Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[roverdriver]

I have just experimented with converting 8 mm movie to digital. The oldest film I have is of weed spraying work (Gorse) in New Zealand taken in 1964. The vehicles we used are Ford ex-army 4 x 4's known in Oz and NZ as 'Blitz Trucks'.

The trucks are fitted with 600 gallon tanks which are filled from the farmer's dam, the weed killer (2,4,5,T) is then added at a ratio of 300 to 1. The truck is then driven into position and up to 1,000 feet of high pressure hose run out down the hill side. A twin cylinder pump on the truck delivers the spray at 300 psi.

I hope you enjoy the movie, here is the link-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqZlO7ZvnGk
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Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.

[Rick]

Interesting to see the old CMP (Canadian Military Pattern) lorries in action, good stuff

Rick
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[Penman]

Hi
Fascinating use of safety gear (not), was that the drums of weed killer being used as tables for the tea break?

I wonder where/how Neville, Vic, Dane and Terry are now.

[roverdriver]

G'day Penman, Yes those were drums of 2,4,5,T being used as dining tables. Pre-eating hand washing was done in the dam, if close by, or alternatively in the tank on the back of the truck.

We were all told by reps from the chemical company that the stuff was completely harmless and only killed plants.

I don't know what happened to Terry (If your surname was Cotter, would you call your son 'Terry'?). I lost touch with Neville some years ago. Vic (my father) died at age 82. I am still around (Dane), I was 20 in 1964 and am unaware of any direct health problems resulting from the use of the hormone.

The film was made in dry weather. Imagine driving those vehicles in the wet over farm tracks, bare 8 feet wide, when chains on all wheels were a necessity and even then the truck slithered and slid. One error and vehicle, driver and all could disappear down the hill, with several hundred fee to fall. In the background of one of the shots of spraying, you can get an idea of how steep the country is. Hobnail boots were essential, otherwise your feet could not grip, but mountaineer's crampons might have helped too. It was lots of fun, and I never did put a truck over the side!!

Dane
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Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.