PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Contents Committee Members to May 2012 Cranleigh Lions Car Show 21st August Martin Newell Pirelli Calendar (had to be on page 3, didn’t it ! ) Lands End to John O’Groats Keith Howell and others Hunter Mutter Lee Hunter Mulvaney’s Musings John Mulvaney 2012 Shindig details John Mulvaney Berlinetta at the old Marlin Works Maurice Williams Talking Triumph Ben Caswell Cabrio Babble Derek Jones “Tolkien” Tales from my Garage Part 10 Derek Jones Message from the Treasurer Brian Gadd Climbing the Stelvio Pass Paul Hancock Mem Secs “Goodbye and Hello” Tim and Derek New Members List History Lesson Alan Hogg th th Yorkshire Dales 9 – 10 July Geoff Grumble Ballad of Millie Alan Hogg Classifieds Lakes Invasion 13th – 14th August Bob and Terry th SW Register Run 14 August David Martin and others Situation Vacant & Anoraks Corner DC More Pictures Club Goods Local Meetings “Stop Press” and The End
Deadline for next issue : Friday 18th November 2011 All contributions to this magazine are the personal opinions of the individuals concerned. The Club accepts no responsibility for the advice or information in this magazine. Any advertisement contained in, or with this magazine does not imply any endorsement or recommendation from this Club. Thank you to all those who have contributed words, pics, and encouragement for this issue.
MORE CAR PICS STILL WANTED for 2012 Calendar Please send soonest to John Mulvaney, thank you.
Page 1
2 3 3 4 - 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 24 25 25 26 27 28 28 30 32 33 34 35 36
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Hon. President: Mr Paul Moorhouse Executive Committee up to May 2012 : Chairman: Lee Hunter
01228 564136 07720 398794 leezr160@hotmail.com
22 Cairn Crescent, Corby Hill, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA4 8QH
Vice Chair: John Mulvaney
01257 424841 evelynmulvaney@hotmail.co.uk
28Cranleigh,Standish,Wigan Lancs. WN6 0EU
01352 771183 djj_engineer@yahoo.co.uk
Crossing Cottage,Llanfynydd Wrexham LL11 5HN.
01453 542135 gaddbrose@tiscali.co.uk
14 Woodend Lane, Cam Gloucester, GL11 5HS
01427 678084 dcunn@btinternet.com
“Richmond�33 Old Showfields Gainsborough Lincs DN21 2QE
Acting Membership Sec: Derek Jones
Treasurer: Brian Gadd
Acting Editor: Dave Cunnington
Ordinary Committee Members: Danny Nelson
0121 453 7250 07976 836374 danny.nelson@blueyonder.co.uk
51 Queen Elizabeth Rd. Frankly, Rubery, Rednall Birmingham, B45 0NE
Ben Caswell
01322 553354 b.caswell@virgin.net
31 Park Grove Bexleyheath,Kent, DA7 6AA
Tim Hawkesworth
01527 832812
tim.hawkesworth@talktalk.net
Technical Advisors: Roadster: Ben Caswell Bob Jackson
(Triumph) (Marina)
01322 553354 01768 867965 or 07546642378
b.caswell@virgin.net bobjackson1@sky.com
Berlinetta: Danny Nelson
0121 453 7250
danny.nelson@blueyonder.co.uk
01352 771183
djj_engineer@yahoo.co.uk
Mike Coombes
01793 729636
JAC.Sports@hotmail.co.uk
5Exi: Jon Coombes
01793 729636 or 07500 861193
Cabrio: Derek Jones
Sportster:
info@JONORacing.co.uk
Trials: Andrew Brown
andrew@andrewkb.net
Minute secretary: Evelyn Mulvaney
details as John above
Page 2
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Cranleigh Lions Car Show 21 August 2
Martin Newell took his Berlinetta to the Cranleigh Lions Car Show on 21st August, and to Dunsfold Wings and Wheels on the 28th. He took the following pics at Cranleigh, his was one of four Marlins there
Page 3
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Welcome to the “LE-JOG” edition of Pitstop When you opened this copy of Pitstop you probably had a flyer containing two recipes for Cornish Pasties. It was this flyer that we used to raise donations for the Help the Heroes charity on the Land's End to John O'Groats relay event. Our Pitstop printer has very generously offered to send out the unused ones at no charge so that for those of you who have not seen it before, you have the opportunity to add to the funds raised by "selling" the recipe sheet to a friend or neighbour or perhaps holding a Pasty Supper and persuading your guests to donate to the fund. Any donations raised should be entered on the web at : http://www.justgiving.com/MarlinOwnersClub
If you haven't got access to the Internet,
send a cheque made out to Keith Howell to Seaton, Cherry Close, Prestwood, Bucks., HP16 0QD and cross it 'Help for Heroes'. NB If you who haven’t yet baked a pasty to the recipe, I am told they are pretty good ! LE-JOG, an organiser’s view, by Keith Howell I am not entirely sure how and when the idea to do the LE-JOG trip came about, it is lost in the mists of time, which is not surprising for someone who can’t remember what he had for breakfast ! At some point Dane Crosby mentioned he had always wanted to do the complete LE-JOG run but I wasn’t sure how many folks would want to stump up for 2000 miles worth of petrol so the idea of a relay was born. The first problem was that the world and his wife now do the LE-JOG trip to raise money for charity so we needed something unique that would appeal to folk ( the marketing folk call it a USP – Unique Selling Point). That’s when I dreamed up the idea of using a Cornish Pasty !. The next problem was to drag into the event some sense of importance otherwise the papers and TV/Radio wouldn’t get that enthused about our jaunt and one of the reasons for the whole event was to get positive publicity for the club. The pasty baton appealed enough to get the Mayor of Penzance to volunteer to send us on our way, provided that we met her at the Farmers Market. Next job was to work out a route, and for that I needed to create a map of MOC member locations, so that if I chose a route that went through areas with the densest membership we would stand a better chance of getting volunteer drivers. Creating that map caused such a fuss in certain quarters that I very nearly left the club, let alone drop the project, but that is another story. By now it was nearly Stoneleigh time, so I decided to float the idea at the AGM, the general consensus was that it was worthwhile and the committee gave the go ahead
Page 4
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Having the Mayor of Penzance involved gave credence to the project. Jez Cox came up with the idea that the charity we should collect for was Help the Heroes. Did you know you had to apply for and get permission to raise money for them – your proposed event goes before a panel for approval. I guess they have to be careful these days of who gets associated with them. Anyway, with that process complete it was time to enroll drivers. I had some volunteer at the AGM but nowhere near enough That’s where the website forum came in handy plus we had time to get an appeal in Pitstop. Brian Gadd checked with the Club’s insurers that we weren’t doing anything that would contravene our cover and I checked with my personal insurance that drivers individually would be OK as it was a relay and not a race. I had a couple of drivers check and they got the same story. To raise money I came up with the idea of getting celebrity chefs to provide a recipe that was their take on the Cornish Pasty and publishing a small recipe book. I asked H4H if they would get their patrons to talk to celeb chefs and sent them a letter that explained what I was after. I never got a tickle from that avenue and having been turned down by Phil Vickery, who lives near to me, I started to look for an alternative that we could use to raise money. It’s probably no bad thing as I had recently tasted a chocolate and banana pasty whilst on holiday in Cornwall - disgusting – and the likelihood of Heston Blumenthal coming up with something really unusual like a rabbit and cauliflower pasty didn’t appeal. One of the nicest pasty’s I have ever tasted came from the butcher’s shop of a friend. His daughter made them to a recipe handed down from her Cornish grandmother and I knew he had recently sold his shop and retired. As a result his daughter no longer baked pasty’s so I asked her if she would be prepared to divulge her recipes which she did and from there I created the recipe flyer which we used to raise donations. I sent out press releases to a number of papers and through a neighbour, got the attention of BBC Radio Devon. One of their researchers phoned me and told me that it was a great idea and asked “Is the car actually shaped like a pasty?”
