park on the Point Cook exit fromthe Princess Freeway at 7:30 am sharp. Mel Ref 53 B-1!.If you intend going you MUST give your name &passengers to Brian Brown by 5th February.

MAR 8 - 14 ANNUAL GPA SWIM IN AT COROWA - Ball ParkCaravan Park, Bridge Rd. Corowa. This year is the year ofthe Dodge.

MAR 14 - SUN OLD TIME VEHICLE & MACHINERY DISPLAY -at Mont De Lancey, DeLancey Rd. Wandin Mel Ref 119B-12. Free entry and lunch passes to 2 persons in aMilitar vehicle. If you are going you MUST let BrianBroWI know by the 1 st February.

MAR 21 - SUN YEA AUTUMN FESTIVAL - arrive from 9:00 am for astatic display in the main street. Lots of activities going onall day.

Buffalo and Grantduring a fire powerDemonstration eitherdurng late WW2 or justafter

MINUTES OF VMVC Inc A5955 GENERAL MEETING HELD AT ROTA HALL4th November 2003

MEETING OPENED BY PRESIDENT: at 8:03 pm.

MEMBERS PRESENT: 24 Members

APOLOGIES: D.Kaukas, I.Eddy, J.Harris, B.Fenner

NEW MEMBERS: Nil

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Moved; D.Bailey, Seconded; A.Brooks

BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING: Nil

CORRESPONDENCE IN:Australian Light Horse; further details for Tongala.Macedon Ranges Motor Club; advising of Picnic at Hanging RockEuroa Wool Week; final details for the paradeMasonic Foundation; National Auto Display in AdelaideJardine Lloyd & Thompson; renewal notice & policy for Public Liability InsuranceNewsletters from; MVCS of SA, Land Rover Club, AMVCS of NSW, MVCG,QMVG.

CORRESPONDENCE OUT:Mont de Lancey; we wil attend on the 14th March 2004HMAS Cerberus; list of persons going to the open day.Victorian Scout Heritage; advising that we are unable to supply 2 vehicles for theirdedication.Knox Remembrance Day; we will have vehicles there on the 9th November.Yea Autumn Festival; we will be attending in March 2004

AOMC REPORT: NiL.

TREASURER'S REPORT:BALANCE AT OCTOBER MEETINGCASH IN Annual Fees $750.00

Sale of badges etc $50.00TOTAL CASH IN $800.00BALANCE

CASH OUT Print Nov. Newsletter $368.00Post Nov Newsletter $104.28Public Liability Insurance $607.42Brassards & plastic cups $306.00Ladies night $186.83Editor's expenses $23.63

TOTAL CASH OUT $489.72BALANCE AT NOVEMBER MEETING

$9,490.57

$10,290.57

$8,694.42

TREASURER'S REPORT: Moved; D.Marsh, seconded R.Hughes

GENERAL BUSINESS:The Secretary showed the meeting the certificate presented to the club by theHMAS Cerberus Comm. School for the club attending the open day. Ray Edsalasked if there was to be a dinner night at the Burvale HoteL. As no one wasprepared to organise it, that means it is not on.

REPORTS ON PAST EVENTS: Graham Jacobs gave a report on the weekend atEuroa. The weather was not bad but cold at night. The usual good time was hadby alL. Lionel and Russel told about the open day at Cerberus. A cold day with fewof the public attending due to lack of advertising. We were supplied with a sit downlunch by the Navy. Ron Geddes told of his visit to the Queensland swap meeting.Michael Kaukas attended at Hastings during the visit of Princess Anne.

COMING EVENTS: As the Newsletter

SALES AND WANTS: David Furness has a machete & case for $40.00 & nonoriginal pintle hook $40.00. Graham Jacobs has a Jeep Pintle hook, $50.00, Vac-uum wiper $20.00, WW2 original hat badge, Australian $20.00. Ray Edsal asked ifthere was any interest in 900.16 if they were to be imported.

Mike Kelly then played a video of an overseas military event.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT: 8:45 pm.

ABOVE: A Staghound on Puckapunyal range in the 1950's

FOR SALE & WANTED

FOR SALE: Replica USA Pioneer tool rackscomplete (mius tools) $95.00 each

10 only New Ex Ary 6.40 X 15 inch 6 plyDunop tyes D/\ fitted to Wiles cookers andstaff cars? $60.00 each or better for large lot.

Contact David Wiliams 5721 6231

COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT ROTA HALL ON 4/11/2003

Those present: Graham Jacobs, Lionel Smart, Don Ashton, Michael Kaukas,David Marsh and Brian Brown.

