Good intro geoff, You’ve got a better memory than me although I used that route regularly via Ibsala, how long will it be before we get to the embarrassing bit then? some old mates told me that it was considered an occupational hazard !! - I would imagine that you are creating quite fan club at the moment - Fred 
Well at last it looks like Mr Crow & his ‘Convoy Buddy’ are going to give us a tale of epic proportions 
It’s sounding good so far, you have just brightened up what has been a really crappy week 
, thank you Mr Crow & Tony
Regards
Dave Penn;
Ha ha Crow You’ve got Yourself a new career as an Author 
Listen you lot we don t want any cases of premature ■■■■■■■■■■■ so keep it in check, when the sun gets a bit warmer later today I ll sit outside and carry on. Crow.
Furthering Anzac British Relations part the next. The following morning as if by magic the skies have cleared and its a beautiful day. During our evening dinner we ve discussed where we re going to stay the next night and we decide on Asprovalta, Kavala had gone to the dogs ,the old man having retired and his poxy anti truck son had taken over. Off we go george first then Tony and me last as usual. They re both out of sight but no matter I know where I m going and I ve got a comprehensive tool kit. Some time before Gevgelia I spot a water trail on the road and thought someones got a water leak. Sure enough round the next bend Tony s on the side, I stopped no sign of George and no CBs. Turns out it s the water feed to the oil cooler it s ruptured said I ve had enough now sort that out. Well despite carrying a fair range of spares oil cooler rubber hoses is not one of them. We re in the middle of nowhere and thank Christ the low level coolant red light had come on. It was essential that you kept these working otherwise over heated seized engine resulted.It took us over 2 hours to to fix this. The solution being a length of hose off my belly tank feed. The diameter was smaller than the oil cooler connections but after much cajoling,pushing swearing and washing up liquid Eureka. Next problem not enough water, the cooling system on those 12 litre motors held nigh on 10 gallons, we had about 3 between us. We coaxed UNF slowly forward until we came across a farm and the day was saved.Up to Bogorodica/ Evzoni no sign of George ■■■■■■■■ he s not waited. Eff him into Polykastro Texaco,diesel, shower, trough. Those of you who know the route up to the Thessalonika turn off skirt the town and then off in the direction of Turkey. Asprovalta is about an hour. Pull in there no sign of george, we re staying here we ll catch him somewhere. Sure enough the following we see him parked at the BP as you leave Kavala. I pull in behind him and Tony goes to the other side of the road. Now what , the front near side wheel bearing is grumbling he says. We jack it up wheel off knock the threaded cap off and examine , sure enough the outer bearing about as big as a biscuit is bolloxed bearing and track. Have you got one I said I don t know he replied if I have nt there ll be someone round here thet has don t forget the Greeks run a lot of 88s and 89s same front axle. I leave him to it, it s only a one man job, knock the old track out use it to knock the new one in. I slip across to the boozer and give George and his co driver Dennis a Bollocking, every excuse under the sun none of them plausible. Wait for it Fred. Suddenly as if the stage curtain had lifted, these two visions of loveliness floated in from the back room. It was almost as if the sun had been eclipsed by the superb twin moons of the leader. Not knowing their Nationality and fighting for breath I croaked in English you re going the wrong way girls, Bingo they answer in our God given tongue, what do you mean, where are you going. We re going to istanbul I managed to say. We ve just come from there and then proceeded to tell us about Visa problems. The Adrenaline has kicked in now and I told them what we were doing and that our route home was via Italy, France and that truly not many trucks went that way. Does that mean we can come with you Two Moons breathed. It certainly does I said. We introduced ourselves discover she is Aussie and her mate with the sylph like figure is a Kiwi. Now despite what Tony says I did nt have a 2 headed coin and it was no doubt due to my animal. magnetic personality not to mention charisma that Nicky the Kiwi made a beeline for me Tony turns up moments later, hands covered in grease and is informed of the turn of events. His eyes standing out like organ stops were rivetted on Kims upper body and did nt offer any complaints. She s your co driver Tony her name s Kim, alright. I know it s long winded boys but we have to set the scene, TBC much later Crow.
Hey Geoff , I think that I will be a marked man for starting this, you are certainly a master of suspense, it’s like waiting for paint to dry, will
we ever get to the end of this ? I think that we have more chance of getting s~~t from a rocking horse, ha ha Fred
Sorry about that Fred, but remember writing is not my forte, we ll fast forward the next part and it will be over before you know it. Crow.
