Driving an MGB-GT around the world

FABACians didn't get to connect with the travellers described in my July 22nd posting, but John Bowles did correspond with them. Here is the email exchange:

July 30th 
Hello Peter and Kerith,
The jungle drums are a-beating among the British car clubs in Atlantic Canada! News is that you are an Australian couple driving an MGB GT through this part of Canada and you’ll be overnighting in Halifax tomorrow (Thursday) night. If your route plans include Fredericton, New Brunswick, members of FABAC (Fredericton Area British Automobile Club) would like to welcome you. Just let me know when and where you are staying and I’ll bang the drum here on the FABAC website!
Happy Motoring!
John M. Bowles, 1974 MGB Roadster

July 31st
Hi John,
wow, jungle drums beating  in downtown Fredericton.  Loved your town on our way through but unfortunately now heading to the US and LA after our stay in Halifax.
We do though, have a story to tell about Fredericton.
Before we flew to Vancouver to start our drive, we had been in the Galápagos Islands for 2 weeks and during that time visited Postoffice Bay on Floreanna Is.  There's a large barrel there where in the old days, passing sailing ships would deposit mail for the next ship passing through to collect and deliver back to England/France, etc.  The tradition is still carried on but this time with tourists depositing postcards to be delivered around the world.  We chose to deliver 3 in Canada...one to Therese Whaley  of Fredericton who welcomed us warmly with a cup of tea and an invitation to stay..  So we have experienced great Fredericton hospitality. Most people post them but we decided to hand deliver and so meet some more Canadians.
If you ever come "downunder" we'd love to welcome you to our part of the world.
Cheers and safe driving
Kerith ( and Peter)

July 31st
Hi Kerith and Peter,
So sorry we missed you. Keep that “B” humming. We’ll follow your progress with great interest all the way back to “Down Under”
Cheers,
John

You've heard of 3D printers—well, this guy is printing an Aston Martin DB4!!!

Click the photo to see his website.

Compressor horsepower clarified by Kelvin

A little tech info for members considering a compressor.
I have two compressors and was going to sell one of them. A friend of Dwight's came to look at it and saw that on the outside it quoted 3 running hp, whereas the one I am keeping quotes 7 hp. He felt that 3 hp was not enough for him and I wondered where the difference lies. Upon checking it appears manufacturers put on false info to attract buyers, so here is the truth.

To get a real comparison you need to look at the amps rated on the motor.  
Horsepower = volts x amps   divided by  746
This means my compressor that has a rating of 3 running hp is actually consuming 17.5 amps
Therefore the horsepower is really  240 x 17.5  divided by  746  which comes out at  5.6 HP
The 3 running hp is what the motor consumes at running speed which means it runs at  3  x  746  divided by 240 volts which = 9.3 amps, almost half its quoted max amps.

The other compressor quotes  7 hp which is a joke.
This motor is rated at only 15 amps so its horsepower is really  240 x  15  divided by  746 which  =  4.8 HP

So you can see that the smaller rating is in fact the more powerful machine, The 7 hp is a gross exaggeration at the least and the smaller rated unit is in fact truthful. It is rated at 5.6 HP whilst only using 3 HP when running at a constant speed.
What looks like the bigger and better unit at 7HP does in reality only give you a max. of 4.8 HP.

Hope this helps those who are considering investing in a compressor, don't believe what it says on the tank but go by what it says on the motor and work out the HP yourself.

PS: The 3 hp is by Porter Cable and the 7 hp is from Husky

Kelvin

More photos

Photos from Bob E. of the Larry/Sandra fab event are here.
A few left-overs from Windsor from Bob E. are here.

Report on Larry and Sandra's Wonderful Event

     What has to be the signature event of the season started under (finally!) sunny skies and wound up along the Nashwaak River towards Stanley.  A full dozen cars were joined along the way by out pet deux chevaux and we all eventually rolled up the l-o-n-g driveway to the estate of Sandra & Larry.
     There, we were directed towards various areas on the grounds where games of skill had been supplied to test our mettle.  It was hoped that someone would go swimming but it seems that we're all better canoeists than we'd thought.  No one was eaten by a bear during the walk to the river and everyone survived the games which involved throwing things at each other.
     After building a hunger, we retired to the patio for burgers and goulash.  During the games several others had arrived, including the Crumleys who had made an all day drive from Montreal.
     We idled away the afternoon with conversation and estimates on how long it must take to mow the lawns.
     With the sun getting low, Larry provided those interested (which turned out to be everyone) with a tour of their restored 140-ish year old home.  The gentlemen were most impressed with the collection of miniature engines, all of which are operational. Although a few clouds threatened, there was no rain for the drive back to civilization and I hope that everyone enjoyed the drive along the Nashwaak river as much as I did.
     We thank Sandra & Larry for a fine outing and inviting us to their home.
- Bob E.
Click on any car for a better view of this magnificent collection (Photo by David)


Click on Larry for several great shots from Ellie and Jim

News Flash!

