January Update - 21/1/08 
We're working hard on the mog and have made some major progress in January. Marcus, a local welder/fabricator, has created a very sexy roof rack and boxes for us (click on pictures below for bigger image). He re-made the battery box and put on the new checker-plate cover which should be stronger and more stone resistant than the original.
He also fabricated a triangular box between the gas cylinder and rear wheel and then told me that it's the only place I'm allowed to put my clothes so that I don't take too many! However, we think this will be more useful as a gas fittings, spares and tool-roll holder box.
You can also see from the side picture that we have fitted an awning. We hope this is going to prove useful for creating shade. We have read reports that if it takes too long to put out an awning it will never get used - ours takes about 30 seconds to wind out so we should be alright!
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Oz has been busy making some new cupboards inside and has finished the one above the kitchen which I gave a lick of smart white paint. He included some cool swivel lights underneath which should be much nicer than the single florescent light we did have. He is now busy on the cupboard over the sitting area. |
He has also fitted our new hot water cylinder and a diesel air heater. The water cylinder that came with the mog was only 10 litres and heated by gas. Finding reliable gas supplies in Africa can be tricky so we opted for heating from the mog engine, coming off the radiator. This has two advantages: firstly, it will keep the engine cooler than just running coolant round the radiator and secondly, it's hot water for free! We have an electric element fitted so we can power it from either the mains or our generator.
The hot air heater is diesel powered rather than the gas fired one fitted when we bought the mog. This is extremely efficient and I've been enjoying the warmth already while working in the back during January in northern Scotland!!
On a less mog orientated note, we have been selling everything we own and getting on with sorting out our vaccinations and paperwork including starting to close down the business. So... if anyone wants a Ford transit, 125cc motorbike or any furniture just let me know!
More soon....