Geoff, this aye arf a bostin read,…hope the sun shines on your keyboard tommorow, w`im all in suspense! (never had anything like this happen to me…only the breakdowns)!! But I never drove as far as you!
Seeking solace in the Bollinger…yes its raining! (save spuds…they are more valuable than gold)!!
Ah, memories of Turkish tractor dealers, tricky lot of folks!!.. a thousand ways to change the identity of a Massey, or even a Ford!! Cheerio for now.
Saviem:
Geoff, this aye arf a bostin read,…hope the sun shines on your keyboard tommorow, w`im all in suspense! (never had anything like this happen to me…only the breakdowns)!! But I never drove as far as you!Seeking solace in the Bollinger…yes its raining! (save spuds…they are more valuable than gold)!!
Ah, memories of Turkish tractor dealers, tricky lot of folks!!.. a thousand ways to change the identity of a Massey, or even a Ford!! Cheerio for now.
Now “Saviem”,you mention Turkish tractor dealers !! another nightmare I experienced in the early 70’s when initially we hauled regular loads of secondhand “Massey” tractors from our area to London docks,the haulage was always paid promptly,in Deutchmarks !!Unfortunately,the authorities finally came down like a ton of bricks on the er! currency irregularities of how these two fine Turkish gents in the brand new Merc cars (always)got their D/Marks into the UK,so,when the balloon “went up” we had a couple of loads due to go down on night trunk,and I was owed about 2 grand for previous loads.Before I let these last two loads go this night ( the dealer had been fully paid for the tractors) I rang the London number I had and was told the two guys I dealt with were,in fact,in custody !! But do not worry,if you get your driver to call at so and so address in Highbury during the night (2 a.m.) he will recieve full payment,including the last two loads !! Needless to say,I got a call at 2:30 A.M. from a very nervous night man who had nearly two and half grand in a carrier bag which he’d collected from a Turkish gambling den !! I have nothing wrong to say about the Turks I dealt with,quite the opposite,they always paid and it was nowt to do with me that their funds were “laundered” through their relatives in W.Germany !! Oh! and when they called at our office periodically,they always brought the girl in the office some “Turkish Delight”,but this was the real “gear”,I think they had their eye on her for the “harem” back in Turkey !! Happy days! (well they are now,but a bit hairy back then !!) Dennis.
Now “Saviem”,you mention Turkish tractor dealers !! another nightmare I experienced in the early 70’s when initially we hauled regular loads of secondhand “Massey” tractors from our area to London docks,the haulage was always paid promptly,in Deutchmarks !!Unfortunately,the authorities finally came down like a ton of bricks on the er! currency irregularities of how these two fine Turkish gents in the brand new Merc cars (always)got their D/Marks into the UK,so,when the balloon “went up” we had a couple of loads due to go down on night trunk,and I was owed about 2 grand for previous loads.Before I let these last two loads go this night ( the dealer had been fully paid for the tractors) I rang the London number I had and was told the two guys I dealt with were,in fact,in custody !! But do not worry,if you get your driver to call at so and so address in Highbury during the night (2 a.m.) he will recieve full payment,including the last two loads !! Needless to say,I got a call at 2:30 A.M. from a very nervous night man who had nearly two and half grand in a carrier bag which he’d collected from a Turkish gambling den !! I have nothing wrong to say about the Turks I dealt with,quite the opposite,they always paid and it was nowt to do with me that their funds were “laundered” through their relatives in W.Germany !! Oh! and when they called at our office periodically,they always brought the girl in the office some “Turkish Delight”,but this was the real “gear”,I think they had their eye on her for the “harem” back in Turkey !! Happy days! (well they are now,but a bit hairy back then !!) Dennis.