The Saturday run to Sandi and Larry’s is postponed to Sunday because of the weather forecast.  Saturday doesn’t look particularly good weather wise, and, given that our activities take place outdoors, we would like to grounds to dry out a bit after today’s rain.  We hope that we will lose no one and gain a few people on Sunday.  We will have plenty of food so newcomers needn’t worry.  The time is just the same, leave at 2:00 from the Kent’s/Canadian Tire parking lot on the Northside.  Cheers,
Larry H. 

Short Run/ Pot Luck Supper at Sandi and Larry’s

Saturday July 27, 2013 (Rain Date Sunday July 28)

Come join us at our home in Stanley for an afternoon of good food (potluck) and fun activities.  New members and older members who have not recently participated in FABAC events are particularly encouraged to attend.

Where: 
We will leave at 2:00 p.m. at the Northside Kent’s/Canadian Tire parking lot. It will be short run, about 30 minutes, to our home in Stanley (135 Red Rock Road), led by Larry. We will proceed along Killarney Road to Route 8.  We will turn off Route 8 at Taymouth onto English Settlement Road.  We will proceed through English Settlement until we come to the hill going down into the village. At the top of the hill, there is a church on the left where we will turn right onto Red Rock Road.  (N.B.: The other end of Red Rock intersects with English Settlement several kilometers earlier. Do not take that end of the road unless you want to test the off road capabilities of your LBC.)  We are 135 Red Rock Road; our names are on the mailbox.  If you run out of chipseal, you’ve gone too far.  When you arrive at our home, feel free to drive down and unload before coming back up to park by the shop.

What: 
We will have a couple of hours of activities, both competitive and noncompetitive, with prizes, before we eat.   

What to Bring: 
Please bring a salad, vegetable, or dessert. We will supply hamburgers and chicken burgers and condiments. Please let us know if you need a vegetarian option (vegie burgers? Portobello mushroom burger?). We will have a limited amount of wine/beer and soft drinks, so feel free to bring your own. Also, we have a limited supply of chairs so if you have chairs that will fit in your LBC, you may wish to bring a couple.

RSVP 
As soon as possible, via this posting, telephone (367-2443), or email (heinlein@unb.ca) and let us know that you’re coming and what you’re bringing.

More photos from the Windsor tour

Thanks to Phil O. for these photos well documenting the trip to the British Motoring Festival.

Photos from the Windsor event

Thanks to Ellie and Jim for these fine photos.

Last Call

Don’t forget to RSVP for the run to Sandi and Larry’s for a pot luck dinner and fun and games.  If it’s not convenient to bring food, no problem, come anyway—there will be plenty. Nonetheless, please let us know if you’re coming so we’ll know how many hamburgers to thaw.  We’re hoping for a good turnout, so we don’t have to have a fire sale on hamburgers. 
Come one, come all!! 
367-2443  or Heinlein@unb.ca 
Cheers, Sandi and Larry  
PS-  If the weather forecast indicates that we need to switch to Sunday, we will post on the website Friday.

Driving an MGB-GT around the world

Greetings from the Ottawa MG Car Club.
Thought you might like to know about Peter and Kerith Buckingham, a couple from Australia who are driving their MGB-GT around the world in stages - they've done Beijing to London, England, and they are now doing the Vancouver to St. John's leg.  They were in Ottawa over the weekend and participated in our All British Car Day, which they thoroughly enjoyed.  They attracted a lot of attention in their bright yellow car and were featured on our local TV news.
On Sunday they were heading for Quebec City, but they didn't have their next destination after that planned.  They seem to like to drive and see where they get to, and stay a while or move on, depending what's happening and who they meet.  They do know that they will be taking the ferry to Argentia from North Sydney, so they are definitely coming through your area in the next few days.  They are keen to meet like-minded car enthusiasts, so if you would like to contact them and arrange to meet up with them, here is their e-mail address:
pandkbuckingham@gmail.com

And you won't miss this car!!

