Ralph H. acquires a rare 1949 Austin Atlantic A90

The newest member of the FABAC family arrived at its new home yesterday after a 30 year “rest”.  It was delivered with able assistance of fellow FABAC member Barry G. and by the proud Papa in a 16 foot trailer.  On hand to welcome the new arrival at home was Jim and Ellie B. Who will be pleased to know will be asked to be godparents to the bouncing baby 1949 Austin Atlantic A90 . The only mishap during the delivery was that  Papa Holyoke suffered a mighty whack to the head and eye and is now sporting a massive shiner.  Although in a loving family now “Austin” is most definitely an ugly duckling and an orphan with only 350 convertible left-handers originally made. It is one of only three or four known to have survived the past 61 years.  Austin is hoping to make a full and complete restoration over the next few years.  Mama Holyoke is not so sure about this.
- Ralph

Click on Ralph for a larger image.

Three more detailed photos from Jim/Ellie:

Saint John/St Martins trip

The Foreign Auto Club in Moncton has organized a wonderful event to Saint John including a free barbecue sponsored by the TriStar Mercedes Benz. This will be followed by a trip to St Martins.

 A number of you have already expressed an interest in perhaps attending. Here are the details:

A wonderful Cruise to Saint John, NB, this Saturday weekend, August 30th, from 11am to 1pm for a delicious free Barbecue meal at TriStar Mercedes-Benz and then after to a great trip through St Martin NB. on winding roads.
It’s going to be fun.

For all who plan on attending, please contact  Ovide at ovides@foreignautoclub.ca
so  I may advise the Tri Star Mercedes of the amount of Food and Drinks to prepare.

I'll be tied up on Saturday but for those who might be interested please organize your attendance with Ovide Theriault.

 Thanks,
  Gary

Big ass engine

Video of the first start up of this engine that Jerry Wilcox rebuilt with some help from some of the local pilots.  Came out of a crashed TBM.  Cool toy to impress your friends.
- Joe

Click anywhere on the engine to see the YouYube video.

Sandi-n-Larry's Day-O-Fun

    It said 'Rain or Shine' but it needn't have as the weather was perfect. A good sized crowd made the run along the Nashwaak River to Sandi and Larry's place for fun, food, and general kibitzing.  Even Kelvin got brave and ventured away from his home and bog.  It's a good thing he has a huge sense of humour as we certainly teased him about it.  I'm sure this will live on as a bit of club lore. 
    The challenges where varied with a bit of naval (that's 'NAVAL', not navel) flare thrown in.  One could canoe about the pond while being chased by a miniature pirate ship.  Oops, I forgot to tell you Larry, about the pointy thing on the front of your boat?...seems it had a run in with the canoe as it doesn't steer nearly as well as you'd want it to. Sorry.  Perhaps the FABAC Traveling Road Show & Pit Crew can visit and make repairs. 
    Our hosts also tried to sneak in some aerobic exercise amongst the challenges by hiding the short return trail from the river.  There was obviously a moving tree that could be swung silently into place once one had passed it on the way down.  This forced returnees to take the much longer path back to the house. I was stuck with one such group and forced to endure considerable moaning, whining and complaining interspersed with all the huffing and puffing.
    The day wouldn't have been complete without one of John's quizzes.  We had sent the Crumley's home early giving others a chance at winning.  Be warned that the quizzes are branching out beyond the automotive realm and into such areas as modern history ("Name India's first female Prime Minister?")  And yes, someone knew the answer.
    Oh yes,...we also have a club song.  Kelvin showed off his surprisingly good singing voice and composing skills with his original tune "Go little Mini, go! We applauded boisterously and extended congratulations on a job well done. Watch for a downloadable mp3 soon.
    Tickets had been issued by the hosts for challenges passed using an arbitrary but completely fair system.  Somehow Joe won the grand prize, a fact I was told to mention but don't remember why.
    Aaaaand of course there was food.  As promised, we all got to sample the award (First Prize!) winning maple syrup while digging into the goodies. 
    The evening ended with a soul stirring drive down the achingly beautiful Nashwaak river road, highway 8 back to town.
    We all thank Sandi and Larry for your hospitality. .....and sorry about your boat.
- Bob E.
(Pictures coming tomorrow)

Everything you need to know is in the photo.

Photos from Sandi and Larry's big event

This photo by Herb W.

For more photos from Stephen W, click on the grass.

KINGSTON TOUR SET FOR SUN. SEPT. 7

Sunday Sept 7 marks a return to FABAC’s popular Kingston Tour. The tour includes a spectacular route, an $18.00 pp three course roast turkey lunch in the village’s historic Carter House and a later visit to Tony Rickett’s “Dunhams Run” vineyard and shop. Organized again by John B, the tour will start at 11.45 am from the Fredericton Ramada Inn parking lot, proceed along Hwy 105 and 695 and into Kingston. (Our Saint John members can follow their own route provided they arrive at the Carter House for lunch no later than 1.20 pm.)  Return will be via the Grand Bay-Westfield ferry and either Hwy 102 or 7.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT. CUT-OFF DATE FOR COMMITTED ENTRIES IS NOON MON. SEPT 2. AS THE CARTER HOUSE IS BEING OPENED EXCLUSIVELY FOR TOUR PARTICIPANTS. PLEASE CALL JOHN DIRECTLY ON EITHER 449-0562 OR 470-7760 TO REGISTER YOUR ENTRY. PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER USING THE WEBSITE COMMENTS PAGE.

