We’re OutwardBound

February 2014Issue 328

Monthly newsletter of the M itsubishi 4WD O wner ’s Club of Western Austra l ia I nc. 1985

Proudly sponsored by

Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club

of WesternAustralia Inc.

PO Box 655South Perth WA 6951

Meetings:1st Wed of each month except January

Manning Senior Citizens Centre3 Downey Drive

Manningwww.mitsubishi4wd.org.au

email: secretary@mitsubishi4wd.org.au

Publication issues:-editor@mitsubishi4wd.org.au

President:Peter Cole

Vice President:Peter Belcher

Secretary:John KingTreasurer:

Bridget McPherson

Editor:Martin ArcherEnvironment:

Stephen KalynuikWebMaster:

Michael GilbertTrip Coordinator:

Guy LehmannTraining Officer:

Richard KingMembership Officer:

David JonesInsurance/Propoerty:

Glen BignellWA 4WD Assoc.Delegate:

Keith ParkerSocial Chairperson:

Denise Belcher

CONTENTS

President’s Report

News behind the meeting

Cheyne’s Beach

Lancelin Day Trip

Coming Trips:-

Holland Track

Ledge to Guilderton

Events:

Sponsors Evening

LED Project Night

HENDIT lAMET VE

L.E.D. PROJECT NIGHTWEDNESDAY MARCH 12TH

MANNING CENTRE @ 7.30PM

Presentation of some of our members 12V L.E.D light projects

Vehicle awnings, under-bonnet lights, battery monitors, work & camping lights

Check out what is available, see how to D.I.Y , join in the group buys

Bring your own project and show everyone else

For those who have my level (very low) of understanding on how to use a multimeter we will have a short introductory demo. Bring your own device !

Open to Members and VisitorsNo limit on numbers

Event Co-ordinators: Rob Nankiville & Peter Cole

EDITOR’s NOTE - EMAIL OUT OF ACTIONThe club’s email and internet service has been plagued with problems over the past few months. The Editor’s email account has not been working since the beginning of December and continues to be out of action. If you have sent me information or photographs through the editor@mitsubsihi4wd.org.au ad-dress it will not have reached me.The best way to send me stuff for the magazine is by using the club’s drop box on the internet. I check the drop box prior to every newsletter issue in a desperate attempt to find something to publish. To ac-cess the club’s drop box go to:

https://www.dropbox.com/home/

President’s ReportFebruary 2014

It was good to see so many members and visitors attend the first members meeting for the year in February. Everyone appears to have survived the festive season without too many issues, although some of the boy’s spare tyres seem to be a bit over-inflated!!!! Check the (blood) pressure fellas.

The new year started off with our Trip Co-ordinator Guy Lehmann, giving the Management Committee a damn good shake-up regarding the workload of the role and the difficulties in arranging our annual calendar. This was followed up at the members meeting by a less vigorous but just as effective recounting of the Trip Co-ordinator’s problems relating to trying to put on an active calendar with a very small list of trip leaders, A significant change was achieved by the implementation of a new Trip Planning Committee. This new group, comprising of Murray Hudson, Brett Anderson and Rick Lazar is to start work very soon with Guy to firm up our proposed event list and share in the heavy (for one person) workload for the year. It has also resulted in a few more members coming forward to assist in the implementation of the trip calendar by serving as trip leaders. From time to time, this new group may also request assistance from more experienced trip planners and I expect the numbers to fluctuate from time to time as they all find a suitable way of managing and arranging the workload between them.

It is anticipated that this spreading of the workload will allow the Trip Co-ordinator to have more time to seek out suitable trip leaders and effectively match trips with trip leader experience and capability. Good luck to them all.