Page 5
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Talk about “Send reinforcements we’re going to advance” becoming “Send two and four pence we’re going to a dance!” Having explained the error of her ways she admitted that that she had got the wrong end of the stick and I gave her Dane’s number as the man on the spot. I know they interviewed him but I am not sure if we got any airtime or ended up on the proverbial cutting room floor. I made a flag for Dane to attach to his car, arranged to have “emergency pasties” sent up to Michael Macdonald, provided last minute instructions for the drivers and it was game-on. Over the previous weeks I had collected folks mobile no’s so that everyone could keep in touch. More importantly I had asked the guys to report in at every changeover so I could monitor progress and let folk know up the line if anything went amiss. I knew that it was intended for the Mayor to hand over the Pasty at 1-30pm and guessed therefore that the guys would be at Lands End about 2-00 to 2-30pm but I hadn’t heard anything. I was wandering up and down our hallway like an expectant father. If I smoked I reckon I would have got through 2 packets of cigarettes. Finally I could take no more and I phoned Dane’s wife to see if she had heard anything. She was calmness personified and in a very diplomatic way told me not to be a worryguts. Sure enough, they arrived back at Dane’s for the first stop and I calmed down a bit. I stayed up through the night but our kind MOC drivers decided they didn’t want to disturb me and I didn’t get a call after 1-30am until I phoned John Mulvaney at Harrogate the next morning. We were running 2 hours late, an accumulation of timing problems all the way up and due to fowl weather and my poor estimate of how much time would be needed at each changeover for general tyre kicking. It was exciting to receive the phone calls and plot progress but I wished I was driving part of it. The photos that came in along the way showed apart from the very start, it was wet, windy but for the most part fun
Malcolm Macdonald uses his skills building and repairing barrel & church organs to fit the ultimate in air-horns to his car
Page 6
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
I managed to get the Caithness Civic Leader to agree to formally receive the pasty but rather than have him wait by a phone all of Saturday afternoon and evening, we suggested that he meet the guys at 10-30am on the Sunday morning. I picked up on the phone that he was a fairly young chap to have such a responsible post but I think Adrian was fairly surprised when they met up, as was I when I saw in the photo’s that he had a ring in his ear. No reason why not – it certainly doesn’t preclude him from being good at his job. I guess I am just showing my age. Anyway, having gone through the photo call in gale force winds, handed over the pasty (including the emergency pasties!!), Adrian set off and did no more than drive 750 miles home. I think it can be classified as a success and at the time of going to press (09/11) we have raised £2104.35 for Help the Heroes. To round it off I made up a certificate confirming each participant’s part in the event .
Page 7
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Page 8
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
LE-JOG, some participants views Hugh Cumming says : Some pics from the market, and the start at LE.The market did a brilliant collection as the lady who made the pasty got carried away and made a LARGE one - then realised it was too big and made another, so they raffled off the big one and made a few pounds from LE spectators. It rained most of the way down to LE but stayed dry at the Penzance market and by the time we reached LE the skys were blue and the sun out. Of course it rained most of the way back to Bodmin! Some more pics from the stop at Bodmin Priory carpark by the memorial and wet Marlins at Exeter services. I've totaled up all the loose change etc. from the Penzance Market and various other collections and it comes to ÂŁ186.35 Dane Crosby says : The trip from Brentons down to Penzance to collect the pasty was good topless fun with the torrential showers only happening when stopped in an Emmett jam on the A30. The Mayor was very upbeat about our run and gave us a large donation too. The farmers market people in Penzance were wonderful and would like to see us every year The expected crowds at LE did not materialise so the transit through was easy. The transit sheet was stamped by the LE hotel reception which is standard procedure for them. We parked our cars on the start line for photos, which is also the only way out of the car park so we made our own Emmett jam. The run was in lovely weather to Brentons where we stopped for tea with fish ‘n chips before departing on the scheduled time for Bodmin. Shire House car park was deserted but we stayed for a few minutes for photos before raiding Morrisons for fuel and the all important transit sheet stamp. The weather deteriorated on the approach to Oakhampton (the highest part of our sortie) with stair rod rain so strong that the drivers could not see the flooded roads ahead. We stopped for a few minutes in a lay-by where it was not worth raising the hood as everything in Moll was running with water anyway. The rain eased a bit so once again we set off to arrive at Exeter late ! Blast, sorry everyone. We bade farewell to the little formation as they left for Bridgewater and we split up to make our own way home in clouds of spray and rain on the M5/A30. Having written this piece, today is now stripping down and mopping out Marlin day ! Michael Macdonald says : We met Adrian as planned at Queensferry and set off over the Forth Road Bridge. The weather had dried up and we enjoyed the drive north on the M90 to Perth where we joined the A9. Coming off to go through Pitlochry and let the holiday makers see the cars in convoy we then proceeded direct to Inverness without incident, making the Morrison's Car Park and Petrol station to fuel up by about 5.p.m. which was not bad time. Page 9
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Encouraged by our efforts to make progress we abandoned our plans to stop after the Black Isle for food and proceeded up the A9 until we were a few miles past Dornoch when I noticed flashing police lights in the mirror. The 3 cars behind me slowed to let the police pass, as I did, unfortunately, he did not pass me but indicated I should stop, thereafter directing the four of us into a convenient lay-by. It would appear that a complaint had been received from a motorist of a disturbing passing manoeuvre by a TVR following three small sport cars. (That was me off the hook). A fast police pursuit vehicle then arrived and we where somewhat disappointed when they were shocked to see four old farts instead of boy racers. Losing any further interest in us they left, refusing our requests for a small donation to our worthy cause and we proceeded on our journey to Thurso where we arrived safely at our excellent hotel in plenty of time for our evening meal and a small malt in the bar. Only 300 miles for the Scottish Contingent, but more than double that for Adrian. No wonder he did not join us for our meal, he was busy sleeping in the lock-up he had booked for a room. Sunday morning we came down for breakfast at 9.p.m. to find Adrian waiting and ready to go. The weather has shocking and we allowed an hour to drive the 20 miles to John O`Groats. Just has well, the wind and rain were getting to places I would rather not mention, Debris from the trees and bushes covered the road and it felt more like October than August. The road was flooded in several places and great care had to be taken if the cars were to keep going. John O Groats is not the best place in the world for nice weather and we all found it difficult to even stand. But we were euphoric at our success in having arrived and nothing would stop Adrian from having a shot on a swing, even attempting to fly as the wind caught in his jacket. The Civic Leader and Press arrived and we found a place to stand sheltered from the monsoon for the picture. The Civic Leader even put on the gold chain for us. We bid our farewells to him and the Press representative and the four of us retired to the last/first house in Mainland Britain for a coffee. Thereafter, with lots of hugs and promises to keep in touch, Adrian left us and proceeded back down the A9. Rag, Tag & Bob Tail, (Myself, Alfie and Phil) proceed West along the top of Scotland as far as Dourness, then down the West Coast passing Scourie, Ullapool, Shieldaig, Kishorn and finally our Hotel for the night at Lochcarron. Another 300 miles, the majority of which was only single track, with no let-up from the wind and rain. Thereafter the usual shower, shave, meal and a malt and bed before 10.p.m. exhausted. The rain went on all night and it was Page 10
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
still raining in the morning. Alfie has no hood on the Dutton and drives the car in a wetsuit and open face crash helmet. At least the demisters in the Marlin work great, as does the heater although the rain does get in here and there. We decided to head for the Kyles of Lochalsh first before deciding which way to go depending on the weather. As we proceeded South it was improving and we popped over the bridge on Skye, stopping at a friend`s house at Lower Breakish Croft for a wee cup of tea and a cake. Then down to the bottom of Skye and the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig. The road is quite new from Mallaig to Fort William, so we opted for the longer single track road round the coast from Lochailort, Glenluig, Kinlochmoidart to Mingarry where the TVR (which was in the lead) spluttered to a halt on the single track road with the Dutton and the Marlin behind, not to mention a bus and several other cars. We managed to push it into a passing place, helped by the bus driver. Despite our best efforts the TVR refused to start and the breakdown service was called to take it back to Glasgow. (Very SAD). The Marlin and the Dutton now pushed on round Loch Sunart, to Strontian, through Glen Tarbet to Ardgour and got yet another ferry over to Corran, back onto the A82 and a short seven miles to the Isles of Glencoe Hotel for the night. Only 245 miles and far better weather. Tuesday morning after a good breakfast we set of on the A828 towards Oban, but turned left after Connel Bridge onto the A85 through Tanuilt and Lochawe to Stronmilchan where we turn right onto the A819 a fantastic little road through Glen Aray to Inveraray where we stopped for tea and a treacle scone. We took a picture of the Vital Spark which was the Puffer used in the series of Para Handy, then it was off on the road again on the A83, we debated turning right down the A815 to Dunoon and getting another ferry across to Gourock, but we had enough of ferries and decided to drive round to Tarbert and down the side of Loch Lomond to Dumbarton where we stopped for fuel and Alfie and I said our farewells. On the M8 after the Erskine Bridge Alfie turned off towards Kilmarnock and I carried on into Glasgow. A total of 1200 miles, I’ve not counted the fuel up yet, did we enjoy it?, YES, would we do it again? OCH AYE !
Page 11
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Hunter Mutter Hello fellow Marlineers. September/October already, where has the year gone again, it only seems like yesterday that I was getting ready for Stoneleigh. I have certainly been a busy lad since we last spoke, thankfully the garage is now finished and looking rather nice, just don’t want to mess it up, seems such a shame. The walls have been lined and painted white, and the final touch was the painting of the floor. It will now accommodate 2 cars, and with a small workshop as well in a strange way I’m looking forward to playing in the winter. The GTM has gone to a new home in Norfolk and I have a Roadster sitting in its place waiting for a few jobs to be done on it but nothing major. One small fault (or is it ?) it has drum brakes on the front, something I have never had before so that will be interesting. I have everything to convert it over to discs but I want to try it first. Question is - any Roadsters still out there with drums ? Please get in contact if you have. I attended the Lakes event in July an event which I started off 10 years ago and have now handed it over to Bob Jackson and Terry Reed. They did a excellent job this year, a totally enjoyable time was had by all. On the Saturday I used my black Roadster even though it was a little damp underfoot, but once we got going it was not so bad, and I totally enjoyed using it in anger. However after I got home being the sad person I am, it took me almost 3 days to clean it :- Parked on level ground all 4 wheels removed and the body, wheel arches, floor, suspension, engine bay, and all washed off - Old steel wheels put on and driven onto 4 post lift and all wheels removed - Suspension and floor wiped over and dried Brakes and hubs cleaned with brake cleaner - Engine bay wiped over dried and all chrome polished - Suspension, brakes, and hubs polished with autoglym polish - Body polished with autoglym resin polish and the black polish - Alloy wheels sealed with autoglym alloy wheel sealer - Interior vacuumed and dash polished - Hood cleaned with hood cleaner - Engine, gearbox and diff oil checked, water checked, hinges greased, trunnions oiled . The last few weeks and months have been the hardest while I have been the Chairman of your club, I am sure you have all read the various communications and websites threads but on a personal note, let me tell you words cannot express how tough it has been. We had the sad loss of Sue and Bob from the committee, and you have all read the reasons why so I will not go into this now, but I regarded Sue and Bob as close friends who I have known for most of my adult life and have spent many many happy times over the years with them on the various events. Page 12
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
It really saddens me that this friendship has been lost and I do hope with time the wounds can heal and we all could go back to how it used to be. I have also personally been hurt reading some of the attacks and general nastiness about myself and the committee. We are all volunteers who give up our time to help run this club of ours. We don’t get paid, we don’t get any perks, we are just trying to do our best and always have the best interest of the club in our hearts. When I became Chairman my opening speech was that I wanted to give something back to a club I have been a member of since I was 16, but I am now starting to think is it really worth it all the pain, the hours spent on the phone and computer, and not seeing my family. Really, I could just mess around with my Marlins, attend the shows, and relax and just enjoy myself - it does get you thinking............................... Speak Soon, Best Regards, Lee Hunter Mulvaney’s Musings Dear Marlinites, My previous Musings commenced with thanks for the Dales weekend organised by Caroline and Dave Kitson and this time it’s thanks to Bob Jackson and Terry Reed for their efforts in making the Lakes event such a success. Great Marlin roads, good company, tranquil campsite and an excellent BBQ, what could be better? Waiting in the rain at Lymm services in the early hours for Jez Cox, Martin Warburton and The Pasty was slightly less fun. Although I much enjoyed participating in the Lejog run what a relief to hand over the precious cargo to Adrian Bull and John and Margaret Catling at the end of the trans-Pennine leg! Having the advantage of an effective hood I must also admit to being somewhat humbled in the company of Jez, Martin and Adrian (and no doubt others) who were determined to drive open-topped regardless of the dark and rain! What true spirits of Marlin ownership you gents are! Our sincere thanks go to Keith Howell for his vision and organisation. All those Members who take on the task of running an event for the benefit of the rest of us are a real asset to the Club; your efforts are greatly appreciated. Despite having supported the proposals for the much needed update of the website I do worry that what is only a means of communication could so easily detract from the core value of the Club which is the camaraderie that comes from building, driving and enjoying our Marlins. When working I used commercial networked and logic computer systems and once “retired” I chose to be less reliant on net-based forms of communication rather than to Page 13
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
continue being controlled by keyboard and screen. Whilst this may be frustrating to some I am sure there are many who feel the same way and our Club should take care that they are not excluded in the future. Those who are individualistic in their choice of car are likely to be individualistic with respect to other aspects of life…………..
The Winter Shindig at the Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon. The event comprises of a three course dinner and dancing to a live band in a private room on Saturday 11th February, overnight accommodation and breakfast on Sunday 12th. The hotel is modern with a swimming pool, gym and private parking. The price is £62.50 per person in a double or twin room and £75.00 per person for single room occupancy. Your 50% booking deposits plus £6.00 per head contribution towards the cost of the band are payable to the Club. The total deposit of £37.25 per person sharing / £43.50 single should be forwarded to me by Monday 5th December, please. Kindly state double/twin room preference. The balance of the above costs is to be paid directly to the hotel in February. For non-residents the dinner and function-only rate is £31.00 per person plus £6.00 for the band – full payment of £37.00 on booking please. (Additional nights are also available at £40.00 per person double /twin and £65.00 per person single, both rates bed and breakfast only. Book directly with the hotel, but let me know so I can make sure they are aware that you are part of the M.O.C. group). Once details are finalised on menu choices and the venue to meet up for coffee/lunch on Sunday before we go our various ways they will given on the Forum and in the next issue of Pitstop.
