30 May 2013

Blitz Crane (Bonnie Doon)


Whilst spending yet another weekend in Marysville - our future residence in the Victorian high country - my wife expressed an interest in going to Mansfield for the day, which is about a 90 minute drive from the B&B that we were staying at. So being the ever obliging husband that I am, I thought well OK, why not? 

Passing through the various townships of Buxton, Alexandria, Yarck and Merton, it was whilst entering the township of Bonnie Doon that I suddenly noticed a vehicle standing at the bottom of a paddock, which looked decidedly familiar but had been modified for an entirely different purpose. Needless to say this resulted in a sudden detour off the highway to allow for a closer inspection and the obligatory photographs.

Although there are many Chevrolet blitzes still languishing on farms around the countryside, this was the first time that I'd ever come across one of the short-wheel-based C15A versions, which had been modified with such an impressive looking crane.

Despite it's age and location, the vehicle appeared to be essentially complete and in remarkably good condition making it a worthy candidate for a restoration project. However, this is something I personally would never contemplate as I prefer to work on my examples in a much smaller scale. It did however provide a great opportunity to take some photographs - for reference purposes - and it may be something I'll consider modelling - in 1/72 scale from IBG - some time in the future.





14 May 2013

History Comes Alive 2013


'History Comes Alive' is a bi-annual event organised by the Geelong Branch of the Military Historical Society (MHS) and the Geelong Military Re-enactment Group (GMRG) and this year the event took place over the weekend of the 4-5 May at the Barwon Park Mansion in Winchelsea.
 
The theme for 2013 was 'The Age of Gunpowder' and once again the grounds of the mansion and several out-buildings were transformed into a variety of military encampments and set pieces, containing a number of restored military vehicles, pieces of equipment and many original and replica items. Helping to provide some context to all of this were 100+ members of the MHS and GMRG, all of which were dressed in period military uniforms dating from the Napoleonic Wars through to the Vietnam conflict.

A number of military re-enactments were also performed throughout the day, but the real highlight for me this year was seeing the M3 Stuart Tank in action - complete with operating gas guns - showing off its speed and maneuverability - impressive.

The Stuart at speed
The sheer variety and number of restored military vehicles on display - more than in 2011 - was also great to see and these consisted of the following:

Bren Gun carrier, CMP Chevrolet Blitz Portee with 2pdr anti-tank gun, CMP Chevrolet Blitz, WOT Truck, Daimler Dingo, M3A1 White Scout Car (2), Dodge Weapons Carrier with trailer, GMC CCKW 6x6 cargo truck, Marmon Herrington, BSA motorcycle, BMW motorcycle, Harley Davidson motorcycle,  Willys Jeep (4), 25 Pounder field gun with limber (2), Mack NM 6x6 tank transporter, SAS Jeep and LRDG Chevrolet

This is only the second time the event has been held at the Barwon Park Mansion and despite the day being very cool and the surroundings quite dusty - due to a lack of rain - it was nevertheless a great day out. The best way of staying warm, was to partake of the tea and scones served on the verandah of the Mansion by the local Historical Society - delicious. http://www.facebook.com/GeelongMRG