Newnes trip 10/6/07 https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/t125209 Runboard| Newnes trip 10/6/07 en-us Thu, 28 Mar 2024 20:05:17 +0000 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 20:05:17 +0000 https://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds managing editor) rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds webmaster) akBBS 60 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2002085,from=rss#post2002085https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2002085,from=rss#post2002085Ahh John, The secrets of experience always show nondisclosed_email@example.com (Revhead Kev)Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:24:12 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2002084,from=rss#post2002084https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2002084,from=rss#post2002084I need to advise a small correction & some other info. I am the 4th 'older' driver with the so-called standard Toyo tyres. However, I do not have Toyo tyres and I am in fact running Bridgestone Dueller D680Z tyres that are a directional tyre. They replaced the original standard Duelers fitted as standard OE to my Ti. On this particular trip I had no problem with the mud and noted that other 2 wheel cars appeared to be getting through. However, I had the 'auto' switched on and my car has auto transmission also. The only 'secrets' I have in driving in such conditions are; *wait till everyone else is out of the way so that I am not baulked or rushed & have plenty of room, *use a steady light throttle and be under power all the time, *carefully plan the track in advance, * I jiggle the steering wheel slightly all the time - an old trick that seems to work. Stops the slides before they start or something. None of this is unusual but just thought I would tell my story. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Dunoon)Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:17:52 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2002041,from=rss#post2002041https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2002041,from=rss#post2002041I used lock after you slid, and it made it alot more stable and reduced the sliding.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Y WAIT)Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:07:31 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2002040,from=rss#post2002040https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2002040,from=rss#post2002040quote:Revhead Kev wrote: Hi Rich, In the replacement tyres thread here where you discussed the tyres on this trip you mentioned the fact that the Exy only has rear wheels engaged when there is throttle input. I suppose you only had it in Auto mode ? Why not select Lock mode when the conditions were so slippery and the mud so thick ? Good point, Kev. All the time while driving, it appeared to be working effectively in AUTO mode, however now you mention it, I probably should've had it in LOCK for some sections of the road. Did anyone else use LOCK mode for that section of road (after seeing me lose it? )? nondisclosed_email@example.com (basshead)Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:12:25 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2002037,from=rss#post2002037https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2002037,from=rss#post2002037Hi Rich, In the replacement tyres thread here where you discussed the tyres on this trip you mentioned the fact that the Exy only has rear wheels engaged when there is throttle input. I suppose you only had it in Auto mode ? Why not select Lock mode when the conditions were so slippery and the mud so thick ? nondisclosed_email@example.com (Revhead Kev)Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:10:37 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2002023,from=rss#post2002023https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2002023,from=rss#post2002023Here's my bit of trip report that I've copied from another thread... I've been meaning to do abit of a report about the BFG's since they got a good workout on the long weekend X-Trail trip to Newnes... For those that weren't there/didn't know - it was very muddy and wet! There were 4 X-Trails, and 3 were fitted with BFG's and one (John - Dunoon) had Bridgestone Dueller D680Z tyres. During the particularly muddy sections, everyone's tyres all clogged up heavily with clay mud. Some to the point where there was mud all the way from the tyre to the wheel arch/mud flap! (see earlier photos in this thread). As for mud-driving, it appeared John (with Bridgestone Dueller D680Z) faired better than the three others with BFG's! It could have been put down to driver experience and age, though I had a particular "incident" towards the bottom of a sloping and particularly slippery hill... Matt and the others behind me happened to catch sight of the side of my X-Trail as the rear decided to overtake the front. The rear was heading towards the ditch on the side of the road, while the front was pointing towards the centre of the road. I put into practice the theory I've read many times in 4WD magazines about these kinds of driving conditions, which is to accelerate downhill. Now they don't intend you to gun it all the way down, but the fact is that our 4WD system wont work if there's no throttle input. If you're coasting/rolling down the hill, it wont detect (or care) if any wheels are spinning faster than any others. Braking in such treacherous