August 2011 - Flxible Clipper Club of Australia

The Flxible Clipper Club of Australia Inc.
No. A 00 15104 P
CLUB NEWSLETTER
Issue 278
Could this be an insight to the mind of Don Kendall?
AF-99 does have a locker diff, but I want to get
seriously off road, like AF-100. But how......
August
2011
The Flxible Clipper Club of Australia Inc.
No. A 00 15104 P
Postal Address: 270 Ellis Rd. Nth. Bunyip. Vic. 3815
Statement of Purpose
I.
To preserve and operate Flxible Clippers
II.
To preserve and operate other ex – Commercial Highway Coaches and Buses in general and
ex – Ansett Pioneer vehicles in particular.
III.
To assist those Club Members wishing to acquire and restore an Flxible Clipper or other Highway Coach.
IV.
To provide persons with an interest in Highway Buses and Coaches with an opportunity to share this
interest with others.
V.
To share materials of common interest via Club Newsletters and Journals.
VI.
To provide a medium for the sale and exchange of parts for members.
VII.
To promote and display a truly Classic Coach………… The FLXIBLE CLIPPER!
COMMITTEE 2010 / 2011
President:
Bill Hardinge
03 5964 7807
Vice President:
Ian Williams
03 5424 1199
Treasurer:
Derek Birch
03 5629 8503
Secretary:
Derek Birch
270 Ellis Rd. Nth. Bunyip. Vic. 3815
Journal Editor:
Dale Clifford
03 9801 8760
0403 359 065
dale_flx@hotmail.com
Committee:
Dale Clifford
03 5962 6133
0428 540 588
hjraust@iprimus.com.au
John Schoen
Club Website:
0418 372 242
radiomastsaustralia@bigpond.com
ianlyn@internode.on.net
0428 862 520
clipperclub@wideband.net.au
R. (Bob) Turner 0417 877 476
flaminsharp@yahoo.com.au
TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
www.alphalink.com.au/~flxible
Monthly Club Meeting Minutes – 3rd August, 2011
Meeting Opened 8.15pm
Present: Dale Clifford, John Godwin & John Schoen, Derek and Barb Birch.
It has long been common practice to list apologies from members from whom we had received phone or written contact
since the last meeting, however we will now assume a general apology from all active members who were unable to
attend accepting that most members would attend a meeting if they could.
Correspondence:
E-mail from Vince Restuccia on behalf of member Mike Webb:
“I have a friend Mike Webb who is a member of your club. Mike and I worked at the Antarctic Division for 21
years. He was the Workshop Manager and I worked in the building services group as a Technical Officer. On a
recent holiday in Canada with my wife we travelled to the Rocky Mountains. While in the Rocky's we went to the
Columbia Ice Field to take a ride up on the Athabasca Glacier. I took some photos for Mike regarding an over
snow vehicle that is used to take tourists up on the Glacier. I have attached a photo on this email. Mike believes
the vehicle body is a Flxible and the running gear has been supplied by Foremost. Mike felt you may be
interested in the photos for the newsletter. He doesn't have access to a computer so he has asked me to send it to
you.”
From Derek:
“Thank you to all members who responded so quickly to membership renewals and / or the survey.
There are only now about 10 who are yet to reply. I will be sending receipts and membership cards
shortly. The July newsletter was another triumph for Narelle and Geoff and they have now set the
achievement bar! There has been no negative feedback regarding availability of member’s contact
info. to other members, so a list is now available by request. Please contact me.”
Monthly Club Meeting Minutes – 3rd August, 2011 cont.
PAYMENTS: $950 to Ezyseen Safety Wear. Motion - that payment be approved - moved Dale Clifford,
seconded John Schoen.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Discussion about Derk and Barb’s trip, see story in this edition, Meeting closed at 10.30pm, next meeting will be
Wednesday 7th September, 2011.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Un-financial members will not receive future newsletters.
Thanks to all members who have paid subs. promptly. Please make cheques/money orders payable to the Club and not
Derek personally. If you find it more convenient to transfer direct to our bank, the details are BENDIGO BANK
PAKENHAM BSB: 633 108 A/C: 1335 17045 The discount available for a three year subscription payment ends 31st
August, 2011.
*Please advise Derek by phone, fax, email or carrier pigeon when you bank directly.
Car parking available in front car park – off Rickett’s Road.enter new meeting room via rear entrance through car park.
Receive your newsletter via email. This is not only environment friendly, but reduces
the production/postage costs for the Club.
Contact Geoff & Narelle to add your email address to the electronic mail out. E-mail:
wing.rural@bigpond.com or PH: 03 63 912536 or Geoff on: 0438 515 266.
