The Scottish Military Vehicle Group

2007 Event Galleries.

(Click on the thumbnails to enlarge)

Crank Up at Scotlands Secret Bunker, 23-25th March

The start of the season was marked by our Crank Up held at Scotland's Secret Bunker near St Andrews on the third weekend of March coinciding with the opening of the Bunker for the tourist season. Although a little earlier than usual for our first meeting of the year there was nevertheless a good turn out of vehicles.Included in the muster were two new additions in the shape of Davy Dick's recently purchased Land Rover 1 Tonne FC Ambulance and Colin Smith with his Armoured GMC C15TA, both arriving safely without any mechanical hitches. Accommodation was as usual provided for us in the dormitories deep below ground and a social evening was held in the restaurant on the Saturday night with some members not climbing into their bunks until well into the wee hours! Over the course of the weekend we were able to explore this vast subterranean complex together with its excellent displays and dioramas. Thanks must go to owner James Mitchell for his kind hospitality.To find out more about Scotland’s Secret Bunker, log on to www.secretbunker.co.uk.

FBVHC "Drive it Day", 22rd April

John Webster organised the South east area road run, taking them across various back roads and forestry track to the southeren end of Loch Doon and arriving for lunch at St Johns Town of Dalry. In the afternoon the vehicles headed off along the Raiders Road forest drive, so called as it follows the route of the old drovers road featured in S.R Crockets novel "The Raiders". Full report to follow in the Summer Despatch....

Meanwhile, Garry Morton organised the Central area road run and field trip to Sherriffmuir , visiting the remaining vestiges of a section of mock Atlantic Wall that had been used by the British 3rd Division for training for their assault on Sword Beach on D-Day. A section of "sea wall" along with anti tank ditches, trenches and various concrete bunkers are still evident with most bearing the scars of a multitude of ordinance from small arms to artillery. There is a large breach in one section of the wall, the force of the demolition charges can clearly be seen with large sections of concrete blasted twenty or so feet away. Some of the concrete bunkers bear a striking resemblance to those found in German strongpoint "Hillman" taken by 3 Div on D-Day. Full report to follow in the Summer edition of The Despatch....

Military Vehicle Weekend, Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, 5th/6th May

Back with a vengence this year after last years cancelled event, a good turn out of club members were able to view the museum for the first time since an extensive revamp over the winter months. Two new hangars have been built, one containing some new exhibitss including an impressive Sopwith Camel replica. The hangar was put to good use in the evening for an excellent bbq and buffet, well consumed and enjoyed by all. Sunday saw a few members heading up the coast road for a bit of off road fun at the Nortrak off road centre near Gourdon. After a dry spell, the terrain had turned from the usual slippery mud to being very dry and hard, ideal conditions for broken springs and half shafts. However, all returned with white knuckles and fixed grins from the excitement, and mercifully without any breakages !

Steam In The Park, Balado, 12th/13th May

A bitterly cold weekend, it was good to get up close to those steam engines for a heat!

Kinpurnie Weekend Camp 1st/2nd/3rd June.

Held in an extremly scenic area on the banks of Loch Long and overlooked by the Crags of Lundie, quite a few of the membership took part in a highly enjoyable and relaxing social weekend camp. A treasure hunt was held on the Saturday followed by an excellent bbq in the evening. A road run on the Sunday took us across a variety forestry tracks culminating in a visit to Kinpurnie Castle.