Another role that has had a very busy off-season has been that of the Training Officer. Richard King has set up a very active training programme for the club for 2014. We have had policies about training for a long time, and we have had a lot of training sessions put on over the last few years by Richard and Richard Nicholls, but this year we have been presented with a plan that will flow throughout the year and be followed up in the years to come. Although nominally aimed at the members who have joined us in the last twelve months, the opening level of training is actually open to all members. This Level 1 Training will be staged twice each year and will provide a starting point for all subsequent new members to become more aware of what our activity standards are and provide information about the many club systems and facilities that are available. Working through matters such as the list of required mandatory equipment for various grades of trips, benefits of uhf radios, checking out the club safety equipment, and also having a forum to seek further information on a regular basis will all be included. I have no doubt these sessions would be of use to longer serving members too, as our policies and procedures evolve it does pay to keep abreast of the changes and the training sessions will provide the Management Committee with some very useful feedback on what members think of our Policies and Procedures.

I will certainly be encouraging Richard and his team, to prepare a summary of the proposed training activity for presentation at a future members meeting. This should give everyone an insight into the extent of training that is being prepared for this year. Looking further ahead, one can see a definite path of improved driver training for all members, which can only enhance our safety standards and ultimately lead to greater satisfaction and enjoyment of club activities.

Putting both of these new approaches together will mean that in the longer term we will have a more efficient trip system which will include more accurate trip grading settings, coupled with actual driver grading levels to ensure higher levels of safety and perhaps we could include a system whereby our vehicles are also graded or rated to merge into the mix as well. This mix of greater awareness, driver training, and increased activity will ensure we have a very satisfactory year which will present a lot of opportunities for members to engage in something they can really enjoy.

Peter Cole

President

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SPONSOR EVENING

ARB CANNING VALE SHOWROOMS 36 Gauge Circuit, Canning Vale WA

WEDNESDAY APRIL 9TH @ 7.00PM

On-site demonstrations of ARB products

Including Diff Lockers, Compressors, Suspension Systems

Driving Lights, Light Bars

Free sausage sizzle

Members Only Max number 25

Register on the Club Trip Noticeboard at March & April meetings

Members Only

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NEWS BEHIND THE MEETING FEBRUARY 2014

Notes by Judith BrinkleyFirst Club meeting for the New Year...and the meeting where Presidents and Secretaries go lobbying for new blood, prior to the coming AGM in March, to help lead the club in fresh directions

for 2014. Our first order of the day was something our Insurance & Property Officer Glenn, had realised overlooked by the club in it’s duty of care for members at meetings... Emergency and Site Familiarisation of fire assembly points, available exits, fire extinguishers...and incidentally the toilets, drinking fountain, kitchen and other building features. So Glenn, as historical first Fire Warden , complete with Red Safety Helmet...where did he find that...completed the first general induction for

members and visitors to the building.

That Red Hat will be the first item on the agenda from now..no matter who is wearing it.

Peter , President, welcomed all to the meeting for 2014.

The Where are They Now segment: Harrison Hobos have left their Pearl Point free campsite on southern shores of Victoria, while all surrounding camp sites and caravan parks were fully booked for school holidays. Unfortunately they only had one week of lovely weather. They now know their Travel Lander Slideon, when freestanding, is able to withstand 120km winds. Nearby campers had their own weatherstation. Next stop Tasmania. Their map showed where their ferry passed the

returning ferry which happened to be carrying Webmaster Michael, on his way back from travelling Tasmania.

Michael’s update for the segment was a map of the Tasmania, with his routes defined in black. It was a criss cross of most of the roads in Tasmania. He didn’t bypass many. Just a shame his departure couldn’t have been a day later so the friends could meet.

Trip Reports: Lancelin: Peter Nicol as co trip leader for last December, told of an eventful outing. The trip notes on the web are by the Standens. A few lessons were learned on how to drive up and over a sand dune...and how not to drive up a sand dune. Rather precarious position for one visitor vehicle. Fortunately with experienced drivers to assist, the car was secured and righted and on its way.It was a 46deg day.. the heat...not the angle of the car!!!

Social lunchtime circle on the white sand was abandoned for the comfort of airconditioned vehicles. ,Peter learned too just how much sand can be caught in the rear step bar..enough to rip off bits. Radiator hoses burst on one vehicle..supplied/ repaired by another driver... Airing up and compressors caused issues and burst air pipes.. A quick prayer to the 4WD Gods and everyone was able to return home. The excessive heat of the day may have had a bit of influence in the performance of the equipment. The Club’s thanks to trip participants and our hats off to all who turned up as promised for the trip... despite the forecast conditions for the day.