CLIPPERS CHANGING HANDS: AF-97 sold to Alan and Karen Ricardo, AF-82 sold to Tony Collabro,
AF-126 sold to Geoff and Narelle Wing.
NEW MAGAZINE: There is a great new magazine doing the rounds called Vintage Trucks and Commercials, it’s an
Australian publication and accepts articles and news pieces from readers on their interests and vehicles.
Website is: vtcmagazine.com.au or keep an eye out at selected news agents.
CLIPPER WORKSHOP & PARTS MANUAL.
Darrell Booth is presently compiling the manual & has advised that his main aim is to standardize all modifications &
upgrades. Anyone who wishes to contribute anything to the manual contact either Darrell or Derek by phone or email.
Darrell Booth Phone: 0418 400 211 Email:darrell@fantasticaussie-tours.com.au
Snapshot: Ansair bodied Nodwell Snow Cat used for Snowy Mountain Tours.
-
EASTER 2012 RALLY:
Easter 2012 is going to be an absolute blast and we hope to see as many of you as possible. 16 days with friends relaxing and
exploring the most feature-packed state in Australia, what is there to think about??? The tour will see us travel around the state in an
anti clockwise direction. There will be a mix of optional planned day trips and free time where you can get out and about and explore
all the great things Tasmania has to offer.
AUGUST UPDATE:
WE NEED YOU!!!
The Spirit of Tasmania has offered us extremely good pricing for our journeys over Bass Strait but we need to keep our
numbers up. I currently have 7 definite vehicle bookings and a few others at a 75% likelihood of travelling. I would like to
see 10 to 12 vehicles booked, as mentioned below you do not have to come in a clipper. Please if you are at all
considering Tassie next year please get in touch with Narelle or myself with any questions you may have or to put your
name on the list! If you want to come but can’t justify two weeks away, not a problem, let us know how long you can
come for and we can squeeze you in. IMPORTANT CHANGE: The departing journey will now be a day sailing.
ALL MEMBERS WELCOME:
Another very important point I have failed to put across until now is that you do not have to have a clipper to come on
this trip. We have cabins booked at each stop around the state if you wanted to simply travel in your car, motorbike,
truck or bring your caravan, campervan, motor home, fifth wheeler, tent, whatever! I personally have travelled to four or
five Easter get togethers by car and felt just as involved as anyone there with a coach. There will be plenty of clippers
heading out each day from our bases and I’m sure there will be spare seats for those wanting a clipper fix!
Pricing now confirmed by Spirit of Tasmania group bookings department:
SAIL MELBOURNE-DEVONPORT FRIDAY 6TH APRIL (DAY SAILING).
CHECK IN - 6:30AM TIL 8:00AM, DEPARTURE 9:00AM,
ARRIVAL IN DEVONPORT – 6:00PM-6:30PM TRAVEL TO STANLEY.
Adult Passenger Fare
$128.00 One Way
Pensioner Passenger Fare
$ 79.00 One Way
Child Passenger Fare
$ 48.00 One Way
10 Metre Motorhome/Campervan $375.00 One Way
11 Metre Motorhome/Campervan $455.00 One Way
12 Metre Motorhome/Campervan $535.00 One Way
Cabin for all to share as discussed $ 84.00 Per Cabin
Two cabins are currently booked for the day sailing for
the group to share if anyone wants a shower or a sleep.
SAIL DEVONPORT-MELBOURNE SUNDAY 22ND APRIL (OVERNIGHT SAILING).
CHECK IN - 5:00PM TIL 6:30PM, DEPARTURE 7:30PM,
ARRIVAL IN MELBOURNE 6:00AM.
Adult 2 Berth Inside Cabin
$216.00 One Way
Pensioner 2 Berth Inside Cabin
$157.00 One Way
Child 2 Berth Inside Cabin
$120.00 One Way
Adult 4 Berth Inside Cabin
$196.00 One Way
Pensioner 4 Berth Inside Cabin
$137.00 One Way
Child 4 Berth Inside Cabin
$100.00 One Way
10Metre Motorhome/Campervan $301.00 One Way
11Metre Motorhome/Campervan $370.00 One Way
12 Metre Motorhome/Campervan $439.00 One Way
Dining options while on board the ferries: Lunch & Dinner
Captain’s Table
Catering for all group
sizes and styles; this area
offers a casual dining
atmosphere where
guests can self-serve
from the array of fresh
Tasmanian produce on
offer.
