|
|
|
Veterans Day 4 July Activities Driftwood Austin Harmony Chorus Operation Bulldog Club Elections 36ID CofC Annual Convoy Lug-Head New Webmaster |
|
||||
|
This has been one of the busiest Veterans Day weekends we’ve had in many years. Events included:
On the 10th Rick H. supported the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department tree planting event at Zilker Park with his M38A1 and Fred H, and John K. supported the 60th anniversary of the UT ROTC. On the 11th of November the annual Veterans Day parade on Congress Avenue was held in Austin Texas. Participants included Rory C, Jeff L, John SS, Jeff M, Fred, Ward B, Glen V, Rick H, Madison H, John K, Scott S, and Danny K. Bill B. held a Veterans' Recognition program Sunday morning for Boy Scout Pioneer District Camporee, Camp Alma McHenry in Giddings, honoring Vetrans, but especially the 12 fellow Scout Leaders attending that are Veterans. Hutto ISD Display (November 8th-12th) Setup was on the 8th, display on the 9th, encampment struck Nov 10th. Attended by a FAV, a Unimog, a Deuce with M105, and a 5-ton with M832 trailer. All was set up under a large camo net. A vehicle display for two more schools was conducted on the 12th. In total, approximately 1900 kids viewed the displays. Air participation was provided by flyovers of CAF P-39, B-25, and three T-6, while the Guard provided a Blackhawk helicopter for ground and aerial display. San Marcos skydivers did parachute display. 
Back Veterans Day Tree Planting On 10 November Rick H. participated in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department tree planting event at Zilker Park with his M38A1. During the event a Blackhawk helocopter arrived to support the event. After speaches were made by city officials and dignitaries 50 trees were planted in observance of Veterans day. 
 
 
 
 
 Back University of Texas ROTC 60th anniversary Fred H, and John K. supported the 60th anniversary of the UT ROTC wirt their vehicles. Back 1944 Close Assult (November 10-11th) WWII re-enactment. Several members participated, along with providing Jeeps and a radio display. Approximately 1200 spectators attended.  Back Veterans Day Parade (November 11th) Good club participation with 12 vehicles. Jeff M and his Jeep did a “missing man” for Tex Hill, Danny led the 60th anniversary USAF vets with his M-37, the other 10 vehicles formed one group. Some Vets were carried in the vehicles. Parade was well attended by the public for an early Sunday morning.
Back Boy Scout Veterans Recognition Bill B., ICC(SS) USN/R Retired, held a Veterans' Recognition program Sunday morning for Boy Scout Pioneer District Camporee, Camp Alma McHenry in Giddings, honoring Vetrans, but especially the 12 fellow Scout Leaders attending that are Veterans.  |
|||||||||||||||
|
As usual we were busy this 4th of July. The annual Lakeway parade and the Northwest Hill parade were both well attended by club members. The annual Lakeway 4th of July parade is one of the best parades in which we participate. It is always well attended with as many participants as spectators. This past 4th of July required the participants to position on the road instead of the golf coarse field as in past years due to rain and wet ground conditions. We gathered at the Swnisons’ business parking lot starting around 0700. Participants included Rory C, John SS, Glen V, Danny K, Rick H, Madison H, Jeff M, and Jeff L. Once gathered, we loaded the VFW folks and drove the our embarkation position somewhere in Westlake. After about an hour the parade started. The parade was about a mile long with a hudge crowd from the Lakeway residents cheering and clapping as we drove by. 