I will shortly be starting to select the best of your Marlin photographs for the 2012 Club Calendar (see the previous Pitstop for details) so don’t delay if you still have photo’s to send. So here’s hoping for an Indian summer and we can get a few more Marlin miles and smiles in before the onset of winter, John Mulvaney
Page 14
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Ignominy – See Cabrio Babble on page 18 !
The Old Marlin Site – and a completed Berli rebuild, by Maurice Williams The photo below was taken very recently on the site of the former Marlin Factory in Crediton, which is now two blocks of flats.The Berlinetta was on it's first day out after nearly three years under restoration. At the Kit Car Show at Westpoint Exeter, in Nov 2008 It was in the car park for sale for £500, in very bad state. Terry Mathews of Marlins persuaded me I could not go wrong. Once I removed all the green mould,and got the soaking wet seats, trim and carpet out, after a lot of further work it turns out she was right ! Danny Nelson has been a treasure to me with advice and technical tips during this rebuild.
Page 15
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Talking Triumph Oct/Nov 2011 With all the crap that was going on with the Club the Web site and the printers, I decided I needed a Marlin fix and a group hug. So very late arrangements were made with Bob J and the campsite for the Lakes weekend. A reshuffle of Grandchildren duties thanks to my ex saw me setting off North on the Thursday morning. My departures north normally involve listening to the traffic reports for the M25 and the Dartford Crossing, which is normally only 10 minutes away. In fact with a pair of binoculars I can see the traffic on the flyover that feeds into the tollbooths, from my house. Despite an earlier closure of one tunnel the traffic seemed to be flowing ok so I set off. However it took me over an hour to get north of the tunnel before settling down to playing with the trucks on the M25, M11 and A1. I made good time up to Scotch corner and then turned left across the Pennines to head for the campsite in Kirkoswald. By the time I had pitched up it was time for a cuppa and a good old natter with the other early arrivals. Then Doug & Liz Billings and myself trundled off to the village for dinner or is it tea up here. Anyhow the Pie night was fully booked so we crossed the road for plan B. Just as we were onto the deserts John & Margaret Catlin turned up to join us for a drink and even more chatting, we certainly wasn’t going to put the world to rights in one night. Friday was spent having a look round the local priory and crafts centre (very William Morris) where the young lad on the desk gave us a brief but very enthusiastic history lesson on the families that still own the land today. Then after tracking down more William Morris in the form of magnificent stained glass windows at Bampton Church and some essential shopping we set of back to camp. Just as Doug and Liz were waiting to join the main road a car flashed past waving and saying hello. It was Adrian Bull who was working in the area on his way to catch a plane back home. Unfortunately he couldn’t make the Lakes run but I am delighted to see he managed to get back up north for the Lejog pasty run later in the month, well done everyone on that one. Saturday saw the farm yard of the camp site packed with Marlins before we set off on a 90 mile jolly that took in an excellent coffee stop and photo stops before arriving at Bownesson –Windemere for lunch. There was some park benches looking out over the lake and you could watch the pleasure boats come and go. I sat down with my picnic taking in the scene when all of a sudden I was mugged. A swan with a limp had come along and flopped Page 16
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
down in front of me scrounging a crust from my sandwich. While my back was turned his mate had managed to get his big beak into my sandwich bag and stole the other half of my mature cheddar sandwich. Spilling most of my crisps in the process. He gave me a threatening hiss and waddled off to harass a toddler until he dropped his 99 vanilla cornet splat on the ground. I wouldn’t mind but the not so ugly duckling only ate the cone, he just left the flake and ice cream to melt all over the path. The return journey took us over Kirkstone pass and through Patterdale before cruising the shores of Ullswater and back to camp. Robert and Julie the campsite and farm owners assisted by their hard working family were busy setting out the BBQ, which consisted of an excellent spread, topped off with some home made apple pie Scrummy Yummy. Sunday morning saw another gathering of cars ready to set off for an invasion to Hadrians Wall. The sun had encouraged most participants to fold their hoods in anticipation. But the weather in this part of the world rolls in quickly and there was a rush to put the hoods back up or in Bob Jackson’s case push the car into the barn as a Lakes refill tipped down on us. Another car was running with no weather gear, which would be brave, even down my end of the country never mind this far north. We found how the Romans tried to tame to North even if some of us didn’t find the Café. Another cracking day out was rounded off with a spirited and bracing run back across the North Pennines peaking at over two thousand feet on roads just made for Marlins, Oh and Bikes! Yes watch out for those bikers. Monday dried up nicely and everyone got away leaving me to enjoy the rest of the day. I had enjoyed the runs so much that I went out and did the best bits again on my own and this time without the bikes. But OH watch out for those Tractors, boy there is some big buggers and they don’t like stopping either. All too soon it was time to set off home and I was glad I had packed the awning the day before, it was lashing down as I broke camp and set off. My route back across the A66 Trans Pennine Route was horrific. My cautious speed meant the trucks were bombing past on the dual carriage and at one stage I thought I saw a RNLI lifeboat go past. We were all going too fast when one truck in front came across a very slow tractor and trailer whilst being over taken by another truck. How we all managed to get the speed off and avoid each other was a miracle. It finally stopped raining by the time I got to Leicester and I made good time to home straight over the Dartford Bridge without stopping except to pay the toll. Mental note I must try to sought out the £1.50 beforehand. Its almost impossible to reach into your pocket when sat in a Roadster, (who said that’s not the only time I have trouble?)
Page 17
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
August was rounded off with a day out to the Cranfield Lions Classic show. This was flagged up on the forum by Martin Newell and a super day out it was. Even though I wasn’t booked in as an entrant, the gate man directed me to the show field. Over 1500 exhibits filled the grounds including half a dozen Marlins dotted around the show. As the afternoon drew to a close the queue of classics leaving made an interesting cavalcade as we enjoyed some refreshment from the beer tent. In a previous year this one event had raised over £6000 and last year the Cranleigh Lions donated over £23000 to various worthy local charities and causes. Well done I say ! Gosh I have rambled on…………. must go.
Ben Caswell Triumph Tech Rep.
Cabrio Babble
Hi All. Many thanks to the organisers of both the Yorkshire and Lakes trips. We enjoyed them both and it was a good excuse to let FMB stretch its legs !! I think the oil pressure gauge on FMB was showing the first signs of the near disaster on the Lakes run. The pressure was not as constant as it has been and didn’t seem to be engine speed related. I had decided it was the gauge sender unit; this was much too close for comfort being next to the real failure, as I have had these units fail before. Years ago when I set off for Plymouth to pick up the kit to build FMB, as I rolled down the slip road onto the M6 I saw the oil pressure gauge slowly fall and hit the zero stop. I guessed that as the oil pressure light had not lit there must be some oil pressure so continued to Plymouth and back and all was well,apart from having to replace the pressure gauge sender unit. This was the dear one of the two. Anyway back to 2011 - I checked the oil level and then decided to replace the oil. All seemed well but the gauge still behaved oddly. However on the Sunday of the Lakes trip as we pulled off from the A65 in Brampton there was a clatter. Oil-less hydraulic tappets can sound very loud and soon the one that made a noise was joined by some more of its mates and they did make a real noise! By this time we had stopped. We had the roof up on FMB as it was a bit damp, and as I got out I noticed the road was a series of pretty colours, it never ceases to amaze me how far a small amount of oil will spread. The design of FMB’s bonnet means that you cannot have both sides up at the same time, so they were opened in turn and 1, there was little oil on the dipstick 2, the oil light pressure sender was very wet with oil. This sits next to the dear one on the oil filter unit.