Hot Items
Roast of the day
Crumbed fillets of fish
Tortellini carbonara
Sweet potato, feta and spinach frittata
Chicken cacciatore with spiral noodles
Penne puttanesca
Spaghetti bolognaise
Roasted vegetable medley
Fresh steamed market vegetables
Salad Items
Caesar salad
Hokkien noodle salad w tangy Asian dressing
Coleslaw salad
Potato and grain mustard salad
Tomato, cucumber and red onion salad
Desserts (normally $6.50 each)
Lemon meringue pie
Triple chocolate mousse
Glazed fruit pudding
Mixed berry cheesecake
The prices are based on pre-payment with Groups Department
- $24.50 p/p Adult (inc. dessert item & tea/coffee or post mix soft drink)
$17.50 p/p Child 5-12yrs (inc. dessert item & tea/coffee or post mix soft drink)
Free of Charge Child under 5yrs – Small Plate Only (not including drinks and dessert)
-
EASTER 2012 RALLY:
Dining options while on board the ferries: Lunch & Dinner
Leatherwood Restaurant
This al-a-carte fine dining restaurant is most suitable for groups with under 12 people. Bookings
are essential for groups and set menus can be created based upon your group size and budget.
Bookings will not be made for 9pm sailings from either port. For further information please
contact your Group Consultant.
Spirit Bar & Lavender
Cafe
Fresh sandwiches and assorted pastry items can be bought from either of these bars located on
deck 7, which are open from the time you board through to midnight.
Captain’s Table
Breakfast
Hot Items
$4.00 Egg & Bacon Tart
$4.00 Ham & Cheese Croissant
$3.00 Plain Croissant with Spreads
$3.00 Assorted Muffins
$2.50 Toast with Spread
Cereals
$3.00 Cornflakes
$3.00 Sultana Bran
$3.00 Just Right
Drinks
$2.50 Flavoured Milk
$3.00 Coffee/ Tea
$3.00 Hot Chocolate
Dairy
$3.00 Yoghurt
$3.00 Fruit Compote
$3.00 Juices
Waves Eatery is open from 5am until approx. 6am. No bookings taken.
Please contact your Group Consultant for all bookings, dietary concerns and further questions.
* Please note: Our menus are seasonal and prices may increase, please allow up to 10% for price increases
Planned bases:
Stanley, a historic town on the far North West coast of Tasmania, the major attraction of Stanley is “The Nut”, which gives a great
view right along the coast. In its early days, Stanley was known for wool production and fishing; the latter is still the predominant
industry. Stanley is filled with historic buildings, visit Highfield estate, an elegant original 1830's homestead. While we are stationed at
Stanley we will drive the coast and visit towns dotted along the way.
Strahan, a harbour side village on the rugged West coast, explore the magnificent rain forests, take a ride on the Abt rack and pinion
railway, cruise Macquarie Harbour, visit Sarah Island; Australia’s first penal colony and travel up the Gorden river to experience the
environment where the old Piners logged Huon Pine and look out into the unforgiving seas through Hells Gates.
Hobart the beautiful capital city nestled under Mt Wellington. Kick back at the lovely convict built Salamanca place, home of Tassie’s
largest market held every Saturday, stroll along the historic waterfront. Ride the Red Decker’s hop on hop off tour. Get into the city
and get some retail therapy. Stock up at the Cadbury chocolate factory. Visit the Tasmanian transport museum. Maybe sink an ale at
the Cascade brewery. Drive the picturesque fruit growing Huon valley and maybe sample some Tassie salmon.
Port Arthur: The Tasman peninsular has not only natural beauty, dramatic coastline and a marine life reserve but also the historic
penal colony settlement. Port Arthur is officially Tasmania's number one tourist attraction, and no visit to the state is complete
without seeing it. It was established as a convict settlement and soon became Australia's largest, in operation from the 1830 until
1877.
Swansea on the tranquil East coast is to be our gateway to world renound sights such as Freycinet national park and Bay of Fires. We
will visit many other beach side towns along the way such as Orford, Coles Bay, Bicheno and the game fishing town of St Helens.
Longford will be our Northern base, a lovely country town. Twenty mins from Launceston, you can drive the wine region of the Tamar
valley. Visit the World heritage listed properties of Brickendon and Woolmers Estate housing the National rose garden or see the
steam and tractor museums at Westbury. All over the North taste the fares of country bakeries and tea rooms, find a treasure at the
many antique shops and just enjoy the tree avenues and English influenced landscape.
-
EASTER 2012 RALLY:
CURRENT ATTENDEES:
WING’S AF-126
BIRCH’S AF-60.
SCHOEN’S MCI-7.
BOOTH’S AF-129
BAKER’S AF-45
YABSLEY’S AF-116
THANE AF- 11
RICARDO AF-97
KENDALL’S AF-99
BARR’S AF-3
CAMPE AF-58 WITH
JOHN AND DINA HILL’S
CARAVAN IN TOW.
