Newsletters

RAID AUSTRALIA # 4 NEWSLETTER NO. 1 JANUARY 1999.
Journey from the Centre to the Top
Raid Australia 2000 is for 2CV and A series Citroëns.

As in previous Raids in Australia this Raid is for 2CV and A series Citroëns. The Raid will be led by a 2CV and each
of the groups of Raiders will be led by a 2CV. Other Citroëns are welcome as support vehicles. These Citroën support cars and their crews do such things as first aid, filming and mechanical support. They also carry stuff that would over-
load the A series cars. Let us know in which way you can help make this Raid a success and what type of Citroën
you will be driving.
The Raid convoy will be divided into groups with about five or six cars in each group. Each group will be led by a 2CV driven by an experienced Oz-Raider with a larger Citroën as back-up. Each group will have a mix of overseas Raiders and Oz-Raiders from different States. Our experience is that this works very well as strangers soon become friends
and friends from other groups get together each evening and are introduced to more Raiders. The Raid is a basis for International friendship. The 2CVs are the medium which melds the groups with shared memories of an adventure of
a lifetime.
This Raid will have a 4WD vehicle as a tail end Charlie, which will carry welding gear and heavy tools as well as some spare parts. The first aid car will carry a flying doctor radio. All Raid cars must have a CB-radio. Your car is to be cor-
rectly prepared as advised in the Citroën Book ICI commence la adventure. We recommend that you talk to an experi-
enced Oz-Raider and we advise you that an overloaded car will break down. The maximum total weight of a 2CV with passengers, fuel, 20 litres extra fuel, 20 litres of water, two spare wheels, your camping gear and everything else you carry must be less than 930 kg. Cut the handle of your tooth-brush in half and leave your back seats home to reduce weight. A 2CV can only carry two people and their gear and be less than 930 kg. The Raid up front cost is $500 per car, which covers organisational costs such as magazines, postage, first aid supplies, flying doctor radio, 4WD ex-
penses and campground fees.

RAID AUSTRALIA # 4
RAID CAPE YORK
12th August 9th September 2000.

This Raid is to start from Alice Springs, go north, then take a route up the Sandover Highway with bushcamps along the way and with time to grease the king pins. We will visit the township of Urandangi which was the town featured in the film Crocodile Dundee. Next we go to Mount Isa a large inland town based on mining industry. Here we can stop relax and make any needed repairs and adjustments and grease the king pins. Along some very rough tracks we can get to Lawn Hill an oasis surrounded by dust , dirt, rocks and dry country. Here we can swim, hike, relax, canoe and grease the king pins. We then go via Karumba dipping our toes in the Gulf of Carpentaria while looking out for croco-
diles and grease the king pins. East through outback Queensland dodging the kangaroos and visiting hot springs an ancient lava caves while stopping for a bushcamp and to grease the king pins. We reach the East Coast at Mossman which has a wet tropical climate, but we are here in the dry season. Now we grease the king pins again ready for a ten day expedition to Cape York and back. We cross many rivers and creeks (wot no bridges) but yes there are croco-
diles. To cross one or two of the rivers will mean a concerted group effort with long ropes and the assistance of a 4WD. There will be a limit to the number of cars allowed in the group to Cape York (probably 40 or 50). An alternative route will take the remainder of the Raiders along the coast and into the Tablelands visiting a number of National Parks be-
fore we meet together at Daintree on the tropical coast for a luxury end to the Raid. Here we camp within metres of
the beach under swaying palm trees on green lawns with all facilities available. Here we can again grease the king
pins before saying a final and bon voyage.

RAID CAPE LEEUWIN TO CAPE YORK
For those who would like to start from Perth, W.A. we have arranged to leave Perth on the 5th August and have a week long Raid to Alice Springs via Cape Leeuwin. This way we Raid from the most south westerly point to the most easterly point of Australia. This way we travel from coast to coast from temperate rain forest to tropical rain forest with extensive desert areas in the middle. We promise you a trip of a lifetime.

