Separated at Birth !

 A couple of weeks ago I was on a filming trip to up-state New York (to film, of all things, an expert on Neolithic stone construction for a programme about Stonehenge) and found myself staying in Plattsburgh.

Now as a long-time listener to the VAP (Vintage Airstream Podcast - as if I need to tell you) - that rung a bell !

Home to Colin Hyde's Trailer Restoration shop... And despite a busy schedule, we found time on the morning we travelled back to the Uk to swing by.

Only a few clicks out of the old town on Trade Rd, a small aloooominum treasure trove hove into view.

And the man himself... Colin

They were in the middle of last minute checks & prep for 80s Caravelle (correct me if I'm wrong), that Colin mentioned on the 7th anniversary show - with orange & red decals - they don't come across well in the b/w but take my word for it she looked stunning & nice to see an 80s (though it had very much the feel of the late 70s) interior restored rather than replaced.

But he was kind enough to give us a tour of some of the trailers on his lot.

From a side-windowless custom trailer which had been Henry Ford 2nd's wardrobe trailer !

To other curious adaptations & modifications - the 13 panel slide-out

He's got a few projects of his own

...and lots for other clients

And though he was busy & I had a flight to catch, clearly we could have talked for hours (or days !)

He even showed us pictures of his work on the 'Breakwind' - sadly, despite all his vision & work on it, he had to leave it with his previous company 

So if you're after some great restoration work or advice, or you find yourselves heading for the Adirondacks or on the shores of Lake Champlain, do swing by & see Colin in Plattsburgh.

Lovely guy doing great restoration work &, like me, clearly suffering from advanced Aluminitus ! 

Either that or we were separated at birth !