Cover .pdf here please

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* * * RENEWAL FORM WITH THIS ISSUE * * *

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Happenings in November …

Contents: 3 Editorial claptrap

Adrian M-L’s conrod5 Training Day 2015 9 Competition report

Steering Evolution 12 Amiens 14 Letters/postcards/emails 16 NEC Show

17 Contact Breakers 19 New F-Type Wings

22 Mogspares 23 Lucas Incider

24 Brolt/Fuel Tanks pt2 30 Group Reports 39 Alternative arms 40 AGM Résumé 41 Simmank Gearbox 44 EGM Notice 45 Floggery 46 Gerald / Regalia 48 Page 48

BROOKLANDS Next meeting 3rd November at the New Inn, Send, Surrey GU23 7EN EAST ANGLIA – MAIN Next group meeting,3rd tuesday of month. 'Hare Arms' Stow Bardolph. 8 pm EAST ANGLIA – WOOLPIT First Tuesday, every month. The Bull, Woolpit, 12 noon.. EAST MIDLANDS Wed 18th November group meeting 6pm till late Wed 16th December group Christmas Dinner, book early via me, or Paul Baker FAR FAR SOUTH WEST 6th Nov. Black & White breakfast meet, 10.00am. Fox & Hounds, Scorrier. 10th Nov. VSCC. Group meeting. 7.30pm. Hawkins Arms, Zelah. 15th Nov VMCC. Dollys run. 10.30am. Ladock. 19th Nov. MTWC. Group meeting. 7.30pm. Fox & Hounds, Scorrier. FAR SOUTH WEST Next meeting: third Tuesday in the month. HERTS, BEDS AND BUCKS. 3rd Wednesday, every month: Noon, The Swan, Northall, Beds., LU6 2EY. Next meeting: Wednesday 18th November. Christmas Lunch: Wednesday, 16th December, Noon at The Swan. LAKES and LANCS Thursday 19th November – pre-Christmas social dinner at the Royal Oak Monday 28th December – lunch meeting at The Calf’s Head, Wosrton from 12.30

NORTH WEST 11 November - Wednesday Lunch, The Crown Inn, Goostrey (12.30) 27 November - Friday meeting, The Whipping Stocks, A50, Over Peover 2 December - Christmas Lunch ? OXFORD Next Meeting: Tuesday 31st November, The Abingdon Arms, Beckley, 7.30pm. SOUTH COAST Wednesday, 18th November, 8.00 pm. Six Bells, Chiddingly. Sunday, 13th December, Holly Run, Lewes. Wednesday, 16th December, 7.30 pm. Scalextric Grand Prix. Six Bells, Chiddingly. SOUTH EAST Saturday 7th November – The Swan, Horndon-on-the-Hill Wednesday Irregulars meetings – either 4th & 18th or 11th & 25th November (info. from Dennis Plater) Saturday 5th December – The Swan, Horndon-on-the-Hill SOUTH WEST Sat 7th November 12:00 hrs The Bell Inn Frampton-on-Severn GL2 7EP Wed 18th November 12:00 hrs New Mill, A38 Bathpool, Taunton TA2 8BE Sat 5th December 12:00 hrs Hare and Hounds, Sidbury EX10 0QQ WEST MIDLANDS Wednesday, 11th November, Mid-month Meeting. Fruiterer’s Arms, Ombersley 20:00 Wednesday 25th November, Monthly Meeting. The Clent Club 20:00 YORKS, NOTTS and DERBY 10th November - The Bay Horse, Scholes. M1, J35, A629 Rotherham, 3rd left Scholes, Sat Nav S61 2RQ.

Front cover: Howard Joseph with his green Aero in an appropriate location Photo: One of the Other Josephs

49 only visible to the ardent followers of Mrs Trellis

Vol. 70 November 2015 No. 11

THE BULLETIN

AFFILIATED TO THE ACU: NON - TERRITORIAL

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…plans for that celebration are already under discussion and yet another major event for our future enjoyment. It gives me much encouragement that such event are being planned well in advance so that members are able to plan well in advance - of particular significance to members beyond the UK. In order to continue your enjoyment of the Club … do please take note of the various reminders in this issue, that November is Renewal Time. Hopefully, you should have found the renewal form on the rear of the address label at the front of the package in which this magazine arrived. Some of you may have…in your rush to read the Floggery may have binned the plastic wrapper (shame on you if you haven’t recycled the paper) now retrieve it and fill in the form. There is a Dire and Awful Warning on page 21,warning that you will miss the January

Nietzsche said that life was a choice between suffering and boredom. He never said anything about having to put up with both at the same time. I'm often prone to bouts of misplaced optimism. This issue is

to what Mr N stated it is not exactly so, as I dream of being bored … either that or having my vehicles running sweetly - including the Gordon. Suffering yes .. every Monday, every Tuesday … Inside this month is the report of the 2015

and Nick Jefferey plus plentiful pictures, the provider(s) of which is uncaptioned and no doubt, will let me know.. Thanks anyway. On page 44 is notice of an Extraordinary General meeting - nothing sinister - merely a

but it will (should) only last a few minutes. If you wish to register your vote, a proxy form is printed on the reverse of the meeting statutory notification that is included with the membership renewal form .. which some of you may have already thrown away/recycled. That’s it, I’m of for a lie-down - principally because I have told the Chairman that I’m going to carry on for another year. TTFN, N

CLUB WEBSITE: www.mtwc.co.uk

Editorial

RENEWAL FORM WITH THIS ISSUE

It is with great sadness that I have to report the recent passing of Jen Edmonds, wife of Roger Edmonds, the Club Registrar for many years during the 1960s. Behind many a Club Officer is a wife or partner of great strength and tolerance and this is certainly true in this instance. Jen was a tremendous support to Roger - as he says

himself … she did much of the arduous part task willingly and latterly supporting Roger as a librarian for the Vintage Sports Car Club seen with him at events. On behalf of the Club we send our condolences to Roger and sons Guy and Thomas and the families. Nick Taylor

Jennifer (Jen) Edmonds

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Connecting Rod Adrian Murray-Leslie

Thanks to all who contributed to an excellent AGM weekend, ably headed up by Richard Atherton. Thanks too for all those who attended the actual meeting and those who agreed to be elected to vacant posts, namely Gerald Lawford as Treasurer and Maria Parkinson who agreed to cover the first meeting of the Committee with a view,

We did not, however, have

for Editor ... (hiss boo.. Ed)

Financial Administrator. (hiss boo again … Ed) Charles Smith has agreed to

basis (well done Charles .. Ed) … and we should not expect him to do this for long. Nick agreed to edit November, December and January, after which, if no one steps up, there WILL BE NO BULLETIN ARRIVING ON YOUR DOORMATS. (There might even be some symbolic blank spaces in previous editions to make the point, but this is up to him in the end) This is not an empty threat so don’t say you weren’t warned!!!! So, on to my hopes for the coming year. I am very much aware that my inexperience and lack of knowledge about decisions made in the past has led to us having to waste time backtracking and regularising matters. I am aware too of a lack of, or lack of clarity about, protocols, i.e., who can do what and under what circumstances. I am aware too that we have no reserves policy so that no one knows just how much we prudently need to keep by for a rainy day.

All these things can give rise to difficulty in making decisions, disagreements and the erosion of trust and make the job of Chairman and officers more difficult. This falls under the umbrella of Good Governance, something that Tony Quinn

. I hope to continue his good work, in the first place by improving record keeping, so

can be accessed on the hoof at meetings. My vision is of the creation of a relational database with query tabs to take

you straight to t . Secondly,

Gerald and I have talked of a single document listing the protocols for account signatories, permissions to view statements online by the Directors, a record of who can spend what on a single cheque signature, who can make internet payments and who

These are just some of the housekeeping tasks that should make the rules clearer – there are others, such as up-to-date job descriptions for officers. to a large degree, the enabling of the goodwill, energy, talent and experience of our officers and members. They are the people who make the Club what it is. I am here for the time being to help them do it. Remember the connecting rod metaphor? … keeping things going round without bits flying off and wrecking the rest of the job? Best wishes, Adrian

‘What do you mean?...”it doesn’t qualify” … … you try steering or starting it!!’

If you have thrown away the address label from the front of the package FIND IT!!! It has your own PERSONAL RENEWAL FORM on the back.

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This year’s Training Day on 15th August was held at Bicester Heritage; an appropriate venue because this former airfield had been home to one of the RAF’s Operational

Our training too, was both technical and operational .. but firmly on the ground and directed to the peaceful use of our Morgan three wheelers. A total of 134 members and friends had registered for the event, only 7 made a last minute decision and arrived on the day. There were two well organised activities; tutorials on the maintenance and care of Morgans, and driving opportunities for potential Morgan owners or those who wished to try a model that is different from their present car. Prior to the start of the activities, there was a touching and heartening event when Jonathan Stevens was presented with his own car! This is a 1933 Super Sports Beetleback that had been out-of-commission for 40 years … until quietly confiscated by his sons Toby, Ned and Sam, and brought back to life for their father’s 70th birthday. This is a perfect example of what Michael aims to encourage with the Training Days. The first tutorial was led by Gary Caroline who shared with us his wealth of experience in making fluid-tight joints so that oils, water

and identified situations in which they would be most useful. Finally, Gary stressed that one should not assume that newly bought copper washers are in a “soft” condition – they should always be annealed before use. Richard Bowerman’s topic was Chains and Sprockets, those robust but vulnerable and ill-treated parts of our cars. His examples of “hooked” sprockets and stretched chains were not pretty sights, but his advice on maintenance and lubrication will protect us from those horrors ... if we are disciplined enough to follow it! In his tutorial on Carburettor Tuning, Steve Hughes started by identifying the models of Amal carburettors originally fitted to Morgans, and pointed out the surprising

interchangeability of many components. He then reminded us how each element of the carburettor i.e. the pilot jet, throttle cutaway, the needle and its jet, and finally the main jet, plays its own part in the range of throttle openings. He was only able to start with the early stages of tuning before time ran out. However he was able to continue in the afternoon session. Sam Savage did not need the microphone to describe his method of removing and replacing a tyre and tube – he just did it,

from many bathrooms. The demonstration was smooth and unhurried, and revealed the advantage of partially inflating the tube and inserting it into the tyre before offering them

The afternoon session started with Roy

the range of tools he likes to carry when touring, and while this was informative, he also entertained us by recounting two of the occasions when his Morgan has stopped

difficult location. His message was don’t be surprised when things go wrong - you will get over it! You might even find that your Good Samaritan is a German with “wasser” for your radiator!

, when we would have benefitted from Peter Faulkner’s wide experience. Unfortunately, he was too unwell to attend and good wishes are sent by his many friends. Steve Hughes then continued describing the step-by-step process of tuning an Amal so that it gives satisfactory performance over the whole speed range. In doing so he commented that for normal driving, petrol consumption is largely determined by the pilot jet and the cut away of the throttle slide. The main jet rarely comes into play when driving on the public highway, and as a final thought he suggested we might consider using a modern Concentric for economical daily use, and refit an original carburettor for shows or other events.

Training Day 2015 George Dobson and Nick Jeffrey

cont/...

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Nev Lear’s tutorial on Dynamos and Starter Motors was principally directed at the original types of these devices - and he stressed the importance of seeing bright, shiny copper wherever electrical contact is made, notably on their commutators. safely generated by a “third brush” dynamo, he pointed out that this current could be increased by fitting a later design of brush. Then in answer to a question, he said there should be no problem in applying 12 volts to a 6 volt starter motor. That should liven it up! Hydraulic Brakes were the subject of the final tutorial given by Richard Bowerman. He commented on the historical background

in modern traffic conditions, and described the necessary engineering and fitting that was involved. While being effective, this system presents a particular difficulty when the hydraulic line needs to be bled. To completely clear out all the air, the whole hub assembly has to be removed from the car and placed so that no part of the wheel cylinder is above the bleed nipple. There did not seem to be any die-hard advocates of cable brakes present at the tutorial to make adverse comments, or were they being polite as instructed by Michael Joseph in his introduction to the day’s proceedings? Meanwhile down at the runway where the driving activities were taking place (writes Nick Jeffery) … and how many speeds would sir or madam like this year? The trusting souls for the morning's offerings being: Grahame Joseph (2-speeder)

) Tony Quinn (4-speed racer) Andrew Morison (5-speeder)

One of the benefits of moving to Bicester Heritage (apart from the quality of the loos .. as apparently the Bicester Heritage Technical Latrine is a Gold Award Winner in Loo of the Year 2015!), was the ability to devise a proper driving circuit with the possibility to

in a safe environment.

There were two sessions of driving, 1100-1300hrs and 1400-1600hrs. I regretfully tore myself away from the final technical session of the morning thinking the afternoon might

I was greeted by a choice of vehicles with no waiting. I understand that, although everyone got a drive in the afternoon, demand was high and vehicles were in constant use. Trevor unfortunately had to drop out of the afternoon session as his car was depositing oil and Tony had to retire near the end with a leaking radiator. I drove Ian Haynes' lovely 3-speeder last year at the Training Day and a 5-speeder at

Grahame's car was the perfect vehicle for me

a cone-clutched, non-returning left-hand-throttle two-speeder. Grahame was professional calmness personified and after introducing me to The Dogs - a thoughtful touch to show me how the mechanism worked and to reassure me

to install my 6' 2"+ into it without too much trouble. Flight checks completed, off we went. Let's just say that at least one of my down changes was silent and Grahame did not appear too fazed at the end of 3 laps! A wonderful experience. There were some remarkable 'first drives' too. Julia and Alex Smith, respectively wife and 14-year old daughter of Charles Smith,

but then got an adrenalin rush and off she went, successfully figuring out the cone clutch and hand throttle. 'Unforgettable' was her summing up and she looks forward to coming of driving age. Julia on the other hand had taken advice from her mother about double-declutching, to be told it was pressing the clutch pedal twice although Julia correctly surmised there might be a little more to it than that! She found the experience 'really exhilarating, absolutely fantastic', likening it to piloting a Spitfire (I wonder how she knows?). Charles, I under-stand, has told them his 3-speeder is far more difficult to manage so perhaps not a suitable candidate for them to drive! (hiss boo … Ed)

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Then we have three generations of the Jenkins' family, Anthony and his father driving Grahame's car but Andrew Morison encouraging Anthony’s 9-year old daughter Antonia to try his 5-speeder! I do hope that event has been photographically recorded as it apparently involved the creation of an appropriate seat height with cushions, clothing etc. She certainly had something to tell her friends at school the next day. A few other Morgans also came out to play with Sam Savage driving Gary Caroline's car ('Ripper!' was his comment) and Barbara Caroline also enjoying a drive in it for the first time: 'My next project is to put on my "L" plates, find a few quiet roads and try not to terrorize the local residents or my dear husband' she enthused. Nev Lear assessed a member's 'F'-type and Jonathan Stevens' 'confiscated' car had an airing - that must have been an emotional moment for Jonathan.

