That afternoon (a Friday), I was due to be heading up to Singleton Military Area via train to Maitland where I would be picked up by a colleague. I decided that Ambrose went so nicely that I would take a chance, and drive up to Singleton instead.
He wen't beautifully all the way and managed to hold 55mp/h most of the way. It was a little dark though - that headlight that blew still hadn't been fixed.
I stopped on the side of the road just past Cessnock to check the map and again got the urge to take yet more photos...
I stopped along the way to fill up, and decided to fill both tanks just in case. Just to check that it was working, I started him on the left tank and he ran okay. when I got back onto the freeway though, he spluttered and cough and was generally unhappy.
Blocked fuel line methinks. I switched back to the right tank and we were away again.
I got up to Singleton in four hours, which I thought was quite good.
Some of my colleagues spotted him in the carpark the next day and one made a comment wondering why the Army bothered to keep derelict old vehicles around...
Once I bluntly pointed out that in fact it was my new pride and joy there was much uncomfortable shuffling and a chorus of "oh how nice, yes - thats really good..." etc., while everyone looked at their feet...
The next day I arranged to leave Singleton early, as my hayfever was killing me. I also wanted to stop in at Dintys on the way through so we could get some pics of Ambrose and Dianne-May together, and so I could yet again rack his brains.
I even managed to score a ride in the LRPV!
Dinty fixed me up with a new globe for my deceased headlight as well, and while we were picking around he noticed that infact the TAC holder had a plate in it!
I hadn't spotted it as it had been painted over! We gave it a good scrub with the wet and dry and it came up with a pair of crossed swords under a number 2.
A lead on his military history... a stroke of luck and a shove in the right direction.
Anyway, more pics of Ambrose and Dianne-May:
