Trip

[Lawrie]

Just a short note to let folks know that I have ventured out west again in the 33 and caravan,this time I will be away for 7 weeks and cover around 6-8thousand klms,
I left home on Saturday morning and are stopped for my second night 50 miles down a dirt road that I still have another 110 m to go on it,
33 is going great fuel,usage in first leg of of the trip including over a big range that took flat out for about 1-1/2 klms was 17.95 litre per hundred klm,
Will post more along the way.
Lawrie

[aussie merc]

out and about again that 33 does more miles than half those modern things could ever dream of so keep them wheels turning and let the good times roll

[mercman from oz]

Those country roads don't look the best? Safe travels Lawrie.

[danliveshere]

Lawrie I’m heading out to Clermont tomorrow. Not sure exactly how long we’ll be there but then head south to Warwick. I’ll give you a call tomorrow afternoon and see where you are hopefully we can catch up!

[5851a]

Looking forward to your photos from the trip and best luck to you.

[Old Redneck]

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YES do keep us inform on your trip. Lots of pictures also if you can. Love to be with you on your trip. Thank you

[Elmo Rodge]

Where are you headed, Lawrie?
Wayno

[Lawrie]

Wayno,I,m on my way out to Bedourie and Winton via Windorah,
Lawrie

[barnfind08]

Safe travels

[cmbrucew]

Are there road trains on those roads?
Enjoy your tour
Bruce

[Tinker]

Always fun to see!!! Thanks!

[flatford8]

Have a safe trip !!........Mark

[VeryTangled]

Thanks for bringing us along Lawrie.

Just for grins I was reading about Bedourie and Windorah. Their populations are listed as 115 and 122 residents on Wikipedia. Think about that for a minute!

[Lawrie]

Well , I had a very interesting day today,I had planned a 260 klm trip,on a back road between Springsure and Tambo,I asked at the servo what the road was like, OK ,he said a bit of gravel ,that’s all, we have just had and election here and one of the slogans was ,it won’t be easy under albaneese ,he was one of the politicians),well I didn,t think they were talking about the road not being easy, but this one sure wasn,t easy,180 klms in I got stuck, so did a council truck that came along,luckily it had stopped raining so after 3-1/2 hrs we were able to extract the 33 , the council truck and my caravan,sanity prevailed and I retraced my steps and returned back to Springsure,were it took $7.50 in the slot at the truck wash down bay to clean up the 33 and caravan,so after a nice hot shower and meal ,I’m done for the day,
Nice result of the retracing my steps back to Springsure is I will have a coffee with Danny from the barn tomorrow.

[Lawrie]

Another picture,as I tried to turn around, it looks like an abandoned gangsters car
Lawrie

[Elmo Rodge]

oops.
Wayno

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

Well , I had a very interesting day today,I had planned a 260 klm trip,on a back road between Springsure and Tambo,I asked at the servo what the road was like, OK ,he said a bit of gravel ,that’s all, we have just had and election here and one of the slogans was ,it won’t be easy under albaneese ,he was one of the politicians),well I didn,t think they were talking about the road not being easy, but this one sure wasn,t easy,180 klms in I got stuck, so did a council truck that came along,luckily it had stopped raining so after 3-1/2 hrs we were able to extract the 33 , the council truck and my caravan,sanity prevailed and I retraced my steps and returned back to Springsure,were it took $7.50 in the slot at the truck wash down bay to clean up the 33 and caravan,so after a nice hot shower and meal ,I’m done for the day,
Nice result of the retracing my steps back to Springsure is I will have a coffee with Danny from the barn tomorrow.

[Lawrie]

Danny shoot me a pm ,as my phone has stopped working
Lawrie

[danliveshere]

I caught up with Lawrie today in Emerald, central Queensland. Just a quick lunch and Lawrie was off to give the 33 a wash after getting bogged!

[Bored&Stroked]

Nothing worse than mud . . . hate the stuff and I hate to have to wash it off . . . just hate ALL of it!

[Lawrie]

I had a nice easy day yesterday,did some grocery shopping and lunch with Danny and his mate,
So I’ve decided to have a rest day today and catch up with washing,
33 is going great fuel usage is really great,
I will change my travel route to avoid roads like the other day
Lawrie

[mercman from oz]

Good to see some sunshine to allow your washing to dry. Safe Travels.

[Admiral]

Love these travel logs!

[koates]

Lawrie, that photo looks like a Bonnie and Clyde campsite in 1934. Have a good trip. Regards, Kevin.

