Alvis2017

Thursday 11th May, Steam train to Clifton Today is a driving free day! Gives the drivers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery.   The morning was quite sunny - so hoping for a good day weather wise.  After breakfast the bus picked us up at the motel at 9 am and took us to the Warwick railway station.  Here we boarded a lovely 1956 Steam train and our destination was Clifton. The loco was built in Maryborough, Queensland, so is a true local.   A bit like Maritta - it tends to take a while to get going in the morning! Shunting the carriages Had to shunt a long way back and change lines to get to the platform. Once we boarded the trip to Clifton took about 2 hours with a couple of short stops, first to obtain permission to proceed, and second to turn the loco as it can’t be turned around at Clifton (or Warwick for that matter).  It is a lovely train ride and staffed by volunteers. Side view from the rear of the train. En...

Day 8: Wednesday 10th May - Around Warwick The day started out gloomy again but fortunately no rain.  Another quieter day with not a lot of driving planned.  We visited some very interesting local places. First stop was a private collection of horse drawn vehicles, some superbly restored, others in very original but good condition. Everything from small sulkies and vans (Butcher's and Milkman's vans) to a Cobb & Co coach and an enormous waggon.  Located in a large purpose built shed shed down an long steep sweeping driveway in an unassuming suburban street - it is amazing what treasures people have hidden away. Amazing detail in the decoration An Australian built sleigh Timber work under this enormous dray is quite amazing The collection was many and varied. Some cars braved the driveway but stayed near the house. And the view across the valley is most impressive Others continued down the drive parking near the shed. ...

Day 7: Tuesday 9th May - Warwick and Stanthorpe Today we had an early start leaving the Motel at 8am. sharp! It was grey and had been raining through the night.  Our first stop was Morgan Park Raceway where we had been granted access to the race track.  The first comment from the local guy helping us get organised was that he wasn’t quite prepared for the large turning circles of these cars, second, they had expected to get three cars in each bay but had to re-think for two cars.  "Scrutineering" bay. We headed off for four full laps of the racetrack. Although it was a procession type event with strictly no passing allowed and the stewards were watching!!  We headed out between two safety cars.  It still gave us the opportunity to sample the various bends and drive to the racing line. Out on the track Unfortunately the 12/50 isn't allowed to overtake the Copper "Alvis" The track was still quite wet which added another dimension to the drive...

Day 6 : Monday 8th May- Tour around Warwick and surrounds. Awoke to sunshine although just a little chilly.  After a leisurely breakfast, we left the Motel at a very civilised 9.30 am and made our way to Lucas Park where it had been organised for us to display the cars to the people of Warwick for a couple of hours. This included a visit from the local Councillors and full Mayoral welcome - we did fell somewhat special!!. MacKinnon's and Parsell's join the line up in Leslie Park A few interlopers also joined us including a Jaguar, a Riley and an Aston Martin International. A fish eye view of our lineup in the Park. Firefly and TA21 Alvi as far as the eye could see - well...almost! A rear view, ducks backs everywhere We were also welcomed and entertained by the Local Town Crier who took us on a short walking tour of the inner city precinct. The town crier - in his finery! Look closely at the risky fire escapes. Town crier wit...