Bob E's report on the August FABC meeting

  Sam Snead's Pub proved so popular last month that we returned for this month's meeting.  Gary started the evening by inuring himself to his relatives by embarrassing his Aunt Leona who was visiting from Halifax.
   With that out if the way there was a quick report on the month's four runs and all where thanked for attending and organizing them.
   We congratulated John Bowles on his well deserved award from the Vintage Automobile Racing Association (VARAC) in Ontario.  He spoke quickly about his part in organizing the association many years ago.
    Larry issued the call to arms for this weekends 'Day-O-Fun' at their place near Stanley.  Additional information is already posted.
   John again took the floor (not for the last time that evening) and suggested a run to Kingston for a turkey supper.  We did this two years ago and everyone enjoyed it.  The drive is spectacular and the food excellent.
   Robert L issued a request to all FABACians to help him find the other (my god!.... there's two of them?!) 2CV in the city.  He's offered a substantial finders fee.
  John (again) took the floor and attempted to stump the gathering with one of his quizzes. This one was won by the lovely and (obviously) talented Anne Crumley.  Clearly the lady has been studying.
    After deciding that the next meeting will take place at Issac's Way in the downtown the meeting broke up and several went for ice cream.
- Bob E.

Stephen's recent trip

I just returned from Bar Harbor and the Seal Cove Antique Auto Museum.
Very few non-American cars, but still a good potential trip for FABAC.
The "B" was in the parking lot.

(For more photos, click on the car.)

- Stephen

August FABAC Meeting this Wednesday the 20th

Sam Snead's pub (again) at the Kingswood golf course August 20th
5:30pm or so.
Summer driving is quickly slipping by.

I know this is a British automobile club, BUT...

Bob and Rita have a fabulous little 2CV. Paul B passed on this neat article which features the mate to Bob and Rita's car. Go to this site and be sure to press play for the interesting little video.

Stanley fair - Photos from Margot/David

(Click on the horses for more photos.)

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

When:  Saturday August 23  We will meet at 2:30 at the Northside Kent’s/Canadian Tire parking lot.  (I may or not be there to lead the group)  It will be a short run, about 30 minutes, to our home in Stanley (135 Red Rock Road).  We will proceed along Killarney Road to Route 8.  We will turn off Route 8 at Taymouth onto English Settlement Road.  We will then proceed through English Settlement Road until we come to the hill going into the Village.  At the top of the hill, Church on the left, turn Right onto Red Rock Road.  )The other end of Red Rock intersects with English Settlement several kilometers earlier.  Don’t take that end of the road unless you want to test the off road capabilities of your LBC.)  We are 135 Red Rock Road, name 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.

What:  Fun & Food.  We will have a couple of hours of competitive and noncompetitive activities, with prizes.   

What to Bring:  Please bring a salad, vegetable, or desert.  We will supply hamburgers and chicken wings.  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.  Finally, if anyone has an RC boat or airplane that they can bring, please do so.

RSVP- As soon as possible, via this posting, or telephone- 367-2443, or email Heinlein@unb.ca and let us know you’re coming and what you’re bringing.  However, if you determine at the last minute that you can come, by all means do so, as there will be plenty of food.

Gary A's report on the Stanley Fair

The grey overcast weather that we all awoke to on Sunday morning while disappointing did little to deter or to dampen the spirits of the 14 cars that attended the Stanley Fair event. While one of the cars had to turn back due mechanical issues, the rest arrived at the fair grounds under improving skies. Within a short period we even had blue skies and warming temps perfect for walking about and partaking in the events of this wonderful community based fair.

 Our cars were parked at the entrance to the fair grounds so everyone attending were able to view our cars which produced a lot of interest. There was lots to see and do. The antique gas engine display, with many of these operating, drew a lot of interest from our members as did the barn display of farm animals, country display of cooked/baked goods, quilting display, horse haul, live entertainment  and yes even a sheep shearing demo by a very knowledgeable fellow who could answer all the questions related to shearing and there were many.

   Of course there was a small restaurant on site providing all the usual fair ground food which many of our members were seen experiencing.

   So, all in all, we had a very good day, the weather was perfect for the time we were there, I think everyone had a good time, I know I did.

   I wanted to thank all those that attended and those that attempted to attend .This is a great community event to support and we certainly did that with this wonderful showing of our cars. The organizers were very appreciative of our attendance and pass their thanks to each and everyone of us that participated.

 Perhaps, that those that took pix could send those along.

   Thanks,
    Gary

Bob E's report on the Stanley Fair

More photos from Bob by clicking on this one.