[Lawrie]

Kevin, they wouldn’t have plastic Jerry cans,or solar panels,
I had a bit of trouble with the generator,some times it would be ok and others not,so today I did a bit of fault finding, looks like I may have found it, a little round gizmo inside of the funprojects regular had a loose solder joint, it works good now but will find out tomorrow,if not I have a stock cutout and spare generator.
Lawrie

[Tinker]

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Plus you wouldn't have a bar and on the run for murder.

More like a scene out of the "grapes of wrath". -John Steinbeck

Or just camping with a 30s ford.

Nice picture!

[cas3]

To clarify, bar- BAR, Browning Automatic Rifle...= machine gun

[Brian]

thanks for the clarification...had no idea what a bar was!

[Graeme / New Zealand]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

I had a nice easy day yesterday,did some grocery shopping and lunch with Danny and his mate,
So I’ve decided to have a rest day today and catch up with washing,
33 is going great fuel usage is really great,
I will change my travel route to avoid roads like the other day
Lawrie

Lawrie thought you would have learned lessons watching "Outback Truckers"

GB

[Bored&Stroked]

Originally Posted by cas3

To clarify, bar- BAR, Browning Automatic Rifle...= machine gun

Manufactured for many decades - starting about 1918 or so. I've shot one with the carry/operating handle (which surely helps). It is a heavy gun, but you're glad for the weight as an automatic that shoots a .30-06 is a handful.

[cas3]

Well golly ! that must have been fun Dale ! I had a Browning 30 cal 1919 on a pedistol in my WW2 halftrack I had a few years ago. It was a real gun, but incomplete so it would not fire. Never have shot a real one

[Lawrie]

I had a good relaxing days drive today, just drove from emerald to Barcaldine,stopped for smoko and some of my home made biscuits,(cookies),on the way
Got lots of questions, and one person who swore it was a teraplane,I told him it was a Ford, oh that’s right he said ,a ford teraplane,lol
On this hill I was really laying into the 33 and enjoying burning up the hill , then got stuck behind the wide load,I was in low gear behind him, but on the down hill and on the flat he left me in the dust, I was doing 55 mph.
I thought I had cleaned the 33 the other day, but realise it’s still a big mess,but will have to wait to wash it properly.
Have not used any oil and fuel usage is good,
It’s quite funny watching modern caravans coming up behind, they can’t wait to get past ,and as soon as they get in front they take for ages to get away,our speed limit for towing is 100kph and I’m doing about 90-95
I will be in Barcaldine for a few days to take in the sights.
My generator stayed working good today,so maybe I fixed it.

[mercman from oz]

Its a pity when you have a fast car and are held up by slow traffic!

[Lawrie]

Having a few days R&R in Barcaldine,nice days but cold nights,so I had to get a hot water bottle,as kids we called them a hottie, but that has a different meaning now,lol
I’m going to see if I can give the33 a proper wash today,
Fuel price went up today, was $1.99 per litre this morning,by this arvo was $2.20.
This fuel tanker was heading east with a load of oil from the wells and refinery out west at Eromanga, count the trailers. IOR on the truck is inland oil refinery
I have had two meals and a beer at the pub these last two nights, and the owner told me if I didn’t wash and wax the 33 he would charge me twice for the next beer and meal, but he did say it was nice with it parked outside the pub.
Lawrie

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

I’m going to see if I can give the '33 a proper wash today,
Fuel price went up today, was $1.99 per litre this morning,by this arvo was $2.20.
This fuel tanker was heading east with a load of oil from the wells and refinery out west
Lawrie

[VeryTangled]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

I have had two meals and a beer at the pub these last two nights, and the owner told me if I didn’t wash and wax the 33 he would charge me twice for the next beer and meal... Lawrie

This gave me a good laugh. Car guys.

[petehoovie]

Lawrie,


Do you have a Columbia two speed axle in your '33? Do you or are you allowed to take a rifle or shotgun when on your road trips?

[Lawrie]

Washed the 33 yesterday and it now looks nice and clean, but has a few more stone chips, a small price to pay, this is the lan rim staying in at the caravan park,note the nam3 on the sign,
This wide load went past this morning ,so I was up at 6-30 to see it,the owner saw the 33 and asked me to stop in and see them when I get to longreach in a week or so that’s where it was headed.
No Columbia, just a 3.78 r&p from a 48 in the rear,
No to both on 5e fire arms.
Another restful day today,just had bacon and eggs for breaks and now a coffee
Lawrie

[mercman from oz]

The things that you see on the road, the old Paddle Wheeler that is starting a new life in Queensland. Safe Travels.