CHEERS BASTARDS
Cheers Bastards has evolved as the traditional greeting of Oz-Raiders since Raid Oz 1996. This toast is offered when-
ever Oz-Raiders gather and was heard at the world 2CV meeting in Holland in 1997 and at the ICCCR in Belgium in 1998. Batman alias Greg Bracegirdle is one of the best Australian practitioners and Michael Mohr from Germany is
the undoubted master.
Cheers Bastards see you on Raid OZ 2000.

Topics in this Newsletter:
Frontpage	Raid Logo
Page 2	Editors notes Hi! To all you Raiders. Time is getting short and your cars should be being prepared for a rather hard raid. After Bruce Elsegood's Raid survey trip he said "This is by far the most challenging raid yet." Steve Wedell's web page goes on to say ------The main problems were tyres, shock-absorbers and insufficient under car protection. Cars that have not been fully prepared should not attempt the grueling 2nd stage of the Raid to Cape York. Unprepared cars will have maior problems. Your car is your responsibility. (we don't want to abandon a 2cv in the outback) Amongst other things you will have to be able to change a wheel, repair punctures and refit lyres. Also due to river crossings (the Wenlock river was a metre deep) each car driver must be able to remove the fan, dry out the points and reset the timing. Tow hooks front and rear are a must and they should also be painted bright yellow so we can locate them quickly under water. Remember there are crocodiles out there. I include in this magazine an article on setting up your CB radio. Remember that a CB is an essential communication and safety tool and must be fitted to all Raid vehicles, David Gries offers advice for those overseas Raiders on how to import and sell a 2cv. A pamphlet on Carnet procedures has been sent to all who have registered for the Raid. The ACE club have also surveyed the Perth end of the Cape to Cape Raid and I print this information as well. Keep on Raiding, Ralph Hibb!e October 1999
Page 3	Raiders registered...
Page 4-5	David Gries guide
Page 6-7	SEE TO YOUR WHIPS!! Having recently participated in the Perth end of the Raid 2000 Survey, I see a need for ensuring participants CB radio systems are as efficient as possible. For the Raid, AM CB radios will be used for short-range vehicle to vehicle communications as they are relatively cheap compared with their more complex – AN/SSB CB cousins. Unfortunately, the transmission range of AM CB radios can be as little as a couple of kilometres in hilly terrain. AM CB Channels: ·Channel 8 is the travelling road channel (talk to the truckies, 104). ·Channel 9 is the AM emergency channel. ·Channel 11 is the AM calling channel. ·Your Raid leader will nominate a particular channel for Raiders. ·The Raid leader, medics and "tailend charlie" will carry long range radios of various types. ·The convoy, will have at least two radios with flying doctor frequencies and a satellite telephone will also be carried. (Steve Wedell note - committee has not yet determened its communications requirements) CB aerial types: A big range is available from little rubber duckies to 4WD monsters so the choice can be rather bewildering. The longer aerials, say 1.5m long, are good-Unless the aerial is described as a ½ wavelength or a 5/8 wavelength long, you can assume it's been manufactured to a standard ¼ wavelength. A ¼ wave configuration requires the vehicle's metal bodywork- to supply the missing' ¼ wavelength as a ground plane, so it's important that continuous electrical conductivity, between all panels is achieved. Power Installation: Run leads from the positive and negative (see next point) posts of battery, 5mm @ 20 amp would be safe to avoid voltage drop under load, with in-line 3 amp fuses. Drill a separate hole through the firewall and remember a rubber grommet. Some recommend protecting the negative lead as well as the positive lead. If you have to use jumper-leads at any time, remember the radio is connected directly, so disconnect the radio power lead beforehand. Think about dust-proofing the set and microphone mounting. Aerial Positioning: A Raid vehicle could need to pass under low obstacles, so a low rear bumper mounting with its inferior performance but the aerial stays intact, would be preferable. In order of preference: 1. Centre of the roof for normal metal roofs. 2. Gutter mount. 3. For 2CV's - Bumper mounting, Rear if possible. Whichever mounting point is used, its mounting MUST have a low resistance electrical connection through to the battery earth post. Paint, rust etc must be scraped off underneath the position where the base-mount is to be situated and to prevent corrosion, use silicone grease on mating surfaces. To eliminate cold joints (trouble!)