  The run to the Stanley fair saw our biggest turnout of the year (so far) with a full fifteen cars eventually making it to the fairgrounds.  The cars brought FABACians with them and with no schedule to keep we mostly milled around and learned the ins and outs of sheep shearing, horse pulling and hit-n-miss traction engines.  These vintage work engines proved to be popular with the gentlemen and we spent considerable time in tight groups discussing oil feed drip rates and compression ratios with the owners.  As the afternoon wore on it gave many of us time to gossip about folks who weren't there and (of course) discuss cars.  A point I heard from several different sources was how people are getting tired of putting up with what we've come to call "the charm of LBCs". We're becoming less and less tolerant of being cold while our feet fry, and/or getting wet (despite the convertible top) from top, bottom and sides.  Then there's the ride qualities which can vary from harsh to downright brutal.  And lets not forget how much fun it is to squeeeeze ones self in and out of a teeny tiny little seat while negotiating a narrow opening that's only scant millimeters from the road.  I can certainly sympathize with folks over many of these points.  Dwight got quite a chuckle as I levered myself out of my car groaning through gritted teeth; my arthritic hip having chosen that weekend to flare up.  While more civilized choices such as MGBs and TR6s are widely available, it seems that the range of recent Jaguars such as XK8 and XK-Rs are being considered by a few members.   A quick scan of Kijiji, car ads, and eBay turns up many of them in excellent condition at prices only slightly higher than traditional LBCs.  Fifteen to twenty grand will get one into a fast, comfortable, good handling, reliable, COMFORTABLE XK8.  Trading the finger busting joy of putting up the top on a TR2 for the one button experience can't be a hard decision to make.  Look for some new cars to appear soon in our midst and some to come up for sale. 
    Sandi and Larry revealed one of their little known talents while posing proudly with their first place winning jar of maple syrup.  They've promised us a taste next weekend at their barbecue/fun day.  Their win is preserved for posterity in the accompanying blurry picture (I told you two I didn't know what I was doing).
    Bob E.

Bell charges couple $2000 to rent a basic telephone

Stanley, New Brunswick, Canada – August 19, 2014 – A couple recently discovered that they had been charged more than $2000 over a period of 30 years for a basic, corded telephone.

Larry Heinlein and Sandra Byers had unknowingly been “renting” the phone from Bell’s Canadian holding Bell Aliant since activating their phone line in 1979.  At the time, all customers were required to rent a telephone from the company, but nobody notified customers once the policy changed. The $5.95/month rental charge is buried in a 4-page phone bill, and is listed as “Basic Telephone”. Similar phones retail for about $10.

It is unknown how many other customers are unknowingly being charged, but most will be long-time customers such as senior citizens.  Nevertheless, the company, which reported a profit of  $72 million last quarter, does not intend to change its billing practices. “Bell Aliant considers the current bill description satisfactory and we have no plans to change it or notify customers if they are renting sets,” they said in a recent e-mail. However, upon request, they will remove the recurring charge from a customer’s bill, and refund up to 12 months of rental fees – about $70.

Stanley Fair - Saturday Aug 16

Just a reminder of the Stanley Fair scheduled for Saturday Aug 16. You will remember that nearly a dozen cars committed to attending this event. That is the number the show organizers are looking forward to seeing. More is better. We are actually on their published scheduled of events from 11am to 2pm. This would be a terrific opportunity for us to promote our club and to support this wonderful community.

  In addition for those that would like to stay longer there is a Turkey supper at the event starting at 4pm with the proceeds going to the Upper Nashwaak Arena. This is going to be a fun event with musical entertainment, an antique engine and tractor display, bingo and even a sheep shearing demo.......now how often have you seen that!

 Here's the overall schedule :   http://www.stanleyfair.com/

  We'll be meeting at the Brookside Mall parking lot near the main entrance and departing for Stanley at 10am via the Royal Road.

  Let's get out, have fun, show our cars in supporting this event and the Town of Stanley.   
   Thanks,
      Gary

New old "lightweight' Jag video

Recommended by Bob E.
Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwrfMrWB9w4

Sunday Breakfast Run

Nine spectacular vehicles participated in some aspect of this fine run planned and executed by Al T. Alphabetically: 1 Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider, 2 BMW Z3s, 1 Citroën 2CV, 1 Jaguar E-Type, 2 MGBs, 1 Morgan +4SS, 1 Triumph TR6 and 1 Bugatti Veyron.

Thanks to Al for suggesting/planning this successful activity.
And thanks to Stephen W. for these fine photos.
- David

A "Too nice a day to miss" Event for Sunday August 10th

Meet for Breakfast on Sunday morning (10 Aug) and perhaps a run after breakfast.
At 9:15 am at Porters diner on the Hanwell road.
This is very short notice therefore if you read this please feel free to contact other members.

I need a volunteer to lead the run if we decide on a route.
If you can attend, please respond in the comments section with the numbers attending.
- Al Thomas

A glamerous shot of Alex's TR6

I received an email from professional photographer Craig Andrews of Nackawic with a picture from a recent photo shoot. Although Alex's beautiful TR6 is in the photo, another beauty tends to capture one's attention. Because of this, I make this photo available to you with the advice that "This image may not be suitable for all viewers." Find it here.

A couple of cars in London

Yes, we're in London. Home this evening.

- David