That's one ticked off the bucket list!

Just thought I'd post a post a picture of my current project - A 1971 M151 A2 Medium Utility Tactical Truck (or MUTT) as built by AM General. It was the replacement for the replacement of the WW2 jeep, and started production began in the 1960s and ended in the early 1980s. Used extensively throughout the Vietnam war, and some evidence of a handful being used in Desert Storm campaign.

I helped a friend to restore this one about 10 years ago, then it passed to another chap I know from whom I acquired it last year. It basically been a lot of recommissioning and cleaning due to lack of use. Unfortunately the picture shows the side I haven't cleaned up yet, as it is normally parked hard up against the garage wall!

 

That was the M151 which could have the independent suspension units flip under the vehicle during hard cornering. There was then the M151 A1 version with revised suspension, then the version I have the M151 A2 with further revisions. A rare beast in preservation due to most being rendered unusable prior to release; in the early days they were cut in half, but people merely welded them back together. Later ones were cut diagonally but some were still repaired by private buyers, and later still they were diagonal cut and run over by heavy machinery. Even a couple of these have been restored!

 

Was going to post this last week, but the confuser blew up!

Never thought I'd ever see one of these lumps, so I suppose that is one, unexpectedly ticked off the list......

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/36207932075/

 

Looks badly in need of paint/dry-docking!

 

I believe the first UK Carrier is due in Portsmouth soon, will the 2 carriers be in port together?

 

Not sure about actually in the port together, but it appears they are exercising together.

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-an...ueen-elizabeth-meets-up-with-us-carrier-group

 

Erm, yes, just a tad!

Not sure what the other side is like as I haven't looked at the photo's yet.........

 

...or did you 'weather it' in photoshop? LOL

 

Guessimated dates are 17th - 22nd, being weather dependant.

But word is the 18th at 09:30 for the high tide, we shall see........

 

Doubt you could replicate that lot in PS, not that I have the thing so couldn't any road.

 

Our 2 frigates in the 'Group photo' on the Royal Navy page aren't as bad but still rather rust stained - HMS Ocean looked it from pictures of her last visit to Sunderland too.

Have heard it said many old matelots must turn in their graves at the state ships are allowed to enter port in these days. I have seen a picture of a US destroyer looking much worse than their carrier in Dave's picture while on patrol off Aden.

Surprised how soon HMS QE is heading for Portsmouth - some political pressure to speed up trials etc. perhaps? Wonder when she will be passing the North East coast?

Steven

 

T'was HM government that announced it to the press - the arrival date has been on the cards before she was launched! (given the amount of press coverage at the time)

If ou want to find out where she is - google marine traffic & you'll soon find her...........

 

Yes, I was aware it was Sir Michael Fallon who announced it - just it sounded as though it would be rather later in the year from early expectations.

It is also easy to forget there have been nearly 2 months sea trials now, but I had assumed/thought I had seen said that the arrival at Portsmouth would mark the hand over from the builders to the Royal Navy, so seas trials must be complete.

Steven

 

Given they've sussed that she floats - I reckon so!

That and she's in the Atlanic on joint exercise.

Some point next year she starts aircaft trials with some F-35's.

I reckon the media will be given the date & time well in advance, after all they'll want as many folks as possible lining the shoreline & Quayside to welcome her home!

 

Be rather nice if she happened to be in the Solent, early morning on the 20th, just as the non 'HMS' Queen Elizabeth (with me on board) heads for Soton. Now that would be a nice staging...the two current 'Lizzies' together

 

Stramger things have happened.........

Though if she does come in on the 18th, I can't see her being parked in the Solent for the weekend - you forget get the Navy knocks off at 5pm on a Friday!

 

In the Army it used to be 14.00 and the RSM of my Regiment used to play the theme to the film EXODUS out of his office window as the camp emptied on a Friday.

 

Jesus, I know POETS day is common in the building trade but that's taking the !

 

Just like buses, you wait for ages then several turn up.........

Big Lizzie coming home this morning.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/36214940430/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/35802132703/in/dateposted-public/

And the Parafin Parrots (hope I've got the names right.....)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/35802132703/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/duty_druid/35802132703/in/dateposted-public/