Cheyne’s Beach trip members also had issues on their day jaunts. Martin must be a Piston Broke Award nominee...again!!

He did not “ walk the walk” and “talk the talk” of the experienced 4WDriver. But he provided entertainment !!!

He neglected to sound the depths of the water, “It looked just like the rest of the creek!” He sheepishly admitted. It resulted in a 2 hour drying out of a dismantled engine.

Glenn and Richard Kingston must yearn for these occasions where they can hone their bush car mechanic skills...Writing a book, gentlemen??

Back to Cheynes Beach Report... a beautiful area. Secluded beaches. Rocky swimming holes awash with small waves. Whale World in Albany.. a must see. The Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park...another.. and sampling bread baked in Glenn’s new bakery gadget...the Club’s new Mobile Pie Factory?

Secretary John Kings’s Report: He advised that the Committee meeting in January was very effective .. minutes on the website for members to read.• A review of Trip Leader guidelines.• AGM : Some members terms are ending though they are continuing in their roles. Others who have been putting their stamp to roles for many years are opting to step back to allow newer members access to make their contribution..

•Entertainment Books are again on sale... contact John King

• A decision was made that all new members are required to complete a Level 1 training component. This to support a trip leader’s awareness of the members’ experience in any trip being led.• Level 1 and 2 will be compulsory for all members. There will be no charge• Participants will be given a certificate of attendance after completion.•Basic Level 1 training be offered at least twice a year and that it be carried out in the club rooms on an advertised evening. The training can be presented by club members who have been around long enough to have good knowledge of the subject. •Basic Level 2 would be carried out by the club training officer or a member with similar experience.

News Behind the Meeting

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This would be a day exercise conducted at Byford or similar on an advertised date.•Level 3 training will be provided by an Accredited Training Provider and there will a charge for this training. Suggested that this charge be subsidised by the club to cover the balance of the cost. Proposed to have 2 of this level training each year.

•Level 4 training, also provided by an Accredited Training Provider with a cost to each participant plus a club subsidy. The frequency of training at this level will depend on demand but could be at least one per year.

Upcoming Trips: Tim’s Thicket Second Run - Feb 16th - Trip Leader Peter Cole

Powerline Day . Sunday Trip - 23 Feb -Trip Leader Peter Nicol

Dongara - 28 Feb to 3rd March -Trip Leader Guy Lehmann.

Ladies Day 16th March Cancelled due to pre-trippers being attacked by seed ticks.

Drummonds Cove - Geraldton Easter 17 to 21st April - Trip Leader Guy Lehmann

Holland Track - Easter 18 to 21st April - Trip Leader Bob & Bridget McPherson

Warriedar Station- 31st May to 2 June - Trip Leader Bruce Brinkley

Environment: Stephen advised he has still not been able to establish dates for MCBEG or MCLEG though trips to both will be on the calendar for this year.

The “Kaarakin seedlings” will be available for us to plan a planting day near the old Wungong Homestead site definitely this year.

Anticipated are 2 trips to MCBEG perhaps 3 .. and 2 trips to MCLEG. Dates to be confirmed.

Trip attendances: President Peter told of plans for “overflow trips” to accommodate those occasions when 30+ members indicate they want to attend a trip. It’s very difficult for all involved... those disappointed in missing out and those having to tell the ones who have missed out. Options are being discussed at Committee level.

Upcoming Events: Hands On Trip Leader Training - Sat 22nd Feb at Byford. Richard King See Club calendar for details

Dinner at Nicholson Bar and Grill - Sat 22nd Feb - Social Organizer Denise Belcher.

LED Night - March 12 Peter & Rob. Another Club bulk buy for those wanting to rig new lights on vehicles... or anywhere.

ARB Canningvale Club Members Only VIP night 9th April BBQ & Good prices. If members can indicate their interest in specific items beforehand would be helpful to ARB management.

Another successful raffle with Lyn & John Byworth organising the drawing.

Supper roster ably performed.

AGM: Notification of the Club’s AGM on Wed 5th March 2014 at 7.30. Come along.. no-one has ever been brow beaten into a position yet.. I don’t think!