Page 18
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
So with no oil, a leaking pressure sender and very noisy tappets the decision was to be recovered by the RAC, who were very good. They took J to get the camper from the campsite and listened to my explanation of the need to send a flat bed out to collect FMB. When the truck arrived we almost pushed FMB onto it, It rolls really well and the operator hardly had to bend to put the winch on to pull it onto the truck.
(See page 15 )
We agreed that they would bring it to our Country on the Wednesday and I settled down on a nearby seat, in the sun now, to wait for the camper. We rejoined the group at the Roman fort a bit late but saw the fantastic museum and the joined them at the campsite for the Sunday night. FMB has now been delivered home and after fitting a blanking plug in place of the sender unit, taking all the plugs out and refilling it with oil, we have oil pressure and it is running and sounding as healthy as it was. It was certainly on song on the Saturday trip over Kirkstone pass and the initial trip to Mains Farm from Winster. We were travelling fairly quickly past the Shap Wells Hotel on the A6. I have some small alteration to make to my wiring. The oil level gauge on the sump was not working at all and I may be able to get a replacement from Rimmer Bros. I will change the pressure switch as the SD1 unit inhibits the fuel pumps. I already have a separate fuel pump switch as well as a fuel pressure gauge so a simple light switch will be sufficient. This should complement the oil pressure gauge. One thing that has always been a problem with FMB is that in the daylight you cannot see the warning lights on the dash. I may have to add auxiliary lights or maybe see if LEDs are better Cheers for now
Derek Jones
Tales From My Garage “Tolkien” Part Ten The WD 40 worked, the two aluminium channels have now been removed from the scuttle. Work on the loom has started but unfortunately the spades on the end of the wires were not crimped with any security - they are now soldered ! I know it is not supposed to be as good as a crimped joint but I don’t have a ‘crimper’ that is powerful enough and I have wired cars for a number of years and yet to have a failure of a soldered spade/bullets. The fuel pump been moved to the inside of the bonnet, along with the pressure regulator. The 2 heaters and screen washer were attached to the loom, as were the distributor and oil pressure switch. A new fuse box with blade fuses was fixed to the bulkhead. The only way to get the loom through the bulkhead was to strip off the binding tape and
Page 19
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
having split the loom it was fed through the hole in the bulkhead piece by piece. The next task will be to work on the dashboard. I’m hoping that I don’t have too many wires left when the dash instruments and switches are connected. One thing I have yet to figure is how to marry a dynamo to an alternator loom. Our Yorkshire trip included a visit to Leighton Hall for a car show. One of the stalls had some stainless steel set screws for sale. These were 6mm socket heads complete with integral washers. They are just right to fasten Tolkien together. 80*20mm long and 20*16mm long were acquired. I know I will need more and some 8 and 10mm ones as well! The ‘rivnut’ gun has been well used today. Most of the offside and interior have been completed. At least I will be able to see how many ‘rivnuts’ and setscrews I need. The off side has also been cleaned, with thinners, to remove all the traces of under seal and paint runs. The unpainted section, below the font wing has been lightly rubbed with wet/dry and I have some etching primmer ready to be used. Then all I need is to find a local supplier of red cellulose paint. I’ve started to reconstruct the heater water pipes and spent some time making one out of copper pipe. It passed around three sides of the battery but when I had a look at it in the cold light of the next day, it didn’t have enough flexibility to cope with any engine movement. So it’s back to rubber pipes and jubilee clips. Derek Jones – to be continued
WEBSITE ADVERTISEMENTS – Treasurers Message As the launch of the new website draws nearer, the opportunity to advertise is presented. The club is seeking only to cover the cost of maintenance of the new web, by requesting sponsorship of adverts. on the pages of the web. The advert. box would be in line with website norms, about 6cms.by 3cms. in banner form and placed in a prominent position. It is thought that perhaps 4 or 5 adverts, being of interest to members, and sponsored for a rate of £100.00 p.a, would suffice. In the event of a multitude of adverts being presented, a limit will be applied, as we do not wish to flood our web. with adverts. It is intended that this offer shall be initially made to club members who may have a business that they wish to advertise, after that, if we still have space, then we shall try outside. If interested, please contact the Treasurer.
Page 20
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Climbing the Stelvio Pass by Paul Hancock The idea of driving over the Stelvio Pass came about roughly a year ago after a bit of internet surfing one night and discovering it was Top Gear’s driving road of the year in 2007. My wife and I decided to drive down through France, from Calais to Reims, Chaumont, Vesoul and Belfort, crossing into Switzerland at Basel and heading east to Davos where I had spent holidays as a boy with my parents over 40 years ago. We spent a couple of nights here on the way back and took the Parsenn mountain railway to the top of the mountain where the views were incredible. From Davos we headed over the Fluela Pass and the Ofenpass into Italy and then on to the Stelvio pass. After several wet days the weather broke and we were able to have the top down as we started on the 48 hairpin bends climb from Prato a Stelvio up to the top. There were some threatening black clouds as we climbed but fortunately no more than a few spots of rain with sunshine at the summit. You certainly need the hood down so that you can look up and behind you at each hairpin to see what traffic is coming down. I was worried about overheating after the cooling problems that I had experienced when first fitting the V8 but all went well and I put the heater blower on a couple of times just to be sure –hot legs!! The view, as you come round a bend and see the final few hairpins is breathtaking and much steeper looking than the photos I had seen. There was a cycle race going on the day we chose to do the pass and it was nice to be applauded as we reached the summit, even if it wasn’t actually for us. The journey down the other side to Bormio is also spectacular and although I got stuck behind a big camper van I was quite glad to have it in front when we came to a couple of single track tunnels with tight curves – the ascending traffic had to back-up to let us through! After Stelvio we did the pretty Passo di Gavia on a much smaller road before going on to Bolzano and then next day to our villa we had rented in the Dolomites. The holiday also included visiting Ypres and the Somme and finding cemeteries where three of my great uncles were buried – something I had not known about until a bit of family tree research a few months ago. It was quite a moving experience, especially as one of my relatives was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme aged 19. I was delighted with the way the car performed and experienced no problems at all. I kept the oil and water topped up and also found that it was not too thirsty on petrol though I did not keep accurate records. Driving on relatively deserted French roads with gentle undulations and sweeping curves (and much better surfaces than in England at present!) is what Marlins were made for while the V8 makes mincemeat of Alpine passes, of which we Page 21
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
must have done at least a dozen. There were times in the heat of the day when we had to put the hood up to prevent being fried alive and my wife found the trip rather too bumpy and windy for her liking, but then you have to be doing the driving to get the full enjoyment – fantastic! (Starting next issue, Paul explains the fun involved in fitting the Rover V8 into his Cabrio before he undertook this trip to Italy))
……………….which links easily into this nice looking Berli which I found whilst I was Googling for Marlin on the web. It was for sale in Italy some time ago DC
Page 22
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY - ITS GOODBYE FROM ME It had always been my intention not to offer myself for re-election as your Membership Secretary in 2012. I would have been doing the job for 10 years and will be 65 in December of that year. However, as detailed in my posting on The Forum in August after a series of health problems coupled with turmoil within the Club I decided that it would be best if I were to take an early bath. I made this decision with a heavy heart; but with the knowledge of the considerable workload at the start of the year felt that from your point of view it would be easier for my successor if he/she were in post by 1st December. I was pleased to learn then from Lee that Derek Jones had made enquiries regarding the duties. I have known of Derek’s support at events over a ten year period and was encouraged by his agreement to step forward for co-option to The Committee. With this sorted Lee asked me to consider co-option as an Ordinary Member following Bob Cawtes resignation. This gave me the opportunity to still enjoy the involvement with Club administration without the considerable workload involved in dealing with over 550 new subscriptions. I am grateful for the assistance of Members over the years, together with the supportive views that have been forwarded since August. I will now arrange to pass over all of the work to Derek as soon as the new website is on line and wish him well. Please give him the support that I have enjoyed. Tim Hawkesworth – Former Membership Secretary MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY – AND ITS HELLO FROM ME Some of you will already know me – I built the Yellow Cabrio, FMB and recently acquired the Triumph Prototpye JRR 828D, for a deserved rebuild, now known to me as Tolkien. I’m an Engineer and trained at RR Derby where I met Paul Moorhouse, We all had a great time but I fear it did nothing for my career with RR. My life has changed over the years and I have collected some education, HNC, B Eng & B Sc. ……………but I am still a fixer at heart and now I have taken early retirement I can pursue it with dedication ! I love driving FMB, and enjoy talking to, and meeting like-minded Marliners. I hope Tim has a long and happy ‘retirement’ and I know he will be seen with his Marlins once he is feeling better. Derek Jones Co-opted Membership Secretary
Page 23
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
NEW MEMBERS LIST – from the Membership Secretary ( well, one of them !) Welcome to all of you, and hopefully the (new) Mem Sec will sort out the question marks – my apologies to whoever you are Rod Owen
Stratford
Warks
Roadster[Marina]
Mike Grice
Brackley
Northants
Cabrio
Julian Pullen
Redruth
Cornwall
Roadster[Marina]
Chris Holmes
Lympstone
Devon
Roadster[Marina]
Philip Chesters
Rhos on Sea
Conwy
Cabrio
Mark Kessell
Newquay
Cornwall
Roadster[Marina]
Stephen Lilley
Harrowgate
N Yorks
Roadster[Marina]
Ray Bater
Exeter
Devon
Roadster[Marina]
? Kempson
Telford
Shrops
???
Gareth Roberts
Chester
Cheshire
Roadster[Marina]
John Sammut
Sleaford
Lincs
Sportster
Chris Bouge
Macclesfield
Cheshire
Roadster[Marina]
A Revisionist History Lessom by Alan Hogg Those of you who have been subscribing to Pitstop for years may remember that ‘Biro’ claimed that the originator of the Marlin was a chap called Simon de Marlin back in the 1400’s. My research however has found that one of his ancestors was in fact Paul of the House on the Moor.Having had one of his ideas for a submersible bathtub rejected by ‘well to dos’ in a pre cursor of what we now know as ‘Dragons den’ the said Paul turned his attention to a disc that revolved on a shaft. Having no use for it on a submersible he successfully franchised it out to various civilisations. His decendants then went on to produce the forerunners of what we now know as ‘Marlins’ in short the basic stripped out chariots of the Romans that careered round dirt tracks and even the later covered wagons that found themselves used in the New World to cross vast distances. These were the early Berlinetta’s. In fact one of the ‘Moorhouses’ as they became known, had the idea of the submersible stolen from him while taking a vacation off the coast of Italy. That particular chappie claimed that the idea was his own. His name. Leonardo da Vinci. We in Great Britain have produced some of of the greatest engineers this world has seen. May the likes of Paul Moorhouse and other continue for a very long time.
Page 24
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
Yorkshire Dales 9 -10 July
www.marlinownersclub.com
Off to the Dales
by Geoff Grumble
Trailer and car loaded up we set off on Thursday with a very threatening sky hanging over us but we made it without getting wet to just outside Kingston Upon Hull where we were staying over night with Sue and Pete Crowther. A very enjoyable evening was had with the Crowthers and Sue cooked an excellent evening meal. I also had a chance to look over Pete’s competition prepared Sportster which is in very fine shape indeed. On Friday morning Pete offered me a drive and, believe me, I was sorely tempted but the forecast was rain by early afternoon so I was keen to set off for the campsite in the hope the tent would be erected in the dry. We had a pleasant drive and arrived at the campsite around midday and got the tent up before the rain started and, boy, did it rain that night. Probably like many others, Jan and I lay in the tent listening to the rain hammering and waiting for some disaster to occur. Fortunately our sleeping quarters remained dry but we had to bale out the mini lake that had formed in the outer part of the tent. I think most people would agree that the run on Saturday was excellent and all credit must go to Dave and Caroline for organizing it. I had to smile to myself when, at each stop, Dave commented that we ahead of schedule and must be driving too fast. As I said to Dave “we are only driving as fast as you, mate”. After the run, Dave’s wellie chucking (or wanging??) competition was good fun and, at one stage, it appeared that every kid on the campsite was going to join in with the big kids in the MOC. Later in the evening after the excellent meal the wellie chucking winner (I think I spelt that right), a certain Mr Caswell, received the order of the boot, in this case a small blue one. On Sunday we chose to don boots and go for a seven mile walk instead of going on the run to the classic car show. We walked out of the campsite to Austwick and then on to the pretty village of Clapham before going up to Ingleborough Cave and then back down to Clapham where we enjoyed a pint of one of Yorkshires finest ales before setting off back to Austwick via a higher level track with great views. By Monday morning the campsite was thinning out so Jan and I along with Ben Caswell and Bob Cawte went on the Settle to Carlisle railway as far as Appleby where we stopped for lunch. On the way back we caught the last display at the falconry just up the road from the campsite. Very interesting – just a shame that there was insufficient wind for Vera the vulture to take to the air! The four of us decided to eat in the pub in Austwick that night only
Page 25
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
to discover when we got there that the only thing on the menu Monday nights was pizza. So, four twelve inchers were ordered and vey tasty they were too. Tuesday morning we managed to de-camp in the dry and set off for Suffolk. All in all the Roadster did about 650 miles over the whole weekend without missing a beat. It was good to meet up with everybody again and, once again, many thanks to Dave and Caroline Kitson for organizing a great weekend.
The Ballad of Millie the Marlin
From
Alan Hogg
Well my name is Millie the Marlin, I once was white as snow Till I met a Trials Driver and a trialling I did go He promised me fine trophies and I’ve got them all it’s true But , girls you’ll pity me when you hear what I’ve been through. He took me down a leafy lane so dark I couldn’t see And believe me girls, there never was a man as fast as he He laid me on a grassy bank and gave me such a fright! While examining my bottom with a spanner and a light When he thought that I was stalling, he flew into such a rage But I knew he was just trying to get me to a special stage So he tickled my carburettors and gave my points a touch Oh, how could I resist him girls, when he slipped in the clutch? But my back and sides are scratched now, and my bottoms red with rust My bonnets badly dented and my suspension all but bust I’ve got no brakes to speak of and I think my head is gone So don’t go into the forest girls without your sump guard on I tell you girls now truly, I would rather have this life Than be locked up in a garage and be polished every night I would rather have a young man drive me hard and fast Than some old man’s darling to be made to last and last.
Page 26
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE : Roadster Marlin Roadster. SVA'd in 1999, currently SORN. Rosso Red, Fiat 1600 twin cam & 5 speed box. 100+ spoked alloys, good tyres. Full weather gear with side screens. £2100ono. Marlin Roadster LWB. In rebuild. Tax exempt registration, Rosso Red. Alfa 1600 twin cam & 5 speed gearbox. full weather gear, new windscreen & wiring loom (yet to be fitted). Compomotive spoked alloys & new tyres. £1100 ono. Contact : Phil 01772 751461.
I have details of a SWB trials prepared car, good competitive spec with lots of spares. And also a YKC built Julietta with just 6000 miles on a new Zetec engine. five speed box, Omex, etc etc. Contact: Danny Nelson 0121 453 7250 or 07976 836374 or danny.nelson@blueyonder.co.uk FOR SALE : Berlinetta I have details of a Berlinetta that is to be offered for sale, this is a top spec car. I also have some Berlinetta spares for sale Contact: Danny Nelson 0121 453 7250 or 07976 836374 or danny.nelson@blueyonder.co.uk FOR SALE : Cabrio I have details of a good Cabrio model. The owner is looking for a good home for his car. Contact: Danny Nelson 0121 453 7250 or 07976 836374 or danny.nelson@blueyonder.co.uk FOR SALE : Miscellaneous There are several club members cars that are for sale, which have known history, represent good value and come with full documentation Contact : Danny Nelson 0121 453 7250 or 07976 836374 or danny.nelson@blueyonder.co.uk Wanted TONNEAU WANTED for a Berlinetta. Preferred without a hood cover section but beggars can’t be choosers and I am interested in all options. Contact :Maurice Williams Tel 01363 82867 Email Maurice.whispers1@tiscali.co.uk Marlins always wanted. I can find a new, deserving owner for your car. . I also have details of several members seeking a Marlin to suit their requirements. A personal, friendly service. Contact: Danny Nelson 0121 453 7250 or 07976 836374 or danny.nelson@blueyonder.co.uk Roadster, Berlinetta, Cabrio, good, bad, or ugly Contact : Lee Hunter 07720 398794 or leezr160@hotmail.com
Lakes Invasion 13th – 14th August Late Friday afternoon we arrived at the campsite to find most people already there. The site at Mains Farm Campsite, Kirkoswald, is a lovely campsite in the Eden Valley, North Lakes and it catered for all our needs including the BBQ on Saturday night. In the evening we got together and had a good old natter about the drive up on and our cars and the changes we had made to them. Saturday The morning started off a little damp but not deterred and after a quick meeting Page 27
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
with all those driving that day we set off on our travels of about 110 miles for the days route. This took us along the old A6 route heading south over Shap Summit which is one of the highest and oldest routes in the country. We drove through the old market town of Kendal stopping at Sizergh Barn Speciality and Coffee shop for coffee and refreshments. We then headed through some of the back roads to a favourite place of mine just outside Kendal called Scouts Scar. Having parked the cars we set off on the short climb to the top of Scouts Scar for a short walk and look at the beautiful views across the Lake District. There is a great view of the Lyth Valley over to Whitbarrow Scar and Morecambe Bay and the estuary. Heading north west we took some spectacular driving roads winding up and down dale over Strawberry Bank to another beautiful vista point on Gummers How giving a great view of Lake Windermere and beyond. We then drove down into Bowness-on-Windermere, where we stopped for about and hour and a half for a bite of lunch and some shopping. (Thanks go here to the parking attendants who arranged a special parking area for us). To finish the afternoon we took the very old Kirkstone Pass again a challenge for the drivers with spectacular views, and down through Patterdale and Glenridding along the full length of Ullswater to Pooley Bridge and back to the campsite. A good days drive and the weather improved as we went along making it most enjoyable. Many thanks to all of you who came along, it really makes all the hard work organising and putting these weekends together worthwhile. On Saturday night there was an excellent BBQ put on for us all by the campsite owners and it was nice to sit out and relax on a warm summers evening catching up on the days events. Sunday We all left the campsite after a heavy shower, driving along the Eden valley towards an old Medieval priory (Lanercost) (then the fun started) It started to rain, some of us got lost, the MX5 finally gave up, and Derek Jones V8 Cabrio got an internal engine failure.
After a well-earned stop and a coffee break at the priory we all (Them that was
mobile) set off along the old Roman road to visit a Roman fort – Vindolanda. We had a lunch break and spent several hours visiting the fort and the sun came out for the rest of the day. We then drove cross country through the centre of the UK (Haltwhistle) on some fast, long bendy roads towards Alston, which is the highest market town in the UK and I am sure most of us broke several speed records, then we went to Hart side cafÊ for a tea break and to let the cars cool down after racing around for over 30 miles, before heading slowly back to the campsite. Despite a few of us getting lost and two cars failing to complete, it was a brilliant weekend.
Bob and Terry Page 28
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Page 29
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Page 30
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
South West Register Run, Blackdown Hills Sunday 14 August Danny Nelson says : I was invited to this run, which is organised by Andrew Curtis. I arrived an hour late only to find that they had held back starting out until I arrived. Embarrassing to say the least, but a great day. Cars, good company, and a visit to Dunkeswell Airfield, Devon which coincided with the Light Aircraft Association (Devon Strut) Rally Day. Marlins all lined up along the side of the runway. The aircraft included a replica Sopwith SE5A, built at two thirds scale, and lots of other things to see. We finished the run and then went back to Andrews to park on his lawns, and enjoy a barby and company. Peter Vernon, who took the pictures, says : What a brilliant day, it was the best day out I have had in my little car (the Black/Silver Berlinetta) since I bought it. I have emailed Andrew & Janette to thank them again for their brilliant hospitality and sent them some images I took on the day David Martin says : I am a new Marlin Club member and took the opportunity to meet local members at the above function. It surprised me to meet up with about 14 Marlin owners, none of whom were on the Exmoor Run 2011, and also to see Danny, who had come all the way from Bromsgrove for the day, and Noel from Exeter. The lure of “bacon butties” made me rise earlier than normal and we had a quick run to Upottery and thanks to the signs put out by Andrew, we found Cleave Farm ! We arrived to find a yard with several Marlins parked up, and in the kitchen a table surrounded by people eating a full English breakfast. After a “bacon buttie” and a couple of cups of coffee, the time was spent looking at other people’s cars and “chewing the fat”. Soon afterwards, Danny arrived and we set off on the run around the locality with Andrew showing the way. There were no route details in advance, and later on we found out why. The roads were narrow with grass growing in the middle, but fortunately deserted except for Marlineers. We even had to take turns at turning round at a “Y” junction, with only one car (a “Trials” version) brave enough to make it with a three point turn! Mine has good lock, being Triumph Herald based, but I did not want to drop a clanger by becoming grounded. We went through lovely countryside and eventually ended up in Honiton, where at the traffic lights we turned right. I was the last car through on green, and three were left behind, we did wait up the road for a minute but no sign of them so we set off again. This road led us to the village of Dunkeswell. Round the corner was the airfield and here we were given a massive surprise. The lead car spoke to the Marshals and the gates were opened, the planes stopped from flying, and we were allowed along the edge of the Runway, to park up on the grass. Later when the “lost contingent” turned up there were 12 Marlins, a Page 31
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Pemberton and a 2CV van - a good showing for the Marlin Club. It was an Open Day at the Airfield, with a few Classic cars, WW2 Army and RAF vehicles a couple of old planes on show, and just after we arrived the Police Helicopter came in to land. We all enjoyed looking around [my first time there], and then it was time to return to Cleave Farm, where we all parked up on the lawn in the brilliant sunshine. We were again welcomed by food, a BBQ with “melt in the mouth” steaks, delicious sausages, beef burgers and all the trimmings. Two or three more Marlins turned up, and time just flew. A lot of us were “first timers” but we were made so welcome, that we all said, “when is the next meeting?” Whilst we were enjoying the sunshine, good food, and first rate company, Andrew saw two planes in the distance, a Spitfire and a Hurricane on their way to do a Historic Fly Past at Yeovilton Airfield. I feel this is what the Marlin Club is for, meeting up, looking at other people’s cars, exchanging ideas and contact details.To close a Great Big Thankyou to Janette and Andrew, and their helpers, for a fantastic day, all their hard work was really appreciated. SITUATIONS VACANT A permanent Editor is required for Pitstop. Other than some “computering” skills and a sense of humour, no experience necessary, as can be seen from this edition. Only serious candidates should apply for this unpaid but very rewarding post. Some other responsibilities of the post holder from time to time include committee duties. There are no fringe benefits, pension rights etc. You will be asked to demonstrate a facility for our mother tongue, and will be required to have a couple of days ( that’s a laugh innit ) free every other month to compile the journal and liaise with the printers. A car is not provided, however you really should have your own Marlin (or two) and the appropriate computer kit. Applications please - someone out there must fancy this !