So many happy experiences; and so many more could be relayed as I understand there were over 100 drives over the course of the day. A massive thank-you on behalf of everyone privileged to be able to try a car, to the car-providing owners for their huge generosity, patience and good nature and for all involved in flawlessly running the show. We are deeply indebted to Michael for his dedication to the club and for initiating and sustaining these splendid Training Days. It might not have been difficult to identify Bicester Heritage as a suitable venue, but

, and required all of Michael’s negotiating and personal skills. These he deployed to secure an ideal location for the event, and we owe him a debt of gratitude.

Clockwise from R Gary Caroline and some bits. Jonathan Stevens expresses his delight with the revealing of the surprise rebuild. The line up of cars outside. Inside the demon-stration arena Gary explains that the sheet on the grass it to collect oil drips.

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Clockwise from top R Trevor Seymour tries a 5-Speeder Sam Savage in Gary’s car Claire Tozer-Roodt in Gary’s car Barbara Caroline drives Gary’s car - 1st Time Alex Smith in Grahame’s 2-Speeder Sam Savage tyre changing Steve Hughes talks carbs

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Early November means that winter is upon us again, the time when we all promise ourselves that we will make the effort to get the racer in top fettle well in time for the start of the new season in March but it never happens like that, not for me anyway! Early November is the time to sort out the Trophies and look back over the previous seven months to decide what went well and what didn’t in time for the Sporting AGM so that hopefully it can be better next year. VSCC Loton Park 12/13th September There was a very good entry for Loton this

practice day and all the Morgans ran well. Steve Lister in his Super Aero was half

Enticknap was only 100th of a second outside her Handicap time in her Super Aero. Sue Darbyshire, Alistair Rew and Iain Stewart were all over a second outside their handicap times but their successes in the past meant these were very tight. Sunday was another day, different weather and real competition. Steve Lister suffered a nipple break off his throttle cable at the start of his first timed run and after a Heath Robinson repair the same thing happened at the start of his second, which reminds me of the old adage that to err once is unfortunate but twice is damned careless! Hannah fared much better and despite

new one Pete) she made a time of 79.97secs. to take 2nd on handicap. Alistair Rew was in good form and set a best time of 69.00 secs. still a second outside his handicap time but it secured him 4th place. This left record holder Iain Stewart and Sue Darbyshire to battle for the fastest Morgan and the Vintage class FTD. For a time it seemed that Iain would be the winner but he went into Museum too fast and ended on the grass! His second run was tidier but he still lost time at Museum which gave Sue the chance she needed and she took the win by one tenth of a second in 67.26. Overall it was an excellent day for the Morgans.

BHR Cadwell Park 26/27th September A glorious Cadwell with six Morgans entered in the B3 races. The paddock was packed and the meeting oversubscribed. Practice was very successful for all except Charles Pilbeam who had failed scrutineering and spent the day working with his team of mechanics led by Chris Western as they toiled in the hot sun! . Phil Bridge braved the 5 hour drive from Shipston to Scrutineer. Dave Hodgson hadn’t entered his racer but came to help anyone who needed help. Sue and George Darbyshire arrived late on Friday and

, Nancy Thomas arrived from the IOM and David Browne arrived on a resplendent AJS. The Garside’s joined a multitude of Bibbys and the Pearson’s were supported by Brian Woods, Cliff Dearden and Roger Gray. Pete Jones and Chris Shorrock camped for the weekend, Neil Smith, whose car has major engine problems, appeared on Sunday as did Austin Smith in his 5 Speeder. Race 6 went very well with a Morgan 1-2-3 led home by Bill and Maggie Tuer. In 10th place your Comp Sec was running in his new engine after the blowup at Darley and further down the field Tony Pearson quickly over-came his pre-race jitters after his last outing at Cadwell. Richard and Vicki White had pulled off at the start and took no further part tin the weekend. There was a long wait for Race 18 with several stoppages and it looked as if darkness would fall and we would need lights! As it was the race finished 3 minutes before the circuit curfew. Bill Tuer took the chequered flag first followed by Chas Reynolds who cheekily slipped past Greg Bibby at the Old Hairpin. Danny Hodgson was driving the Speed Penguin Buckland and was battling for the top three position early on in the race but fell back to finish 6th. Pete Clews and Becky Washington finished 10th again with Tony and Verity Pearson further back in 17th.

cont/...

Competition Report Pete Clews

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Sunday was cool and damp at 7am but by the start of racing at 9.30 the sun had burst through so sunbathing was the occupation until Race 30 which took place after lunch. Bill Tuer finished almost 14 seconds ahead of Greg Bibby while Danny Hodgson moved

F-Type now reassembled Tony Pearson had someone to race and was able to stay ahead by 20 seconds at the end. Charles Reynolds retired on lap 2 with engine problems and was unable to take part in the last race. There was another very long wait until Race 42 and the Morgans had dwindled to 4. Bill Tuer came first half a minute ahead of the Buckland, Pete Clews finished 5th while the closest finish was Tony Pearson’s victory over Charles Pilbeam by half a second. The sun had begun to set on a very successful last race of the season for many and the lights of the Fish and Chip shop in Wragby beckoned. VSCC Snetterton 27th September It was also a gloroius Snetterton and Sue Darbyshire and Iain Stewart had entered in the Vintage Seaman Trophy. The heat and the high speed circuit did not suit either of them. Iain suffered ignition problems and started at the rear of the grid. He made up places fast but on lap 4 he had a piston

tighten and was forced to retire. Sue fared better but she too had a recurrence of the overheating problems from Mallory, a plug melted and she had to settle for 4th place. Castle Combe Classic 3/4th October Sue Darbyshire entered the VSCC Pre-war race in her black Super Aero and against fierce opposition managed a creditable 6th place with a fastest lap of 69.23 mph. News Most events for next season are still very provisional. There is a possible problem with us taking part in the VSCC Oulton Park Meeting because the ACU do not use the short ( Fosters ) circuit that the VSCC are using; so watch this space. Curborough Sprint has moved to Sunday June 5th as long as we can get medical cover. The Sporting AGM and Dinner 28th

November This will take place at The Stonehouse Hotel as in previous years with a Saturday after-noon AGM meeting followed by Dinner and Trophy Presentations. It is a celebration of the season and is wonderfully organised by Lesley Reynolds. Full details are in the Bulletin Advert and on the Club Website. Photos below by Sue Clews

… waiting for the next race

The Comp Sec runs in his new motor

Bill and Maggie Tuer head for victory

Ellis Hodgson tries the back of Tony Pearson’s car

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ACU Licence Changes Pete Clews

The ACU have made changes to the One Event Licence System following pressure from their insurers and these licences will no longer be available to anyone over 70 years old. This will undoubtedly affect our Curborough Sprint as a substantial number of competitors use the licences because it is the only event they take part in. It will affect the MTWC more because of the age profile of our club and it underlines the need for younger competitors to take part. A few of the club members at Cadwell were discussing the reasons why it was difficult to begin competing and the major reasons were highlighted as having access to a Morgan and the cost.

The easy way in is to begin as a passenger which has very little cost other than perhaps travelling to the event. Admittedly you don’t get to drive but all the thrill is there and you do get to join in the social life. Ask Bronte and Verity Pearson how much fun it is. If you are lucky you may get to borrow the car you passenger in for a double entry at a sprint or hillclimb. Racing a TM F-Type is one of the most cost effective ways of entering competition. No ... you will not be at the sharp end of the results but you will have some close racing and fun which is what it is all about. Perhaps you can persuade your parent, friend or grandparent to recommission that old F-Type from the back of the workshop.

It is with the reply from Dennis in the October Bulletin, in reference to the photo of my steering set up in Junes Mag, and his view on tracking changes that has prompted a return. The standard steering link on an F Type is somewhere around 120cm, with the resulting arc of movement caused by suspension travel against the pivotal end having a minimal effect on the steering track. Dennis is correct, by shortening the O/S track rod to 45cm, the arc of the rod has a more exaggerated effect as it travels around the fixed steering column end pivot, giving a change in the effective track under a vertical movement. As we all recognize, the Morgan is not bestowed with the largest amount of suspension travel to begin with; as I have shock absorbers fitted, the maximum amount of travel from unloaded to fully compressed is around 40mm, with a resting position of 15/25mm and the track rod horizontal. When moved through this arc, the shortened track rod has its’ radius reduced by a little over 1mm at the extreme point of movement, which has the effect of turning in the O/S wheel by around this same amount when negotiating a bump in the road.

The N/S wheel has a track rod of 78cm length having less ‘arc’ effect. The main downside is the cumulative effect when negotiating a transverse bump in the road, for example a sleeping policemen where both wheels would toe in by around 2mm for a brief time, but Morgan’s are good at ‘bump steer’ so little difference. Most modern vehicles have a similar length steering rack arm and longer suspension travel, all showing minimal tyre wear and steering effect. The replacement of cup and cone to rose joints on the moving parts, the similar removal of the column end bush to a rose joint has removed 99% of the slop in the steering giving an end to the infamous wheel-wobble and lighter steering. The standard steering set up was copied from the earlier twins, but time moves on, I

, indicators and an engine oil filter. Even the modern four wheelers that retain sliding pillar evolved to a steering rack. (An addition copied on more than one F-Type using the Bedford Rascal/Daihatsu steering rack). Oh well, the evening is closing in, time to light the gas lamps, put the lid back on the ink, stoke up the boiler and drag the galvanized bath to the front of the fire.

Steering Evolution Kim Allen

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I can add a little to the Grand Prix story. Whilst it is true to say the Morgans were entered in the sidecar class because the French authorities did not recognise three wheelers as cyclecars this was certainly not

McMinnies was the editor of The Cyclecar magazine from its birth in November 1912 having transferred from the staff of Motor Cycling, another Temple Press publication. He had competed in cyclecar events with a tuned single-seater Morgan during his early time as editor before deciding to enter one of the new Grand Prix Morgans being built

. A probable spin-off from The Cyclecar magazine was the Cyclecar Club, founded in

, organising social and competitive events for cyclecar owners. It was this club that actually made his entry (McMinnies was a founder member and the Club’s captain) and McMinnies passenger was to be Frank Thomas, the Club’s secretary. Not only that but The Cyclecar magazine organised a camp for the British teams at Boves for the event, sending over 1.5 tons of tents and equipment in order to accommodate 50 people. I’m sure the French organisers got the message that the English regarded the Morgan as a cyclecar despite their classification! With his links to both The Cyclecar magazine and the Cyclecar Club there was no way McMinnies was going to aim for a win in just the sidecar class, he wanted to beat the ‘other’ cyclecars too, even with a lesser capacity engine of under 1,000cc.

He was a racer, and had competed in three years Isle of Man TT races in his earlier motor cycle days so he was well versed in road racing. He had also competed in France before, at two Gometz hill climbs and in the ACCF Circuit de Paris. As he knew John Prestwich of JAPs well, I suspect he was easily able to order one of the special water cooled ohv 90 bore engines as chosen by HFS Morgan for his own entry. McMinnies took the preparation for the

race very seriously. I suspect he either visited the course or received information from someone who knew the terrain because he realised the roads would probably be in very poor condition for the cyclecar race as the French Grand Prix (for cars) was using much of the same course the previous day. As a consequence, he and his passenger spent the ten days immediately prior to the race going over the Morgan to fit spring washers and use shellac to prevent any nuts and bolts working loose, some receiving split

to reiterate how important this preparation had been by enabling the Morgan to take the

. Once McMinnies had collected the Morgan at Malvern, he had spent as much time as he could getting to know the car and putting miles onto it. On many mornings when in London, he got up early and drove the Morgan from the Temple Press offices in Rosebery Avenue, to Stevenage and back … before breakfast. In the modern era of all-day breakfasts, this trip could easily be repeated by keen MTWC members but the roads may be a little busier…!

Amiens Cyclecar Grand Prix 1913 Jake Alderson

cont/...

A contemporary JAP advert. There is no reference to the separate sidecar and cyclecar classes! Maybe that sort of advert irritated the French organisers?

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The tuned engine received much attention, with McMinnies even making changes to the oiling system to reduce the likelihood of plugs oiling up. He also repositioned the carburettor in front of the engine for easy access, giving it a specially designed shield to protect it. McMinnies had ordered the same gear ratios for the Grand Prix as he had used on his earlier single-seater, namely 4.125 to 1 top and 6.25 to 1 bottom. Unfortunately a

new engine caused concern and McMinnies raised the top gear to 3.5 to 1 for this race to move this vibration to 55mph, hopefully far enough away from his likely travelling speed of 50mph. McMinnies made a good start in the race, starting in the second row of three one minute after the first row had left as the race had a staggered start by rows. All went well until the third lap when the offside front tyre was punctured by a broken valve spring from an earlier French Grand Prix competitor. This required a new tube to be fitted at the road side, delaying the crew 12 minutes and putting them down the field.

sidecar class by lap 8 but was not satisfied with this and went for the overall win. He put on speed and by the tenth lap was third overall, some ten minutes behind the leading Bedelia (Bonville). He was third by lap 12, and his fastest lap was the last, finishing the 163 miles (15 laps) in 3 hours 53 minutes 9 seconds, 2 minutes 45 seconds ahead of another Bedelia (Bourbeau) and first overall.