They are a really interesting couple - check out these links.
Click here to read a story about Peter & K Buckingham
Click here to read another article about Peter & K Buckingham

Cheers, and happy driving,
Trish Adams (1971 MGB)

Bob E's report on the Windsor NS Run

  "Damn!....it's still behind us." Despite our best efforts to shake it, that screaming orange TR7 was still behind us.  It had survived torrential downpours all the way to St John, it made it onto the ferry and resisted our best efforts to throw it overboard and was now filling my rearview mirror as a large contingent of LBCs wound up a scenic back road towards Windsor. Sometimes it was midpack and once it even led the group but there was no shaking it.  It was determined to get to Windsor.
     This years Windsor British Car Meet was another rousing success. The trip up had started badly under torrential rains but the weather had broke once in Digby.  It was quite humid but with tops down (thankfully!), much more pleasant.  Several of us where watching gauges and listening for untoward noises, having spent the preceding week fixing and twiddling.  Joe's MGTD was leaking oil (nothing new there), I was wondering how long my fan belt would last, and Ralph's MGA was on it's maiden voyage with a rebuilt engine, new rear axle and a host of other goodies.
     Show day was unusually hot and humid but we (FABAC) had staked out a shady spot on Friday evening and enjoyed it immensely.   The show itself was as it always is, lots of interesting cars and the chance to renew old friendships.  We had fielded a large contingent this year and made a good account of ourselves.  The halftime show was hilarious and we all made great sport of watching the TR7 be spotlighted as a car one wouldn't want to be seen in.  Karen and Terry had the ONLY one in attendance and were presented with a paper bag to wear while driving it.  This is one joke we aren't going to forget.
     Most of us returned home on the ferry on Sunday and where rewarded with spectacular weather, reliable cars, great roads, amazing scenery and an interesting stop off.   We took our time and wandered down the back road towards Digby with several folks remarking at how nice the valley is.  An interesting diversion was the hour exploring Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal.
     The ferry ride was much more pleasant due to the much improved weather and 'someone' won enough money at a slot machine to pay for their entire weekend.  There was a bit of hasting 'twiddling' of contact points in someone else's voltage regulator that proved successful as it ran flawlessly back to Fredericton.
  Bob E.

NOTE

FABACians who would rather drive to Windsor car show on roads and solid land meet at the Ramada Inn (North side) on Friday, July 19th at 9:00 AM – depart 9:15 AM via Route 105.
Jim B.
PS: Beware of ferry people!!!

For those traveling to NS by ferry

  For those going to Windsor via the Ferry (which is everyone except Jim and Ellie *snicker, ha ha*).
  Because the 102 is closed through Burton, we'll meet at the Gagetown exit of the Trans Canada at the gas station.  That's exit 330 for a 9:00 AM departure.  We'll enjoy a leisurely drive to the ferry which departs at noon.  On the other side, I propose that we travel in small groups and not be too concerned about staying in tight formation.  We'll exchange cell phone numbers on the ferry and keep in touch.
   For those who haven't done the route before, I'll fill you in once aboard the boat.  There's only one road and the only point to remember is to use the highway past past Berwick in order to avoid Kentville and New Minus rush hour.
- Bob E.

FABAC July 17th Meeting Notes

  Porter's Diner on the Hanwell was inundated by a pile of FABACians. Highlights from the meeting were:
  • The two runs held since the last meeting were well received and enjoyed by all. 
  • With this weekend's Windsor car show looming, folks planning to use the ferry here ORDERED to call or email Ralph in Saint John regarding their intentions.  Ralph has arranged a deal on the tickets but he HAS TO KNOW BY TOMORROW! 
  • Jim and Ellie will be the only persons taking the overland route this year.  We'll be thinking of them as we party it up on the ferry. 
  • Larry and Sandra's Day-O-Fun will take place on the 27th of this month at their place.  Contact them with your planned dish as it will be potluck. 
  • Hard on their heels will be le fête du Rita et Bob.  It will also be potluck. 
  • The PEI car show is on the weekend of the 23rd of August. 
  • BATANS will be passing through the area and Jim W (resplendent in his Hawaiian shirt) will be hosting a pig roast at his place.  We are endevouring to make this a signature event and all FABACians are encouraged to attend.  You MUST RSVP the Woodfords before the end of the month so that they know how much food to prepare.  It will be Thursday the 29th of Aug. 
  • The next meeting will be at the Lougheed Pub in Harvey on the 21st of Aug. 
  • There was a call for interest in t-shirts with FABAC logos.
- Bob E.