ApoloQv: Ian Eddy

Items discussed:David Marsh showed the brassard that the club had made for members of the clubto use on Anzac Day on Motor pool duties. We have bought 20 of them. The clubhas also purchased 100 plastic cups to be used as welL.Club stores was di~cussed. We will chase up where the4 flags areDiscussion took place on a petrol allowance for Tongala. The answer was no.David said that the last library book to be lent out was in May 2002. It was sug-gested we approach the Rats of Tobruk to see if we can have room in the main hallto put them on display.Brian Brown told the meeting that he was not sure if he would be continuing assecretary after the next annual meeting. He would make up his mind in the new

LPI Carernegotiating aroadsideembanent inPark Orchardsdunng WW2.These were used totest radio's as partof the signals stationon Milne Rd .

TRIP REPORTS

OPEN DAY HMAS CERBERUS

I GOT THE Jeep out for a VMVC field trip for the first time in ages, even startedprett well after the mandatory over night touch up to the battery. A very cold tripover after delaying my start to see what the weather was going to do. It was a daylargely free of rain, but as forecast, qiiite chily with the wind whipping in through allthose strategically placed gaps in the wildly flapping canvas. I don't know how theother fellows drive without the side curtains on!

I arrived at our usual display area at the Communications School after negotiatinga host of polite young Navy lads on the check points. It was soon time for lunchand I put the thermos away as Secretary Brian talked me into coming...I'm glad Idid. A choice of sit down Roast lamb, fish or pizza in the Galley. Just what Ineeded on such a day. Donned the WW2 helmet and webbing for a stroll aroundthe various exhibits on the sports arena and the workshops open for display in ourarea. Got quite a few smiles and laughs from the young armed force members inmy "Dad's Army" clobber. They all seem terrific, well disciplined types and you getthe impression the country is in good hands.

Back at our display for another coffee, I got some helpful advice on my Jeep fromother VMVC members and just generally admired the immaculate presentation ofthe other chaps machines, it's a credit to them. At 3:20 pm Lionel blew the sirenand we all headed off in convoy making an impressive sight as we left the baseand onto the highway before a couple of us Gippslanders swung off onto theTooradin - Tyabb road. All up 13 vehicles and drivers and some passengersturned up and enjoyed the Navy's hospitality and we hope to return same timenext year.

Russ Hughes.

Left: Lt. CommanderSteve Beckmannpresenting LionelSmart with aCertificate ofAppreciation next toAlf Brooks well knownJeep.

FERRET SCOUT CAROR SDKFZ 222?

By Frank Tonga

I met Frank bycorrespondence withtechnical advice abouthis Ferret, only later tofind that it was to bethe most unusualFerret I'd ever seen. ifelt that this articlewould be of greatinterest and i actuallyasked Frank to writethis article for us as ifelt that it wassomething verydifferent, especiallywith our clause offacsimile vehicles.

This job by Frankcertainly takes this to the extreme, not only of the effort and skils required butmaking an example of a vehicle which these days is basically non existent worldwide. It really goes to show just what can be done when you set your mind to it. Ihave seen pictures of replica and facsimiles of these types of vehicles, mostlybased on Dodge Weapons Carrier chassis and mechanicals, this in my opinion isthe best I have seen yet, although not in the flesh, I haven't seen any others in theflesh either, just photo's of. Read on and I hope all members enjoy this far differentarticle. A brief history of Frank's group and the vehicle.

Alex McPherson, Editor.

History: I have been collecting German militaria for the last seven years andinvolved in re-enacting for the past three years. Our group consists of six membersand we base ourselves on the SS 2nd Panzer Division "Das Reich" reconnaissanceunit. We have a 1938 Chev Staff Car (captured), and a BMW (cloned) bike andsidecar. We re-enact in a different manner to normal because here in WesternAustralia, there is no "enemy" so we take to the streets and have static displays.

We found the majority of the public love what we do, the proof being several"Peoples Choice" awards we have won for our static displays. We always make itclear that we do not support any Political organisation or radical group but merelydisplay history "as it was".

FERRET/222.I had been on the lookout for a Scout Car for our group and knowing that I won'tfind (or afford) a genuine German vehicle, I wondered what I could modify that wassimilar in size to the originaL. My neighbour mentioned that he saw a Ferret sittingin a farmers paddock and after checking the specifications regarding dimensions, Idecided that I could make a Ferret look like an SdKfz 222 Scout Car.

I visited the farmer and he said that he bought it 20 years ago from the Army touse as a fire fighting vehicle so he removed the turret and cut off the upper hull(squirm). I managed to take it off his hands for $500 and brought it home on theback of a truck. I set myself a year to complete the project but when I started thetask it was hard to stop. i found myself spending four hours a day working on it aswell as my normal job. You can guess what I was doing on my weekends.

I needed to find out how theFerret was mechanically before Iwas going to rebuild it into acompletely different machine. Iset about firstly, getting it to run.I drained out the stale fuel in thetank, removed the carby top andcleaned the bowl, removed thespark plugs and cleaned them,checked the points and set thegaps. I found that the fuel pipesat the bottom of the tank wereblocked solid with sludge so aftera tricky clean out process, theengine was ready for a fire up.