‘Ebby’ Ebblewhite, the famous Brooklands timekeeper, to measure the competitors’ speeds over the fastest kilometre of the course, McMinnies recording a maximum of 55.37mph on two laps, faster than all the other passenger machines whether sidecars or cyclecars. It was a convincing victory.

After the finish McMinnies was mobbed by his compatriots and carried shoulder high to celebrate the win. I wonder if the Bedelia driver received the same honour! A journalist wrote ‘Of course, officially, the Morgan ran as a sidecar, but all the same the great mass of spectators refused to look at it as belong-ing to that category; and certainly there was very little of the sidecar, as usually under-stood, about these speedy little runabouts.’ Returning to England in the Morgan, McMinnies and Thomas were met on their drive back from Newhaven by The Cyclecar

magazine staff, taking yet more photographs. The Cyclecar Club also honoured these two at a dinner held on Wednesday 30th July at Frascati’s Restaurant in Oxford Street. This was to celebrate ‘the winning Morgan in the Cyclecar Grand Prix’.

McMinnies’ speech made several references to ‘the sidecar which was made in Malvern’! One month later the FICM clarified the cyclecar wheels issue, agreeing with the ACU that 3 or 4 was an acceptable number. This was the icing on the cake for even the French could now put McMinnies Morgan victory into its true perspective. HFS wasted no time in setting up exports to France via L Baudelocque and R Darmont, sole agents for France and its colonies. Then play stopped for World War 1. McMinnies joined the RNAS and became a flying instructor, even writing a book ‘Practical Flying’ to help his pupils. This is STILL available (!) and is well worth looking at. There was to be no further Cyclecar Grand Prix held in France until 1920 and, as the Amiens circuit was not useable, it moved to Le Mans where EB Ware took up the Morgan challenge.

The Morgan returning from Newhaven. This is a photo by ‘The Cyclecar’ ..note the ‘The Cyclecar’ pennant!

14

Letters, emails, postcards A big thank you from Tim Cameron ! I was overwhelmed by so many Morgan Threewheeler Club member's comments in the photo album that Ewan and Tracey produced for me at the Club Anniversary Meeting last weekend. It was most touching that so many of you sent me messages of good will. At a loose end, I volunteered to help my son David on the roof of his new house, when I slipped and fell about 10 feet, making a perfect four point landing and luckily, not hitting my head. I have now spent a full month on my back letting things heal after damaging several vertebrae and it does seem unlikely that I shall ever feel my legs again, however my upper body is as good as ever and gives me unlimited scope to carry on with my hobbies, particularly the management of our small farm and keeping some of our interesting vehicles going and also keeping the house and family together. I was very very lucky and don't consider myself to be seriously handicapped. All of our many children have been tremendously supportive and unstintingly given their time and energy to help me get through this difficult and at times demoralising experience. I am indebted to the Bristol Southmead Hospital staff, the air ambulance and the Oswestry acute spinal injury centre where

towards my recovery has been exemplary. I am now looking forward to rehabilitation ready for my return to home life. Others, as we all know, have been dealt much crueller blows, but it is particularly at times like this when so many friends come forward to help that it is brought home to you the true meaning of friendship. I really hope to see you all at one or two of the meetings, maybe even before the end of the year. Kind regards and best wishes to you all - keep on Morganing! Tim Cameron

The Club sends best wishes for a speedy and hopefully a full recovery ...Ed

Cosa Nostra … by email I have heard at the last MTWC meeting ... nobody lifted their hands to apply for your chair. Since I have a three wheeler ... and I have paid my dues to the club, I thought to have the right to apply. I think nobody will resent if a bloody foreigner becomes editor, even if his pages will be in Italian with English subtitles. No need to be elected since nobody has come forward. for the post. Of course I would have to resign from my correspondent job. This will shake the MTWC from its foundations. Do you think I will be discriminated? Will most of the members walk out? No I don't think I could do it, but if this would be made known I feel pretty sure, many will raise their hands. I will be very sorry when you leave, this for sure. Ciao Alessandro Cosy Nostra …. by email What an excellent offer. In true Mafia style, maybe it's an offer we can't refuse. With Alessandro in the editor's chair we will have that famous Italian flair, real passion, designer jackets and most importantly an authentic recipe for spaghetti with meatballs in tomato sauce, something I have noticed that the Bulletin has been lacking. So, Alessandro can edit the Bulletin for three months, then he can hand over to Barbara Simmank in Germany for Bulletin Uber Alles, Terry Wright in Australia for a special edition for those of us who have inadvertently joined the Australian Morgan Club by turning over our trikes and a final three month stint in the USA by Duncan Charlton. Well done Alessandro, even if tongue in cheek. Puts our UK membership to shame. Tony Quinn Thanks for the offer Alessandro … much appreciated as it is the only offer of any sort that I have had … I’ll carry on for another year … then you can take over!! cont/...

15

An open letter from Dick to Keith Lyndsell Hello Keith, I have just read your letter in the latest Bulletin and, like you and TD, are not too sure about the date of the first camp. However, I now think you are right as I’ve just turned up the October 1967 Bulletin and your report mentions self and brother Dave in his MX SS attending. I don’t have any earlier 1967 Bulletins so cannot check any announcements you may have put in previous months. I also happened to visit TD last Saturday and discussed the above and he confirmed it was 1967 as well. I went up to the Lakes Camping with the

told Brother Dave that we must get to the 50th anniversary in 2017 come what may! Although this time we will be bringing a

Will you be there? Chas and TD, I would imagine, will make it … although who else? I cannot remember the others. I do however have a couple of photos that may jog memories, attached. I seem remember a really dilapidated black F4, was that yours? TD was in his green painted 60 Jap SS. I remember him giving me a ride up one of the passes. You can just make him out in the photo. (??below) Best regards and I look forward to hearing from you. Dick Fripp

An Exact Approximation Nick ref. October Bulletin, Herts, Beds and Bucks Group Report, page 33, 2ndparagraph - "Approximately nine of us attended Training Day ..." It is a Group Report so surely "us" refers to the group … not the whole MTWC ? … and don't call me Shirley!. All the Best. Angus T Oh Angus … be not aggrieved dear chap …. my point was that nine is not an approximation!! .. Ed A Big End-ian? The following may be of interest to the members. I suffered a few problems with my JAP LTOWZ engine, necessitating a couple of major strip downs and subsequent crank rebuilds. I’d cleaned out the oil tank and lines, fitted ‘rare earth’ magnets to the bottom of the tank as well as installing an oil filter, but the cost of it all still rankled. On both advice from ‘experts’ as well as my own feelings I had run for years on classic 20/50 engine oil. Upon talking with my good friend John Rowland I was surprised to find that he does not rate contemporary 20/50 oils. He instead suggested that if one can get the best, why bother with anything less. His advice was Silkolene Comp 4 20/50 synthetic. At over £10 a litre it’s not cheap but I decided to give it a try. That was nearly three years ago and to say it was a success is not good enough to describe my feelings. My

engine has never run so well and long journeys at high throttle settings pose no problems. Starting is easy these days without even thinking about the valve lifter, whilst oil usage has dropped to a bare minimum. I can say without any hesitation that it is the best thing I have ever done with a Morgan in well over fifty years use. Excluding of course that time with Shirley Hughes when we… John Chatwin From Mrs Trellis in North Gloucs ... Dear Alfred Wainwright …

District reminds me that my beloved sister toured there with a delightful but enthusiastic naturist gentleman friend who wanted to strip off at Keswick and Cockermouth and she cont/...p 49

?

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*Club ticket (adult 16 years+) offer only applies to Saturday and Sunday, and only when booked in advance. Club single ticket offer is limited to four tickets per member and the club family ticket offer is limited to one family ticket per member. A family ticket admits 2 adults and up to 3 children (5-15 years). **Book before Saturday 31st October 2015 at midnight and you will automatically be entered into our free prize draw to win a car & £300 giveaway towards car insurance courtesy of Lancaster Insurance. Hand in your ticket stub or print-at-home voucher to your club’s stand and they will benefi t from a commission. Calls cost 10ppm plus standard network charges. All bookings are subject to a single transaction fee of £1.50. Tickets include a showguide to the value of £7.50. Entry to the auction requires purchase of a catalogue. See website for all information. All information correct at time of publishing.

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17

…. a sense of false security? It is common practice these days to incorporate some form of electronic ignition system into your Morgan. These take many forms, but perhaps the simplest method is to retain the existing contact breaker, disconnecting or removing the condenser, using the contact breaker to trigger an electronic ‘switch’ which actually makes and breaks the current flowing through the ignition coil primary. This method has the advantage of considerably reducing the current flowing through the contact points, such that they do not burn away or require constant adjustment to maintain accurate ignition timing. This simple system has the advantage in that should the electronic ‘box’ fail the distributor can be rapidly re-wired with the original condenser to get you running again.

Since my last serious re-build incorporated such a system, I had quietly ignored any servicing to the contact breaker for the next three years and relatively small 3000 mileage! A normal routine look round the vehicle made me look at the distributor eventually, which had no sign of the usual pitting, but the contact point surfaces were a rather dull black colour. A quick check with the ohm meter showed that the points were not in perfect contact anymore. A quick clean with a grind stone quickly restored the shine, and when back together the F-type showed a definite improvement in smooth running. So, in summary this type of electronic ignition gives much improved starting and contact points life, but still needs that little bit of TLC……………….as does the rest of your Morgan

REBUILT AND REPLICA COOPER-STEWART SPEEDOMETERS

Cooper Stewart Replica speedometers for late M chassis and early three speeders

0-85 mph dial

Cooper Stewart Rebuilt speedometers for Sports and Family

models 0-70 mph dial

Cooper Stewart Rebuilt speedometers

for Super Sports models

0-90 mph dial

Cooper Stewart Rebuilt speedometers

for our Continental members models

0-130 kph dial

New Speedometer Cables for three speeder Sports and Super Sports Models driven by the front off side wheel

£65.00

NEW Replica wiper motor controls. £60.00 plus shipping at cost from the UK, $100 plus shipping at cost from the USA. Cables are shipped from the USA at cost.

Contact Brian Pollock at Briancars@aol.com Phone +1-206-228-1814 (8 hours behind GMT)

Speedometers are shipped postage paid within the UK, rest of world at cost.

Contact Breakers and Electronic Ignition Nev Lear

18

The Gerald Carr F4: now available for borrowing by members

The car has had extensive restoration to woodwork, bodywork and rear suspension, and the insurance has been re-negotiated.

Note that there is still an age limit of 25 years minimum.

To borrow the car for a long weekend, we suggest a donation of £45, to cover insurance and maintenance. To keep the operation going successfully, more bookings are required. . . . so get planning!

Contact; Ross Herbert, Hareley Farm, Linley Green Road, Whitbourne, Worcestershire. WR6 5RF Tel: 01886 884362 email: ross@hareleyfarm.co.uk

WHEEL BUILDING All types - Heavy-duty spokes. Well-proven. 2 and 3 speeder rims in stock.

Other wheels: price on application. Wheels can be collected and delivered to race meetings. Quick service.

Also Morgan paintwork undertaken by long-term enthusiast. Phone Greg Bibby on 0116 279 3048 (day) or 0116 279 2120 (evenings).

Mobile 07860 237 945. E-mail: bibby6736@aol.com

The Nurseries, Fleckney Road, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leicestershire, LE8 0HJ

Is your car insurance due? Get a quote from the motor-insurance specialists. It will cost you nothing; it could save you a lot. SPECIAL SCHEME RATES FOR MORGANS

Morgan Insurance Consultants William Curtis House, Lenton Street, Alton, Hants. GU34 1HH. 01420 594242.

19

It may sound a bit like the pantomime Aladdin (Oh no it doesn’t!) but I am not the villain (Oh no … err) and before you think it, I am not Widow Twanky. So for the newer members to the MTWC some background history about myself. I was Technical Adviser on F Types for 20

. It was based on members questions while they were using their Morgans through the

where members were looking at originality.

and copies of ash frames, plus drawings that I had produced over the years. During this time, I was also a founder member of Mogspares, Ford sales. My work post at the time consisted of considerable travelling around Birmingham the Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire. I was finding at the time a number of small garages whose stock they had taken off the books but kept in the backroom or shed and car parts outlets in the same situation. Although I found few Morgan parts I found period accessories and parts which could be used on Morgans. In my ‘leisure time’, I was rebuilding a 1938 Series 1 Morgan 4/4 which was in bits, I could manage the woodwork and panels but the wings were a mess. I cannot remember if

but they did panel work. It required a visit. After introducing myself I was taken onto the shop floor. They made the wings for the Morgan factory and hanging on the wall were the patterns and templates for the Morgan cycle wings and F type wings. They had in stock a pair of cycle type wing made for a customer but not collected, I purchased them as they could be modified to fit the Series 1. All this happened about a week before the AGM at Sutton Coldfield. When Jean and I walked in with the

was a rush to look at them, with almost one voice, “Where did you get them from?”

Mogspares placed the first order with success, when the second order was placed the company had been bought out by another company and they were not interested. We now move to 2015 and the good news: My eldest daughter Fiona and her family have recently moved. We were walking around the area and I saw a company advertising prototype panel work for veteran, vintage and classic cars and one-offs for motorcycles. I enlarged a number of Morgan photographs were the wings can be clearly seen and went to visit them. When I went in I nearly fell over two Austin Healy rear wings and panels they had made. Yes they can make the wings but prefer patterns rather than drawing to keep the cost down. I have offered to Charles Smith to be the liaison for Mogspares up to orders being placed. This is a plea to members to look in their sheds, behind their settees and under their beds for original wings, they can be bent, battered and rusty as long as their shape can be seen. Morgans which were fitted with cycle type wings which had valences had a ridge running down the centre of the dome, this applies to both twins and F types although I am sure not if the valences were the same size, (this to be checked). The early F type with the full flow wings pre-war had a ridge running down the centre of the dome, the later F super was plain but the valance was about 2” longer on the F 4, (to be checked). If you have a wing(s) you are prepared to lend me, will you please contact me 01234 219607 or tony.birks10@btinternet.com. If you are interested in purchasing any wings will you contact Charles Smith. Prices will depend on quantity, a quote will be given when the company has looked at the patterns.