If we have missed you off the list or you would like to add your name please contact us asap. As you can
appreciate there is a large amount of organization involved for this trip with many individual bookings to
be made. We need to get final numbers for Easter as soon as possible to cement our place on the boat and
our stops around the state.
There will be a cut off date put forward soon, so think about it… But not for too long!!!!
Further details on the trip in general will follow in the coming months but please don’t hesitate to contact
Geoff or Narelle Wing with any questions you may have.
All enquiries to Geoff Wing Phone: 0438 515 266 or E-mail: wing.rural@bigpond.com
Following Easter Gatherings:
2013 Yarra Valley Victoria - John & Gayle Schoen
2015 Destination TBA - Darrell Booth
2014 Coonabarabran - David Baker
2016 Destination TBA - Doug Small
RECENT TRAVELS OF DEREK AND BARB BIRCH:
In the last week of June Barb and I set off to visit my sister in Lismore. As time was not an issue and we were travelling in
the ute, we were able to take a steering box to Don Kendall in Numurkah. The Gold Coast isn’t far from Lismore so we
loaded up 2 newly chromed wheels for AF 120, the extended Clipper rescued from Hughenden and returned to the Gold
Coast over a long weekend!
On the way north we stayed overnight in Coonabarabran at David and Brenda Baker’s Acacia Motel. (Highly
recommended and book for dinner too!). Before dark, David showed us the 40” telescope from the ANU observatory at
Siding Spring which was originally installed in the early 1960s along with 24” and 16” instruments, all of which have been
decommissioned and progressively replaced with about 9 highly sophisticated telescopes.
David has developed a clientele of astronomy enthusiasts from Japan and Korea who are very keen to visit the area so, he
is building a new observatory in a natural amphitheatre on his property in the hills above the town where it is shielded
from any artificial light. The main structure of the telescope stands over 4 metres high and is a large piece of intricate
machinery! The cabinets which contain the outdated electronics and control systems would fill an average bathroom!
Rotation and vertical movement was operated by motor driven gearboxes which were intricate themselves but gear
backlash generated enough vibration to distort the highly magnified images. They are being replaced with State of the Art
electronic controls which are being developed to position the telescope with stepper motors.
David took us up to the site early the next morning where many tons of concrete was being poured for the foundations.
The whole project is enormous and “ Easter in Coona 2014” will be a “must attend” for members who will be able to stay
at David’s private caravan park on the property and hopefully by then have a rare opportunity to use the newly installed
telescope. For detailed info. Go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siding_Spring_Observatory#Telescopes_at_Siding_Spring
A couple of days in Lismore with my sister, and then on to the Gold Coast to view progress on AF 120. All the cross
members and lower bows have been replaced and front and rear body frames, door frames windscreen surrounds have
been rebuilt. Rockwell front and rear axles and Kenworth air bags are being installed. Another major resto, and Scud is
confident it will be on the road for next Easter!
We loaded on 4 wheels for ballast and after staying overnight with Laurie, headed off next day towards Katoomba
where we arrived on the night of the Great Storm which dropped a huge Cyprus tree across a double deck rail carriage at
Katoomba. Incredibly, no one was injured, but power was out in a large area for a couple of days. A 2kva Honda gen set
was able to power Darrell’s heating, water pump and fridge and he was able to supply 3 coaches to NSW Rail to ferry
passengers around the accident. Cold enough to snow but too windy, we headed south to the warmer climate of Victoria!
Delivering the wheels to Albury Platers, we stayed in historic Chiltern arriving home the next day. It was an enjoyable trip
for both of us and a break for Barb from the grandkids!
MARKETPLACE:
If you are searching for something for your vehicle; or wish to submit an item to be included in the newsletter, please
contact Geoff or Narelle Wing with details.
Flxible Clipper Club Mugs (new style) – Now in Stock, contact Derek to purchase
JOURNALS: SPECIAL OFFER 2 FOR $20 – copies of 04/06 issues are available for purchase
at this special price. Contact Derek Birch on 03 5629 8503 or 0428 862 520.
NEWS ON NUT COVERS: News just in from Truck Bits Australia, stainless steel nut covers (1.5”) for Clippers are now
AVAILABLE. The cost is $2 each. Contact Derek Birch
CLUB BEANIES: Some members think it may be cold in Tassie and have ordered 100 Clipper club branded
Beanies in preparation. Available to all club members, price will be approx $15. Contact John and Gayle Schoen.
