Central Queensland Finds

grant fincher · #1 27-06-06, 12:55

I recently took a trip out to Winton & Longreach in Western Queensland and found these two "monkey face blitz's" at Ilfracombe. The first one is a static display amongst a variety of farm equipment and transport. The plaque says the vehicle was returned from Libya and used on a property in the area for over 40 years.

grant fincher · #2 27-06-06, 13:04

I' having trouble posting the right photo. I'll try again

grant fincher · #3 27-06-06, 13:06

Here is the data plates for those interested.

grant fincher · #4 27-06-06, 13:09

The next one is on the road to Longreach and parked outside a property where it was used to cart water for stocl. Painted up with the local brew "XXXX Beer" on the tank. The truck is still complete with winch.

grant fincher · #5 27-06-06, 13:10

The Data Plates

grant fincher · #6 27-06-06, 13:11

Side view.

oztankboy · #7 27-06-06, 16:37

Nice one Grant!

Well I hope you are keeping an eye out for any doner stuarts out there...

Phil...

Keith Webb · #8 27-06-06, 22:31

Quote:

Originally posted by grant fincher
The Data Plates

Thanks for the pics, Grant!

The data plates on the F60L Cab 12 are tantalisingly ALMOST readable. Can you please give us the details of the serial number?

A friend also photographed the Ilfracome Chev last year.

David_Hayward (RIP) · #9 27-06-06, 23:11

I have been staring at the plate photo with my new glasses and with a bit of detective work suggest that the plate might be:

GENERAL MOTORS OF CANADA
MADE IN GM CANADA
OSHAWA WALKERVILLE REGINA
MODEL 84-43X2
SERIAL.1844314059
ENGINE 377970_ BODY SERIAL
TRIM XR PAINT F.C. 98

The X2 after the Model number indicates British assembly. The fact that it was ex-Libya, if true, suggests a British contract and then sent to the Mid-East. I am debating whether it was intended for the UK and then diverted, or assembled in the UK and then shipped out. I would suggest the former, and either delivery under contract S/M 2019 or 2033. The former was with orders for F60L chassis for Egypt, delivery and the Census Numbers allocated were Mid-East theatre. A large number were then issued to the AIF and NZEF, then sold to the respective governments and finally ended up back home. S/M 2033 was for both UK domestic and Egypt deliveries but they were still delivering in1942 under this massive contract and so I favour S/M 2019.

I just wish I could read the plate better! Known '41 C60L numbers:

1844313709
1844323527 ENGINE # XR3731861 # 12 Cab [in Australia]

grant fincher · #10 28-06-06, 04:17

Your new glasses are working well. I have looked at the uncompressed picture and your numbers are correct.
Grant Fincher

Max Hedges · #11 28-06-06, 05:03

It is thought that all chev cab 12s in Australia came from British contracts that were sent to the Mddle East When our troops came home they brought the trucks with them. It's always interesting when you find a chev and also find numbers still on them.
Max

David_Hayward (RIP) · #12 28-06-06, 09:09

Not sure of the last digit of the Engine Number though! Also, had to do some detective work as the Model Year could have been a '0' or a '1'.

grant fincher · #13 28-06-06, 09:15

There is quite a number of vehicles out in Central and Western Qld as well Max. There are at least 4 in Winton and I will try and get photos of them when I'm out there in about 6 weeks. They atr awaiting restoration in someones back yard so I'll wait to get permission first. There is also a FGT in the Museum, that has been stretched and converted into a farm truck and an LP1 carrier made in Melbourne. The climate is so dry and the vehicles so over engineered, that they have lasted extremely well with little rust for their age. A bit like us Max. I'll keep a look out for more interesting vehicles the next time I'm out there.
Grant Fincher

Max Hedges · #14 28-06-06, 10:42

Grant I'm sure you haven't actually seen Max in the flesh as I wouldn't say he has lasted well with little rust, tell me why people ask him for his pension card, senior card, how long has he been retired for and even if he is the new resident coming into the old peoples home, yes these questions are all true. Surely if you have met Max your memory hasn't slipped that much, maybe it was the excitement of the whole situation that fooled you into thinking this. Surely if you have met him you would've noticed that Max is losing his hair, eyesight and hearing are going, his teeth are being removed one by one and every joint in his body is aching (except when he has blitz people come), next to go is his mind as that is all tha's left I think, but maybe not.