New Wings for Old Tony Birks

20

MERLIN ENGINEERING 01384 571936

Producers of the press-fit flywheel assemblies with con-rods for 25 years

Machinists of all castings for Morgan V-Twin Engines

Available NOW Matchless MX2/4 Crankcases

On Thurs 24th September several Club members, Ian and Maria Parkinson, Pete and Ron Clements, Roger Davies, Alan Goodwin, and Ted French met at Zukis Café, Winkleigh at 10.00 am. Bacon sarnies

to the others that Robert Stennett had given his apologies and wouldn’t be coming. The weather could have been better but has never put us off and after a good chat

Destination was Widemouth Bay, the Bay View Inn being on the seafront was the lunch stop. We had only just left Winkleigh when a torrential hailstorm ensued for just a few minutes, we got wetter stopping to put on waterproofs that if we had kept going. On we pressed and as we passed through Holsworthy, it was as if a switch was pressed ...brilliant sunshine! There had not been any rain there and it continued for the rest of the run into Widemouth Bay. the food was absolutely superb. Large

There was much discussion about all things

of the stop lying on a table flat out due to his back problem. During chatting the ever know-was the site of the old Bude Tub Boat Canal. Built in the early 1800's it was a canal that

. The fact that there were several gradients on a massive scale did not deter the Victorians. They put wheels on the base of the barges and hauled them up several hills to the next level using beam engines and chains. Of course we just had to pay a visit to the closest of these gradients. It was an incredible achievement for sure and Roger gave us an informative insight into its operation. Thank you Roger, it certainly rounded off our day nicely. Then it was time to head for home, the others back to Devon and us back to Somerset across country through delightful villages and in glorious sunshine, having completed a round trip of 170 miles. Next summer we plan to visit the same coast but a little nearer Bideford.

US member Mark Braunstein enquired how many Super Sports models, both Jap and Matchless engined were produced 1n 1934 I sent him this analysis (with other data).

The following data is based on despatches between 1st January and 31st December 1934: Super Sports JAP 62 Super Sports Matchless 147 Total 3-wheelers despatched 543 all models

Brief Registry Notes Steve Lister

21

As mentioned in the October Bulletin, you can now renew your Membership via the Website using PayPal. It’s simple and quick and you don’t even need a PayPal account; you can pay securely using a credit card. Just go to the website www.mtwc.co.uk and click on “Renew Membership”. You’ll be taken to a “Renew Membership” page where you can select renewal by PayPal. Just follow the instructions and you’ll renew in no time at all!

The above nine lines and a pretty picture on the right, in no way does justice to the amount of effort that Steve Uprichard has put into creating the system by which members have the option of paying by PayPal. I can speak with some authority on the foregoing, because I have served as membership secretary for several years and more recently been aware of how much time Steve has spent in getting the system sorted. Not only do you have the option of paying by PayPal but Steve has sorted a system which not only simplifies the work of the Membership Secretary by a substantial amount, you now get your own personalised renewal form containing your details as submitted last year. PayPal introduces confirmed payment - a great advantage over the use of credit cards. Just one error in submitting card details, or failing to inform your card provider that a foreign transaction is imminent, in the case of members outside UK, caused considerably more work for the Membership Secretary. On behalf of the Club … A BIG thank you Steve. .. Ed.

Renewing by PayPal Steve Uprichard

Why You Should Renew PROMPTLY

Having read this far, it should be abundantly clear that your renewal of membership is due NOW. If you think you have not received an renewal form, then you must have missed the reminder that the form is on the back of the address label that caused your copy of The Bulletin to drop through your letter box or however you receive you mail. IF you are reading this, then you must have received your renewal form … it’s in the wrapper. It is primarily to your benefit that you return the form IMMEDIATELY, as not only does it make the onerous task for the Membership Secretary more straight-

forward but… BUT … and this is a BIG BUT … if you don’t renew before December 10th, you will not receive a copy of the January 2016 Bulletin. The reason being that the January copy is printed and mailed before the holiday period as Lavenham Press, our ever helpful printers close, as do many small to medium businesses, from Wednesday 23rd December until Monday 4th January. To ensure that your Bulletin is printed

You will not get a January Bulletin until you renew!! You have been informed!!

22

JAP sales Andrew Morison, Tursiops Cottage, Durford Wood, 01730 890 199 Petersfield, Hants GU31 5AW japsales@mtwc.co.uk Matchless sales Roger Orford, Nethergreen Farm, Ridgeway Cross, Tel/fax 01886 880 387 Malvern, Worcs WR13 5JS (Mobile 07969 950015) mogrog@hotmail.co.uk Transmission sales Bob Derricott, The Laurels, Langley Road, Lower Penn, 01902 762 017

South Staffordshire WV4 4XX robert@derricott.freeserve.co.uk Ford sales Dave Young, The Garden Cottage, West Cross, 01580 766637 Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6JL dave-young@talktalk.net

PayPal Payments Following the AGM proposal, Mogspares can now accept payment via PayPal. This facility can be used for debit or credit card payments even if you don’t have a PayPal account and it negates the need for us to know your card details. Initially the charge will be 5.5% plus VAT (if applicable) but I hope to reduce this in the future. Three Speeder Gearboxes I’ve been have contacted by members requesting 3 speeder gearbox cases as they have not been able to get them from the traders. If you also need these please contact me and if there is enough demand we will see what we can do to help. Matchless Heads and Barrels As expected we have had more requests for MX4 heads and barrels than MX2 and MX. If you need any of these and have not let me know please contact me. We’ve completed the trial casting of a pair of MX4 heads and these are about to be sent out for machining. MX4 barrels are being cast as I write this column.

The Financial Administrator position was not filled at the AGM so the Co-ordinator will continue with this work. Please note that this will slow down the ordering of parts.

Buying Mogspares items: Ordering: You order spares from the appropriate Sales Officers, (see below), who keep stocks of spares. (In general, items that are not JAP, Matchless or Ford are dealt with by the Transmission Sales Officer.) Payment: When a Sales Officer sends your order, he includes an invoice and remittance advice. Payment is due on receipt of items, and should be sent to the Mogspares Financial Administrator - not to the Sales Officer. Payment can be made by: 1. Cheque payable to "Mogspares" 2. BACS electronic transfer (internet or telephone

banking) directly into the account stated on the remittance form. Please state your name and the invoice number so that we can identify payment.

3. Bank Card. Please contact the Administrator by telephone, email or letter giving card details and the invoice to be paid. Due to bank charges there is a 1.5% surcharge should payment be made by UK debit card, and 5.5% if made by other cards plus VAT where applicable.

4. PayPal. Please email the Administrator and you will then be sent an email requesting the payment. Due to bank charges there will be a surcharge of 5.5% plus VAT where applicable.

Administration: The Mogspares Co-ordinator manages the Mogspares system and arranges the ordering of new spares and ‘may’ be contacted about problems and queries. Mogspares Lists of Club spares are shown

on the website www.mtwc.co.uk and in

previous copies of The Bulletin. Ford Jan 15.

JAP Aug 14, Matchless Aug 15,

Transmission June 15. Sales Officers will

advise of availability and any price

changes.

Charles Smith Mogspares Co-ordinator

01926 852228 mogspares@mtwc.co.uk

Trial casting of

MX4 Heads

23

Whilst I agree with just about all of John Chatwin’s well-balanced statements about Lucas on page 41 of the October Bulletin, I might be able to add some insider knowledge as I worked for “Uncle Joe” in the late 1970s at the time the Lucas reputation for reliability took a serious pounding (See my collection of jokes from the period in a piece published on page 16 of the May 2005 Bulletin). Although, prior to this period, Lucas equipment, even for the mass market, was generally over-engineered and lasted very well, as I said in 2005:- “At the time, when we were developing a new product, the Marketing Department insisted that we aimed for a reliability level which would result in 5% claims under warranty in the first year. The rationale behind this was that Lucas made almost no profit on items supplied as original equipment to car makers but made lots of profit on spare parts. If the warranty claims were less than 5%, the theory was that the product was over-engineered and no spares would be needed. If above 5%, warranty claims were too expensive. This was a great theory until cars (particularly expensive ones) started getting more and more electrical gizmos. In theory, 20 electrical items at 5% failure rate = at least one guaranteed failure in the first year.” This policy led to a cost-cutting drive which, combined with the increase in electrical equip-ment on even more-modest cars, did Lucas’ reputation no good at all. , which was built on special production lines to Rolls-Royce specification and even involved some very expensive hand-fitting of parts, which would have been a complete anathema on the mass-production lines.

their own equipment and Lucas were just responsible for testing and manufacture. One

six Rose joints. At £2 each in the 1970s this was more than several complete systems for Ford, including the motors. Unfortunately, when I put the system on test, these Rose joints disintegrated very quickly, leading to a complete loss of windscreen wiping.

The Rolls-Royce engineers claimed that this was all my fault because, on the test rig, I had allowed the joints to get wet. When I pointed out that the wiper linkage was designed to be housed below the heater air intake grille at the base of the windscreen and would therefore be constantly sprayed with water when it rained, they shut up very quickly. I noticed that the next test sample had a different grade of Rose joint bearing material…… is not how often Lucas equipment on our cars fails but how reliable it is after all these years of use (and abuse) considering that it was always built down to a price. Incidentally, and more topically, shortly after this time I was involved in the Lucas Electric Vehicle Project. We were, back in the mid-1970s, driving around in Ford Transits and Bedford CF vans with a 70 mile range, a top speed of 55 mph and acceleration from 0 to 30 mph which matched their petrol equivalents using the equivalent of 1p per mile of electricity. The big snag was that the paraffin heater we had to fit to keep the driver warm cost as much as an engine and gearbox on the Bedford production line, before you started fitting the electric drive-train and controls. In addition, the 1-tonne battery pack (36 six-volt batteries) lasted a few months at best and then had to be replaced at a cost, then, of £1,000. This made the economics of purchase and operation of a “green” vehicle somewhat unreasonable for most businesses and the project folded. Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone has yet solved the problems inherent in electrifying all the light commercials doing pick-up and delivery work around our urban areas and so, although electric vehicles cannot be said to be actually zero-emission, we still have more air pollution on our streets than Lucas hoped for back in the 1970s. One day, I suppose our descendants will be driving around in electric-drive conversions of our Mogs although, while I have the chance, I will continue to use mine as HFS intended.

A Lucas Insider Dave Anscombe

24

New grandfather, Colin Wilson, took time off from celebrating the arrival of granddaughter Nina by taking Dennis Plater and his 1916 Grand Prix to Brooklands on Sunday 27th September for the Brooklands Great War 100, a follow-up to last year’s Veteran Car Club’s events to commemorate the Centenary of the start of the Great War. They were allowed 5 laps, fortunately, somewhat faster than last year’s crawl, around the adjoining Mercedes Benz World circuit in conjunction with about six other veteran cars. Eddie Gibbard also attended with his recently acquired 1914 Douglas 2¾ hp motorbike and friend Glen and Glen’s wife Annette. Unfortunately a throttle-cable nipple pulled out, preventing Eddie from using the Douglas in earnest. Another MTWC member present was former Club Company Secretary Doug Ellis with his 1914 New Imperial motorcycle. By virtue of the Morgan having three wheels and being regarded as more motorcycle than car, it was allowed to join in the re-enactment of the “Race Starts” which were a feature of the very few motorcycle races held at the track in 1915.

A Lesson Learnt Eric Bayley

Membership Secretary and long-time Morgan Three-wheeler owner

submitted the accompanying

picture with his usual monthly list

of new members. Eric freely admits that the sole

cause of this Great Misfortune was

entirely due to the fact that he

omitted to check the oil level in his

F-Type gearbox. I very much doubt

that Eric is alone in this oversight. He states that this is a Dire and

Awful Warning to those who

fail to take this precaution.

Before the last group of riders started, the announcer asked spectators to salute “the Brigadier” i.e. Colin, resplendent in three-piece suit, Morgan Club tie, and trade-mark bowler hat, as he drove the Grand Prix Morgan from the end of the original Finishing Straight out onto the historic Members Banking, thereby achieving the ambition of a lifetime. There are few other Club members who can claim to have driven a Morgan three-wheeler, let alone a veteran Grand Prix, at speed on the Members Banking, even if it was in the wrong direction, at the Brooklands track. Colin was very pleased when he was told that he was faster than any of the motorbikes, a fitting tribute to his driving skill and even more so to his engine-rebuilding skill. In future Club members must make sure that they salute “the Brigadier” especially when he is wearing RAF (???.... shurely service … Ed) uniform!”

25

Those Vintage Sidelights Brian Boutsat de Mendez

In a previous copy of the Bulletin, the Editor asked if anyone recognised the side lamp fitted to the circa 1924/5 Family as depicted in the accompanying image. He tells me that he can’t find the article … can’t be bothered more likely …. No one answered at the time (I say ….

but what should pop up on eBay but the one shown bottom right, bearing the name Brolt. Whilst incomplete and slightly dented, it does resemble the one in the original photo. It seems that Brolt Brothers were suppliers of all manner of motoring related artefacts and were later incorporated into the Lucas Empire. Has anyone encountered similar lamps or other Brolt products? Is this the lamp? … contemporary nomenclature? The eBay purchase was a frog prince’s ransom at £8.00 inc. postage and although not very useable as the brass is fractured, serves to progress enquiries. Anyone? anyone? … Miss Bueller??

Fuel Tanks Part 2 Tony Birks

Reading Nev Lear’s article on F-Type fuel tanks set me wondering. My F-Super was registered in late 1948 and the tank holds about 4½ gallons. Nev states the post war F-types were fitted with the larger tanks i.e. 5½ to 6 gallons. I have measured my tank and the overall dimension agrees with Nev’s 25½", however the total width is 11½", from the sides it is only 11".

The reasoning: Most F-Supers were fitted with tool boxes on the passenger side and on the drivers side there is a strengthening plate supporting the steering box. With or without the toolbox fitted a 13½" wide tank would cover the plate and the bottom of the tank would have to be modified. Does any member with an F-Super have one of these larger tanks fitted with a tool box and is there yet another size of tank? All replies to the editor.