[mercman from oz]

A 100-year-old piece of pioneer history is on the move as the Pride of the Murray makes an epic move from its current home in the Murray River in Victoria to its new home in Longreach in outback Queensland, as seen by Lawrie on his travels.

[Kpar]

Hi Lawrie, I meant to catch up with you before you left. Just a question, How did the alternator under the van go with all that mud ?.
Keith

[Talkwrench]

Glad you had a catch up with Danny.. Lovin' the pics Lawrie and your adventures! I'll call you soon .

[Lawrie]

Keith, I’m sorry I didn’t catch up before I left, but had a pile of stuff to do, alt never missed a beat,, but the underneath of the 33 looks worse for wear ,as it is covered in baked on mud, but going great.
Rob, yes I’m having a really good time, the 33 feels like a hot rod when I tour around town with out the caravan on today.
So far used no oil even considering I reved the cr—p out of it in 2 nd trying to get out of the mud, I gave up before I broke something
Lawrie

[flatford8]

I’m enjoying your trip and pictures......I think I’ve posted on one of your trips before about the roadtrains. I’ve driven a trailer truck here in the States for forty years, and I can’t imagine hauling three loaded trailers. The power plant and transmission that it takes to get that all moving must be awesome!!!!.........Mark

[Lawrie]

Mark,check the fuel tanker,it had four trailers
I think they use a mercury engine,8ba of corse,lol
Lawrie

[V8COOPMAN]

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Originally Posted by Lawrie

Mark,check the fuel tanker,it had four trailers
I think they use a mercury engine,8ba of corse,lol
Lawrie

Yeah....loving those "Mercury" exhaust pipes, too! What I really want to know is just how all of those trailers go around a corner when it comes time to change the direction of travel. I mean, us 'Mericans had a fireman on the rear of that hook 'n ladder fire truck just to drive that ONE trailer around the corners better. Heaven help him if he makes a wrong turn onto a dead end road.

Coop/AMERICAN

[ssffnomad]

Thinking back , I have had a heavy NYS license since 1982, that’s only 42 years.
Dump, Dump w/ Trailer, then Tractor with detachable low bed .
Past 25, Engine, Rescue & very heavy Tower Ladder.
All this time, I have been very fortunate to be safe . O sure, a tire , a airline , a driveshaft.
But have always thought very deeply about front rubber.
Never have had a front tire misfortune.


NOW , THINK ABOUT 4 TRAILERS of GAS behind your BUTT.
With 72 Tires behind your Butt.
And only 2 Steer tires in front of your Butt


No Thank You .
Stretch

[JM 35 Sedan]

Sounds like an exciting trip Lawrie. I'll be following this thread to see how it goes. Good luck!

[48-710]

Trevor, that paddle steamer was out of the port of Echuca about 300kms up stream of us in Mildura. A local Mildura houseboat builder had the job to float it onto the trailer. I'ts great to see that it has made it that far.

[cas3]

I've had a commercial drivers license since about 82 or so, did some over the road in 18 wheeler's for a couple years, then spent 30 years doing finish grading for an asphalt company, but still had to haul the equipment to the job, so big trucks every day. Now these road trains have always intrigued me mainly from the tire stand point. In the old days we checked tires with a hammer. A low tire sounds like a thud, and a 100 lb tire has a nice ring to it. Good enough for me, but the modern world say's even a truck tire that is 5lbs low will have a shorter life. Now, where I used to work, they make the drivers take a picture on their phone of the gauge, then text it to the office, where I'm sure no one ever looks at it...glad I am gone. So, if you are not asleep yet, my point is these guys must spend an incredible amount of time checking tire pressure. Then keep in mind they are miles from any place that will come out and fix em, and when a big tire goes flat, if you are not paying attention it flops around and can tear out air lines and lights, and fenders, and again, you are many miles from anyone to help. Just the pulling several trailers is not such a concern, they are always on flat ground, and I'm sure they unhook at the destination and a mule does the parking. No snow, no Rocky mountains, etc. just drive, and spend several hours a day checking tires !

[aussie merc]

180 tonnes 18or 20 gears and around 550/650 HP @ 2500 ftlbs torque takes a little getting use to and you definitely dont want to try a hill start been to many a breakdown with busted axles exploded diffs and tailshafts that look like candy canes the guys that drive these are at a different level

[petehoovie]

Any Peterbilt's or KW's used for these Road Trains? Locally manufactured or imported?