|
 Danny's M37  Glen's CJ2A  Rick's M38A1 |
||
 Jeff M and Nurse Haley |
 Caitlin, Rick, and Jeff |
 John SS, Glen, Michelle, and Steve |
 Rory's M813A1 |
 Rory's M813A1  Madison's M37  John's MB |
This is the clubs annual "tiny" parade, one of the smallest events we attend, but fun nonetheless. Early Saturday morning Danny K and Madison H with their M37 ¾-ton’s, Rick H with his M38A1 ¼-ton, and Rory with his M813 5-ton, had assembled at the old Albertsons parking lot at the Y in Oak Hill. At 8:30am sharp, the small convoy departed for the pleasant 15 mile drive through the hill country to Driftwood. The weather was perfect, sunny and warm, but not hot. We arrived at the assembly area and Danny conducted a recon, found our staging spot (we were entry #6 this year), and we moved up there to wait. There was a bit of apprehension when Rick’s Jeep decided not to run anymore, but with Madison’s help the problem was diagnosed as stuck points and the M38A1 was quickly running again, and in time to participate in the parade. Meanwhile we had been joined by John K with his MB and two little daughters Kaylee and Sydney as crew. At close to the 10am start time we were off, a few minutes and a few hundred yards later we were done. We pulled off the road and were directed into a nice large field to turn around and wait for the end of the parade. Since this doesn’t appear to be an election year (well over half the participants last year were folks running for office) the parade itself was pretty short. After about 20 minutes, we moved over to our display area. This year we were where the vehicles could be seen rather than hidden behind a building, so we had quite a few visitors. Around noon we convoyed to the Salt Lick and met up with a couple of Madison’s friends, and dined on some of the best barbeque around. Once the appetites were slaked, we loaded up for the convoy back to Oak Hill. While the parade is little, it is well attended by the locals and is a wonderful example of ‘small town America’. With that and the great lunch in good company afterwards, this will no doubt continue to be an annual event on our calendar. |
   |
|
|
|
|
|
| The display area | In the field | Hays MC JROTC troops | |
 If you like patriotic songs, women in uniform and a USO type setting then you would have enjoyed the show performed by the Austin Harmony Chorus on 29 September at the Manchaca United Methodist Church. Danny K. and Rick H. provided vehicles for the USO type show with Danny providing the stage decorations. During the first half of the show the Austin Harmony Chorus, dressed in BDU’s, performed patriotic songs. During this time there was a tribute to all services with representatives from all services presenting their colors. Three different lady quartets performed for the second half of the show. If you have the chance, go see them for an entertaining evening.  
|
|||
|
John Lu with Best of USA Marketing again requested help from LSMVPA with troop transport for another charity event to be held on Fort Hood to benefit the USMC Reserve unit in Dallas. This comprised an urban combat exercise for civilian airsoft war-gamers. Attendance this year was down due to the event being "bumped" from its original date in September by the Army, who needed the MOUT sites for their own training. Apparently many folks were unable to reschedule. There were around 120 players this year, who came from all around the US to participate. On the Friday the trucks were convoyed up to Gatesville; Jeff L in his M35A2, Rory C and son Patrick in the M813A1. John SS was unable to attend this year due to last minute technical difficulties.. Everyone met at the Best Western in the late afternoon. With more vehicle passes issued for POVs this year, ridership from town was limited. Jeff made the first run out to the operations area on Fort Hood with around fifteen troops. When no one else had shown up to ride by 6pm, Rory made the trip out to the MOUT sites empty. Passengers for the trip back were also sparse, and all rode in Jeff’s deuce (easier to get in to). Early on Saturday and Sunday mornings those who ‘camped’ at motels in town were trucked out to Fort Hood, the returns made Saturday night and on Sunday afternoon. During the days the participants