26

Morgan Motor Company Recognised Three Wheeler Specialist

ENGINES

JAP MATCHLESS

RACING ROAD

REBUILDS NEW BUILDS

CHASSIS BODIES REPAIRS

RESTORATIONS SERVICING

IMPROVEMENTS UPGRADING

The World’s most comprehensive in-house facility for

The Morgan Three Wheeler Contact the specialists

Situated only half a mile from the Morgan Factory,

why not visit us.

Unit 8 and 9 Howsell Industrial Estate, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1UJ

Email: ewan@cameronracingengines.com Tel: 01684 899084 Mob: 07815 119 447

Or visit or website www.cameronracingengines.com

Morgan Motor Company Recognised Three Wheeler Specialist

ENGINES

JAP MATCHLESS

RACING ROAD

REBUILDS NEW BUILDS

CHASSIS BODIES REPAIRS

RESTORATIONS SERVICING

IMPROVEMENTS UPGRADING

The World’s most comprehensive

in-house facility for The Morgan Three Wheeler Contact the specialists

Situated only half a mile from the Morgan Factory,

why not visit us.

CAMERON ENGINEERING AND MOTORSPORT Ground Floor Warehouse Unit 8 Spring lane north

Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1BU

Email: ewan@cameronracingengines.com Tel: 01684 899084 Mob: 07815 119 447

Or visit or website www.cameronracingengines.com

27

Chairman Adrian Murray-Leslie, Woodside House, New Road 01246 819021 Barlborough, Sheffield S43 4HY adrian@murray-leslie.org.uk Secretary Maria Parkinson, 26 Hamilton Road, Taunton Somerset , 01823 277852 TA1 2ER secretary@mtwc.co.uk Treasurer Gerald Lawford, 10 Honeylight View, Abbey Meads. treasurer@mtwc.co.uk Swindon, Wiltshire SN25 4XS 01793 702107 Membership Secretary Eric Bayley ) Bulletin Editor Nick Taylor ) See page 28 for details. Website Officer Steve Uprichard ) Joint Eligibility Jonathan Garside, 174 Victoria St, Newton, Hyde, Cheshire SK14 4AS Scrutineers garside954@btinternet.com mob: 07979541223 0161 366 5015 Dave Hodgson, 74 Union Road, Low Moor, Bradford BD12 0DF 01274 674381 david.hodgson486@btinternet.com Competition Sec Pete Clews, 141 Stallington Road, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent 01782 396762 Staffs ST11 9PB mob: 07759 983993 peter_clews@hotmail.com Registrar Steve Lister, West End Farm, West End, Elton, Matlock, 01629 650 933 Derbys. DE4 2BZ registrar@mtwc.co.uk Librarian Peter Thompson, Snapdragons, Gold Hill North, 01895 236 246 Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 9DS peter@marineengine.co.uk Regalia Secretary Ross Herbert, Hareley Farm, Linley Green Road, 01886 884362 and F4 Custodian Whitbourne Worcs. WR6 5RF ross@hareleyfarm.co.uk Archivist Jake Alderson, 36 Stone Delf, Fulwood, Sheffield S10 3QX 0114 230 7197 Mogspares Charles Smith, 10 Elizabeth Way, Kenilworth. Warks. CV8 1QP 01926 852228 Coordinator charlesmith.warks@gmail.com Mogspares Financial Charles Smith, 10 Elizabeth Way, Kenilworth. Warks. CV8 1QP 01926 852228 Administrator Temporarily - volunteer needed charlesmith.warks@gmail.com

JAP sales Andrew Morison, Tursiops Cottage, Durford Wood, Petersfield, Hants. GU31 5AW Phone: 01730 890199 Fax: 01730 890189 japsales@mtwc.co.uk Matchless sales Roger Orford, Nethergreen Farm, Ridgeway Cross, Tel/fax 01886 880 387 Malvern, Worcs WR13 5JS mob: 07969 950015) mogrog@hotmail.co.uk Transmission sales Bob Derricott, The Laurels, Langley Road, Lower Penn, 01902 762 017 South Staffordshire WV4 4XX robert@derricott.freeserve.co.uk Ford sales Dave Young, The Garden Cottage, West Cross, 01580 766637 Tenterden, Kent TN30 6JL dave-young@talktalk.net Used Parts David Browne, Gorse Farm, Fulletby, Horncastle, 01507 534 315 Exchange Lincolnshire LN9 6LA Technical Adviser Chris Booth , 65 High Street, Rolvenden, Cranbrook, 01580 241 234 2-speeders Kent TN17 4LP chris@morganmuseum.org.uk Technical Adviser Bob Angell, Castle Bank Cottage, Ewloe, Deeside, 01244 532 714 3-speeders Flintshire CH5 3BZ Technical Adviser Colin Harris 375 Amersham Road, Hazlemere, 01494 716 463 F-types Bucks HP15 7HR threewcol@yahoo.co.uk

Greg Bibby, The Nurseries, Fleckney Road, 0116 279 2129 (eves) Kibworth Beauchamp, Leics, LE8 0HJ Overseas Liason Bruce Campbell, 7 Bishops Close, Seaford, E Sussex, 01323 895512 BN25 2NW. brucecampbell3w@yahoo.co.uk Event Co-ordinator Ian Parkinson, 26 Hamilton Road, Taunton Somerset , 01823 277852 TA1 2ER ipmogman@gmail.com AGM Organiser Richard Atherton, 11a Kings Road, Portishead, Somerset 01275 817261 BS20 8HH. richardatherton@mac.com

President: Vacant Vice-Presidents: Rose Hoar, Laurie Weeks, Gary Caroline Directors of the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club Ltd.

Adrian Murray-Leslie, Gerald Lawford, Steve Lister, Mike Guess *** to confirm

Officers of the Club

28

Editorial Material Material submitted for publication

MUST reach the Editor before the 10th day of the month preceding the date of issue, except when earlier delivery has

been agreed or by contacting:

Nick Taylor Harts House Gloucester Road Almondsbury BS32 4JB 01454 617002 Editor.mtwc@gmail.com

Bulletin distribution The Bulletin is distributed for the Club by the printers: Lavenham Press. For queries regarding non-arrival of your copy of the magazine, please contact:

Membership Secretary

Eric Bayley, 8 Manewas Way, Newquay,

Cornwall, TR7 3AH. Tel: 01637 872618

E-mail: bayleyveronica@aol.com

Subscriptions and membership records New membership forms, subscription renewals, and notification of changes of address

and non-arrival of your Bulletin should be sent to the Membership Secretary Eric Bayley, 8 Manewas Way, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 3AH.

Tel: 01637 872618 E-mail: bayleyveronica@aol.com

Contacts

Back issues and the Index

Back issues of the Bulletin up to the year 2010 can be read on the CDs advertised in

Regalia. Nev Lear‘s Index of Bulletin articles

is also included .

Website Officer Steve Uprichard

5 Hall Drive Mottram-in-Longdendale, Hyde,Cheshire, SK14 6LH

+44 (0)1457 762682 website@mtwc.co.uk

Group Reports Group officers should submit their reports and dates of events and meetings, BEFORE the 10th day of the month preceding the date of issue, to the Assistant Editor

with a copy to the Editor Doug Forbes

2 Woods Batch Street SOMERSET BA16 OBH 01458 841418

douglasforbes141@btinternet.com

Advertisements One-off Morgan-related small advertisements

in The Floggery are free for members. Details should be received by the 5th of the previous month. Continuous free ads at the

discretion of the editor. To submit an advert please contact:

Doug Forbes 2 Woods Batch Street Somerset BA16 OBH 01458 841418 douglasforbes141@btinternet.com Requests for commercial advertisements or

Bulletin enclosures should be discussed with

the Editor.

Articles and advertisements in The Bulletin are the copyright of the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club, and must not be reproduced either whole or in part without the written permission of the Editor.

Views or opinions expressed in The Bulletin are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Club Committee. Reference to products or services does not imply the endorsement of the Club or Mogspares.

29

Group Organisers/Contacts

Australia Terry Doyle, 94 Disraeli St, Kew 3101, Victoria, Australia 03 9853 1908 Brooklands Trevor Seymour, 1 Chequer Tree Close, Knaphill, 01483 480 388 Woking, Surrey GU21 2PB email: seymourtrevor@aol.com East Anglia Pete Jones, Spring Cottage, Tucks Yard, Manea, 01354 680430 Cambs, PE15 0JE email, mrjosnes@tiscali.co.uk

East Anglia Mike Pilgrim, Little Orchard, Bredfield, Woodbridge 01394 382773 (Woolpit) Suffolk IP13 6AW E Midlands Malcolm Bull, 53 Macdonald Road, Wyken, 02476 444 282 Coventry CV2 5FE email: malcolmbull242@btinternet.com Far SW Mike Goldring, Rohan Coombeshead Rd, Newton Abbot, 01626 353717 Devon, TQ121PY 0777 3884256 email: mikeraf2000@hotmail.com Far Far SW Eric Bayley,8 Manewas Way, Newquay, Tel. 01637 872618 Cornwall.TR7 3AH email; bayleyveronica@aol.com Herts, Beds Angus Tozer, 57 Beechcroft Way, Dunstable, Tel. 01582 606812 and Bucks Beds. LU6 1EE email; mr.tozer01@gmail.com

Lancs Steve Hughes, 5 Chelmsford Walk, Leyland, Tel. 01772 453054 and Lakes Lancs. PR26 7AA email; ltowz60@gmail.com North West Mike Guess, 189 Chester Road, Grappenhall, 01925 262 264 Warrington, Cheshire WA4 2QB email: mm.guess@talktalk.net Oxford Bob Cragg, 1 Manor Farm, Culham, Abingdon, 01235 532 565 Oxon OX14 4NP email: bobcragg@aol.com Scandinavia Lennart Nilsson, Skogsvillan, Grytetorpsvägen 6, SE-647 51 Åkers Styckebruk, Sweden mob +46 (0)708 937603 email: lnilsson@me.com Scotland Dan Smith, 26a Quality Street, Edinburgh, 0131 312 8330 EH4 5BS 07713099010 South Coast Stephen Clark, Lower Sandhill House, Bodle St, 01435 830161 Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4QU. e-mail: sclark1497@aol.com South East Dennis Plater, 5 Wakelin Chase, Ingatestone, 01277 352 867 Essex CM4 9HH South West Dick and Sue Fripp, Medway Cottage, Kent Street 01934 743378 Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3LG e-mail:richard@fripp1.freeserve.co.uk North America Duncan Charlton. 1121 Lower Elgin Rd, Elgin, Texas. 512 965 7583 USA 78621 e-mail: Duncan.charlton54@gmail.com W Midlands Dave Anscombe, 80 High Park Avenue, Wollaston, 01384 372 307 Stourbridge DY8 3NA email: anscombe@wollaston80.freeserve.co.uk YND Dave Hodgson 74 Union Road, Low Moor, Bradford 01274 674381 BD12 0DF david.hodgson486@btinternet.com CONTACT ONLY Germany Ulrich Middelanis. Westenzaeune 38, Kamen D-59174 Germany email umiddelanis@t-online.de Italy Alessandro Natali. Via Prov. Lucchese, Pescia 003 905 724446 Pl 5107 Italy email natalialessandro@hotmail.com Space is reserved (hopefully) for additional volunteer organisers/contacts Maybe from Spain/Portugal or Japan

In accordance with the Club principles, no officer of the Club, nor the Club itself will enter into any mediation between any member and a commercial organisation over any dispute or complaint, even if the said organisation advertises in The Bulletin.

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Group Reports BROOKLANDS On the Sunday before the October meeting Brooklands Museum held their Morgan Day. As it implies the Museum was open to all Morgans of all flavours and colours. Chris Booth’s recreation of the first four wheeler stole the day parked alongside the latest Morgan product. It received a lots of close inspection from admirers. There were nine 5-Speeders and five 3- Speeders, making a pretty impressive collection. I got to talk to as many of the 5-speeder types as possible. The conversations were similar to any group of Morgan Three Wheeler enthusiasts - biggest difference being they drive their Morgans and of course, many of us are restoring ours. Some are members of the MTWC but had not yet been along to their local meeting. I feel we need to do more to encourage them. I did a bit of recruiting to entice them along, but suggest they first contact their local GO to make sure of introductions. Any way it was a good day out, I will go again. The meeting at the New Inn was the first dark meeting of the winter. Roger Gates,

his wife. In addition to his 5 speeder he has owned a 3-speed Sports for many years. Having completed several restorations on other cars it is now the turn of the Sports. Roger’s car is presently powered by an MX fitted with air cooled barrels, although he has an almost complete Matchless MX4 with it. I acquired my Sports fitted with an MX with air cooled barrels and it went like a train. Contrary to what the books say it never overheated even in extremes, unlike the water-cooled version which is notorious for boiling all the while its running. Sam had a box of interesting things to give away. I picked up a “thing” with a Morse taper. We must not take for granted Sam’s generosity – next time I will buy him a pint. Rob Carter has decided he will replace the woodwork of his Sports rather than try and repair. He says there is so much to do he may as well start again. He has a 3D cad drawing of all the woodwork which will be a great help.

I have received an email from Dave Bushell to say he is trying to come along to the meetings if he can co-ordinate with the dates. Phone me first Dave and I will make sure of the introductions. Other news: George Dobson has now fixed his brakes; Peter Elgar has problems with the starting circuit of the Super Duper Sports; my Sports Family has a funny electrical problem and side movement on the forks; the Gary Caroline Super Sports, which covers very high mileage, continues to be perfect. (There is a moral there). After the winter I think we may see a couple of restorations completed. I shall start making enquiries about the Christmas Bash venue. The Canadian Pavilion at Bisley may be available again but other suggestions would be welcome. I am not sure if you will read this report in a Bulletin. As you know Nick Taylor our retiring editor is off to Mrs Trellis’s Valley View Rest Home for Incurables to receive his restorative electrical treatment.

