Well, its been a while since I have had anything to write about. Probably still isnt anything of great interest, but here goes.
The transfer case is almost finished, but I found an issue with excessive load upon the bearings once the freshly made main gasket was installed. More correctly, issue found upon tightening the bolts joining the two halves of the box. I know what needs to be done, and have possibly got the materials required to make a thicker gasket. Knowing it's only a minor job, and dreading scraping the old gasket off (used sticky gasket sealer), I have shown no motivation to attempt the task.
I did finish the fake battery I had started on some months ago..........or is it years? Anyhow, its done. I put it in place last weekend. In discussion with a fellow member & friend, I think I will NOT put a new battery inside that case, in favor of placing a reasonably heavier duty (and larger) battery in the tool box, with the live cable splicing into the one coming from the fake battery. A sealed, maintenence-free battery will eliminate any problems with gases building up inside tool box.
Also been plugging along with a plan to make a replica artillery piece to drag behind the truck. Took a number of dimensions from a piece standing outside a local RSL hall, and with the basic proportions kept in mind.......I commenced making a breech which is nothing like the one measured. Oh well, at least it will be unique! Planning on hiding most of the details beneath a canvas cover anyway.
On a more serious note:
I had hoped this year would be a considerable improvement on the old one, but alas, it is not. Another family tragedy is evolving and nearing its curtain fall. My Wifes Father is in terminal phase of mesothielioma and wont be coming out of hospital. I am sitting with him now in fact, passing the time of day, both of us probably feeling a little ackward with the long silences, but all too aware that anything not said within the following few days will remain unsaid forever. We once engaged in frequent discussions on my CMP progress, but those and many other topics no longer seem relevent.