[danliveshere]

Pete you can get a kenworth like this with the cat v12, delivering up to 1000 hp. The engine weighs around 5000 lb so that’s why they’re built with twin steer. Not many Peterbuilts here in Australia. Only personal imports I’m aware of.
https://i.redd.it/sou891z8tys71.jpg

[danliveshere]

Here’s a photo

[mercman from oz]

Kenworth with Cat v12, delivering up to 1000 hp Road Train - danliveshere

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by mercman from oz

Kenworth with Cat v12, delivering up to 1000 hp Road Train - danliveshere

Now THAT, folks....is a bloody TRACTOR!

Coop/AMERICAN

.

[flatford8]

Ya...it’s gotta be a 4in.crank to make that go! LOL...We’re kind of running astray on Lawrie’s post.....“What I really want to know is just how all of those trailers go around a corner when it comes time to change the direction of travel.”......from what little I know, the rear trailers follow the “tire path” of the front one. And I don’t think backing up ever happens, too many joints between the front and the back.........Mark
PS....I would love to have some seat time in that tractor!!!

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by flatford8

Ya...it’s gotta be a 4in.crank to make that go! LOL...We’re kind of running astray on Lawrie’s post.....“What I really want to know is just how all of those trailers go around a corner when it comes time to change the direction of travel.”......from what little I know, the rear trailers follow the “tire path” of the front one.

I realize that this is just a video, but the concept seems valid. Click link BELOW! The 10:00 minute mark is interesting. Coop/AMERICAN


https://youtu.be/nbleC0-YJ88

.

[Lawrie]

Update,
I have been ou of reception range the last few days,
But I have travelled on some lovely remote outback roads,
The 33 is going great but the generator charging played up again so I took the moder;regu off and punt on a cutout, that has fixed it,
But K par must have jinksed the altinator on the caravan as it stopped feed 12v to the car this arvo and there for no brakes on the caravan, I sorted it after and found the fuse holder and fuse where covered in mud and the fuse had gone rusty on the contacts, and easy fix,
I was miles from anywhere on the road to Yaracka,saw a
Big hill with a road going up so I ventured up, but decided to leave the caravan at the bottom, it was steep and winding but 2 nd got me to the top,what a view, and there was a SS BBQ gas powered clean and free to use, great so I’m coming up later to have my dinner up there.
As for these sheep, they are a special breed that eat dirt,lol
All going great and these outback roads are the best to drive,today I saw brolga,s , emus,roo,s an $wild goats,the goats are the best as they have road sense and take off away from the road,
Lawrie

[mercman from oz]

More great pictures of Lawrie's travels out west

[mercman from oz]

Lawrie, I can't believe how dry it is out there?

[Mart]

Great trip. That is an impressive sight, that boat on the trailer. Lots of tyres on that one.

[Lawrie]

The dry paddoc with the sheep was only one ,it was full of the sheep , the rest of the country is so very green and lush, this is from the top of the hill,as green as ,you can see my caravan in the car park.
Mart there’s were hundreds of tyres on that trailer

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

The dry paddoc with the sheep was only one ,it was full of the sheep , the rest of the country is so very green and lush, this is from the top of the hill,as green as ,you can see my caravan in the car park.
Mart there’s were hundreds of tyres on that trailer

[Old Redneck]

Sure wish I was there. Thank you very much. enjoyed very much.

[corvette8n]

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Nice pictures did you take any video?

[Lawrie]

Yes , will work out how to post them
Lawrie

[VeryTangled]

Hi Everyone. Lawrie I'm really enjoying your sharing. Very nice frames you are sending with the reports. You are doing tough stuff and good on you! Thank you for bringing this Yank from the Chesapeake Bay along for the dusting.

You didn't ask, but about the goodest way to get a video to us is to put it on YouTube and send the link. It's free to put something up (they get views, some creators earn about what we used to get picking up pop bottles) some people already have a Google account which is the same folks as YouTube for login.

I think I got it right about where the caravan was sitting.

Could you give us a little perspective, how far away was the parking, and how far away is that horizon?

[Karl]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

Lawrie,


Do you have a Columbia two speed axle in your '33? Do you or are you allowed to take a rifle or shotgun when on your road trips?

Pete Why would he need a rifle or a shot gun?-Karl

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Karl

Pete Why would he need a rifle or a shot gun?-Karl

For hunting... And, for Mad Max and his boys...

And, I should add Target Shooting....This, given the wide open spaces...

[Lawrie]

Jeff, caravan was parked about 3 klms away, as for the horizon, I would think 20 or 40 klms away,
I have the good fortune to meet up with the local mechanic come mail man, and will go out with him on the mail and freight run tomorrow, he will pick me up at 6-30 and get back late in the arfo, delivering to some of the largest and remote properties,
One of the other benefits of traveling in the old ford,lots of people talk to you and this is the result of one conversation, a friend owned this large station until 3 yrs back s.o I will get to visit it tomorrow,when my friend owned it he told me there were those funny engines with all the nuts and spark plugs on them laying every where so I’m taking the camera.
Country hospitality is alive and well out here,dinner at the pub last night ,rib fill steak and salad with chips, nearly filled the plate and separate bowl of salad ,as cheap as,
Free ice creams after and also today I got an ice cream from the pub, no on3 there so I left $$ on the counter,later they came and gave me May $$ back as the ice creams were free also
Lawrie

[koates]

Originally Posted by petehoovie

Any Peterbilt's or KW's used for these Road Trains? Locally manufactured or impg/220px-Kenworth_logo.png[/IMG]

Kenworth trucks are fully built in Bayswater, Melbourne, Australia since 1970. Regards, Kevin.

[Lawrie]

Well, I have had the best day today, I went out with the mailman ,he picked me up at 6-30 am, we did approx 300ks ,and delivered to the stations along the way.nearly all on dirt roads,funny to be in the passenger seat and 120 on the dirt, but realised that he was out here twice a week.so sure knew where the sharp culverts and rough spots were.
There is a quiz in one of these pics, some different things,see what you can find.
The river is the mighty Barcoo, an important river system out here,
You can see the dingo fence,designed to keep dingoes and wild dogs out.and the mailman and mail,box.
We went from Yaraka out the back roads to Jundah and back via farm roads and tracks.
I may stay another day here tomorrow as it is sooo very relaxing
Lawrie

[cas3]

Thanks for the update, why 3 road tracks ?

[Lawrie]

I think each gets to boggy after rain
Lawrie

[mercman from oz]

Day spent with the Mail Man from Yaraka to Jundah via back roads.


Mail Man delivering mail to the outback stations.


Dingo Fence


The mighty Barcoo River

Lawrie, I am glad that you are enjoying your travels

[Mart]

Thanks for the updates Lawrie. Nice to follow from afar.

[Kpar]

Lawrie, is that a diff housing near the dingo fence ??.

[Lawrie]

Yes Keith, model T
How are you both, have you ever been out here ?
It’s so nice ,but would be different with no rain.
Trevor, yes ,I’m having a very goo$ time and enjoying it
No one mentioned the dead dingoes on the fence.
Lawrie

[petehoovie]

Is that a refrigerator I see next to the drum?...

[mercman from oz]

Dead Dingos and Ford Model T Diff sighted by Lawrie

[VeryTangled]

petehoovie, I'm betting a 'fridge is the equivalent of an outback mailbox. Plenty of space for packages? Maybe have another container inside for small stuff?

[Kpar]

Yes Lawrie Lyn & I done a trip out that way Junda was like a green belt. It was just after a lot of rain and it was green all the way down to Lightning Ridge. Lots of goats though.
Kpar

[Lawrie]

Keith,at least the goats have road sense,
The 33 is humming along great ,little problem with the generator, and you must have jinxed the alternator as the mud go into the fuse and played up, but easily fixed.
Jeff ,yes old fridges are the go ,or a 44 gal drum on its side with a door made on one end,amazing we left all sorts of stuff and packages left out on the roadside ,no drama .
I could live out here,I see the vehicles out side the pub last night(Friday was pizza night) all with the keys in the ign.
So the 33 sits in the grassed area out the back for 3 or 4 days unlocked and keys in it.
This was the entrance to a large station an aquantance once owned
Lawrie

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

Keith,at least the goats have road sense,
The 33 is humming along great ,little problem with the generator, and you must have jinxed the alternator as the mud go into the fuse and played up, but easily fixed.
Jeff ,yes old fridges are the go ,or a 44 gal drum on its side with a door made on one end,amazing we left all sorts of stuff and packages left out on the roadside ,no drama .
I could live out here,I see the vehicles out side the pub last night(Friday was pizza night) all with the keys in the ign.
So the 33 sits in the grassed area out the back for 3 or 4 days unlocked and keys in it.
This was the entrance to a large station an aquantance once owned
Lawrie

[mercman from oz]

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Old Refrigerator being used as a Mail Box out West

[Lawrie]

Today’s drive.
After stopping 4 days at the last place(Yaraka) and going on the mail run , I thought I better get moving again, so packed up this morning and headed off, but only got just onto the road, and I had left the caravan door open,soon shut that.
I had roughly 170 ks to get to my next stop,all dirt bar about 8 ks of sealed road.
I had about slightly less than 1/4 tank of fuel plus 30 litres in the Jerry cans,the 30 litre would get me at least 150 but I was not sure with the tank contents,so decided to head off and worked out if I could get about 20 ks before the tank ran out I would be ok,
I got 50 miles (80ks) before running out in the tank,so was ok with plenty to spare.
I had one small fault, the alternator on the caravan stopped working,( this supplies 12v to work the caravan brakes), so I stopped to have a look, found that a rock had smashed a fuze holder to bits on the alternator, an easy fix,
The drive on the dirt roads was very pleasant and I just hummed along at 40 mph.
Stopped for smoko and lunch way out in the sticks, and in the 170 ks on saw one other vehicle,
Lawrie
Kyte

[mercman from oz]

On the move again and in the 170 km travelled, Lawrie only saw one other vehicle. It must be lonely out there. Safe Travels. Regards Trevor <><

[mercman from oz]

33 Ford Sedan & Caravan still looking good.

[cas3]

WOW ! Wide open space ! Lovin it. Lawrie do you carry more than 1 spare tire? or an extra tube? Darn new tubes they sell us do not store well folded up, they will crack in only a few months I have found. Thanks for posting

[Lawrie]

Yes tube under the seat plus repair stuff,
I wish I could post a video,I took some yesterday nand they sure show the roads and country
I tied to do it on utube but on my iPad there was no upload icon
This is a good reason not to drive out here in the evening or early morning
This truck hit a bullock and cow yesterday evening
Lawrie

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

This is a good reason not to drive out here in the evening or early morning
This truck hit a bullock and cow yesterday evening
Lawrie

[Lawrie]

Update, I,m at Windorah for another day, so today I went on what’s called a nature drive beside the iconic Cooper creek,man the mossies nearly carried me away, the drive was mostly smooth red dirt ,but was a real mess in one place, luckily sanity prevailed and I turned around, but saw a track left by what was obviously a big snake,
I followed the track into a bush but that’s as far as I went,too scared, the 33 would get along the dirt track at just above idle in. Top gear, the engine is so smooth.
Yesterday I went out of town to the edge of the desert and had a look at a big red sand hill,what do you know, when to leave the starter jammed,I had to rock it backwards in top gear to free it.
Tomorrow I will head off to Jundah and the next day Longreach
Lawrie

[Kpar]

Lawrie is this the Sand Hill you visited. We walked all over it
Kpar

[Lawrie]

Yes,that’s it ,I got a drink bottle and filled it with the red sand
How you going?

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

Update, I,m at Windorah for another day, so today I went on what’s called a nature drive beside the iconic Cooper creek,man the mossies nearly carried me away, the drive was mostly smooth red dirt ,but was a real mess in one place, luckily sanity prevailed and I turned around, but saw a track left by what was obviously a big snake,
I followed the track into a bush but that’s as far as I went,too scared, the 33 would get along the dirt track at just above idle in. Top gear, the engine is so smooth.
Yesterday I went out of town to the edge of the desert and had a look at a big red sand hill,what do you know, when to leave the starter jammed,I had to rock it backwards in top gear to free it.
Tomorrow I will head off to Jundah and the next day Longreach
Lawrie

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Kpar

Lawrie is this the Sand Hill you visited. We walked all over it
Kpar

[mercman from oz]

Evidence of a slippery character spotted by Lawrie in his travels out West.

[Gene1949]

Thank you so much for your road trips.

[VeryTangled]

Hi Everyone, Lawrie I've been looking at that photo you snapped of the snake track and shivering... Here in these parts we don't have animals as fat as a cricket ball, and judging by the footprints that beauty was just about that size.

[GB SISSON]

Like so many, I have really enjoyed watching your travels. I just can't get over the distances you travel and the remoteness of the places you go. You are an amazing adventurer and a credit to all that is Early V8 ! I thank you for taking us along.

[cas3]

X2 on that GB

[Lawrie]

Days travel and sights,
An easy day today,only 65 miles,but a great day.just putted along at about 45 and on a lovely sealed road with hardly any traffic. Stopped for my usual coffee and home made biscuits at 10-30, I took a nice picture of the bush on the roadside, and the 33 , later on I saw a sign to a woolshearing shed ,so I headed in to have a look, it looked like some Roos had got in there in the drought and couldn’t get out,there were about 5 of them, well the carcasses of them,the engine that powered the shed was still there and hooked up the the shearing gear.
I was out of phone reception for a big part of the day and only saw about 3 other vehicles,
I did get some phone service and had the lady from the air charter at Longreach ring, as I’m hopefully going on a flight down to the lake Eyre for the day, in the coming days,so I should have some good pics from that,
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that these old fords are not any good, the 33 hums along allay at 45 or 55 no drama, starts hot or cold with just one push of the starter, 6 volts are the go ,and love the sound of the starter.
I should be in Longreach tomorrow and back to some sort of civilisation, that will be an adjustment.
Lawrie

['36 5W]

Ditto here, Lawrie! Hats off to you and the faith you have in
Old Reliable!
Here's hoping you have more adventures in store....