conditions only invokes ABS, which doesn't help when you've already got no traction anyway (with very clogged-up-with-mud tyres). Slight acceleration is required to get the 4WD system to realise the wheels are spinning at different speeds before it will engage the rear wheels. In this instance, moderate accelerator was used to get the wheels spinning fast enough (approx 40kph seems to be about right) to un-clog the tread of mud, (which was needed from time to time to get grip). This worked well, with the tyres biting in through the surface mud to the hard dirt below, leaving me shooting off towards the other (correct) side of the road with some quick correcting of the steering wheel to get facing the right direction again. Really, a mud tyre would've been much more suited to the conditions that day! On the way home, we all got to see my wild tyre-marks engraved into the mud - unfortunately I didn't get a photo of it. I'm sure other drivers who ventured that way on the day would've seen them (you couldn't miss them!) and wondered how lucky that driver was and how close they came to going into the ditch! nondisclosed_email@example.com (basshead)Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:48:33 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001829,from=rss#post2001829https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001829,from=rss#post2001829The NSW Photo Gallery has also been updated with a selection of pics from this event. It can be accessed from the Trips section of the Main Site.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Mon, 18 Jun 2007 18:19:36 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001828,from=rss#post2001828https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001828,from=rss#post2001828Finished creating thumbnails so photos are more easily visible rather than just clicking on text-based links to view them. See original photo message near the top of this page. As always, if anyone wants the full size un-editted version of any photos, PM me with your email address and photo file names and I'll send them. They're about 2MB each. nondisclosed_email@example.com (basshead)Mon, 18 Jun 2007 18:14:09 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001808,from=rss#post2001808https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001808,from=rss#post2001808Those vids make me wish i was still there now nondisclosed_email@example.com (Y WAIT)Sun, 17 Jun 2007 20:55:16 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001804,from=rss#post2001804https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001804,from=rss#post2001804WMV Video Clips now available. Sorry I am unable to edit rego plates AFAIK. MATT 1.8MB JOHN 2.0MB BRETT 2.9MB nondisclosed_email@example.com (basshead)Sun, 17 Jun 2007 20:39:09 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001787,from=rss#post2001787https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001787,from=rss#post2001787Great pics Richnondisclosed_email@example.com (Dunoon)Sun, 17 Jun 2007 14:50:02 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001779,from=rss#post2001779https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001779,from=rss#post2001779Cool pics Rich, love the "chickens shot" LOL I'll be updating the NSW Photo shoot Gallery shortly.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Sun, 17 Jun 2007 11:45:33 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001778,from=rss#post2001778https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001778,from=rss#post2001778quote:basshead wrote: Sorry I didn't get to meet up with you while I was there,Matt. Thats cool Rich, i had a stack of work come through and was flat out all week. pics look great! nondisclosed_email@example.com (Y WAIT)Sun, 17 Jun 2007 11:31:19 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001760,from=rss#post2001760https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001760,from=rss#post2001760Finally back home from the c/coast. Sorry I didn't get to meet up with you while I was there, Matt. Hopefully will be able to get the photos off the camera and uploaded before the end of this weekend! Haven't cleaned ours yet (for obvious reasons) but if I had time to think about it, knowing the rain was going to be so full-on, I would've got Clare to leave the X-Trail out of the garage over the last few days and it would've cleaned itself... Photos but no thumbnails/webcode at this stage... If you would like me to delete any, let me know. http://ww2.datazap.net/ftp/basshead/xtrail/2007-06-10_Newnes/ Thumbnails below: nondisclosed_email@example.com (basshead)Sat, 16 Jun 2007 17:35:24 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001685,from=rss#post2001685https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001685,from=rss#post2001685I think we can manage to put up with you john I just finished washing the exy then, what a job! It had so much mud and it didnt come off with out a fight but it was all worth it i guess. The guy at carlovers is going to have a heart attack when he see the mud a left behind!nondisclosed_email@example.com (Y WAIT)Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:36:27 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001672,from=rss#post2001672https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001672,from=rss#post2001672It was a great day with great companions and a real fun drive. Can't wait until next time if those young guys can put up with an 'oldie'.