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Wally Byam Caravan films
Tim:
Wally would show these films anywhere there was an audience, including TV, at large rallies to lasso in recruits for upcoming caravans, and by dealers at special invitation showings. They were also mailed to various WBCCI units over the years and shown at local unit rallies and meetings to keep the spirt of adventure pumped up during the slower months. Wally was a master at getting publicity for his trailers, and these old 16 mm caravan films were just one type of arrow in his quiver.
All the tow vehicles on the Capetown to Cairo Caravan were 4 wheel drive trucks or carryalls, and most look to be 1/2 ton models with perhaps a few 3/4 tonners in the mix. I haven't seen any vehicle that looked to be a one ton 4X4. The world was slower then, both on and off the highway, so the straight six cylinder engines I imagine most trucks had were well up to the job of providing the necessary torque at low rpms. Straight sixes could also be repaired easier in remote areas than the then-new V-8 truck engines.
Seeing what those men, women and childern accomplished and where they travelled on caravans (i.e., all over Mexico in large 1950's cars) is amazing in today's overpowered yet faster world. I hope you enjoyed and were inspired by the DVD to get out and roam. Happy New Year!
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Fred Coldwell, WBCCI #1510, AIR #2675
Denver, Colorado - WBCCI Unit 24
Charter Associate Member FCU
Vintage Airstream Club Historian
Airstream Life "Old Aluminum Adventures"
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