An Update from Patreon Funded Workshop Apprentice Aaron (Patreon)

Hello Patrons,

I hope everyone is well and with the lift of lockdown, life can start slowly getting back to normal. Between my work here at The Tank Museum, home projects, and college, I have been up to quite a lot since I last updated you.

Due to the reduction of restrictions, I have been able to attend college at Bicester Heritage Skills Academy. I am really lucky to be learning from skilled workers here at The Tank Museum, so being back in a college environment where I can demonstrate my hands-on learning after having almost a year of theory has been brilliant!

At Bicester, I have been working on a block, which has allowed me to have a mix of hands on experience with valve seat lapping and recutting. I have put a gypsy major engine back together for display and training purposes, along with engine leak down testing, vehicle tracking and doing a full report on my findings: all of which comes in really handy for working on my own car at home too!

I’ve been busy at home honing my skills on my Land Rover and family cars, which has helped build my confidence a lot. I have even turned my hand to the family van, which had a few issues, and I am currently trying to problem solve them with a new alternator, turbo, fixing oil leaks, new front suspension (shock absorbers and springs), plus a full service to top it off.

Something that I am hugely excited about is the opportunity to get some driver training in! I am now trained in driving the M548 along with the Museum's Alvis Saladin armoured car, so I can officially drive a total of 6 vehicles… and hopefully many more. Which do you think I should ask to learn next?

Once again, thank you for your continued support and the support of The Tank Museum.

Speak to you all soon, Aaron