Kathy

David_Hayward (RIP) · #15 28-06-06, 10:56

Kathy, I'm 50, going bald, astigamatic and myopic, and have arthritic knees.

Best wishes to Max...celarly we fo not have your sunshine amounts!

PS I also have three kids: 19/15 and 9 that drive me crazy and send my BP soaring. I have also been retired but am now back working as it is too boring doing nothing.

grant fincher · #16 28-06-06, 11:16

Kathy you might remember the bloke who called in last Febuary in the Land Rover Discovery. That was me. Max spent most of the afternoon showing me his prize possesions. Between tunnels, sheds and barns, he has more trucks and spare parts than I've ever seen before. I am also 50, require reading glasses and take less time to comb my hair than in my youth. This I'm sure is compensated for by our worldly experience and nice dispositions.
Grant Fincher

David_Hayward (RIP) · #17 28-06-06, 11:36

...a common interest!

Richard Farrant · #18 28-06-06, 22:24

Quote:

Originally posted by Max Hedges
tell me why people ask him for his pension card, senior card, how long has he been retired for and even if he is the new resident coming into the old peoples home, yes these questions are all true.

Hi Kathy,

Ahhh........its not just me then. The last two vintage vehicle rallies I have gone to, I've been charged senior citizen rate. Now I am not complaining, because it gives me a bit more spending money when in there! A little bit ahead of Max though, reached 55 this May. As for the aching legs, grey hair, memory going. Only tonight I was leaving work talking to my brother on the mobile, when I said to him "damn I've lost my phone", he then reminded me I had it in my hand

Richard

Max Hedges · #19 29-06-06, 00:43

I only said I think he still has his mind, ask him where he was looking for the phone book one day. You all seem to be going the same way as you reach the various ages, maybe it is only catching when you get involved in these type of vehicles. Grant perhaps I don't remember meeting everyone that takes Max off my hands for a little bit of respite care, so I can get on with my things.

Kathy

bye the way Grant Max says if you find a chev monkey face look on the mud guards for any numbers as that's where they put disembarcation numbers when they left the middle east. The only one that I have ever come across so far the cab 11 here.

grant fincher · #20 29-06-06, 04:38

I'll check for any numbers the next time I'm there.
Grant

Dinty · #21 29-06-06, 08:41

G'day Grant, Was the Stuart Tank still there?, it had been modified with a blade out in front and of course the turret had been removed and a rudimentary ROP's in place, I have pictures of the Monkey face trucks and the Tank but I don't know how to post pix, nothing seems to have changed out there though cheers Dennis

Keith Webb · #22 29-06-06, 11:15

Quote:

Originally posted by Dinty
I have pictures of the Monkey face trucks and the Tank but I don't know how to post pix

There are instructions on the site with detailed instructions here I've also sent you an email with some other options where I'll host them for you.

grant fincher · #23 29-06-06, 11:54

Hello Dennis
I'll be honest I did not see it. The items on display are along the rail siding and according to the locals stretch for one mile. The blitz took my attention as I drove through and I made a point of stopping on the way back. I did not have the time to look at the rest of the display. Now that I know what to look for, I will make the time on my next trip. I also want to do the Stockman's Hall of Fame and the Qantas museum over the next few trips. I am actualy calling on electrical contractors, councils and the Barcaldine Natural Gas Power Station as part of my job, so my time is limited, but I will take some more photos next time.
Grant Fincher