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

Days travel and sights,
An easy day today,only 65 miles,but a great day.just putted along at about 45 and on a lovely sealed road with hardly any traffic. Stopped for my usual coffee and home made biscuits at 10-30, I took a nice picture of the bush on the roadside, and the 33 , later on I saw a sign to a woolshearing shed ,so I headed in to have a look, it looked like some Roos had got in there in the drought and couldn’t get out,there were about 5 of them, well the carcasses of them,the engine that powered the shed was still there and hooked up the the shearing gear.
I was out of phone reception for a big part of the day and only saw about 3 other vehicles,
I did get some phone service and had the lady from the air charter at Longreach ring, as I’m hopefully going on a flight down to the lake Eyre for the day, in the coming days,so I should have some good pics from that,
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that these old fords are not any good, the 33 hums along allay at 45 or 55 no drama, starts hot or cold with just one push of the starter, 6 volts are the go ,and love the sound of the starter.
I should be in Longreach tomorrow and back to some sort of civilisation, that will be an adjustment.
Lawrie

[cas3]

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Interesting sheep shed. Line shaft driven by the small diesel, and I am guessing some sort of cable driven shears to shear the wool. It would have been heavy and awkward compared to the modern battery run jobs. I have watched these pro's do the shearing, its amazing the skill and speed they have. Thanks again Lawrie, happy travels

[Lawrie]

Just a reminder of the critters that inhabit the area I’m traveling in,and me in bare feet taking this pic
220 ks today,three other vehicles,great travel,
An observation today is fuel usage is more at 40-45 than 50-55 mph
I’m in Longreach now for a few days,hopefully I will get a seat on the flight down to lake Eyre tomorrow,if not then the next day
Petrol this arvo was 2.26 per litre.
Lawrie

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

Just a reminder of the critters that inhabit the area I’m traveling in,and me in bare feet taking this pic
220 ks today,three other vehicles,great travel,
An observation today is fuel usage is more at 40-45 than 50-55 mph
I’m in Longreach now for a few days,hopefully I will get a seat on the flight down to lake Eyre tomorrow,if not then the next day
Petrol this arvo was 2.26 per litre.
Lawrie

[Tinker]

Neat old factory with the throttler and belt system.

at 2.26 a liter that's about 9$ a gallon. In the states we export 15% of our oil. There is no way oil companies would inflate prices here for profit.

Thanks for the pictures! A real adventure.

[Old Redneck]

What you have done is what most of us just dream of doing but never do.I guess I am oe of them. I must thank you for taking the time making us dream of your adventure. God be with you until your next adventure. Thank you. I guess jolly good.

[Ray in La Mesa]

I love following your trip. I reminds me of my cross the USA trip in 1973 in my 1928 Model A roadster pickup from San Diego to New Hampshire & back, 9,000. miles in seven weeks.

[Lawrie]

Last few days,
The last few days have been the best so far,yesterday I went on a small aeroplane flight down to lake Eyre, an all day tour, stopping at some interesting places, like the :dig tree: the place were explorer burk and wills perished in the 1860,s
We landed on just a dirt strip of graded sand,then on to Inaminka for smoko , then Birdsville for lunch at the pub, and a beer for me.
We flew over two huge river systems out here, the Cooper and the Diamantina,these were in full flow and is something special after the drought, they merged and the water was 60 klms wide as you can see in the pics,we went as low as 150 feet and saw the water actually flowing into lake Eyre which is some thing VERY special,this water flows all the way to South Australia then to the sea,the water was full of mobs of pelicans and we were so low ,out the window I see a wedge tail eagle that is above us and just floating around,
I left for the airport at 6 am and the temp was 3 deg C , the 33 cranked over a bit slower than normal but fired up ok,and got back at just on dark so a big day.
What I realised from the flight is how big this country is ,from horizon to horizon as flat as and we went from green country to red gibberish stone desert to red sandy desert to the vast expanse of the Lake Eyre,
The merged rivers were flooding the causeway and was 3 mtrs deep,over it, so the vehicles were stuck on each sides , they said it would be some 3 or more weeks before it receded
I had and easy day today doing some grocery shopping and answering questions about the 33 when it was passed in town,
I’m off to muttaburra, where they found a very large dynosaur skeleton, for a few days ,
Lawrie

[Lawrie]

Last few days
Lawrie

[mercman from oz]

Lawrie's trip by air to see Lake Ayre

[mercman from oz]

Photo of Ford Model T on Barge

[Kpar]

Lawrie If your starting to head home via Muttaburra watch your back, big clouds coming.
Hope your 33 doesn't leak like mine did a while back.
Keith

[Terry,OH]

Thank you for taking me along through your photos.

