Let us begin by saying goodbye to a dear old friend, The Oaksmobile. The Oaksmobile began its days in the service of the Dufferin Oaks in Shelburne. It was used by the staff of the Oaks to transport the residents to various appointments and for day trips.

As the bus began to age the local service clubs raised funds to purchase a new vehicle for the Dufferin Oaks. John Bosma, VE3CJB came up with the brilliant idea to request use of the old bus as a communication vehicle for the Dufferin A.R.E.S.

John's idea was put forward to Dufferin County Administration who supported the concept. The bus was outfitted with a desk built by the late Bernard Marcoux. Radio equipment was purchased out of the Dufferin A.R.E.S. budget and installed.

The bus was named "The Oaksmobile" and attended many community functions such as the Terry Fox Run, The Motor Cross in Mono where the group was able to demonstrate mobile slow scan tv and the Orangeville Santa Clause Parade.

After many years of service the Oaksmobile was forced into retirement owing to the fact it had difficulty in passing its road safety test.

PLEASE MEET THE NEW DUFFERIN AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION VEHICLE nick named

THE ZAPMOBILE.

Work has already begun on stripping decals from the Zapmobile by VE3EU and two quotes have been obtained for the painting of the vehicle in the colour yellow.

Input has been received by various amateurs in the group with respect to the working area. It has been decided to mount a table that is removable between the side panells and the fold down seat. By providing a removable work surface it will allow us to transport generators etc.

The pictures set out below are taken after the removal of many decals. However, you will note that there are still some that remain. These are proving quite difficult to remove and may form part of the decision process with regards to the painting in whole or in part if the decision is to stay with white. There is a long decal just below the center of the vehicle which is somewhat difficult to see from the picture.

The Dufferin A.R.E.S. communication vehicle is now ready for new decals and communication equipment.

INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT NOV. 6th. 2004.

ORANGEVILLE SANTA CLAUS PARADE.

Thanks to the staff at Dufferin County in getting the decals on the zapmobile we were able to enter it in our first public appearance in the Orangeville Santa Claus Parade.

The driving honors went to Scott Price, ve3scp and co-pilot Candice Price.

I understand Scott was encouraged by the children along the route to set off the sirens once in awhile. Needless to say, Scott obliged.

The pictures below were taken by Scott.

Last updated November 22 2004.