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Mackhopp · 01-13-2009, 09:36 AM

I've found some old Time Life photos of a caravan in Russia in the 60s. I can post a few as I come across them.

Caption: American Trailer caravan touring city.
Location: Moscow, Russia
Date taken: August 1964

Mackhopp · 01-13-2009, 09:37 AM

Caption: Young pioneers look at trailer-truck owned by American tourist in caravan visiting the city.

Mackhopp · 01-13-2009, 09:38 AM

Caption: Trailer caravan of US tourists, touring the city and sightseeing.

Mackhopp · 01-13-2009, 09:39 AM

St. Basil's Cathedral, visited by American trailer tourists.

Mackhopp · 01-13-2009, 09:39 AM

St. Basil's Cathedral visited by trailer caravan of American tourists for sightseeing.

BIGED52 · 01-13-2009, 09:49 AM

Was that Wally's trailer with the International truck leading the way? Was this one of the last tours he paraded thru Europe. Where's PeeWee... we need more info. Thanks for the photo posts! Very interesting stuff! Happy Trails, Ed

silverleeper · 01-13-2009, 09:50 AM

Great photos. Thanks for your time.

PeeWee · 01-14-2009, 10:02 PM

In 1960 the African Caravan met the European Caravan. Many of the African Caravanners went through Europe that summer.

The picture taken in Moscow shows several trailers that went through Africa, Europe and then the Soviet Union.

I can ID Oscar Payne and Joe Bos. I'm not sure of the other trailer (s).

Airstream does it again, and African Caravanner's keep on truckin'.

From the Estate of Helen Byam Schwamborn

**azflycaster** · 01-15-2009, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGED52

Was that Wally's trailer with the International truck leading the way? Was this one of the last tours he paraded thru Europe. Where's PeeWee... we need more info. Thanks for the photo posts! Very interesting stuff! Happy Trails, Ed

Wally passed away in 1962. He was on this caravan in spirit only.

goransons · 01-15-2009, 07:17 AM

Very cool photos, thanks for sharing!

PeeWee · 01-15-2009, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azflycaster

Wally passed away in 1962. He was on this caravan in spirit only.

Wally had thought about an overland trip through Asia. I have an information set of a French Travel rally from Euope to India.

Wally acquired this and that, from here and there about travel.

When the ATW Caravan was planned Andy Charles became the tour leader.

The ATW Caravan was a very exciting and rough trip.

Airslide · 01-15-2009, 08:12 AM

Thankyou for the pictures and insight into the past. Keep this heritage alive!

53flyingcloud · 01-15-2009, 08:17 AM

PeeWee,
Small details but, just wondering..
How was the registration for all of these vehicles handled?
Did they use the same license plate from South Africa, all the way thru Russia, etc?
Were the VIN numbers of the Airstream trailers preserved in any way unofficial or official records~?(By Airstream maybe? since it was a company sponsored trip?)
While we are on the oversea subject...What ever became of those Airstream trailers used on the China Caravan lead by Wally?
Just a few questions that have never been answered in my mind..
If You have the answer..?

Mackhopp · 01-15-2009, 08:24 AM

The dates indicated on the captions then are incorrect. They are dated as being taken in 1964 - should have been 1960 then I guess.

You can also purchase a framed photo from Time-Life as well. Here's the link to the Russian caravan photos - just click on any one and the info to purchase a photo will be on the right-hand side of the page.

russia caravan source:life - Google Image Search

PeeWee · 01-15-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macfrodge

The dates indicated on the captions then are incorrect. They are dated as being taken in 1964 - should have been 1960 then I guess.

You can also purchase a framed photo from Time-Life as well. Here's the link to the Russian caravan photos - just click on any one and the info to purchase a photo will be on the right-hand side of the page.

russia caravan source:life - Google Image Search

The picture I entered was the tail end of the African Caravan group in the Soviet Union. That is 1960.

The Around the World Caravan (ATW) began their Caravan in 1963. By the time they entere the Soviet Union it was 1964. The 1964 year is correct for the pictures posted in the Time-Life grouping.

It just shows that Airstreams couldn't stay out of Russia.

Pee Wee

PeeWee · 01-15-2009, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 53flyingcloud

PeeWee,
Small details but, just wondering..
How was the registration for all of these vehicles handled?
Did they use the same license plate from South Africa, all the way thru Russia, etc?
Were the VIN numbers of the Airstream trailers preserved in any way unofficial or official records~?(By Airstream maybe? since it was a company sponsored trip?)
While we are on the oversea subject...What ever became of those Airstream trailers used on the China Caravan lead by Wally?
Just a few questions that have never been answered in my mind..
If You have the answer..?

In traveling in foreign countries you retain your license plates from your country of origin. If you wish where the vehicle is registered. You have international paperwork called a "Carnet". The carnet is an international driver's license for your vehicle. As a driver, you will also have an international driver's license. The names and documents may have changed, but the indentification of you and your vehicles is necessary in overseas travel.

You need to talk to Fred Coldwell regarding vin numbers. I believe that the records from the California plant were lost, trashed, or other and don't exist today. As to the records at Jackson Center, I don't know. They may be more complete.

Because of the "firestorm" in the VAC group for tracking the history of their Airstreams you might consider a current archieve.

It is never too late to create a central file. A picture of your unit. A biographical sketch of the owner. Historical documentation of your WBCCI number, your vin number, and knowledge that you have about previous owners, units, and just about anything that will create a historial file on your Airstream.

Joe posted some letters from his parents. The logical step is to tie these letters in to a vin number, if Joe knows it, and specifically to his parents WBCCI number.

Just some thoughts to maintain history.

Pee Wee

53flyingcloud · 03-06-2009, 10:07 AM

Pee Wee,
Excellent info~!
I never knew the intricacy of just how it was all handled. I once had an international license, back in the 60's..
Still, I am sure thankful for your sharing of this knowledge.
What amazes me is sheer scope of the details back then for each trip..And, no computers to help either~!
Yep, you hit the nail right on..Even tho, in my case, I am the 2nd owner of my now to be vintage unit..(this year..lol)..I hope that's not the end for it'..
I do have all of the original sales paper, etc. As well as, close, personal knowledge of it's previous owner.
He served under my grandfather during WW2 and, I was, as a child, at the same base in TX., as well..(Naturally..)What a small world..? We're both members of the same Fraternal order. We both have an interest and, have our Ham Radio licenses. etc.
Of course, let's not forget the Airstream connection as well...Even have a handle on his old WBCCI numbers that are just barely visible on the unit.
That's a great start..
Thanks again for sharing..
53FC