Secretary’s request: Notices of Motions to Secretary & Committee Nominations - asap

AGM to be followed by regular March meeting.

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Trip Report, Lancelin trip 15/12/2013Kath, Jon and Jacob Standen

After making the trip up to Lancelin we met at 9.30 at the Bakery just in time for an explanation of Murrays newly introduced “money wheel” and then a timely reminder from Richard on the virtues of correct tyre pressures for the conditions.

We were to expect very soft sand apparently. After a well- co-ordinated radio check we all headed off to the air down point en route to the beach. 1/3rd of the height of the tyre was duly removed – along with one of our valve cores leaving us with some airing back up to do! I remain to be convinced by core re-moval tools...

Heading out and driving along the beach we were treated to spectacular views with calm blue ocean and the pristine sand. We had a brief pause for photos, but had to move on before everyone dived into the water. It took a lot of persuasion to wres-tle the youngest Standen off the beach, I think he thought

that we were due to settle in for a mornings paddling!

We climbed off the beach as conditions were too soft further North, and a couple of troublesome soft sandy dunes followed where disaster was narrowly avoid-ed. A tricky uphill climb with a turn at the top defeated Tony, thankfully recovery tracks and some shovelling were enough to get him mov-ing again. A short while later a steep soft dune proved the match for many, us included.

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After two failed attempts we were sent back to air down some more and think about momentum. Third time lucky and with passengers spectat-ing, we cleared the dune. On cresting we could see that Pe-ter Dabovich’s Pajero was well stuck and in a somewhat pre-carious situation. Thankfully the recovery skills of Richard

and Troy came to the fore along with strength in numbers for sand moving. Due the steep angle a snatch strap recovery wasn’t possible but by levelling the wheels with a lot of shovelling an anchor strap was attached to a second vehicle and used to straighten the Pajero so it could eventually reverse out of the situ-ation, huge sigh of relief all round!

We then stopped for lunch be-fore finding a steep dune de-scent and splitting into two groups for some dune explor-ing fun. Peter proved a capa-ble leader as he trail blazed around the dunes. The groups joined back up and carried on to the high point of the dunes and an impromptu display of Troy’s new FJ cruiser and it’s crawl function, capable of pull-

ing itself out from being bogge as well as reversing downhill at 1km/h.

We then found that Michael Tingey’s recently purchased Pajero had suffered a split in its radiator hose. As ever, the club came good and the situa-tion was saved by a spare hose carried by the Nicol’s, and Richards spanner wielding.

An eventful but fun day was had by all. The confidence gained was huge, as well as the knowl-edge imparted by all the mem-bers. Certainly a case of the team working well on more than one occasion! Many thanks to the trip leader

Michael and 2IC Paul, as well as everyone for the experience, knowledge and humour that made for a fantastic and successful day!

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HOLLAND TRACK Easter Weekend

Departing Hyden midday 18th April

Arriving Coolgardie morning 21st Apr

Limit of 10 Members Vehicles

Participants must be self sufficient with water, food and

fuel for 3 nights of camping. Plus mandatory equipment

as per club list.

Track is Level 3, but much will depend on recent rains.

Current condition will be checked near date of departure

Please let us know if you are intending to bring a trailer

For more information contact Bob McPherson

0407990898

Members Only

Members Only

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This is a beach run with the possibility of a few sand dunes along the way and possibly extending to the Willbinga area on the way home.

We’ll have lunch on the beach and a swim if weather OK.Meeting Place: Key Biscayne Park, Robertson Rd Ledge Point

Meeting Time: 9.00 for a 9.30 departureGrade: 2 to 3

Limit: 12 VehiclesEquipment: 2 Way Radio, Full recovery kit including snatch strap,

shovel, sand flag etc. Bring: Mornos, Lunch, Arvos, plenty of water, bathers, sunscreen, First

Aid Kit.Trip Leader: Rick Lazar

Register: rickjenny@amnet.net.au or 0408855725

LEDGE TO GUILDERTON Sunday 30th March

Visitors must register at club meeting

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Cheyne’s Beach, AlbanyCamping Trip January 11 to January 21, 2014Trip Leaders: Karen and Martin ArcherCo-Leaders: Jan and Roger FreegardAttended by: Peter and Denise Belcher, Richard and Helen Kingston, Troy and Kerryn Shortland, Lyn and John Byworth, Keith Parker, Glen Bignell, Bob and Bridget McPherson, George and Linda Bickerdike.