I am sure all the Brooklands Group will join me and send their thanks for his Editorial efforts along with our best wishes. Trevor Seymour Next meeting 3rd November at the New Inn, Send, Surrey GU23 7EN EAST ANGLIA A great number of 'East Anglians' were spotted at Malvern AGM weekend. Though it has to be said, not a lot on 3 wheels. Well done David and Margaret Williamson, who arrived the proper way, from Spalding. I hope you made it home OK. The end-of-season VMCC Cadwell, was also well supported by the group. Great racing, with perfect weather. How quickly the year has passed! Members were also spotted at VSSC Snetterton, same weekend and the 1940s weekend at Holme near Peterborough, in early October. This event covers the whole village and seems to get bigger and better each year. My invitation, for suggestions for the random Sunday pub lunch run, has produced several locations, to be discussed at next meeting! M. Josnes. Next group meeting,3rd tuesday of month. 'Hare Arms' Stow Bardolph. 8 pm

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EAST ANGLIA – WOOLPIT In October rain deterred all but two trikes, Brian’s F4 and “TR10MMC”. That cryptic registration adorns the 5-Speeder of Maurice and Eileen Cook, who came all the way from Barton Turf. Mike and Ann arrived on the

where vintage aircraft restorations currently underway include a WWI SE5A biplane and two Hawker Hurricanes. Maurice brought along copies of his book on electrickery, which were snapped up so rapidly that those at the far end of the table didn’t get a look-in. He cannot have expected us to be so numerous, eleven partaking of lunch being a near record. When it was time to leave, highlight of the day was inspecting Maurice’s low-lying fancy folding footrest, described in the September Bulletin. Now is the time to search out your warm clothes for travelling by trike to our winter lunches, except when salt has been spread on our highways and byways. Raedwald”

EAST MIDLANDS September started with the Microcar rally, based at Hatton Park, on Friday 4th - they put on a display outside Coventry Transport Museum, where Paul Baker joined me, looking at the interesting collection of unusual cars, both 3 and 4 wheeled. On Sunday 6th Chris Dickson, Charles Smith, Steve Thompson, Bob Morley and myself, met up with our Morgans at Kenilworth Castle, then drove over to see the very large collection of Micro cars, at Hatton Park, Richard Woodcock, and Rosie joined us, having cycled there. There was a small autojumble, where a few things were bought, it was nice to see this large collection of some very strange vehicles, and to talk to their owners, as they were a friendly bunch, some of whom I already knew. Sunday 13th was the GWR vehicle day, no other MTWC members attended, but past member Jim Powell, came along with me, we had a very interesting day, travelling on the trains, and looking at the large collection of vehicles. They now use the field, on the opposite side of the station, to the car park, giving a much larger area for all the old cars.

Wednesday 16th was the group meeting and the pub still did not have the menu for the Christmas dinner - but we have booked for our usual Christmas dinner at the December

The meeting was not as large as most times, but we all managed to sit in a large circle, and it was more intimate than when we have very large turn outs - much talk was of the upcoming AGM weekend. The month closed with the club AGM. It was good to see Chuck managed to drive to the event, (even though it was in his modern car), enjoying the spares fair, and buying parts. It was good to see so many people offering parts, but it was rather cramped in the Morgan factory visitor centre. It was also good to see at the AGM, our new Chairman, conducting the meeting so well and the business being carried out in a good manner. At the end of the meeting, with the presentation of awards, Richard Woodcock received the East Midlands Group Enthusiast of the year. I hope the enthusiasm will continue - his first year with the Morgan, has seen a few teething problems but he has overcome them and covered a lot of miles. He has become a credit to our group, accompanied by Rosie. Well done. Malcolm D Bull Wed 18th November group meeting 6pm till late Wed 16th December group Christmas Dinner, book early via me, or Paul Baker FAR, FAR SOUTH WEST Weather on the turn, most of the holiday makers have gone home, we can have our roads without congestion, so much better to enjoy driving your Morgan. Early September the sun did shine on the VMCC camping rally, well attended by members from all over the UK, daily ride-outs to interesting parts of Cornwall. I did a couple of days marshalling at Hell's Mouth on the North coast and the King Harry ferry outside Truro just to keep a friendly eye, to generally make sure of arrivals and departures to send them on their way etc. Our numbers were a bit thin on the ground for the mid-month group meeting at the Fox and Hounds - always good to meet up with the boys for a beer and a chat, main

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topic of conversation was relating our experiences of modern car break downs and the expensive costs to get your car back on the road, particularly where electronics are concerned, a Morgan is so much simpler don't you think !!. Took a trip up to the AGM together with Pat Ward and his dog, good to meet up with old friends and to enjoy the break in sunny Malvern, the spares fair was crammed, so many members buying, never seen so many Morgans in the car park in a long time. First Friday in October saw everybody at Lloyds Black & White breakfast meet, weather great, meeting was held outside, another good turnout of vintageers, two, three and four wheels alike. I was on my way to the meet when my gearbox bronze gave up due to lack of oil, totally destroyed , beyond repair, my own fault, I should have always checked the level before I start a journey. For members who would like to get together with the Cornwall Morgan Sports Car Club, there is a web site, and news letter ( www.tinmog.org.uk) or contact Ian Morris ( ianmorris@aol.com) if you would like to receive their newsletter. Ian lives with his Morgan in the next garage to Ken Burton in Mousehole. Eric Bayley. 6th Nov. Black & White breakfast meet, 10.00am. Fox & Hounds, Scorrier. 10th Nov. VSCC. Group meeting. 7.30pm. Hawkins Arms, Zelah. 15th Nov VMCC. Dollys run. 10.30am. Ladock. 19th Nov. MTWC. Group meeting. 7.30pm. Fox & Hounds, Scorrier. FAR SOUTH WEST Brian Galbraith and Doug Yates had visited the workshop of John Thomas at his daughters' request to review the assorted spares. They reported that most were non-Morgan related and considerably decayed. The workshop also contained masses of historical literature relating to both motoring and flying, much of which we would hope to pass on to interested parties. Considerable discussion took place relating to Jeremy Corbyn and, in particular, Brian expressed some support for a couple of his policies. Having been labelled a

Trotskyite by Ron Clements, this has resulted in an increased sale of ice-picks from Austin's kitchenwear store in Newton Abbot. Alan Goodwin treated us to a further discourse on his solution to the hydraulic-ing effect experienced with the oil pump on the JAP V-twin. Doug Yates produced a photograph of one of his interesting non-Morgan vehicles which, judging by the state of his garage, appeared to have been stored in a hospital intensive care unit. Members were asked to produce photographs of the internal state of their workshops (without tidying them!) to enter in the Far South West Workshop of the Year competition. Autumn having arrived, can winter, and the usual flurry of activity in refettling, be far behind? Mike Goldring Next Meeting as usual, Third Tuesday, The Hunting Lodge , Lee Mill. HERTS, BEDS AND BUCKS. Lots of people but not one 3 Wheeler! John Andrews was complaining that his 'is soon to be seen on the road'. Super Sports MX4 was boiling during recent tests. The 'Advisory Panel' offered many suggestions including timing, rad leak, rad cap sealing, etc.. It later turned out to be a leaking head gasket. Now replaced with a Mogspares item. Richard Bowerman was showing the template for part of a radiator he is building and seeking information and availability for suitable 'swagery' to strengthen it. (Yes, spell check I know its not a real word!) Howard Chivrall appealed (. . don't!) for a volunteer for the Mogspares Financial person - - - ' And lo, there was a hush in the room'. . . He did try! Chris Nickless and Mike Jordan are waiting for 5 Speeder chassis upgrades from their relevant Morgan Motor Co. Agents. Both drivers bemoaning that only half the necessary parts have been delivered from MMC, so still they wait! The 'Advisory Panel, Civil Engineering subsection', soon swung into action to advise Howard Andermahr on 'back filling'. The brick roof of an ancient water sump in his garden had suddenly caved-in taking Joan's bird table with it! A bit like the

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recent St Albans swallow-hole. Christmas Lunch has been booked for Noon, Wednesday 16th of December at The Swan. Menu to be circulated soon. This year bookings will be accompanied by fully payments Please. Those of a flamboyant nature can begin planning their seasonal party headgear now! Angus Tozer. 3rd Wednesday, every month: Noon, The Swan, Northall, Beds., LU6 2EY. Next meeting: Wednesday 18th November. Christmas Lunch: Wednesday, 16th December, Noon at The Swan. LANCS AND LAKES September seems to have flown by and we are now at the end of the season but it has been a good year with very enjoyable events and we have been blessed with good weather for all of them. Let’s hope that next year can be as good or maybe even better. The AGM weekend went well with a good number of our group members attending. Peter Pattinson drove Bryan Rawlinson’s F4 all the way from Garstang but we had a dreadful 7 hour journey to get to Malvern, avoiding motorways but getting caught up in awful Friday afternoon congestion and roadworks. We will be going on Thursday next year! Sam Savage just pipped Peter for the award for the furthest distance driven in a Morgan to the AGM by 1 mile! Our closing run on Sunday 4th October was well supported with everyone travelling in a very eclectic mix of Morgans apart from Steve Finch and family in the vintage Austin 12. Twenty members turned out and we had

two F4’s, one 5-speeder and three 4-wheelers of various ages. There were really six 3-speeder twins but Deryck Wright had fuel starvation problems with his JAP and had to return home and come in his 4-wheeler instead … and Roy Lund also had carburettor trouble and broke down in Settle before he could join us at our midway tea stop. Everyone seemed to enjoy the route despite the mist and low clouds obliterating the wonderful views from the top of the Gisburn Forest road. The huge abandoned lime kilns at Langcliffe (Murgatroyd’s Craven Lime Works) provided an interesting diversion before the late lunch at Worston. Thanks to

Chris and Ann for the loan of Stan (F4) for the day. It was great! Our November meeting will be the usual pre-Christmas dinner and most places for this our 20th anniversary special are taken but there may be a few seats left by the time you read this. We can only accommodate 36 in the dining room so it is important that you contact Deryck Wright (01524.720837) immediately if you have not already booked your places. Please remember that there will be no December meeting at Garstang but instead we have our New Year lunch meet on Monday the 28th December at The Calf’s Head (Worston). Please let me know in advance if you are intending to come to that. It would be very nice to see some of the Leeds & Bradford contingent if you could manage to join us for lunch! Now it’s back to the workshop and try to pick up the thread! So much to do and so little time! Steve Hughes Thursday 19th November – pre-Christmas social dinner at the Royal Oak Monday 28th December – lunch meeting at The Calf’s Head, Wosrton from 12.30 NORTH AMERICA. Congratulations to Goby Gobalian of New Jersey for being awarded North American enthusiast of the year. He was nominated for his fearless exploits in rebuilding two Morgans. Congratulations also to Graham and Susan Podd of Arkansas, whose 1935 Sports (restored by Graham) was awarded first in the Morgan class at the “Brits in the Ozarks” car show. Apart from the inconvenience of losing his hat and petrol cap on the drive to Fayetteville, Arkansas, he is finding few reasons not to drive longer distances. Bob “Kermit” Wilson of Illinois said he had a grand time at the AGM seeing old friends and acquaintances. Chris Towner also reported: “The weather always plays a decent part to those traveling a distance to Malvern for the AGM of the Morgan Three Wheeler Club. 2015 offered a decent forecast! The rooms were booked to familiar faces and friends including North Americans Larry Ayers (due to a family issue

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Donna was absent), Robert and Lynn Wilson and your former Fastest GO in the East, Chris Towner. The Morgan Motor Company again opened their visitors center to ALL for the Saturday Spares Fair. It was the best part of the whole weekend as the car park hosted a great variety of trikes, more so than the Sunday AGM. It was close, convenient and a bit crowded. The dinner was similar although a bit louder. On Sunday's AGM the political issues were discussed and a bit testing for some in attendance. We waded through most issues with a bit embarrassment at some points.

and the MTWC is healthy, accounts-wise. Did I mention the rain ? It was minimal!” Announcements: PayPal is now an option for membership renewal. See elsewhere in the Bulletin for details. Be sure to include your membership number where it is requested in the PayPal window. Don’t delay; renew NOW! On another subject, car insurance company ratings in the USA can be found at consumeraffairs.com. Factor-in the fact that insurance companies must request to be included in their ratings. As of this writing, over 40% of members replied to the survey that I sent to all full club members in North America regarding the possibility of having a Training Meet and general gathering of three wheelers. Those that expressed willingness to host and plan an event will be contacted at some point in the near future. Duncan Charlton NORTH WEST Let’s start off with some of the best news: Those treasured members whom I reported last month were having a rough time, have all made varying degrees of progress. Doubtful if any of them will qualify for a Marathon run yet, but generally the news is good. Pete Clews hasn’t entirely given up on ailing F-types but has turned his attention to rebuilding his Super Sports of which there is no better therapy. In the same vein, Trevor Gill has now got his SuperSports Aero back from Bob B’s body shop and my apparently mis-shapen S/S is now in, causing Bob much scratching of head. How can the bulk-head have moved? We’re going to miss Bob when he retires as

there has been no-one better at making silk purses out of sow’s ears … as the saying goes. Many group members were at the Spares Fair - but a lot less interest for the AGM. A pity but it says something. Maybe, after spending all your cash at the Fair there’s none left for an overnight stay. Been away myself for a break and in my absence the Gills and Summerscales took their Morgans north to join the Lancs and Lakes run which, I am told, was thoroughly enjoyable. Mike Guess 11 November - Wednesday Lunch – The Crown Inn, Goostrey (12.30) 27 November - Friday meeting, The Whipping Stocks, A50, Over Peover 2 December - Christmas Lunch ? OXFORD I had to miss the AGM weekend this year due to a previously arranged family holiday, but those of our Group members who did attend tell me they had a jolly good time. Roger Hall received the Club award for the best F-type at the Opening Run. Roger's car is certainly one of the most original F-4s there is, having been in the same family for many decades. It was certainly of great help to me when restoring our 1937 F-4 to have a similar vehicle to refer to which was very much as it had left the Factory. We have a dozen or so regular attendees at our meetings, but we can always do with new blood and more Morgans, regardless of whether they have two, three or five speeds. Our Moss box Plus 8 recently found a new home, which prompted Pat to ask when she could test drive a five speeder. I thought she had given up the idea, but apparently not ... Bob Cragg Next Meeting: Tuesday 31st November, The Abingdon Arms, Beckley, 7.30pm. SCANDINAVIAN The AGM and the 70th Year Anniversary of the Inaugural Meeting is over. For me, it was in many ways unusual. It was the first time I travelled from around the Stockholm area, the long way over Germany and the Netherlands to UK, slowed down by a trailer. I admire all those friends that have done almost the same distance in Three-Wheelers coming to us, hopefully with more time and not all that rain. But the three days in Malvern were sunny and warm. What good planning

