TECHNICALS - FIRST ENTRIES !

And the first entries for the Modelling Challenge 2023 ("Technicals") are IN ! Major-General Everard, County Commander of the Forces of HMG (aka Alan), has provided this carefully preserved and beautifully illustrated extract from the "Hereford Times" of 1938:

"At yesterday’s annual Open Day and Gala at the Wye Valley Reclamation depot in Rotherwas, Managing Director Frank Richardson unveiled the company’s new range of ‘Enhanced Utility Vehicles’ for the discerning enthusiast wishing to work or travel safely in Herefordshire in these troubled times.

Rebuilt from scrap vehicles and parts at the Rotherwas depot, these vehicles certainly pack a punch, belying their unobtrusive livery, and will no doubt find a variety of uses.

The Mule is a tracked towing vehicle capable of hauling a combine harvester or heavy artillery piece with equal facility, and with an LMG for self-defence against poachers:

"The Mule"

The Stinger carries a light anti-tank weapon for clearing any vehicle blocking farm gateways, while the Widowmaker has a quadruple-barrelled HMG for heavy pest control:

"The Stinger"

"The Widowmaker"

The Cloudburst has a medium mortar for delivering items to remote sites, and the Tempest mounts a mini rocket launcher for scaring off those unwanted flocks of pigeons:

"The Cloudburst"

"The Tempest"

Unsubstantiated rumours that these vehicles incorporated parts from vehicles missing after a recent outbreak of vehicle theft were dismissed by Mr. Richardson, nicknamed ‘Blowtorch’ by his friends, as malicious gossip spread by jealous rivals.

Recent inquiries into the thefts by Herefordshire Constabulary have failed to make any progress, after several patients recently discharged from the Burns Unit at the Hereford General Hospital declined to be interviewed, claiming their injuries had resulted from industrial accidents with acid-etching or acetylene welding equipment."

[Historical Footnote

In later years Frank Richardson’s sons, Charlie and Eddie, would find fame (and an extended holiday at Her Majesty’s pleasure) for excessively enthusiastic use of industrial equipment (including pliers and electricity generators) during interviews with recalcitrant debtors at their South London business premises.]

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Alan takes his applause for being the FIRST to complete the Modelling Challenge 2023, including providing photographs, a full backstory, and a complete text to boot ! I say ! Hurrah !