[/quote]
Saviem:
Now “Saviem”,you mention Turkish tractor dealers !! another nightmare I experienced in the early 70’s when initially we hauled regular loads of secondhand “Massey” tractors from our area to London docks,the haulage was always paid promptly,in Deutchmarks !!Unfortunately,the authorities finally came down like a ton of bricks on the er! currency irregularities of how these two fine Turkish gents in the brand new Merc cars (always)got their D/Marks into the UK,so,when the balloon “went up” we had a couple of loads due to go down on night trunk,and I was owed about 2 grand for previous loads.Before I let these last two loads go this night ( the dealer had been fully paid for the tractors) I rang the London number I had and was told the two guys I dealt with were,in fact,in custody !! But do not worry,if you get your driver to call at so and so address in Highbury during the night (2 a.m.) he will recieve full payment,including the last two loads !! Needless to say,I got a call at 2:30 A.M. from a very nervous night man who had nearly two and half grand in a carrier bag which he’d collected from a Turkish gambling den !! I have nothing wrong to say about the Turks I dealt with,quite the opposite,they always paid and it was nowt to do with me that their funds were “laundered” through their relatives in W.Germany !! Oh! and when they called at our office periodically,they always brought the girl in the office some “Turkish Delight”,but this was the real “gear”,I think they had their eye on her for the “harem” back in Turkey !! Happy days! (well they are now,but a bit hairy back then !!) Dennis.
[/quote]
Doh!
Sorry Gentlemen, still making a ■■■■ of trying to drive this electronic device…anyway its Dennis`s fault, I was still laughing, trying to drink Bollinger, and type, (still I did not spill any Bollinger)!!
Dennis, like you, I cannot criticise Turkish businessmen, and over the years I have sent an awfull lot of stuff, their way, and never ever had an unpaid bill, (and I cannot say that of our colleagues on this sceptered isle!!And made and retained enduring friendships as a bonus along the way!
The memory that your post triggered was not of a Turk, but of a Moldovan. In the 90s Russia was opening up, and we had approaches from all sorts of individuals to sell them equipment, tractors, and trailers. Odd bits went, (was it the Invroteslaw, from Felixstow, Hull, Riga, that we used to ship on)? but because of my caution on payment, only odd bits.
Then one day I get a call from an individual, with the typical, “Uncle Vanya” accent, enquiring about some Gray and Adams Fridge trailers that we had taken off the fleet. I quoted prices ex our yard, not negotiable, and the call ended with him promising to send “his man” to view. I thought little of it, and dismissed the enquiry.
0600 the following morning my security man rang to say that there was a “foreign chap”, in a ■■■■■■■■■ Merc, waiting for me by his hut!!!Of course I did not rush up, but when I arrived there was a black German reg Mercedes , with the biggest man I have ever seen, slumped behind the steering wheel. When he uncoiled himself, (and believe me he was nearly 7ft tall), in heavily accented English, he explained that he had come to purchase my Gray and Adams Fridges!!
So of course I walked him around them, pointing out the features, and starting up the motors. We then adjourned to the office, and the girls gave him coffee, and cake. All that he wished to ensure was that what he had seen today, would be what arrived on delivery! The price was confirmed, as was the detail, “it does not leave the yard untill we are paid”.
On this, he stood up, (reach for the sky came to mind), opened his long black overcoat, and said…“do you wish Deutchmarks, or Pounds Sterling”!!..and paid, on the nail, including delivery to Felixstowe, for all ten, there and then!!
Over the next few years we did a lot of business, probably several hundred units, right up untill we withdrew from the industry, and I would source whatever he wanted, because I could trust his honesty. But payment, always prompt, was by more conventional means!! But I shall never forget that unbuttoned overcoat, and the hidden riches it contained!!
Happy memories, Cheerio for now.
Turks were always better at paying than their neighbors the slippery Greeks.
Me and the Crow never had any problems getting paid of the Turks,and they always paid COD in Istanbul in whatever currency you wanted.We were the transporter,George was the buyer and Seller,and as Saviem probably knows, for some reason the Turkish farmers preferred Massey Fergusons made in Coventry,they didn’t like the French ones made in Beauvais,and as we loaded mainly out if France at La Copechangnier near to Cholet, we spend a lot of time "converting"them into English ones.You can normaly drive 3 188s or 168s onto a 12 meter trailer,we used to strip them down,front axels out rear wheels off cabs off etc. and load 6 gunshot on the trailer and then load all the bits around them and build the tilt up as we were going along.Happy days.This concessionaire had it’s own bar and when they left to go home the boss would give us the keys and ask us to lock up when we finished for the night.
Here’s a bit of advice = If you ever go to Spain do not buy a pineapple as they will not allow you on the plane with it n 
freshir:
Here’s a bit of advice = If you ever go to Spain do not buy a pineapple as they will not allow you on the plane with it
OOOP’s Sorry for repetition[
Tony Taylor:
Me and the Crow never had any problems getting paid of the Turks,and they always paid COD in Istanbul in whatever currency you wanted.We were the transporter,George was the buyer and Seller,and as Saviem probably knows, for some reason the Turkish farmers preferred Massey Fergusons made in Coventry,they didn’t like the French ones made in Beauvais,and as we loaded mainly out if France at La Copechangnier near to Cholet, we spend a lot of time "converting"them into English ones.You can normaly drive 3 188s or 168s onto a 12 meter trailer,we used to strip them down,front axels out rear wheels off cabs off etc. and load 6 gunshot on the trailer and then load all the bits around them and build the tilt up as we were going along.Happy days.This concessionaire had it’s own bar and when they left to go home the boss would give us the keys and ask us to lock up when we finished for the night.
Then of course came the Ladas! One 12m Fridge would take 3 Lada saloons, (provided that you took the bumpers off)! The cars were loaded with “white goods”, fridges, washing machines etc, or anything else in the catergory, “consumer goods”. These I presumed were the “bunce”, for the agents relations back home, who had acquired the fridges from us.
One Christmas Eve, myself, and a couple of lads worked like hell, in freezing conditions to pack three Lamberet /Thermo Kings, with their Lada cargo. Then pedal to the metal, down to Felixstowe Dock. We got so good at removing Lada bumpers, (and getting the b…s to start and run), we all could have got jobs as mechanics, (allright…improvers), in any Lada Dealership!
Happy days, not to be repeated, Cheerio for now
While we’re on the subject of Massey Fergusons, Turkey and appalling management.
Some years back MF bean counters decided that they didn’t make money from building tractors only from selling them! So they closed the free world’s largest tractor plant, Banner Lane, and outsourced production of the smaller tractors, the 240’s etc. to Uzel in Turkey. A couple of years later old man Uzel died and the sons could not agree on continuing to manufacture, preferring to sell the plant which was on prime real estate, and retire on the proceeds. MF were then faced with no tractors in the 40 to 60 bhp range. It lost them a small fortune.
Banner Lane was a profitable operation but the sheer greed of the American accountants at Agco destroyed it. Well done Brave New World!
Jazzandy:
While we’re on the subject of Massey Fergusons, Turkey and appalling management.Some years back MF bean counters decided that they didn’t make money from building tractors only from selling them! So they closed the free world’s largest tractor plant, Banner Lane, and outsourced production of the smaller tractors, the 240’s etc. to Uzel in Turkey. A couple of years later old man Uzel died and the sons could not agree on continuing to manufacture, preferring to sell the plant which was on prime real estate, and retire on the proceeds. MF were then faced with no tractors in the 40 to 60 bhp range. It lost them a small fortune.
Banner Lane was a profitable operation but the sheer greed of the American accountants at Agco destroyed it. Well done Brave New World!
Hello jazzandy, and all, Banner Lane suffered from pretty poor International Management, but had a particularly bad Unioised working enviroment. Run as a totally closed shop, with a rod of iron , by the two main Unions. Potential production was constantly frustrated, and it was no wonder that the Americans ran when they had the chance!
Sadly, (as in so many other instances), the US management did not really forward think, and it cost them dearly. But it cost the UK, and Coventry in particular, far more.But the blame does not lie totally with the accountants.
Today I had business in Birmingham, and while trying to drive along our totally inadequate infrastructure, (the M6), was listening to some programme on a local radio station. They were broadcasting an old interview with “Red Robbo”, a luddite from that monolithic factory of idleness in Birmingham, that destroyed our Leyland lorries.
The sychophantic questioning of the interviewer, the stock “worker” replies, and the verbal agreement of the current presenter, led me to ponder…have we still not learned any lessons?? Of course we have not, not at all.(At least those persons who inhabit our Media have not),
Put me in a sad and reflective mood it did. Ah well, the rantings of an older man I expect. Cheerio for now.
IIRC the secondhand Massey/F’s that my Turkish friends bought from the two dealers in ■■■■■■■ had to be within certain parameters,age,tyre condition,“on the button” and generally in good working order,they never bought any crap.Apparently,every tractor was closely inspected by “the powers that be” when it was landed in Turkey and anything sub-standard was confiscated ! Well thats what the main man,Mehemet,told me about the trade !! Cheers Dennis.