Vintage military vehicles get new lease of life

PAULA HULBURT paula@topsouthmedia.co.nz

A group of intrepid military fans have helped make history, putting some historic vehicles through their paces.

Around 18 people gathered at Kaituna on Saturday morning, heading in convoy on a range of war-time vehicles to Langley Dale Farm in Northbank.

The Epic Day Out, organised by John Baker and Vaughan Jackson, is the first time local owners have brought all their military vehicles together.

And organisers hope the meeting is the first of many, with a call going out to others to join the group for their next rally.

Member Dale Hulburt says it was wonderful to see so many people join in, with people coming from Nelson and Kaikōura.

“So many of these vehicles spend their golden days in perpetual storage, being dusted off for display at an airshow and maybe a brief run on the field for reenactment.

“Rarely do these thoroughbreds get to stretch their legs and show what they are truly capable of.”

People of all ages joined in the fun, taking vehicles through a 25m wide stream which was up to a metre deep in some places.

Vehicles included Jeeps, a Universal (Bren-gun) Carrier, a CMP Wireless Communications Truck (Puddle Jumper), a Dodge Weapons Carrier and a Dodge Commander Car.

Dales says everyone crossed the river successfully and the event was enjoyed by everyone.

“All vehicles successfully crossed without failure, but not without excitement and some barely audiable prayers from the drivers.

“Through the mud, the bog, stony hills and bush, purposefully sloshing through water and crashing through any and all obstacles, with their engines roaring as if to claim loudly their natural domain.

“It was an incredible sight to see.”

The group wish to pass on their special thanks to Simon Adams and family for allowing the use of their land and also Safe Hire for helping transport the Brengun Carrier.

To find out more about the next meet-up email: nzam007@aol. com.