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Dunoon)Tue, 12 Jun 2007 22:46:47 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001670,from=rss#post2001670https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001670,from=rss#post2001670Wont be able to put photos up before the weekend as I'm heading off to work in the Newcastle area for the rest of the week (leaving 4:30am tomorrow morning) to help out with getting power back on for the many people up there still without power... nondisclosed_email@example.com (basshead)Tue, 12 Jun 2007 21:54:35 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001654,from=rss#post2001654https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001654,from=rss#post2001654It was good to see that despite a few difference in mods between the cars ( 2 auto, 2 manual, 3 A/T's 1 H/T's 1 lifted) they all performed the same. I guess if we had muddies it would have been another story. None of the tracks were difficult which is a shame because i wanted to see the lifted and loaded beast perform!!nondisclosed_email@example.com (Y WAIT)Tue, 12 Jun 2007 17:48:15 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001651,from=rss#post2001651https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001651,from=rss#post2001651Looks like you had a great trip, despite the weather! nondisclosed_email@example.com (rileyinc)Tue, 12 Jun 2007 16:55:00 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001640,from=rss#post2001640https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001640,from=rss#post2001640Hopefully will be able to put up photos and video clips tonight. Had a great day, and to be honest, the sideways action I got was an accident and I was very lucky to save it - I used theory of accelerating downhill rather than rolling or braking, to get out of trouble, and I proved it does work. I would've loved to have seen what it looked like from behind, but it looks like no-one got a photo. I'm not surprised as all the passengers were holding on for dear life to worry about taking photos! As for the tyre pressures - I don't know if letting the pressures down would've made much difference as everyone's tyres (even John's) were absolutely CAKED with mud - so much there wasn't any airspace between the tyre and the mudflaps (as one of my photos will show)! The only way to clear the mud was to hit the corrugations, or do over about 40k's to flick it all out. nondisclosed_email@example.com (basshead)Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:39:11 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001632,from=rss#post2001632https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001632,from=rss#post2001632 The tyre pressures were discussed and after Matt informed us he was riding on 40psi, we thought we'd see how the bfg's went. I am not sure what Rich's were set at, but mine were 34psi all round. If we had of got stuck or struck further rain, we would have gone down to the 22-24psi to spread out the footprint. nondisclosed_email@example.com (BRETT72)Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:59:17 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001629,from=rss#post2001629https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001629,from=rss#post2001629Sounds like a great day out in the wet stuff. Did you guys drop your tyre pressures to assist in traction through these slippery sections? Somewhere about 22 PSI would have helped, or perhaps the BFG tyres are exceptionally good in these conditions and reducing pressure was not required. Great photography work !!   nondisclosed_email@example.com (johnsey)Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:17:42 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001622,from=rss#post2001622https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001622,from=rss#post2001622Awesome trip report guys and very nice pics indeed. Looks like you guys had plenty of fun during this short and muddy trip but that is what 4WDriving is all about Looks like the NSW Pic Gallery will soon have a fresh set of photos, so keep them coming if you have more. Am sure Rich is probably sitting right now and editing all his short videos and thumbnails, so I'll wait for him before I do any updates. Good stuff.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:45:48 +0000 Re: Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001615,from=rss#post2001615https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001615,from=rss#post2001615Well............ What a weekend! If i had to sum it up in a few words, Cold Muddy and FUN On saturday night we were thinking about pulling out due to the wild weather we were having on the coast, but decided to go anyway ( we had pre paid for the accomodation in Lithgow )So Rach, Nixon and I left bright and early on saturday morning ( 6.30 am still pouring rain). As we were heading towards the mountains, the dark clowds fading in the rear view mirror and the blue sky and sun opened up! I had a huge grin on my face We arived at Lake Wallace bang on 930. Rich and Clare had just arived aswell. We all waited for the rest of the group..... and waited...........and waited...........and waited............ it was after 10 when they decided to join us After a bit of chit chat we headed of down the steep, narrow and sometimes very slipery track to Newens. The view was almost as good as the track. It is such a nice area! As Brett said, the track was very slipery! we were sliding all over the place. At one stage i was behind Rich when the back of his car decided it wanted to have a close look at the embankment! He was so sidways i could see the entire side on his car. I dont know how you managed to pull it back it time! Next thing i knew i was headed the same way but i didnt get as close to the edge. I never imagined i would ever get the exy that sideways! It was great We arived at Newens all in one piece! only to be told we couldnt go any further due to the river being to high I tried to talk Brett into giving it a go, i saw a twinkle in his eye but after being threatened with divorce he decided it wasnt a good idea By this stage Nixon was hungry so we all set up camp and had some lunch. The boys talked about cars and the girls had a chat about girl stuff, whatever that is..... I walked past at one stage and they were talking about how much time the boys spent on the computer, i decided not to get involved in that one! After lunch we headed back up the track. It had drided out a bit so there was no real dramas getting out. A short stop at the top of tha valley gave us a bit more of a chance for some pics Another stop a short while later at 'Blackfellows Hand' rock art for a look at the Aboriginal hand prints...... and some more pics! We left here for the 5 min trip back to lithgow for coffee and goodbyes I was an awsome day, i learnt a heap about driving in slipery conditions and mud. Thanx to everyone for a great day! was good to meet Brett, Francine and Emily ( what a cutie!) aswell as John and Helen. And to catch up with Rich and Clare again! Cant wait to get together again for some more trips I am now so glad i sold the 20s and got the BFG's I havent enjoyed the exy like this in a long time  nondisclosed_email@example.com (Y WAIT)Mon, 11 Jun 2007 16:03:51 +0000 Newnes trip 10/6/07https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001607,from=rss#post2001607https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2001607,from=rss#post2001607Participants:  BRETT72 - brett/francine/emily +1  BASSHEAD - rich/clare +1  YWAIT - matt/rach/nixon  DUNOON - john/helen Location:  NEWNES/WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK, NSW.  After a late cancellation due to the recent heavy rainfalls and track conditions in the Abercrombie NP, we decided to head to Newnes and test out Matt's new BFG's.  We all met at the Lake Wallace (west of Lithgow) at 9:30ish. The 'ish' part was due to John and I deciding it was too cold to leave the Orange McDonalds and chose to have the coffee in-house.  After the traditional meet and great, Matt's latest addition was given the once over and checked out by all. After this, little Nixon was also given the go-over by the girls, whilst us 'blokes' talked about more manly things. Like bottle feeding, sleep patterns and car seats. Oh yeah, and Matt's BFG's were given a second going over.  Keeping with the spirit of 4wd trips, the leader, being Rich was assigned to the front, with yours truly assigned as 'tail end charlie'. At least I had the best view of the other guys slipping and sliding along the track and was able to pick the best lines. Sorry guys.  Although the 35km track into Newnes was rated as wet weather, the rain had left certain sections nice and slippery. Chatter over the radio centred around our concerns that John's NON BFG EQUIPTED exy would falter, but gees, this man can drive. I must take my hat of to you mate, you showed us up. I guess all those years of driving in the paddock of your farm have taught you well.  After an hour of slipping, sliding and on one occasion, watching Rich almost slide off the track, we made it to the Newnes homestead. After a brief walk around the area, we were told that the river crossing was too deep to cross. (now if only we had a snorkle). With the weather getting better and better, an impromptu lunch was called by little Nixon. After my daughter Emily chased the chickens for a while, it was time to head back up the slippery track to the rock walls. But not before the pregnant pair were emptying their bladder for the hundredth time. I guess corrugations and pregnancy don't mix.  Luckily for us, the warm weather (8 degrees) had dried the worst of the track and allowed us a more conservative drive out. We did encounter one slippery hill that had the tail-end of the exy's slidding all over the place, but we all got through unscathed.  Next, we stopped off at the 'Blackfellows Hand' rock art, which as the name suggests, is a rock overhang covered in images of hands which have been outlined with ink. The climb up took our breaths away, but it was worth it.  Due to time getting the best of us, we had to cut our trip short and a decision was made to head to Lithgow Maccas for a well deserved coffee. Although the "5 minute trip" took 8, no-one was complaining. Sort of.  I must say that this was one of the best short trips I have been on for a while, with a real good bunch of people. All in all, I think everyone enjoyed themselves and plans are already underway to return and check out the ruins when the river levels drop (just give me a ring John) and Matt is even more keen to show Nixon the outdoors, with a trip planned for Barrington when it warms up.  Thanks guys. Please add your own perspective to this trip, with your pics as well.  I think the poor guy at Bathurst car wash is still cursing me for leaving a tonne of mud in his wash bay, but my money ran out. Sorry mate...  nondisclosed_email@example.com (BRETT72)Sun, 10 Jun 2007 22:29:48 +0000