Another Kiwi in the ranks

[41south]

Hi all, allow me to introduce myself;

My name is Colin Larsen and I live in New Zealand's capitol city, Wellington - also known as Windy Wellington which is probably self explanatory.

For a 'day job' I'm a rescue helicopter crewman with (of all things) a 20 odd year career in I.T. behind me (I've also been a volunteer firefighter and am trained as a paramedic).

I've renovated houses and done lots of furniture building, which can of course be a little rough and ready as the upholstery covers the odd gaff, but this will be my first foray into anything of this nature. I'm just fine working with wood - the metal will be a different kettle of fish indeed.

I'm about to embark on a TD build which will largely, and unashamedly be based on the most fantastic Atma Travelear of Dave's. I'm on about my 5th reading of his wonderful build log and keep finding new hints and tips every time I read it. I've also read just about every other build log I can and have taken a lot of bits and pieces from all over to include in my design.

One of my challenges down here will be finding suitable materials, but luckily NZ has a fine motorhome building industry so most things should be available. I'm also in contact via email with a fellow NZ builder who is in these forums as "Sheddie", who has been a wealth of information for local suppliers and building tips.

My plan is to get the trailer frame underway before Christmas and then probably get stuck into the main TD building early 2014, with a project completion date of ...... well, some time before next Xmas, but I hope a lot sooner.

Righto, that's me for now, I'll get a build log going when things start moving - until then I'm off to buy clamps .... lots of clamps!

[Roo Dog]

Welcome aboard Colin,
We discovered this Forum after we finished our TD, it would have been useful if the reverse had occurred.
Enjoy your build, good fun.
Take it easy.
RD

[pchast]

Welcome.


I've found I never have enough clamps...

[michaelrsydney]

While you are picking up the clamps get a few extra ! Also useful are ratchet tie downs for pulling down the roofing material and other jobs. I also gathered lots of scrap timber from packing crates etc for use as props, braces, etc.

Have fun with the project and don't be afraid of the metal work. Learning new skills is half the fun!

[41south]

Thanks folks,

Good idea re the scrap wood, we have a company next to our flight base that are always putting out old wooden pallets so I'll grab a few of those

I've found a few sash clamps for sale on our local version of ebay already for the bigger jobs.

Ratchet tie downs - present and correct.

Cheers
Colin

[Vedette]

Welcome to the Forum Colin.
We have never been to New Zealand, but had planned to make the trip this November.
But as it turns out we will not be able to come until the New Year.
Pan to travel both North & South Islands.
We have friends in Christ Church that we hope to spend time with.
My forte is metal work.... try to avoid woodworking as much as possible.
Would have loved to have helped you out with your chassis build.
But who knows? Let's keep in touch.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi