[Duncan]

I know this is rather a wee bit off the normal topics that this site has or even that of any site that has any thing at all to do with Medieval life, but many reasons have compelled me to put this forum in so here goes,

Horses were used to make the early castles as well as man power. Our castle is being made today, albeit in much the same fashion as those built hundreds of years ago it still requires a certain amount of horse power.
In view of this I'm starting out listing what vehicles we use everyday and in constructing the Castle to give a better idea of how things are being done.
Later, as time allows, I'll post images of the specialty vehicle platforms that makes a lot of the work safer and easier for all of us.


I've always enjoyed going off road into areas where not many people go. That does not mean I destroy the land in doing so. By careful skillful driving impact on the land can be kept to a bear minimum.
I'm a believer in not leaving tracks or trash in the out back, as one of my officers when I was a  new-be in the service was fond of saying,

Quote

stately! stately... and with grace!

when it comes to going off road.
Here on the property is an old pipeline road that has been used since the early 20's and as in all things there comes a time sooner or later that one has to get up the hill so a certain amount of tire spin is a must.

My truck is a Commercial Cargo Utility Vehicle or {cut-V} as the American Military calls them.
Theirs is based on a stock 1/2 ton Chevy Blazer with a few extra instruments in the dash, Black Out lights in the bumpers, a heavy duty tow hitch, a front brush guard and of course the necessary radio equipment.



Mine is being upgraded constantly and has been far heavier modified then most of the military M1009's:

1. A high performance big block 454, or 'Rat motor'  to the old timers still around, that puts out over 550 horse power.

2. One ton running gear with Detroit lockers front and rear,

3. A Muncie 465 4 speed and a NP 205 cast iron transfer case.

4. A 8 inch heavy spring lift,

5. Canvas top and tail gate,

6. Front and Rear winch mounts and bumpers custom built here in my metal shop,



7. The gerry can mount holds three 5-gal cans and the spare tire mount holds the  15 inch wide x 38.5 inch tall Monster Murder with out a problem even on the worst of roads or in the Boony's. For now I'm using 15 inch bead lock rims with the 8 lug bolt pattern of the 1 ton axles which will be replaced with new rims and tires very soon.



8. And of course, the necessary radios and other on/off road safety equipment.





The M101 A1 3/4 ton trailer that gets used almost every day.

[Whitemanfrtown]

I like the photos.  Yeah, that looks like a decent set of wheels.  Got jester bars in the front too - .... practical.

Now I know where to post the picture of my 3-wheeler.

[Duncan]

By all means post it here.
Meg's little jeepy is going to be posted here too one day...soon...maybe...

I've got to take some pictures of the modifications and additions thats been done to the truck since these were taken and get them put up.

[Galla]

Ralph, it is truly scary as to how alike you and William (my other half) are - down to the jump boots even! Nice wheels by the way. We have been looking for an older used military hummer to revamp for him. I have a little trooper which gives me a bit more security than it should....but haven't rolled her yet!

Yours definately looks like much more fun!

[Duncan]

Your right and I've been feeling those gut twinges a lot lately.
I'm not sure if its because we all are building our projects or if like minds as you said are drifting together for some other reasons.

Hummv's are coming down in price and in my opinion a good place to start is Ebay motors.
I personally don't want one but understand why William would. I drool over some of the technology.

Troopers are really good vehicles!!
We just finished a Webber carburetor conversion on one of our little Isuzu pick-ups which is our #1 parts runner. It's Meg's favorite really.
Been in far too many roll overs for many different reasons and didn't like any of them.
If I get to go fourwheelen its becouse we are out cutting fire wood or working, haven't had time to go for fun in a long time.
Some of the stuff we build is off road equipment and roll cages, but like everything else, my truck isn't finished!

[Galla]

Thanks for the info...never thought to check ebay for those. Will have to see what I can find. By the time he puts all of his toys in, probably won't be good for much else than a work vehicle!

Truly it seems that as we get going on our projects, time and money end up getting away before we have a chance to have some fun with it. Just don't lose sight of your ideas for your truck...it will all get together eventually.

Definately interesting about the like minds...and too, we have much we all can learn from each other, as a group. I only wish we all lived a bit closer and have a chance to chat about ideas and such, over a beer or two.

Perhaps one of these days....

[Duncan]

Toy's?? What sort?

Lately money has been non gone all too quickly and we are still playing catch up to when Meg's son was in Hospital.

My truck is coming alone maybe slowly but its getting to the final plans I have for it.
Many years ago I took the time to draw out what I felt I wanted it to be like. I look at those now and see changes that I couldn't have envisioned much like the castle project in many ways.

I couldn't agree with you more about learning and sharing! Thanks for sticking things out here with us loonies!!
Your company is all ways appreciated and enjoyed.

[Galla]

William likes any type of technological toys....he has his sirens and light bar for his firefighting stuff, the radio ant. that go with those, he is looking still for a GPS system and tracking system to be installed on the hummer, as well as all the little "widgets" that a big boy needs. LOL I just have to give him a little nudge on occassion and bring him back to the castle project from time to time.

Oh too...we had the chance to venture out and get more pics of the land yesterday...spent most of the day checking out the land too. I filled the camera before I even got to the river, so those will be posted later. The drivers should be installed in the next day or two (given we can remember where he put them), and will be posting some pics to drool over shortly.

I really am glad I chanced upon CD, as it is always great to have like minded people to share dreams and goals with. Thanks for letting me stick around!

[Duncan]

No pictures for us lately, too busy moving a concrete block building in one piece.
I am looking forward to your seeing your land, it does sound beautiful.

GPS is kinda fun and a map tracker is really neat. Some really good buys on Ebay for those, often brand new stuff sold by Ebay stores.
Sorry not a promotion but better deals then we can get around here and we do buy there often.

Is William a rural fire fighter or city?

[Galla]

Marrionville is more rural than a city, but they also have a separate rural team that they help out and rotate with.

We buy quite a bit on ebay too...no problems there. Have to save as much money as possible these days!