were transported in the trucks to various MOUT sites for different battle scenarios. Once again the military, doing artillery practice nearby, unintentionally provided some very realistic sound effects during the day. The weather also provided a touch of realism to the scenarios with temperatures in the high nineties, and there were several heat casualties, some fairly serious though none needed medical transport. Jeff and Rory were able to treat them with supplies they had brought along. By 2pm on Sunday the operation was concluded, the prizes handed out, the charity had made a tidy sum, and everyone set off for home. The trucks made the final transport convoy into Gatesville, then headed out. Jeff went straight back to Austin, while Rory and Patrick went down onto the Killeen side of Fort Hood to check out the M1 tanks, courtesy of a friend. After a good tour of the tanks, which are surprisingly cramped inside for such large vehicles, they too headed for Austin. A long hot weekend, but a lot of fun. |
|
||
|
Lone Star MVPA elections were held on 14 November 2007. Election results are as follows:
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
36ID Change of Command
LSMVPA was invited to the change of command ceremony to provide a timeline static display, and to provide a suitable historic military vehicle from which the generals could review the troops. The morning was perfect- sunny and warm, but not hot. By the appointed time of 8:30am we had a good lineup, with the members in uniforms correct for the period of their vehicles. WWII was represented by Ward B, Glen V, Tim W, Jeff M, and Fred H with their Jeeps. The Korean era was represented by Rick H with his M38A1 and Madison H with his M37. Vietnam was represented by Danny with his M37. The Cold War era was represented by Jeff L with his M35A2, and Rory C with son David in the M813A1. The Guard provided the ‘modern’ display with several Humvees, an LMTV, a Bradley ICV, an M1A tank, and a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. In the finest military style, the oaths were taken, medals exchanged, cannons fired in salute, and the Division colours changed hands. Then Madison’s immaculate M37, suitably adorned with two and three star generals plates, was driven front and center. The generals climbed aboard and were driven past the the troop formation. Afterwards the speeches were given and the ceremony came to an end. Our static display was popular and drew many lookers. Once the numbers dwindled, everyone loaded up and headed home. A lot of praise and gratitude for the LSMVPA display was received from various Army brass. Overall, a great event, and a good showing by the club. |
|
||
|
|||
 Line up at Kaiserville    Scott S. and Danny K. |
This year the annual club convoy was to San Marcos to attend the grand opening of member Robert W’s gunshop and lend some support by drawing in passers by. Those participating assembled at Kaiserville early on Saturday morning. By 0730 we were enjoying doughnuts, cups of coffee and good conversation. Time was taken for all to take a good look at John SS’s debut vehicle, an impressive M820 5-ton expandable van. At 0830 we formed up and headed for San Marcos. Danny K led in his M37, followed by Madison in his M37, Glen V in his Jeep, Rick H in his m38A1, Rory in his M813A1 with Scott S as passenger, and John SS in the M820. It was a beautiful morning for a drive, cool but sunny. Glen brought several military radios along, so we were all in communication as we headed south down highways 183 and 21 into San Marcos. By 0930 we were at the gun shop, where we set up the vehicles in the parking lot for display, Robert’s Humber Pig armoured personnel carrier now joining the group. Later John K arrived. The vehicles got a lot of attention for the gun shop, and were carefully looked at by many customers. We were very impressed with Robert when a B-2 Bomber made a stately flyover, but he admitted that it must actually have been from an airshow going on in New Braunfels. We were fed with some truly great barbeque cooked on site by the gun shop crew. Great stuff! As the afternoon wore on, everyone headed home. A beautiful day, a good drive, good food, and good company. What more could be asked for? 
