Proposed McAdam Train Station Run

As requested at our last meeting I spoke to McAdam's mayor, Frank Carol about a FABAC run to the train station. Although the station is closed for the season, group reservations are being taken. FABAC is more than welcome for a Sunday afternoon tour with railway pie and a beverage at a 10$ per person.

We must have a minimum of 20 people with a firm commitment by the preceding Tuesday. In discussions with Gary, I made a tentative booking on behalf of the club for Sunday, October 20. We will gather at Tim's on the fair grounds for a 1:30 departure, the tour at about 2:15 and pie at 3:30.

People will need to let me know (fdball@nbnet.nb.ca) by 8pm on Monday, October 14 (yes, that's Thanksgiving Day). I will confirm or cancel our booking with the station first thing on the morning of the 15th.

Once booked, this will be a rain or shine commitment.
Dwight
fdball@nbnet.nb.ca

What a day!!!! St. George Run

(Photo by Margot)
More of Margot's photos here.

Report from Gary:

   To say we had a fantastic tour to St George would not be overstating it in the least. In fact this run that Jim and Ellie directed with the help of Rod K in St. George rated up there as one of the best for the season. We had beautiful weather, great roads, fantastic autumn scenery and a cast of characters that would make any get together a fun time and that's exactly what we had – a fun time. We also had a road challenge to contend with. Jim B had arranged a "moose calling" tutorial somewhere on the road between Fredericton Junction and St George. Jim was demonstrating with moose calls how male and female moose are able to attract one another during mating season. It was all very entertaining, really, but lucky for us none of the local moose saw fit to join in the chorus although some FABACians did demo their moose calling prowess. Even one member tried calling a "Jaguar", I believe the "XKE" species. Unfortunately none appeared – only a few of the common breeds were attracted to the calls.

  I'm not quite sure how all this moose calling and moaning affected the cars, but it was shortly after this exercise as we were getting back underway, to continue the last leg of our journey, when David N noticed coolant blowing back against his windshield and leaking from underneath his Morgan. It was obvious it was quite a serious issue that needed immediate attention. While moose calling may not be one of our strengths, the ability to diagnose a serious car condition, come up with a fix for it and then muster the resources from duct tape, to hose clamps to just plain old Canadian ingenuity helped temporarily repair the defective radiator hose that was the source of the problem. Many thanks to all those that contributed especially to Ralph H and Jim B who always seem to carry the correct parts needed to affect a repair. With problem now resolved (for most part) we were able to make it the rest of the way to St George without incident passing through some of the most beautiful scenery, especially around Lake Utopia, that one could ask for. Jim and Ellie really do know the "back roads and reaches" of New Brunswick and those of us who take the opportunity to join them are always happy that we do.

  Once in St George we met up with Rod K who took us for another tour. This one through the town of St George, including through the beautiful and scenic downtown area, over the gorge bridge to see the popular "St George gorge" and finally arriving at our restaurant destination "The Birches". The seafood there, at least this person's opinion, had to be some of New Brunswick's best. I had their "Fish and Chips" and it was without any doubt the best I've had for a very long time. Also judging from all the positive comments, most if not all others thought the same of their meals. Good choice, Rod. Hopefully you and your wife can make it up to our area so we can return the favor.

  On the return trip home, the temporary repairs to David's Morgan for most part held. He had to stop a few times to top up the coolant and re tighten the hose clamps. David passed us in Harvey, on the last occasion where we waited for him so I'm at this point anticipating he did make it home safe and sound. I'll let David chime in here to tell the rest of the story.
(David's input: Curry was the one who first spotted the coolant problem as we returned to our cars after the moose calling. Bob LaR narrowed it down to a particular hose. My final analysis of what happened is that the radiator fan blades had been striking the hose for probably some time. After hitting a particularly severe bump, the blades took a deeper cut. And yes, what a group of resourceful members! Thanks to all.)

  So, all in all, we had a great day and one that I shall remember for quite some time. Again many thanks to Jim and Ellie for organizing this tour and the added bonus of the entertainment and also to Rod K for organizing things at the St George end.

  A great day had by all.

  Gary
Click on Ralph's MGA for oodles of photos from Ellie

Leaf Peeping Tour

Sunday, Sept. 29th  (Weather Sunny)
  • Gather at Home Depot Parking Lot  (next to Costco)
  • Depart 1:30 PM via Route 101 to Fredericton Junction, 1st rest stop and fuel.
  • Next Route 785 to Lake Utopia. This is a Hinterland run so if your car breaks down, you will need two good feet and a heartbeat to climb the highest hill to get a cell phone signal for recovery.
  • We will stop halfway through 785 at the Moose Track Bistro (It is closed for the season) So bring your own coffee and donuts. This will be a tour break and we will hold a moose calling competition.... There will be a large 1st prize if a male moose answers or shows up.Next onto Route 172 and Letang for a nostril clearing exercise by the Bay.
  • This will be a leisurely drive.
Hope to meet up with Rod and Ebby Krolouski  (52 white MGTD) in St George.
We will find a Seafood Restaurant before we head home by 6:00pm.
- Jim B.

Peer Pressure

Just wanted to show the club what kind of peer pressure I'm under!!!   I came home from work today and this was on my jag!   (He is a big help whenever you need it though)
- Joe

FABAC September 18th Meeting Report

  •   Sam Snead's restaurant at Kingswood golf course was the site of our September dinner-meeting. As always, Gary took the floor and opened with a big note of thanks to Robert & Rita for the gathering at their cottage on the lake.  This was followed by a report on the BPR (Big Pig Roast) which somehow turned into a long discussion on the possibility of turning it into an annual event incorporating a gathering of British cars from other clubs.  To this end, anyone who wishes to be involved in the planning is requested to gather at the Haughty Hound Pub (Jim W's basement) on Thursday, Oct 3rd at 7:30 PM.
  •   Jim B will lay out a fall leaf run to St. George over the next while.
  •   Kelvin proposed a casino night at his place on November 23rd. and hot on his heels Jim W set a date of Dec. 7th for our Christmas party.
  •   Our next meeting (November 20th) will be at McInnis Landing.
  •   In what has become a tradition, John B quizzed the gathering with car related questions.  Stephen W surprised the club with his knowledge of old cars, particularly Bricklins.  A somewhat heated discussion took place over various aspects of the company and car production.  We pulled the two apart and most of us headed into town for ice cream.  It was still warm enough to leave tops down and we all got to enjoy the drive home under a magnificent harvest moon.
- Bob E.

FABAC Meeting Sept. 18th

Sam Snead’s Grill and Tavern  444-9509
31 Kingswood Way, Hanwell Rd.
for 6:00 PM
Jim B.

Speed Kills Your Pocketbook

Sent from a friend of Bob's in BC (he has a S2 Lotus 7)
http://www.surreyleader.com/news/223653841.html

It's in!

 The windscreen in finally installed in Joe's Jag'. The count is now one...will he drive it before winter sets in?
Click on any photo for a larger view.




Click here for another great picture set for the site.  Joe's windscreen arrived in a Pilkington box.  We're gonna bronze it.
- Bob

A project—or two—or three

 Get your axes, hammers, and chain saws ready.  This noble steed once ferried British car enthusiasts in fine style. Today the rusted hulk will live on as a few carefully chosen pieces.  The engine goes to
Bob, the diff to Joe, and the seats will form the base of FABAC's new lounge being built this winter.  Bring your own tools to Ian's place on a Sunday to be announced soon (probably in a couple of weeks).
  Joe-n-Bob

Why you must be nuts...

Substitute any other LBC or classic car for Mini and many of us have been there.  If you are “nuts” to own a classic car, are you “double nuts” if you own two?  :~)
Phil
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2013/09/11/why-you-must-be-nuts-to-own-a-classic-car/?refer=news

Abandoned cars in Europe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGdy1k9bEcs&feature=em-subs_digest-vrecs
(passed along by Bob L.)

Jaguar Trip to Jasper

Rob says, "Have been following all the trips and activity's that the club have done over the summer, looks like everyone has had a great time.
Click on the photo for more.
"Here are some pictures from our first long trip to the Canadian Rockies in the Jag.  All went well with just a couple of minor hiccups.  (we ran out of refreshments at one point!)  and we developed a slight misfire which induced some pucker moments.  Did the usual drill, checked plug wires and coil connections, tightened spark plug caps onto wires, seemed to help slightly.  Gas mileage worked out to be an amazing 22+ mpg.   The weather was fabulous and the mountain roads were no hard task for the Jag.  We took a half day rail trip to Dunster in BC and got some marvelous pics of Mt. Robson from the dome carriage which gave us a bird's eye view of the scenery.  The local fire hall at Dunster is in one of the photographs!  A tour bus picked us up from Dunster and brought us back to Jasper with a couple of stops at Rearguard Falls and Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.  We would definitely recommend this trip. 
We also took the tour of the Columbia ice fields on the ice explorer vehicle and filled our water bottle with glacier water.  YUM!  The ice we were standing on was as thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall.  The accommodation was awesome and had resident geese and elk wandering around.  There was a first class restaurant on site which would definitely be FABAC approved.  All in All, it was an outstanding vacation, the only thing missing was the companionship of the club!
 Regards
Rob and Nettie 


Sussex Balloon Fest and Car Show

 Jim Woodford and myself have just decided to take in the Sussex Balloon Fest and Car Show on Sunday. For those who want to join us, we will meet at the Ramada Inn for a departure at 830 AM weather pending.
  Thanks,
   Gary

Photos of the Woodford's BATANS party

If you were unable to view Stephen's photos that were posted earlier, try these links:
Party Set 1
Party Set 2

Feedback on the PEI British Car Days

I mentioned in my report for the above show that I would compile a note that I would forward to the PEI car show organizers with our recommendations as to what worked and what needed improvement. So with that in mind would those of you who attended please send me your recommendations. I'll also be sending a copy of this to our PEI British Car Club friends as requested by them. I'd like to get this done soon while the details are still fresh.
 Thanks,
    Gary

Today's grin

Passed along by Phil O.

Note from Gerry

Gerry asked that his message be forwarded to the FABAC members.
Thanks,
Curry

Curry and Lynn,

I think I speak for all of us who followed you on last weeks tour of South Western New Brunswick, in saying that it was a great tour. The accommodations were great the attractions were great and, with the exception of Bob's ignition, it was all great. Once again I traveled on roads that didn't know even know existed. I think I put almost 1000 miles on the old Healey.

The visit to McAdam Station, the dinner at Bob Grants, Rod's tour of Granite town (aka St. George) and the reception of FABAC were all just excellent.

I would especially like to thank Jim and Lorraine Woodford for opening their beautiful home to us and throwing such a party.
I would also like to the guys and gals at the Haughty Hound Pub for providing a first class ending to a perfect day.

Again thank you very much
Gerry