Gear Jammin'

THE REAL WHITE'S

Stretch Their Legs

just good fun

-- The annual Gear Jammer's outing was a success on many fronts yesterday. The original vehicles got a chance to do what they were meant to do - tour. The drivers, (the best of the best,) got a chance to relive the pains and pleasures of driving these vintage limousines in their native setting. The vehicle aficionados got the experience of enjoying Yellowstone National Park in the comfort of bygone luxury.


-- There are two fleets of these vehicles in Yellowstone National Park. One fleet is used on a daily basis. This fleet is composed of vintage coachwork and modern Ford drivetrains. This is the fleet that visitors see traveling the roads of the park during the summer. The most recent conversions to modernity were completed a couple of years ago and have proven successful, (LINK.) Earlier conversions also used Ford drivetrains and sheet metal.


-- The second fleet of vehicles are the rare, early, original, & unrestored vehicles. These are true museum pieces that have been lovingly cared for by the park and it's concessionaires through the years. These vehicles need to be exercised periodically for their own good health.
-- In addition to the periodic "short jaunts" from the barn, (around Mammoth,) an annual "Run To West Yellowstone" is a traditional event for these majestic touring contrivances.
-- This exercise allows the staff to evaluate the vehicles under "real" conditions and diagnose any problems or maintenance issues that need tending to.
-- This year one of the limousines arrived on a trailer, (a fan nut went missing in action.) It was repaired in town and suffered the indignity of returning to Mammoth in perfect working order on the same trailer. Another success, and a proof of the utility of the exercise.
-- The gear jammers group, (these folks really love these vehicles,) arrived at Bullwinkle's Saloon & Eatery in West Yellowstone, Montana about 12:45.
.. Lunch consisted of: Cornish game hens or stuffed pork loin with fresh raspberry sauce, and Frenched sauteed beans with almond-bacon dressing. Soup, salad, rolls and mashed potatoes were also on the menu along with a juice cocktail and other beverages.


-- We enjoy the annual visits because it gives us a chance to examine these wonderful White Motors Convertible Limousine's. These vehicles serve to remind us of the way it used to be. Must have been grand.

They're Here

Rolling Thunder

A WHITE SOURCE BOOK

.. Leading the West Yellowstone visit is The White Convertible Limousine #437. These vehicles have become a major attraction wherever they appear. These six vehicles represent the golden age of touring in Yellowstone National Park. #437 is based in West Yellowstone at the museum in West Yellowstone, The other 5 are in Mammoth.
.. We confess to having an unmitigated obsession with the vehicles and have posted several notes in the past:
--- WE LIKE WHITES
--- THE FORDS ARE READY
--- REDS INVADE YELLOWLAND
--- ON THE ROAD AGAIN
.. Below are some pictures of these fine vehicles, that are such a part of Yellowstone History, including "Good Ol' Number One." Drivers of the vehicles, (called 'gear jammers') are selected from the current corps of guides in Yellowstone. They are chosen for their length of service, interest in the vehicles, ability to communicate both the current wonders of the park and the flavor of the past, and their abiding love of the history of Yellowstone.
.. These six White Coaches are original vehicles. These are not the refurbished, restored, and remade vehicles that are being used by the current park concessionaire. And, as nice as the new fords are, they have lost a certain "glow" that is irreplaceable.
.. The vehicles arrived in West Yellowstone for a board meeting of the West Yellowstone Historical Society which operates and maintains the museum in town. The museum has a central theme of "Transportation in Yellowstone," and presents images, artifacts, and stories from the earliest times to the present. Many vehicles are included in the collections. If you are interested in Railroads, Automobiles, Stage Coaches, Snowmobiles, Bicycles, or other forms of transportation that have been used in Yellowstone - the museum is a must visit.
.. The board meeting was hosted by Bullwinkle's Saloon and Eatery, owned by board members Jackie and Dennis LaFever. We were not privy to the fare but suspect that no one left hungry.
.. Feel Free to copy and use any of these images.

Historic Bus Gathering

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

.. Yellowstone's historic bus collection traveled to Bullwinkle's Restaurant in West Yellowstone today for a luncheon sponsored by Bullwinkle's Restaurant and The Wet Yellowstone Historical Society
.. More pictures and details tomorrow.