* when soldering outdoors, a 100 watt electrical soldering iron is recommended. Get good quality communication 50 ohm coax cable. Waterproofing The first task is to waterproof the feedpoint where, the cable is joined to the mount baseplate. Use non silicone waterproof sealant or potting compound. The aim is to prevent water ingression and subsequent corrosion in the coaxial cable. After a couple or hours or so, when the sealant is still tacky, wind electrical insulating tape around the mount for further protection. Checking the installation: In an open area, at least 6 metres away from buildings and and trees with car doors closed, the system should be checked so that it performs satisfactorily using a dummy.load, a multimeter and a SWR meter. Enlist the help of someone knowledgeable if unsure. Continuous operation of a CB radio transmitter into an aerial with a high SWR, (over 3: 1), apart from the fact that the power output will be severely limited, will, in extreme cases, cause damage to the radio. A longer technical article is available. SAE please to PO Box 46 Guildford WA 6935. Best of luck and good 'Raiding. Larry Rice, 'ducking' radio-amateur Sept 1999. Gus Robinson recommendations
Page 8-9	Map of Australia
Page 10-11	RAID CAPE TO CAPE 2000 The West Australian Raiders and The Association of Cftro6n Enthusiasts (ACE) are planning to depart Perth on 5th August 2000. We will travel to the Raid Australia #4 start at Alice Springs and to make this the ultimate trip we are going to go via Cape Leeuwin. Including Raid Australia #4 we will travel this island continent from the most southwesterly cape to the most northeasterly cape. The Itinerary is shown over page in this mag. This Raid Cape to Cape will take us to the point at which the Indian Ocean and the Great Southern Ocean meet at Cape Leeuwin. You could dip your feet into each ocean before travelling inland through magnificent eucalyptus forests to spend the first night at the small town of Bridgetown. Here we camp at the Bridgetown Caravan Park where on site vans are available. We are next to a river in a valley and at that time of the year it can be quite cold and possibly rainy. Sunday morning we head out through the wheat and sheep areas Past the biggest Ram you are likely to see anywhere to stay overnight at the famous Wave Rock. An early morning walk to and on top of the rock is a great way to start the day. Take your cameras. Monday morning we head east out beyond the farmlands and into the bush on dirt tracks. We will have lunch beside a lake a few Kms north of the Tee junction where we turn north toward Coolgardie. An hour or so to explore Coolgardie, fuel up, check your water and supplies then we go out through the ghost towns to stay at the Ora Banda Hotel. This is the only building in town. It is a true goldfields pub and I promise you a night to remember. Another early start. By now you will be used to getting up with the sunlight. Today is our longest drive with more than half of it on dirt roads. First we go to Siberia, all that remains of this town is a tee junction and a few concrete slabs and lots of old mines. Do not fall down a mineshaft, we are so far from civilization that the holes are unmarked, unprotected and likely to cave in. We then take a track east to Cane Grass, another ghost town. On the black top, good roads for a while, we head toward (Ayers Rock) now called Uluru. We travel through the last of the mining towns and into the outback stopping overnight at Tjukayiria a fairly new roadhouse and Caravan park on aboriginal lands. Wednesday again we get up with the birds drive further into the outback toward Albert Namatjirra country. Here you will see the red earth the white barked gum trees and the never ending horizons of Central Australia. This outback was recently declared as one of the ten natural wonders of the world. We will have a bush camp alongside the Docker River near Lasseter’s Cave. Thursday morning is a short haul into Uluru where we will stay at Yulara campgrounds. You will have most of the day to sight see. I promise you though that nothing beats the sight of Kata Tiuka (the Olgas) as you approach after crossing more than a thousand kms of desert. For those who have already explored this area David Gries is planning to lead a convoy direct to Alice Springs to arrive on the Thursday. After washing off the desert dust at this civilized first class tourist resort, I suggest a drink at the Burke and Wills tavern. As always, another early start and we travel along a really good highway to Alice Springs where you will meet all the other Raiders camped here at the Heavitree Gap Caravan Park. This night Friday 11th August we will have our big pre Raid Australia #4 Barbecue and welcome party. Saturday 12th August Raid Australia #4 begins and we head to Cape York.
Page 14	Raid survey extract
Page 7	Raid registration form