Biglorryblog's French correspondent Mike Blenkinsop (of Mike and Julie Blenkinsop fame) has been in touch to say: "Hi everyone, When I saw those pictures of Vic's beautiful International 'B' train in 'Rings' country on BLB August 12th, I thought I'd do a short post to show him an ancestor!" That's Vic's truck obviously...not Vic himself.....but I digress. Mike continues: "We may have to do a paternity oil test to establish a genetic line, but this International from the 'Great War' days was on its way to restoration at the' Les Vieilles Mecanique' weekend event on June 9/10 at Souvigné in the Charente department of France. It is a G series number 6126 and is good for 4000 lbs, but no more (so says the brass plate in the cab!) Things have changed 'just a bit' in 90 years, Vic. "
Mike says: "Just for Brian, there was an ex-sapeurs pompiers S404 'Mog there too, keeping all the steam engines supplied with water. You must be able to swing one of these with Mrs BLB, very useful for watering the pots! Mike and Julie B." Hmmmmwhat a wonderful old Moggie and don't you think 'Sapeurs and Pompiers' is so much more impressive than just 'firemen'?
BLB will probably make more comments about the Kiwis turning this into a chat show, but I must say "Merci Beaucoup" for that International photo, Mike. They have changed a bit since then, but I know some drivers of European blancmanges think that Internationals like mine must have been designed about 90 years ago!