Cheyne’s Beach is located 66 kilometres by road north east of Albany, alongside the Waychinicup National Park.It’s not to be confused with the Cheynes Beach Whaling company located at Frenchman’s Bay in Albany.The Caravan Park overlooks Norman Beach, a bay which has over 10 kilometres of white sand. Waychinicup National Park is divided by Mount Manypeaks Nature Reserve. The larger section of the national park surrounds Cheyne Beach and extends out over a small peninsula, with Channel Point at the eastern end and Mermaid Point in the south-west;

Bald Island, a nature reserve, lies just offshore. The smaller section of the park, to the west, fronts the coast at Norman BeachCheyne’s Beach is popular with fishermen who use the protected corner of the bay to launch their boats.The caravan park is very well maintained with large camping and caravan sites. Our club reserved two of their group sites and a couple of individual caravan sites. The group sites have a minimum booking of four vehicles but more than adequately provide space. We had a resident Monitor lizard that strolled across the grassed camp site daily looking for food scraps.The ten days was spent relaxing, fishing and touring the local area. The first trip was an exploratory trip to see if we could get from Cheynes Beach to the Beaufort Inlet via the beach and bush tracks. However having pre-plotted the course on my OziExplorer software at home using the internet satellite images, I found that the saved maps and plots wouldn’t load onto my android tablet version. So it was a matter of heading in the general direction following the limited information on my android CALM maps.All was going well until we left the beach to head inland and came across a long water crossing of the Wongerup Creek. The water was no deeper than about a foot and the sandy base easily visible through the clear water. However, there are no excuses here because I should have got out of the vehicle and walked the crossing first. Despite that, I decided to continue driving along the water covered track for about 200 meters without any difficulty. The exit to the water crossing rose up an embankment and despite a darker patch of water near the exit I decided to go for it. With no audible objections from Karen, who is usually a lot more cautious than me, I continued to drive through. However, the bonnet of the car suddenly dropped under water and became a submarine. Fortunately it continued to drive through and found dry ground on the exit track.

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My thinking that I was out of trouble was short lived as the engine suddenly coughed and stalled. Meanwhile Karen was relaying our predicament to those following behind. Sensible as everyone else was, no one had followed us through at that stage.The car wouldn’t re-start, and knowing a little about the incompatibility of diesel engines and water, I decided not to persist in trying. Fortunately we had a wealth of mechanical knowledge in our convoy who were summoned to the front for advice. Mechanical Magician Richard Kingston and Electrician Elite Glen Bignell along with Troy “I’ve got something that will fix that” Shortland. Together we slowly

discussed and progressively dismantled the engine air intake system sucking and draining water from every crevice including the turbo and intercooler systems. Satisfied that we had removed as much water as possible given the available tools it was decided to give the motor a turn over, without the hoses attached, to see if the cylinders were not hydraulically jammed. All sounded good, so everything was re-attached, with the exception of the soggy air cleaner. We improvised air intake protection from dust and sand with the use of a “t’ Shirt stretched over the intake and secured with tie straps.

Almost 2 hours later the car was ready to start again. And to my huge relief it sparked back into action. Needless to say, the remainder of the trip was abandoned for another day so we headed back across the water crossing (using the shallower edge this time), out of the dunes and onto the beach. It may have been my imagination, but the engine sounded a lot better after been given a good wash. Upon return to camp the wet air cleaner was dried off overnight and assisted by the hand blow dryer in the men’s toilets.