Windsor car show by ferry.

Hi David and gang
OK so I called the Digby ferry contacts I know and have wrangled a special return rate of $250 per car plus driver (passenger is extra).   (This is saving of $23 plus tax).  But I need to know the full name and a phone number for each of the people traveling and the car type.  They need all this information by Thursday in the AM at the latest.  If you have a reservation already let me know this also.  If you do not have a booking I will make sure there is one when I call the numbers in on Thursday.  The boat has been filling so do not delay.  Looks like three cars from Saint John may be joining the drive on the boat.
- Ralph
506 672-7255
stay@homeport.nb.ca

Next FABAC Meeting: July 17th

Our next meeting will be held at Porters Restaurant on the Hanwell Road on Wednesday July 17. The reservation, as usual, is for 5:30. We have a reserved section just to the left as you walk in.
Perhaps we can go for a quick run for an ice cream later?

Thanks to Kelvin for suggesting it. 
Best,
 Gary

Update on the E-Type from Rob and Nettie

Hi David,
Had the E-Type out for a drive today.  Had changed the water pump, hoses and tires, so have been just going for short runs.  Today was a longer run and the car is working like a charm.  Only thing missing is our friends and their LBCs from FABAC!  Planning a trip to Jasper and Banff later in the summer, so if anyone wants to join us, they are more than welcome.  Regards.
Rob and Nettie
Click on the Jag for more views of this beauty!

Kelvin could use some assistance.

I'll let Kelvin explain:

Perhaps you could put on the web site a request for some help before Windsor. Last time out the Mini had an electric short in the flasher switch. So I bought a new switch from Moss and also an electric fan kit to aid the cooling when stuck in traffic along with some tappet cover gaskets and a lower engine brace to stop the engine rocking about when you drop the clutch.
The new switch is in but took me a day and a half to fit. The guy that rebuilt it replaced some of the wiring but used red wires for nearly everything. One wire was extended 3 times with 3 different coloured wires. The new switch went in easy but left me with no fuel gauge, no temp gauge and no flashers. It was a nightmare.
I would love to get the new electric fan in for the run to Windsor even if the rest waits until I get back. An extra pair of hands would really help as I have to remove the bonnet to get the rad out and the rad has to cone out to mount the fan.
It's not difficult but after the wiring fiasco I really need some moral support.
Anytime between now and Thursday night would be great.  
Thanks
 - Kelvin (471-3578)

Rexton British Car Days event has been cancelled for 2013.

Thanks to John B. for passing this along. As he said, "Too bad, so sad."

Now here is a coincidence!

After sadly missing Heather and Vic's run to St. Martins, I did a search of FABAC (yes you can do that in the upper left of this page.) to see when the last run was made.  Guess what I found. Our last run to St. Martins was in 2008 — but guess what date!!!! July 6th!!!!!! Exactly the same date!!!
If you want to check out the report (and be sure to click on the photo to see lots of familiar faces), click here.

"Goes fast...

"...and now it looks fast."
- Ralph

Nice Photos from the St. Martins Run

Some from Heather
and
Some from Vic

Report on the St Martin's/ Fundy Trail Tour

 While there were only 3 cars that left Fredericton this morning on this tour I must tell you it had to be one of our most scenic and beautiful tours that I've had the pleasure of being part of. Vic and Heather picked some of the most scenic routes in this province to make this one of the most unforgettable tours and we have had many.

 I expect many stayed home due to the hot and humid weather. That's understandable!  It was hot. However, while it was hot, it was perfectly manageable, mostly because the wonderful scenic routes we traveled were river routes being much cooler and the rest of the route, for most part, were on roads that were well shaded from direct sunlight, unlike the wide open TCH system 4 lane system. Besides, is this not better then the last 5 weeks of bloody rain and damp weather that we have had to endure?

  We arrived in St. Martins before lunch and stopped at the popular and renown beach area to enjoy the sight and smells of the mighty Bay of Fundy. The near-by seafood restaurants were offering way too many seafood dishes to mention with the wonderful smells of lobster rolls, clams and chips and their world famous chowder etc. The surf was breaking over the beach and the additional smell and freshness of the cooling salt water air all made for a memorable treat.