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by Richard Atherton. I personally love small, winding roads, especially in mountainous areas and find motorways boring, but now it was perfectly alright and the traffic culture on motorways in Germany and the Netherlands is so much better than in Sweden. So don't worry to go to England in spite of the actual ferry situation. On the way down I picked up Lars Dorén and his Morgan Aero 1932. It was good to have a fellow in the car and we had many good memories from the Centenary events when we brought my Penny over. Lars' car was owned by Eddie Moore in 1945 and he attended the Inaugural Meeting in1945. Lars was specially invited, together with six other owners of the original cars. A picture was taken outside the Morgan factory in the same place and order as in pictured in 1945. After that we drove to the Swan Inn for lunch, the same procedure as in 1945. The Spares Fair was good as usual but with our currency rate now it is very expensive. We have to buy anyway of course. I still managed a quick walk up to the Beacon. Even the entertainment at the dinner was unusual with a joyful competition of opera singers pretending to represent Italian, French and British opera. The AGM itself showed that there were still a few hard feelings but there was also a positive feeling that the problems will be solved given some time. The secretary, the treasurer, the editor and the spares manager resigned but except for the Editor there were replacements found, the secretary under the meeting when Maria Parkinson said that she could take it on, at least for the time needed. Nick Taylor will continue the year out as editor. After the AGM the Awards were presented. Lars' Aero was chosen as the Best Car in Show. Christer Campler was chosen as the Scandinavian Group Enthusiast 2015. My congratulations to them both. On the way back I had a very pleased passenger and we had a very nice dinner in a small restaurant outside of Travemünde. The next day I passed Bua north of Varberg in order to deliver the Enthusiast Award to Christer. Many thanks to Christer and his wife Kirsti for organising this year's Viking Run an excellent lunch to me. Lennart Nilsson

SCOTLAND and NORTH EAST AGM weekend. As hoped, this went off very well, with Paul and Jane trailering the SS down again, and us travelling down in the classic FIAT as before … (the what..?). Met up for drinks on the Friday, and spares fair on the Saturday, followed by the dinner complete with operatic waiters – see what you miss! The AGM was held on the Sunday, suitably edgy debate as is only right, and then we all headed north again. Prior to the weekend, I had removed and stripped down the JAP engine, trying to trace the cause of increasing vibration, but only discovered a broken valve spring and a slightly worn propshaft end – not really enough to account for things, but something anyway. Engine parts still decorating the garage, but won’t put it back on until I have done some work on the gearbox and trunnions (they have only lasted since 1996…) so probably not back on the road until next year. Treffen Rally. Not too much information about this one, as I was not able to attend, but Tom reports a very successful run, with 50 entrants enjoying the good weather in the west. Mostly quite modern 3 wheelers (in our terms) but there were three Mogs participating – Clive and Gillian Peacock - Morgan Family Alistair Hibbert and Louise Murray – Morgan Super Aero John and Shirley Minns – Morgan Aero and they reported a very well organised run, so well done Tom! On the Road Bob Brough has been successful in getting his MX2 running and on the road, so congratulations to him. He managed round the corner to our house, and boasted that the next run would be to Sainsburys – the boy knows no limits! Who is this in BVU 150 Dick Fripp sent me a photograph taken in Scotland in the late 60s, showing a group of pre-war owners gathered on a run in Crieff, Perthshire. Amongst these was a Sports two-seater with MX4 engine, aero screens and

36

low-level exhausts, registration BVU 150. Steve Lister tells me this car is now listed in Suffolk, and Dick wondered if I could identify the driver in 1968. No luck so far, but if anyone recognises the number and type, let me know. Ed. may have published the picture, but can’t guarantee that. Orkney News, from David Appleton: See David’s report in the October issue of the Bulletin. No other news from the group. I would still

of the colony, so see what you can do. Future events in 2016. Still to develop this, as it is relatively easy to get a few local people together and do some runs to venues in the Edinburgh, Borders and Fife area, but more ambitious stuff is needed to embrace (oooh!) members further afield, so any suggestions? Dan The Mog-less SOUTH COAST Following the Brittany Adventure in early September – a full account of which can be found in last month’s Bulletin – I wish to be

Joseph having announced me as “Le Grand Fromage” to a crowd of adoring French bystanders at one of our many meal stops. It is a soubriquet which I took to right away and, I think, fits me rather nicely. I feel the Adventure was a success. One could only marvel at the participants’ seemingly bottomless capacity for food, booze and (mostly) daft conversation; at a conservative estimate, the twelve of us squandered 250 man/woman-hours and 2,000 euros around restaurant tables in the four days, punctuated by brief bursts of Morgan-driving and sight-seeing. It was a privilege, also, to be admitted into the extraordinary parallel universe of “Professor Stanley” Pittuck; I am still woken in the small hours by my own chortling at the echoes of his surreal one-liners. Mrs. C. and I stayed in France for a further week to recuperate and The Professor kindly

meeting. Ian Hatton of Verralls fame and

were welcome first-timers. Terry has been

coaxing his 1934 MX4 Super Sports back to life for five years; he is nearly there but still has some minor issues to address before releasing it into the wild. An impressive thirty-odd-strong party made their way from South-Coastshire, mainly by Morgan, to Malvern for the AGM weekend. Special mention must go to the intrepid Mandy Pachol who, accompanied by her sister, drove her lovely red Sports Two-seater the 180-miles-each-way trip from Crawley Down. Both qualified for the Peggy Rowell Trophy (furthest distance travelled in a MTW by a lady) but, in the spirit of ultimate chivalry, Mandy nominated her sibling for the award. This story brings a lump to my throat and makes me proud to be a fellow chartered accountant. This week we met the Terrys for one of our regular sub-group pub meetings. Steve had had a brainwave. He and I would reprise the great Moss/Jenkinson 1955 Mille Miglia drive by entering his F4 in the Exeter Trial. Aren’t men formidable decision-makers? Despite a degree of scoffing from Jo and Mrs. C., we chaps had it all thrashed out by the end of the evening: the car, the driver, the navigator, diversions for the girls and, most importantly, our outfits. Now we just have to sort out which year we do it……. Please amend your diaries. The date for the Holly Run has been changed to Sunday 13th December. I hope this will not cause problems. It will still be centred on Lewes and you will receive my usual email with full details in due course. Stephen Clark Wednesday, 18th November, 8.00 pm. Six Bells, Chiddingly. Sunday, 13th December, Holly Run, Lewes. Wednesday, 16th December, 7.30 pm. Scalextric Grand Prix. Six Bells, Chiddingly. SOUTH EAST At least 2 SE Group members attended the annual long weekend trip to Dieppe . They were Ed Eyes and Eddie Gibbard. It is understood that there was only 1 breakdown believed to have been caused by an electrical malfunction in the ignition system. On the whole, the weather was good and some even found the time to revisit the nearby V1 museum before heading for the allure of the

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UK on the Monday cross-channel ferry. For those of us who are television-bound after our evening meal, Morgan three-wheelers have appeared in two more programmes recently. If we had stayed awake for the programme on the life one of the forgotten geniuses among the Bletchley Park codebreakers, Gordon Welchman, screened on 7th September, we would have seen a fleeting glimpse of him in a clearly identifiable early De Luxe Morgan three-wheeler. Those of you who took your daytime nap between 12.15 and 1.00 pm on Tuesday 15th September will have missed the programme Bargain Hunt on BBC 1, towards the end of which the Morgan Car Company and its Works were featured. Those of us who have ever driven a car with the engine controls mounted on the steering column could not but admire the smooth way in which the presenter, Tim Wonnacott, drove Martyn Webb’s lovely 1923 Aero for a few feet along the factory road up towards the gate and Pickersleigh Road, even managing to coast backwards for good measure (we will ignore his snide remarks about reversing), before he went on a brief tour of the Factory. Martyn Webb managed to get into the film and gave a short history of the Morgan marque in his, by now, well-rehearsed tour guide manner. (We must ask Martyn just how much practice in handling Martyn’s car the presenter was allowed to have before the take that appeared on the programme was filmed). The only disappointment came right at the end when Tim Wonnacott drove away from the Works in a left-hand driveMorgan four-wheeler, and not Martyn’s right-hand drive 1923 Aero 3 wheeler which Tim had shown such promise at handling. On Thursdays in September, a Dorothy L Sayers murder mystery was repeated on “Drama” one of the Freeview channels, the first episode of which featured a blue Sports or Super Sports parked by a tent on the roadside of a lane in Cornwall. A typical Morgan-owning-like bearded ruffian who was by the tent explained that the Morgan had broken down! Anyone who can identify of any these

three Morgans, or knows how they came to be in these programmes, should let the Editor, or Dennis Plater, know. Colin Tatlow and Don Taylor continue to support local car shows in their three-wheelers. Colin’s 1935 Super Sports even appeared on the front cover of the programme for this year’s Steeple Classic car show. Colin took his car along to an event at Goldhanger at which Don’s 1933 Super Sports was also present. As well as continuing to support local events Colin Tatlow was prevailed upon to go well outside his comfort zone by trailering his 1935 Super Sports to Malvern for the gathering to mark the Club’s 70th anniversary of its founding in 1945. Of the 23 or so cars that featured in the original line-up, 14 are thought to have survived, 7 abroad and 7 in the UK . 5 of those in the UK were joined by 1 from Sweden and 1 from France to re-enact the line-up outside the Morgan Factory. They included OC 9821, Colin’s Morgan: well done Colin! (It is rumoured that he could be tempted to apply for a passport next!). Duoika Saturday 7th November – The Swan, Horndon-on-the-Hill Wednesday Irregulars meetings – either 4th & 18th or 11th & 25th November (more info. from Dennis Plater) Saturday 5th December – The Swan, Horndon-on-the-Hill

SOUTH WEST It feels weird to be back as SW Group GO after a period of 40 years and surreal that many of the people, their mogs and concerns are still the same. However, it's great to see from the mailing list that the SW Group membership has grown over the years and includes a few 5 speeders. We drove to the AGM Weekend in the JAP SS with Pete and Marie Loveless in their Super Aero. Luckily the weather was good, although Sue and I had a soaking on Monday's return trip. Both JAPs proved to be reliable for the 150 miles. Seven SW Group Morgans were seen during the weekend and we counted 18 regulars (who attend the SW Group meetings) in Malvern. Dick bought some useful bits and pieces for the Aero at

cont/...

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the Spares Fair, which was a bit cramped in the Morgan Factory canteen and we enjoyed the AGM dinner and entertainment, albeit rather brief. Other reports on the AGM itself are printed elsewhere. However, congratulations to Maria Parkinson for winning the Doris Budd trophy and for volunteering to take on the role of temporary Club Secretary. There were 2 other events in our area during September :- 1) The North Devon run on 24th September organised by Ian Parkinson and new 5 speeder local member, Robert Stennet (published elsewhere). 2)The Hare and Hounds, Sidbury meeting on 3rd October, summed up as follows (informant Pete Loveless):- “A very pleasant meeting, with 10 folk taking ale/food. The subject matter discussed ranging from Ford pistons connected to the crank with somewhat "non standard" con rods, to +4 ignition. Along the way we had health, lousy brakes, vintage aeroplanes, and a short dissertation by Mr Goldring.” Our intention is to carry on with the Sidbury meeting as it is so popular with members from several areas. However, we are reviewing other places. The meeting at The Bell Inn at Frampton-on-Severn will go ahead on 7th November but we would like to find a replacement venue closer to Bristol but still within reach of those who come to The Bell Inn. (I feel a pub crawl coming on - which of us, Dick or Sue will drive?) Two other venues we would like to return to are the Bathpool Inn (now rebranded New Mill), near Taunton and The Farrington Inn at Farrington Gurney on the A37. Other plans afoot are a return to daytime meetings mid-month, a possible Christmas dinner, disinter the Mendip Run for next year (do we hear groans?), have a picnic day or even a SW Camping weekend. If anyone has any other ideas for runs or venues, please let us know. We will send out an email to all SW Morgan groupies soon. Dick and Sue Sat 7th November 2015 12:00 hrs The Bell Inn at Frampton-on-Severn GL2 7EP Wed 18th November 2015 12:00 hrs New Mill, A38 Bathpool, Taunton TA2 8BE Sat 5th December 2015 12:00 hrs Hare and Hounds, Sidbury EX10 0QQ

WEST MIDLANDS The group continues to thrive and. although the last couple of meetings have been less well attended than usual, there has been plenty of interesting discussion on subjects both Morganatical and otherwise. I don’t yet have details of the Holly Run for this year but plan to hold it, as usual, in the middle of December so please put Sunday, 13th in your diaries. Don’t let the falling temperatures put you off driving your Mog. There is nothing like a brisk drive in a trike to get the circulation going. This is probably due to the combination of physical effort accompanied by occasional moments of panic, terror and adrenaline flow. (At least, that is true in my case!) Dave Anscombe Wednesday, 28th October, Monthly Meeting. The Clent Club 20:00 Wednesday, 11th November, Mid-month Meeting. Fruiterer’s Arms, Ombersley 20:00 Wednesday 25th November, Monthly Meeting. The Clent Club 20:00 YORKS., NOTTS. & DERBYS. A hectic month – the regular Bay Horse meeting, AGM and Spares Fair and a midweek run to the Bradford Industrial Museum. A test of stamina and very gratifying to see at least 6 of us at all 3 events.

The monthly get together was made up by a gathering of 11 enthusiasts bringing with them a 2 speeder, an F type and a +8 amongst assorted tin tops. On entering the hostelry my eyes were drawn to a set of water cooled ‘Dog Eared’ JAP head and cylinders, sectioned to check internal metal thickness (water passages to ports etc.) I was told that about 70 sets were produced in the 1980s, but don’t know if they could be ‘re produced’ although I am willing to make enquiries if anyone is interested. (Sectioning – now there’s a thought!!!! _ H). Along similar lines, Dave Hodgson has a new aluminum casting supplier and so far all items provided have proved to be of a very high standard. Staying with Dave he will again organise the ‘Night Trial’ which will set off from Rowsley (near Chatsworth) in Derbyshire at around

39

17:00hrs one Saturday (sorry nobody told me the date) and finish pre midnight at a venue towards Crich Tramway Museum which Adrian informs me will be the venue for the opening run which will by pure coincidence occur the next day! I attended the Spares Fair at Pickersleigh Road held on the Saturday the day before the AGM. It seemed very well attended by customers, members, friends etc., with ample room in the car park for the many 2, 3 and 5 speeders, 4 wheelers, tin tops and traders vans. It would have been helpful though to allow a registered exhibitor to take a short cut to their table whilst carry heavy stock! However, I felt the main problem

of traders and once the punters descended movement became difficult, I didn’t see an obvious source of extra space. From about 14:00 activity seriously stalled, I suspect those attending the evening dinner needed a service and time to re-charge but despite my what may appear to be negativity

‘The Bradford Industrial Museum’, the last of our 2015 midweek runs, again went well. The museum was free - brilliant! - there were examples of Scott and Panther Motorcycles, Jowett cars, industrial wool-spinning equipment, stationary engines and a speedway bike display - all relevant to the Bradford area.

As a group we managed to bring along with us 4 Morgans and a vintage Bentley which were parked by the entrance, all adding to the event. As well as giving some ‘alternative’ fun for regulars these runs also serve to give an opportunity to meet for members/enthusiasts/hangers on (I shan’t elaborate further! – H) who find it difficult to attend the regular Bay Horse soirees and it seems to work. I was happy to greet Colin Bradley, a rejoined member from the 1950s/60s, his first attendance in around 50 years; it may not be prudent to try leaving it that long again! Mick Barraclough brought an ex member in his F type and afterwards contacted Heather for club night details, Maggie Pedley who is having her father’s Super-Sports twin restored and hopes to be running next year and Ian Whitehead who travelled up from the Lincoln area to have a break from sorting his father’s effects. As I said the midweek variety events seem to work, I have a couple of ideas for next year, but pleeeeease if you have an idea for a venue or activity please let me know by any means, in person, 01709 379037, h_eadon@hotmail.com. Eric Eadon (and Heather) 10th November - The Bay Horse, Scholes. M1, J35, A629 Rotherham, 3rd left Scholes, Sat Nav S61 2RQ.

Owners of MX2 and MX4 OHV Matchless engines may suffer from wear in the valve-end rocker arm shafts. Apparently the steel shaft wears sacrificially, rather than the aluminium. Back in the 60s, before the advent of Mogspares, one solution was to copper-plate the end of the shaft to take up the play. I tried this and it worked quite well for several years Another option is to fit AJS/Matchless motorcycle 350/500cc single shafts and arms, as they are a direct

that the exhaust rocker arm was too short. This maybe because that, as with the alloy arms, the inner arm is shorter than the one at the valve end and an internal arm had been substituted in error … so beware.

Ivor Geighty

External - valve end

Internal - pushrod end

40 37 40

A silence was observed to remember those members who had died during the year. The meeting was opened and addressed by Adrian Murray-Leslie, the Club Chairman. Apologies were received. Last years minutes read and approved. Matters arising from the minutes - the Secretary stated the governance review proposals for the committee structure has been completed but were rejected by the committee. The Treasurer -referred to his report published on the website and stated that the finances were healthy. He also recommended no change in subscription charges and stated that he would not be standing for re-election. The accounts for year ended 31st March 2015 were approved. The appointment of Independent Financial Examiners for 2015/2016 was approved. The Secretary -commented on the achievements of the club as a whole during the year, Due to the pressure of work, he was not standing for re-election and thanked all those who make the club work and work well . Other Reports – other club officers’ reports as published on the Club website. Mogspares - Charles Smith outlined Mogspares activities and asked for a volunteer to take on the post of Financial Controller, but no-one was forthcoming. Treasurer -Gerald Lawford volunteered and was elected Secretary – there was no volunteer for this position so Maria Parkinson offered to carry out the role on a temporary basis. Editor – there was no volunteer Nick Taylor is continuing on a temporary basis Directors – the Chairman outlined the role of Director. The Chairman was willing to stand again; Steve Lister was elected as a Director. Mike Guess and Dave Anscombe were both proposed as Directors, Mike Guess was duly elected as a Director. Proposal: that Roger Orford be 3 Speeder Technical Advisor, but the meeting decided that Bob Angell should be consulted as to whether he wished to stand again. All other officers were elected en bloc. Proposals for the Committee -it was agreed that the Chairman shall serve a maximum term of 4 years and may not be re-elected within 4 years of that term. No person may serve more than 2 terms as Chairman. The Leavens Fund - shall be held in a separate account as a designated fund, used by the Club committee for the benefit of the members. The committee may make loans or grants. When making loans the committee will agree whether or not interest is paid and is so at what rate and on the term of the loan. Traders Status- it was agreed by the Club to dispense with this requirement. Fellowship -Mrs. Sheena Lazenbury was awarded a Fellowship of the MTWC. Bursary Scheme - proposed by Michael Joseph, the meeting agreed that the committee are charged with setting up a scheme to award grants to young members under 25 to help with items such as insurance costs. Proposal of PayPal as a system of payment by members for subscr iptions or spares purchases with the application of a surcharge to cover additional cost to the club was approved. Associate Membership: It was the intention of the Committee, confirmed by the AGM , that the 2016 AGM be asked to abolish it and replace with one class of “Member” AGM Trophies and Group Enthusiast Awards were presented by Steve Lister assisted by Chris Towner. The dates for the AGM 2016 are 16th – 18th September. MTWC

42 41

Simmank 4-speed and Reverse Gearbox Mark Smith

Tail Piece - Routine Service Nev Lear

The Simmank-designed 4-Speed and Reverse Gearbox now being produced in the UK by Middleton Engineering, Glastonbury Owned by member Ashley Middleton. Mark Smith is the Technical Director. Barbara and Frank Simmank with son Mike, from Tuttlingen, Germany have a high-quality business manufacturing medical equipment. Barbara was for many years the German Group Organiser

Owners of two and three speed Morgan will already be aware of the deficiency of ratios in the gearbox. You may have read the very interesting article written several years ago by Mike Simmank. This described the concept and development work that Mike and his father Frank undertook. They introduced an extra forward gear and retained the reverse gear within the existing three speed casing. In late 2014, contact was made with the Simmank family in Southern Germany. Following many conversations a visit to Tuttlingen was set up. One objective of the visit was to buy a complete gearbox. It was quickly realised that this would not be possible due to the fact that the Simmank box was no longer produced by the family. This was a result of international regulations.

These regulations prevented Morgan gearboxes from being produced on the same production line as surgical equipment! A demonstration drive was given by Frank and it became immediately apparent that the gearbox was a major step forward on the original box. The choice of ratios were well matched to the engine performance and the speed of gear change was very impressive. Mike explained that the only way of purchasing a box was through a contact of theirs in Europe. cont/...

cont/...

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However, the terms of supply of the gearboxes were onerous. The discussions swung to the possibility of holding the manufacturing rights to the production of the Simmank box in the UK. The deal was then concluded. With technical help from the Simmank family, the first production run of ten sets is well underway. Incorporating 2015 manufacturing technology whilst retaining a gearbox casing that in appearance matches and is interchangeable with the original. The gear sets are being produced in house at our CNC machine shop in Somerset. The workshop team have 130 years of combined experience of producing high quality parts.

For latest news and more information on purchasing a complete gear set, casing or spares, register now at www.simmankbox.com

POWER WITHOUT GLORY:

Racing the Big-Twin Cooper by Terry Wright

Explores the influences behind the first Coopers including the JAP V-

twin world motor-cycle records, hillclimb and sprint specials and

dirt track speedway cars. The engine and chassis designs, and the racing and hillclimbing of the early post-war years are covered in depth. Hard bound with jacket, 352 pages,

300 illustrations of racing, car, engine, and archive documents.

Order at www.loosefillings.com. £55.00 .

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JAP magneto bevel-drive gear sets, £80.00 pr; twin mag set, £115.00 Plus postage £2 UK, £2 Europe, £3 overseas.

Square ML magneto pick-up and brush; £10. each incl p&p anywhere. JAP D shaped bevel-gear covers £25. incl p&p anywhere

JAP half-round bevel-gear covers for late KT series engines with mechanical oil pumps:

£25. incl pandp anywhere. (must be finish-bored in timing cover ) 50°/60° JAP engine plate sets £40. plus pandp £8. UK, £32 Europe.

If you are not entirely satisfied with goods supplied, please do not hesitate to return them for a refund.

David Browne, Gorse farm, Fulletby, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LA Tel: 01507 534315

MORGAN 3 WHEELERS 1909 - 1952 .

A reference book for both newcomer and expert alike. £8.50 + pp ( £1.00 UK, £4.00 EU, £6.00 RoW )

(Cheque or PayPal accepted) Contact e-mail: h_eadon@hotmail.com

or Eric Eadon, 8 Ridgeway Rd, Brinsworth, Rotherham, S60 5HL phone: +44(0)1709 379037

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COWLEY RESTORATIONS ALL ASPECTS OF RESTORATION WORK

REPAIRS, SERVICING, MoT PREPARATION 4 Osmaston Lane End, Yeldersley, Ashbourne,

Derbyshire DE6 1LS, UK tom.cowley@hotmail.co.uk 01335 348718

That article 42.4 be deleted and replaced by a new article 42.4 in the following form: "At the annual general meeting in every year the club committee shall lay before

The Directors and the members of the Club Committee are all in favour of this

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For Sale: Laser cut spanner to fit JAP 600

inlet manifold nut. Only 9” long easily fits in your tool box. Much superior to an unwieldy, heavy, giant adjustable spanner, or a stilson wrench. Kinder on the nuts too. £30 plus £3.50 p&p in the UK. Jonathan Garside. Email garside954@btinternet.com Tel 07979 541223

For Sale: 1950 F4. Unfinished project due to failing health and Anno Domini. E93A Engine, rebored with new pistons etc. New body. New Chassis. New seats and trim. New windscreen. Requires finishing. Offers in the region of £11,500 Cliff Dearden, 4 Park Hill, Armthorpe Lane, Barnby Dun, Doncaster DN3 1NA Tel 01302 883400 (See picture below with apologies for pic quality)

Wanted: F4 Radiator for 1950 car . This is the only item preventing the Morgan from being roadworthy for the first time since 1971. Exchange available for an early F4 radiator with the deeper front to the top tank. Help the Editor back on the road for 2016! Nick Taylor 01454 617002 or see p28 for full contact details.

For Sale: 1933 Spor ts Family Morgan for sale. As you can see from the pictures below a lot of work has been done and it requires finishing. The main things that need to be done are the body needs panelling, upholstery, wiring, brake cables, and a dash board. There is a V5 log book that goes with the car. There is a Matchless MX water-cooled which will require checking and reassembly This is a car I was restoring for myself, but “ano domini” and illness have crept up on me recently and I will not be able to complete the project. The asking price is £14,500. John Hennessy RUTLAND email steam@barrowden.plus.com

FLOGGERY

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Regalia Matters A new item has been added to the Regalia range. These high quality glazed ceramic fridge magnets should have pride of place securing your offspring’s artwork to your SMEG! They measure 2" square and are available for £3.00ea plus postage. The F4 “Gerald” In an effort to provide a more lasting solution to the ongoing head gasket problem, we decided to re-fit the 10HP head rather than the ‘high compression’ 8HP version. This would seem to be, on first impression, a straightforward swop, if not for

the matter of the dynamo bracket. The 12v is of a larger diameter than the standard 6v. so wielding an

UK Steve Crosby. Upshire, Essex, EN9 3TQ. Geoff Weiner Kemptown, Brighton, Sussex, BN2 1JA. Gavin Roberts. Bow, London, E3 2SY.

New Members Eric Bayley

Regalia/The F4 “Gerald” Custodian Ross Herbert

Robin Rew’s Annual Christmas gathering will take place on Monday 28th December (Bank Holiday) at the Gate Inn

in Lower Brailes any time after 12 noon. Please come and join us at this informal post-Christmas

gathering for a noggin and natter. A full range of food is available and lots of parking.

Morgans are desirable but not mandatory. Any questions, call me: Sue Darbyshire on 01608 664996.

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The Bulletin is printed by Lavenham Press Limited, Water Street, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9RN. Tel: 01787 247436

Super stainless parts to complement your Morgan in 2013. New: Front hub protection plates, laser-cut for accuracy and flatness.

£15.00 per pair. Beetleback catches. As or iginal but with internal spacers to prevent

crushing; polished stainless steel. Drawings showing fitting details and clip positions available if required. £110.00 per set of four.

Morgan heat shields. ‘Morgan’ in script with or without the wording ‘Super Sports’ in small print underneath, or just a set of holes like a cheese-

grater. Polished stainless ready to clamp to your exhaust pipes - no more burnt elbows. £100.00 per pair.

Front spring covers, in polished stainless; £100.00 per car set.

Hi and low level exhaust systems for all twins in stainless steel, p.o.a. All prices plus post and packing.

Castle Bank Cottage, Ewloe, Deeside, Flintshire CH5 3BZ Tel. 01244 532 714 bobangell@btinternet.com

RENEWAL FORM WITH THIS ISSUE

Seen at the recent Dieppe Raid … Pete “Oily Pete” Loveless is seen contemplating his new spare tyre … much to the merriment of Pete’s better half Marie . photograph AND caption: Dick Fripp