Anoraks Corner To complete the archive I’m still looking for the following magazines – can you help ? KIT CAR :
Sep 1996 Hunter
WHICH KIT? : Nov 1991 Berli build
KCI : Feb 94 YKC Roadster and July 95 YKC Sierra Roadster/Buying Used Roadster Also, what mag/what date was ICE BLUE…first drive of YKC Roadster …I have the scan. Thanks DC Page 32
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
Club Goods: Please visit www.marlinownersclub.com for images of Club Goods 42mm wheel centre badges (per pair) available in blue/black/red
£0.50
Marlin Owners Club cloth badge
£2.00
Lapel Badge
£2.50
Leather fob keyring (Red, Black or Green)
£2.00
“My other car’s a Marlin” sticker
£1.00
Berlinetta Emblem sticker (pair)
£3.10
Marlin Owner’s Club Enamel badge bar badge NEW STOCK ***
£17.00
Enamel “Marlin” Union Jack bonnet side badges (per pair) NEW ITEM ***
£15.00
Knitted ski hat (Black)
£5.00
Fleece Hat (Black or Navy)
£5.00
Baseball Cap (Black)
£7.50
Caps with flaps (Navy)
£7.00
Sun Visor (Blue or White)
£5.00
Sleeveless poloshirt (Various colours)
£9.50
Poloshirt (Various colours) ***
£10.50
Sweatshirt (Various colours) ***
£12.75
Tee-shirt (Black/White/Navy) ***
£7.00
Tech Tips CDs - Roadster or Berlinetta or Cabrio Tech Tips CDs - Sportster or Romero
£3.00 EACH £1.50 EACH
NEW ! ! ! Build Manual CDs. These are remastered original paper manuals Roadster Mk1 Roadster Mk2 (3 different manuals!) Berlinetta(Cortina based) or Berlinetta (Sierra based) Sportster Preliminary Build Manual
£1.50 £3.00 £3.00 EACH £3.00
Note : The original electronic Cabrio Assembly Manual is still available at £3.00 UK POSTAGE:
Items marked *** are large items, postage/packing £2.00 each. All others are small items, postage/packing £1.10 each. (For Overseas postal costs please check with John)
If you would like to order any of the above, please write with your name, address and contact number and a cheque (including postage and packing) payable to: “Marlin Owners Club” to: John Mulvaney 28 Cranleigh Standish Wigan Lancs. WN6 0EU or call on 01257 424841
Page 33
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
YOUR CAR PICS STILL WANTED for 2012 Calendar Please send to John Mulvaney, contact details on page 2 Following his post on the Forum, I was able to identify new member Gareths Roadster, so here are two pics of his shiny car :
....and some more from Penzance Market !
Page 34
PITSTOP
Issue 166
Local Meetings
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
(Check events are on before setting out!)
Exeter Noel Pendock-Wheadon purpleperil2@hotmail.co.uk
2nd Sun. lunchtime 01837 810440
The Ley Arms, Kenn, near Exeter
Gloucester Kit Enthusiasts Steve Jones 01242 677105
1st Tuesday
The Coal House, Apperly, Nr. Glous. A38/B4213
Ipswich Tony Gould 01473 780777
2nd Thursday 8.00 PM
Please call for details
Kent John Nash 01303 269074 Ben Caswell 01322 553354
Last Friday 8.00 PM onwards www.kentkitcarclub.com
The White Horse, Sandway Maidstone, ME17 2HY
North Wales Derek Jones 01352 771183
3rd Thursday of the month From 7.00 pm djj_engineer@yahoo.co.uk
The Cross Keys, Llanfynydd Everyone is welcome.
Peak District David Siddall 01629 813478 SEMS (South East Midlands Sunday) Franklin Woodcock 0116 2418183 fdwandmpw@talktalk.net
Last Saturday Cock & Pullet at Sheldon Around 12-30pm. 3.5 miles north of Bakewell just copperleaves11@btinternet.com off the A6 Second Sunday in Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov 12.00pm
The Royal Oak, A43 at Duddington. Between Leicester and Peterborough
SHEB Anyone welcome! (Surrey/Hampshire/Essex/Berks) Ad Hoc Sue Roedel 07766 143631 sue.roedel@ntlworld.com
Call for details
Stroud Brian Gadd 01453 542135 gaddbrose@tiscali.co.uk
Last Wed. 8.15 PM
Hunter’s Hall, Dursley Road, Stroud, Glos.
Three Counties Phil Pike 01189 463752 philip_pike@yahoo.co.uk des.mitchell@ntlworld.com
3rd Sunday 12.00 PM
The Packhorse, A4074 just outside Caversham, Berkshire.
Wessex Kit Car Club Steve Butcher 01202 513855 / 07967 676622
1st Sun. lunchtime
The Chequers, Lytchet Matravers, Nr. Poole
Wigan John Mulvaney 01257 424841
2nd Saturday 1.30 pm
The Bowling Green Pub, Charnock Richard, PR7 4LA. A49, 4m north of J27/M6
Page 35
PITSTOP
Issue 166
October - November 2011
www.marlinownersclub.com
STOP PRESS Have you seen the Picasa site which Sue Roedel has opened for LE-JOG pictures ? Try this link : https://picasaweb.google.com/107504034415235542144/MOCLEJOGAugust2011?locked= true&feat=email# Copy for the next issue ……can be sent as follows : (a)
On CD/DVD/Memory stick by snail mail to : Dave Cunnington “Richmond” 33 Old Showfields Gainsborough Lincs DN21 2QE
(b)
Via email attachment to : dcunn@btinternet.com
The End Well, there you are, it’s done. Any collation mistakes are mine, and I’ve started with 36 pages due to all the copy received – don’t expect it each issue or the Treasurer will be after me. Grammar and spelling is down to the contributors (though I may have helped a bit in places !) I’ve tried to put in as many pictures as possible, are they too small, would you rather have less but bigger ones ? Hope those of you who can remember that far back enjoyed the Pirelli Calendar on page 3 Any comments or suggestions for improvements would be much appreciated. In life they say volunteering is never a sensible option, but Lee did ask nicely, and I only agreed to do this as a temporary measure to keep things ticking over for two or three issues until a permanent editor could be appointed………………but how Sue has managed to do this for so long I really don’t know, her first Pitstop magazine was the Aug-Sept 1997 issue. What do you think? It’s your mag, so please let me know . DC
PS ……………now I’m done, please can I spend some time fixing my car ? Page 36