I saw and chatted with Harry and Carolyn (Qld), the 6x6 campers who had great setups and fittings (Vic), Warren (new enthusiast) with an immaculate GS Perentie and No 5 trailer next to Troy and Jan, Hugh (130), Adam (Canberra Perentie restoration), Boxy (had some auction lot gear for sale and an interesting work video on his phone), Peter L (Lightweight from back in the R&R days in 2001).
Hugh J. (REMLR 451) is a veteran, ex-RAN, and has a Series 2A FFT. Also just purchased a 130. Anyway, I met Hugh at the 2016 Expo and he mentioned he was doing work at a island with a nicely equipped garden or something. Fast forward 12 months and Hugh has produced
steel REMLR tac plate stencils for the use of members on a loan out basis. I think that item needs a separate thread.
I also met and chatted with someone I hadn't met before, Richard. Turned out we had a few things in common and he is Adam's dad and he lives in Holsworthy. I looked all over his Perentie, which is sprayed plain OD. (see photos attached) I think this was my favorite Perentie of the 2017 Expo. Richard's Perentie had many features utilizing a lot of common sense and KISS experience. Eg, a Maglite torch bracket made from poly conduit. Lockable lift up sides under the canopy using cutdown security doors. Full width sleeping platform with drawers under, water tank underneath and up the front, all selfmade. It had good talking points all over but I can't recall them all.
edit:
Also I remember chatting with a couple of 6x6 members from up Gloucester way. Terrific chat. Worked at
Drifta campers. Wish I had a better memory and wish I had enough time to sort out my proper camera and not just used the phone.
In the trade displays.. well I looked over the Rangie and Disco 5. No room for a Sherlock barrow in the back. Didn't even see a towbar. Probably have subframes under.
I looked over
Opposite Lock and
All4x4 spares down from Newie. I spent money at
4wdindustries.com.au also from Maitland and saved some freight costs. I also purchased a show special priced solar panel from
pocketpoweraustralia.com.auAll up I spent $1140, so I did my bit for the Expo. Thats not counting a previously paid order from
KLR, total $900. Except that KLR were not there this year so I missed out on stuff I was to collect.
The
ALU cab and
Mulgo campers and it was all very nice gear. Some export potential for sure. ARB has done it, costs a truckload of money and staff to do it however.
Also I chatted with Ben at
APToffroad.com.au (down from Qld). Ben had a Haulmark single axle fitted with a rack for his roof top
Maggiolina. An interesting idea there how used the original hoop sockets.
Anyway, thats about everything.