Restoration of Hull 731- Carrier, MG (Aust) Mortar Carrying

[Darrin Wright]

And a BIG thanks to Ian for assisting my wife and the Jeep, as it also had issues.

A bolt on the bendix spring came loose and jammed the starter, while trying to start it, this then drained the battery of life. The starter motor got quite hot.

I got 6 years out of that battery...not too bad.

Had to pull the starter out and put bolt back in. All good now.

[Darrin Wright]

It's taken several months of planning with the Albury RSL; however, paid off today with the BGC being transported by Albury Auto Body Repairs (Andrew 02 6021 4175) tilt tray. Andrew donated his time and truck to assist in getting the BGC there and back again.

Loaded at 0600h and dropped near the Albury Cinema. Got there early so there would be no pedestrians to run over. Rained most of the morning and stopped prior to the start. March commenced at 0900h with a P-40 and another aircraft performing a fly over. I think they were from Temora.

At the end of the march a flock of 4 navy helicopters flew up the main street.
There were lots of people along the sides watching, really awesome the interest shown. At the end of the parade I was directed up the road to park.

Did a tight pivot turn on Dean street, with the road being so wet the track wouldn't grip and then when it did, we spun. Parked the BGC up and talked with people about it.

Had approx 6-8 Jeeps, late model CJ Jeep and Austin Champ- all local.

The tilt tray came back and we loaded and headed for home. At that point, the Hudson from Temora and 3 more aircraft performed a fly over along Dean st and then back over Wodonga.

See the pics attached.

This event seems fitting to conclude this restoration thread that I started. As they say in my previous position, moving from restoration into the sustainment phase.

I set out to document and photograph my progress and I think I have achieved that, hopefully assisted a few people along the way. I always like watching peoples restoration progress and I hope you have enjoyed this.

It has been great to meet MLU people in person and chat, especially at events such as Corowa. There are several people that have really helped me along the way, thank you, you know who you are (you have posted in my thread- thanks!).

I won't be leaving MLU and will still participate when possible, not sure if I will start a restoration thread on the LP1 BGC. There is a bit of time, planning and effort required to make a thread readable and logical. Sometimes not all that easy.
The LP1 restoration has commenced with a strip down and collected several important parts over the last few months, with assistance from a friend. My plan is to have it sandblasted in 6-8 months time, as summer starts.

Regards to all

[Dale Jordan]

Well done Darrin . Thank you for your restoration posts on the MLU your build as been the biggest help for me with my project . I look at it all the time to check up on where things go and how they should look. I 'm sure other owners do the same . Lets hope you weaken and do the same with the LP1 ... Dale