 Chrome Headlight Rims: to fit Clippers $68 + GST
 Clipper Header Panel: 1.6mm steel. Curve from door to driver’s window. $420 + GST
 Rear Hinge Flange Hoop for Engine Door: Same size as original. $375 + GST
Contact Morris Rushton 03 97626426
Clippers for sale:
AF-105: Contact John Lindsell on 02 9977 2927 (NSW).
AF-131: Contact Ray Stuchberry on 03 5441 6286 (VIC).
AF-75: As advertised in the April newsletter. Enquiries to Graham on: 0408 930 575
CLIPPER CARAVAN: All enquiries to Bill Hardinge on 03 59647807 or 0418 372 242
GMC PD-4107: As advertised in the June newsletter. Enquiries to Geoff Wing on 0438 515 266.
TUBELESS RIMS TO SUIT CLIPPERS:
They are 22.5 x 7.5 10 stud Budd pattern with the correct offset,10 external cooling holes and
painted white. They are drilled to suit Rockwell and cost $110.00 each including GST.
They can be drilled to suit Kirkstall and cost $220.00 each including GST.
Contact Laurie Doyle on 0409548611.
WANTED:
 Parts wanted for the restoration of AF-127
 Large window frames, prefer complete with glass two L/h and two R/h
required.
Please if anyone can assist Redline coaches with parts to get another clipper back on the road
contact Martin on: 0419 329 257 or E-mail: redline@tasredline.com.au
AF-127: ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY:
FLX FILE: AF-127. Built Dec 1958. Originally Pioneer Tours D 102. Powered by Deutz
F6L 614, Spicer gearbox. Air suspension.
Redline coaches is a proud Tasmanian owned company now in it’s third generation. Percy Larissey started
operating buses/ coaches in 1933, in 1963 Frank Larissey formed Redline. Over the years they have continued
to grow and Redline is now under the reins of Michael controlling a fleet of over 100 vehicles! Over the years
they have operated a large array of vehicles starting with a Chev Maple Leaf and early Fords they have also had
Austin’s, Bedford’s, Leyland’s, Mercedes, Denning’s, Mazda’s, Toyota’s, Mitsubishi’s to name just a few, but I
think you would have all picked the all important name missing from that list!
I know it had been a long held goal of Michaels (like many) to own an elusive clipper and when the opportunity
finally arose to purchase AF-127 they grabbed it. While Redline never owned a Clipper within their own fleet
they did operate Clippers in Tasmania for Ansett Pioneer before eventually taking over the touring program.
They also purchased Tasmanian Coach Lines in 1980 that at their peak were running 17 Clippers, the largest
fleet still in service in the ‘70’s. Their plan is to return it to a seated coach and under the knowledgeable
guidance of Martin East, Redline’s mechanical bus guru come Clipper rebuilder they are putting in an absolutely
stella effort with the work so far undertaken on AF-127. It had been laying derelict with a broken axle in
Southern Tas for the best part of two decades. Since coming into their ownership in early 2010 they haven’t
wasted any time. The original Deutz F6L-614 V6 and gearbox was removed and pulled down. They had hoped
to reuse the Deutz V6 and while they did actually fire it up before pulling the engine down it was very worn,
with parts now near impossible to obtain it’s looking like another candidate for the proven 6V-53 Detroit (I
think Martin is yet another Detroit tragic!) with an engine already sourced and ready for a full rebuild. The
coach has been completely stripped to a bare frame, sand blasted, primed and extensive frame repair is
ongoing. They have completed some quite major chassis repair and cross member replacement. “Birch” Isuzu
power steering and a “Doyle”4.3 Rockwell diff conversion has been fitted and air susp upgraded to Kenworth
bags. Michael is definitely a man on a mission, “AF-127” number plates have recently been obtained and he is
determined to have it on the road for the Tassie Easter trip next year! I can’t wait to see yet another Clipper
back on the road in Tas and wish them all the best with their aim for next year.
Article by Geoff Wing.
AF-127: ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY: cont.
P.S: As you will see in the wanted section Redline are still trying to locate a few parts for the restoration of AF127, if you can help them PLEASE get in contact and give them a helping hand.
The HUGE Deutz F6L-614 being removed after a lifetime of service:
Panels removed, rear wheel arches replaced and frame repair commenced.
AF-127: ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY: cont.
After returning from the sandblasters primed 127 was again a little lighter! More bow, frame and cross
member repairs but definitely on the road to recovery!
Note:
There is no member profile this month due to the large
amount of other content.
Next Issue..... Stories from:
H A U L I N’
THE
HUME
This newsletter is the official publication of The Flxible Clipper Club of Australia Inc. and the opinions and Advertisements appearing within do not necessarily reflect
the view of the club or its members.