[Lawrie]

Keith, heading to muttaburra this morning.yes looks like some rain coming,33 doesn’t leak much, just a little around the front screen
How you going well.
Lawrie

[Kpar]

Yes been better, but also been a lot worse
Lyn & I are both doing OK.
Keith

[VeryTangled]

Lawrie, Thanks again for letting us into the back seat.

When you mention the name of a place I enjoy looking on the satellite and reading up a bit. Muttaburra seems just like the kind of place to put on the list of road stops!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muttaburra

[Lawrie]

Country folk are different.
This morning I went out touring around the area of muttaburra, but stopped for fuel at the local servo, after filling up ,there was a young guy filling his work truck, and we spoke about the 33 and NZ as he was recently from there,after my fill up I find my wallet is back in the caravan,the young guy said no worries,as he would pay for it, I said you can’t do that, but he went back into the servo with me ,where I told the lady at the till that I had left my wallet back in the caravan, no drama she said ,just jot down the cost of the fuel and come back when you get your wallet.
Which I did then bought a toasted sandwich and coffee.amazing
I have been to the tip to see if there is any old cars there but none, went into the local museum and saw a real good model A wheel, plus som sold tools ,some same is in my tool box in the 33.
I will stay here for another day or so, they found a big dinosaur skeleton hear a few years back, so there is a lot of fossils around as it was once part of the great inland sea.
Lawrie

[mercman from oz]

Lawrie and his 1933 Ford with Caravan. The sign says "Rough Service" but looking at that mud, it should have said "Slippery Surface"?

[Lawrie]

Well, first time on this trip the 33 played up yesterday,it dropped a few cylinders after sitting out in the pouring rain all night, I did some sight seeing,( nearly got bogged again)
So when I got back I looked under the bonnet( hood), the engine and the distributor were soaking wet, the left hand terminal cover was dripping with water, so today’s job will be to dry it out,as it’s looking a fine day after the heavy rain.
I had left the 33 parked facing into the wind and the rain must have got in through the radiator
Lawrie

[mercman from oz]

Wet weather stops the 33 Ford with the Distributor soaking wet. Just as well that Lawrie is a real handyman with these old Fords.

[Lawrie]

Easy fix for the wet ignition this morning,I removed the caps and they were only wet on the outside,so with just a wipe over and dried the spark plugs it as good as ever and firing on all 8
Lawrie

[cas3]

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And what if the computer on a modern rig had gotten wet ?

[Lawrie]

Well ,I’m heading for home today after three days at the car club rally at Clermont,which was a great time, I even won the best dressed male in the Opp shop dressed event,that’s me with the yellow gloves,
It’s a bit of a shock being back on the main roads and glad I only had a couple hundred Kay’s ,before I get on the back roads again,
Pics are some wildlife on the back road ,the 33 after starting in 0 C the other morning, and one of the nice cars at the rally,
The 33 took a while to start yesterday at the servo, I thought , like a dipstick, that it had run out of fuel and after some winding it finally started, was good for the rest of the day , until this morning at Biloela on my final stint before home, I stopped at the John Deere dealer to get a box of corn head grease and it would not start again, I could see the ampmeter moving so new it was not on the primary side of the ign , so took the coil off and once again a self inflicted problem with oil on the rotor and coil, a spray with brake clean and wipe over with a rag,and it fired up like normal with just a prod on the starter.
I should be home in an hour or two.
Have done about 2200 miles, used next to no oil,probably about 1/8 on the stick, highest price for fuel was 2.36 per litre.
Never used any water,but it sure need a good wash as the mud from the effort the other week is every where and will take some cleaning up.plus more stone chips , but other than that no worries
Pics are the 33 just started in 0C deg the other morning,
Lawrie

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

Well ,I’m heading for home today after three days at the car club rally at Clermont,which was a great time, I even won the best dressed male in the Opp shop dressed event,that’s me with the yellow gloves...

Pics are the 33 just started in 0C deg the other morning,
Lawrie