  We then proceeded to the Fundy Trail, where again Vic and Heather who had already scouted out the best panoramic view sites directed us in guide form to the most beautiful and picturesque areas. I cannot tell you how truly spectacular these areas and their associated sites are. Barb and I just recently visited the Grand Canyon and without doubt, as we all know, this is a very  spectacular and world recognized area. In my opinion seeing both areas I have to tell you the Fundy Trail offers just as much in terms of natural beauty, costs and accessibility with far less commercialization and hype. No wonder the great  "The Bay of Fundy" represented Canada in our global campaign to be declared as the 7th natural wonder of the world and guess what? It's here, it's ours and less then 2 hours away!   Oh yes, it cost less then $7.00 to enter the park trail area. 

  We had our picnic lunch at the "Long Beach Lookout" , the current end of the Fundy Trail overlooking the majestic Bay of Fundy, seeing glimpses of the coast of Nova Scotia in the far off distance, breathing the wonderful and refreshing sea air all the while enjoying our picnic lunch with the company of good friends. It does not get any better!

  Our return trip was also very enjoyable but I'll stop there in hopes that some associated pictures will soon appear in support of our wonderful day to St. Martins and the Fundy Trail.

  Many thanks to Vic and Heather for putting this well planned and directed tour together for us.

   Thanks
    Gary

Well, FABAC has a good number of members with real racing experience.

It's fascinating to hear of Herb's, John's and Kelvin's auto racing exploits. Are there any other FABAC members out there who have been holding back on us? Go-Carts? Formula V? Slot car?! Tell us about it.
Vaaaarrrrooooom!

And while we are looking back at F1 history...

... an interesting look at driving Jim Clark's 1962 Lotus.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-videos/racing-videos/racing-videos-jim-clarks-lotus-25?src=rss

How times have changed!

A note from Joe H:
"Some in the club may be interested due to the F1 connection.....Good video from last week before the British GP.  Sterling Moss talking to Hamilton Lewis about their different cars."
http://youtu.be/Q2JUuZq50uc

A blast from the past! (John B. in 1964)

I received this great email from John Bowles and just HAD to share it with all of you:

"June 15th 1964, Rattlesnake Point HillClimb (near Hamilton, Ontario) with yours truly winning BTD (best time of day) in my black 1962 Jaguar XKE. The time of 1.26.34 beat the lesser times of competing XKE’s, Porches, Corvettes, Austin-Healeys, etc. I was probably hitting 75-85 mph in third gear coming up to the hairpin corner. I just received the pictures today from a Toronto historian researching Canadian sport car competition of the 50s, 60s and 70s and I thought you’d like to see them."
Click on the Jag for a larger image.

Next event: Drive to St Martins and Tour the Fundy Trail Parkway.

Heather and I are organizing a run to St Martins NB, Saturday, July 6.

     This is a very pretty drive with mostly decent roads, and with lots of twists, turns and hills. The drive is about 180 km each way. The roads are all paved, but there is (at least) one relatively rough section.
     We will meet at the Fredericton Food Bank, 686 Riverside Drive, (formerly Green Village) at 9:00 for 9:30 departure. If so inclined, bring a donation to the Food Bank!
     We will travel down Rte 105 to Jemseg, then to Cambridge Narrows, and from there, the back roads thru Springfield, Norton, Hillsdale and eventually St Martins. There are a few good spots for Bio breaks. Then into the Park for pictures and a picnic. Entrance to the park is $5.50  plus tax per person.
     The Fundy Trail Parkway is about 16Km long with several ‘Lookouts’ to stop and admire the scenery, so we will plan to stop and do the tourist thing on the way in.  At the end of the parkway is an excellent spot for a picnic with picnic tables and lots of room to park. A little heads up driving thru the park .... expect 16% grades!
     To see a little different country and to enjoy some more twisty roads, we will return thru Hampton, back to Springfield and Cambridge Narrows.
     Wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera, sunscreen, bug spray and a great picnic lunch! We will plan this trip Rain or Shine, BUT if it’s raining we will decide what to do at our drivers meeting before we leave the Food Bank.
- Vic
261-0209

Looks good!

 These photos from Heather should tempt FABACians to join the St. Martin's drive on Saturday, July 6.