ABOVE: The Ferret as found on the far, rather After quite a few cranks, awayshe went chugging plumes of bluecut up and many bits missing. smoke and when it cleared I was

surprised at how smoothly sheran. Now that i was satisfied with the engine and transmission, I decided that theproject should go ahead properly. i set about stripping all the external fittings,stowage bins, cleaning out rat droppings, nests and many practice rounds.Because the Ferret was sitting in a paddock for the last 2 years, the controllinkages, lever pivots etc were seized so i spent a long time, freeing/replacingcomponents. The brake master cylinder and wheel cylinders were corroded andrequired sleeving.

The fact that the SdKfz 222 armoured scout car was made in such small numbers,around 900 built, it was diffcult to obtain detailed drawings, plans and photographsso i had to rely on modellng books and a Tamiya model kit as a guide. The Ferretchassis (hull) is wider at the bottom so i had to modify the shape as a compromise.

The Ferret is physically a lot shorter than the 222 so i had to cut it in half andlengthen it by 500mm. The front drive shafts and control linkages were alsolengthened accordingly. Due to the complex shape of the 222 armour panels, idecided to make MDF templates and fit one side up to form the hull (any mistakebeing easier and cheaper to rectify). Once happy with the basic shape, I pur-chased 4mm and 5mm steel plate from a scrap yard and set about cutting theshapes out on a friends electric guillotine in his workshop. After fitting the hull pan-els, stitch welded on the inside and mig welded on the outside. i then fabricatedthe turret and fitted it up. The hatches and doors were installed.

~ The cannon and MG.Centre mount/pivot werenext as well as the handwheel mechanisms tooperate the turret andweapons which raise to75 degrees. The antigrenade mesh, toolboxand internal fittings werefabricated and installed.The MG and cannoncomponents needed tobe machined andassembled. To add a

little "Battle hardened realism", I fired a few shots into the front armour plate. OnceI was happy with the end result, it was time for the paint job. The interior first, glosswhite as standard practice, then the early war paint scheme of "panzer grey" in lowsheen. The final touch was to apply markings (Balkan Cross, unit and tacticalmarkings) and fit niimber plates.

Field testing of the vehicle proved promising and I'd say it is a smoother to drivethan a Ferret due to the longer wheelbase. I designed the cannon to operate ingas firing mode and havehad great results with auraland visual effects.

Frank Tonga

ABOVE: The hull over skin going on piece by piece.

Finally I have to thank AlexMcPherson for his technicalassistance and John Voakfor the use of his workshopand equipment. Also thehelp of Matt Bignell andHenry Bingham wasappreciated.

THIS PAGE: Various stages of modification, the finished vehicle and Frank in hisunform in the turret of the SdKfz 222. A great deal of work with very pleasing results.

Staing clockwse from top:Over head view, front view,weapons in the fuly elevatedposition, breech details of theweapons and crossing a river init's first trials.

Noojee Poplar FlatsXmas Camp 2003

December 26 - 30

All Members familes & Freinds WelcomeFor more information contact Lionel Smart

9758 2748

AIl tyes of VehiclesAll made Roads except 4 Kim.Good for a Day Trip and Picnic

Warburton HMay~WarburtonLilyale :: I

MELBOURNE Y arr a Junction

MatlockWoods Point Rd.

ToiletsLoch RiiierDrinking WaterFirewood

Powellown11 Kim from shopsto camp ground

oTroutFarm

Woods Point Rd.Drouin - Warrigull

. CHRISTMAS GREETINGS .~ From the President: On behalf of Committee and Sub ~.Committee Members we would like to wish all our.~ members a happy and safe Christmas and New Year ~

T holiday period. We look forward to another good year T. ahead with outings and hope to see more members.~ in ~. attendance at events and welcome any new mem-.~ bers that may join in the forth coming year. We hope ~

. to see some of you at our Christmas camp. The map.

. of which is above Ed. .. Lionel Smart ...

DISCLAIMR

The statements and opinions expressed in this Newsletter are not necessanly those ofthe members or Commttee of the Victorian Milita Vehicle Corps Inc. We do nottake responsibility for any statements, advertisements, notices, letters or opinionsthat are published. Such are published at the risk of the contributor who acceptsliability for any intended publication. Writers of articles provide their suggestionsand opinions as general information only and accept no responsibility if you chooseto follow-up their suggestions.

All contributors agree to indemnfy the publisher and warant that the material isaccurate and is neither deceptive nor misleading, in breach of copyright, defamatory,or in breach of any laws.

VMVC NEWSLETTERPrint Post NumberPP 341278/0012Ifundelivered, retu to:

PO Box 367RESERVOIR VIC 3073

SURACE?:;.\'~."! n\ \". 'i p, : \\4. r\';, .. , .;.: .ir\:i~. "-' - - --

MAILPOSTAGE

PAID

91 B

ALEC DUKE

P.O. BOX 381

MYRTLEFORD

VIC 3737

Change of Address or Vehicle Details

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Retu to: VMC Inc., PO Box 367 RESERVOIR 3073