 The Pig. The Bunker Gun Store |
||
|
 How to Use and Interpret a Vacuum Gauge This past summer I have learned a lot of what not to do when repairing your MV. Likewise, I have learned a some useful information. While trying to get my M38A1 running by changing the fuel pump, rebuilding my carburetor, setting the timing when I did not need to do so and installing new points, condenser, and rotor I ran across some information on the web about the benefits of using a vacuum gauge. I took the information from www.secondchancegarage.com/public/186.cfm and rewrote it a little. The engine’s vacuum reading can tell you a lot about what is going on inside your engine. Unfortunately, most of us don’t know how to interpret the readings. The Gauge Face All vacuum gauge faces are graduated in inches of mercury, although some have additional scales in millimeters of mercury. Note: Some vacuum gauges have an additional scale that measures fuel pump pressure. This will allow you to connect the hose directly to the fuel line entering the carburetor to measure the fuel pump's pressure. Since many fuel system problems can be traced to the pumps themselves, such a tool can save a lot of troubleshooting time. Hook It Up! The most important thing to do when using a vacuum gauge is to connect it to a constant vacuum source on the engine. Some manifolds incorporate a plug that may be removed for such purposes. If none exists, the next best place to connect is the PCV hose. You can also connect to the vacuum line at the carburetor, but make sure the line has vacuum at idle. The Readings Note: Cases 1, 2 and 3 are normal readings taken from a properly functioning engine. The remaining Cases represent engines with various problems, as explained in each Case. Case 1: Normal vacuum reading, typically 15-22 inches, with the needle holding steady. This means that the engine’s compression is fine and there are no vacuum leaks or ignition problems. Case 2: Rapid Acceleration: When the engine is accelerated its vacuum will initially drop close to zero and then slowly start to rise. This is because the wide-open throttle plate momentarily allows atmospheric pressure in, thus equalizing the pressure in the intake system. Deceleration: When the engine is decelerated, the vacuum will momentarily go way up to 25-30 inches and then drop to normal. This is due to relative inequality between the closed intake system and the cylinders’ suction. Case 3: High performance engines, those with high lift, long duration, large overlap, will show a normal vacuum reading lower than stock engines, normally around 15 inches. The needle will remain steady, but a little needle shake is expected because of valve overlap where both the intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time. Remember, the first three cases are normal readings. Now, lets’ look at the abnormal readings and what they can tell you about your engine. Case 4: When the normal operation shows about 15-17 inches. Rapid acceleration causes the needle to drop to zero. Rapid deceleration causes the needle to raise only to about 20-23 inches (normal is 26-30 inches). This indicates that the engine has worn rings or diluted oil because the vacuum is lower due to gases bypassing the rings. Case 5: If the problem is sticking valves, the needle remains steady, but quickly flicks down and then back up. The drop down is usually around 3-4 inches in the scale. This flick of the needle occurs when a faulty valve is actuated. Case 6: With engines that have burned or constantly leaking valves will show an evenly spaced downward flick of about 6 to 8 inches. Case 7: A regular downward flick of the needle 2-4 inches indicates poorly seated valves. Case 8: When the needle regularly swings back and forth over 4-6 inches it means that the valves guides are warn. You can check this by gradually increasing the engine speed. If the needle becomes steady you can assume the guides are warn. Case 9: when the needle oscillates over 10-14 inches as the engine speed is increased, it means you have weak valve springs. The reading at idle can be steady with this condition. Case 10: A low, steady reading of about 10 inches indicates late valve timing or a possible slight intake leak. To determine if the problem is a leak, spray starter fluid over the intake area where it is bolted to the heads. If the engine smoothes up or increases speed there is a leak. Late valve timing means lots of work to correct things. Case 11: A steady but low needle reading of about 15 inches indicates retarded ignition timing. This is easy to fix by rotating the distributor. If the same reading is accompanied by regular pulsation of the needle, check the gap on the spark plugs or for defective points. Case 12: A low, steady reading of 3-6 inches means there is a major leak. Check the carburetor mounting and manifold gaskets. If nothing is found, go through each vacuum hose and look for loose connections or split hoses. Case 13: If the needle starts off at normal readings but drops off in a regular manner, then you may have a blown head gasket. Very few head gasket failures are found with the vacuum gauge since this is mostly accompanied by smoke and other obvious symptoms. Case 14: When an engine is first started and idled the needle shows normal operation then slowly decreases to zero when accelerated means the exhaust system is clogged. Excessive back pressure is the cause. Case 15: If the carburetor idle mixture is adjusted improperly, the vacuum gauge needle will move slowly back and forth between 13-17 inches. Adjustments of the mixture screw will make the movement go away and return to normal. |
||
|
John SS. has volunteered to take over as the new webmaster for the Lonestar MVPA. You can contact him at: webmaster@lonestar-mvpa.org |
||
|
|
||||||||||||
  
|
|
  
|