On a subsequent day Roger and Jan lead a trip to the Porongorups and Stirling Ranges. This was a sight seeing exercise as opposed to an off-road trip. Luckily, my air cleaner had been re-installed to combat the dust from the gravel roads. We had a morning tea break at Moingup Springs campsite on Chester Pass Road. After mornos we continued into the Stirling Ranges along Stirling Range Drive visiting the various scenic lookouts, including a lunch stop. The return to Cheyne’s Beach included a stop in Mt Barker where we took advantage to stock up from a street side fruit stall. We then drove

back via the Porongurups.The week was taken care of by visits to Albany, relaxing on the beach, fishing and the occasional 4WDing through the Waychinicup National Park. It was on a trip lead by Glen that we located a lovely secluded bay on the western side of the national park. Access to the bay was by way of a narrow, sandy and some times rocky bush track which deviated its way through the national park.

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The beach access was a steep soft sandy entrance which, after deflating tyres, caused no problems. Although whilst on the beach, a strange clicking noise emanating from my front left wheel became another cause for concern. It was soon discovered to be a damage CV joint. Yet another maintenance issue to be added to the list.

On our day visit to Albany, after restocking food supplies, we all met for lunch at the Three Anchors Bar and Bistro at Middleton Beach. The food and restaurant setting was good although lack of trained staff and a very limited children’s menu placed it on my not recommended list. I’m not sure why you would have a restaurant at a popular children’s beach, right next to a playground, and not cater for children.

During the week Locky and I received early morning fishing lessons from Troy, and although Troy’s catch far exceeded ours, the camp was

kept fed during happy hours with plentiful crumbed herring courtesy of Troy’s kitchen.

We made a morning visit to the Waychinicup River Inlet Campground where the bay of the inlet is protected from the sea by a number of large granite boulders. As a result the oceans waves are reduced to frequent tidal surges in the inlet. This creates an enjoyable play area for kids and a safe swimming

area. The campground is limited to tents except for the DPAW Campground Host who has a caravan site. We spoke to the couple who were hosting and discovered that they belonged to our club for one year in the 90s. Apparently on their first club trip as members the trip leader got them totally lost and after a short period in the club decided it was not for them. Considering GPS navigation was not very advanced in the

90s, getting lost would have been one of the enjoyable aspects of club trips… but that’s my attitude, obviously not theirs’.

The day before departure some of us headed to Albany to visit a few tourist attractions such as the Albany Whale World at Frenchman’s Bay and the new Native Zoo and Botanical Gardens next door to it. It’s been over 35 years, when the whaling station was operational, since I last visited. Back then it was rough and smelling foul, now it’s a well organised, clean and very interesting tourist venue.

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artyThose that did not go to Albany re-visited the Porongurup National Park to take on the challenge of the new Granite Skywalk. This involved a 1.5 km walk up to Castle Rock to the impressive view from a steel walkway suspended from the side on the granite peak of Castle Rock. Something I must do next year.

Overall, an enjoyable 10 days was had by all. We look forward to revisiting the same trip next year at the same time. We will be booking 3 group sites of 4 vehicles per site, so we will have a couple of additional spots for other members. The dates will be Saturday January 10 to Tuesday January 20. Any members that wish to be included in the group sites need to cover the cost of 10 days regardless of your stay. Any other member that wishes to book a private site can organise their own dates with the caravan park. For more information please contact me as soon as possible because the positions will fill up fast.

Martin

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Cheyne Beach Trip Report

Cheyne’s Beach 2015

January 10 to January 20Members only

MAX 12

10 days of relaxing and exploring.

Easy beach driving, or challenging dunes and bush tracks. Your choice to do as you please.

Albany just a 45 min drive

Excellent caravan park facillities, drinking water on tap, powered sites, vehicle wash down and tyre inflating.

Be quick to reserve your spot in our group booking.$46 per couple per night, + $10 per additional person >2yrs.

Contact Martin : mkms@tpg.com.au.9495 2782

$100 deposit required to confirm.

Members Only

OFFROAD CARAVAN FOR SALE

2001 Coromal Seka 535 Pioneer XC

Tandem 16” wheels - independant suspension

Cooper Discovery A/T tyres

Double water tanks with 12v water pump

Solar panel with dual batteries

Lockable generator box

2 x Jerry Can holders

Full size single beds

LED ceiling and external lights

Reverse Cycle Air Con

Microwave

Awning

TV antenae

$26,500

Martin or Karenmkms@tpg.com.au. 949 52782