FEMA
12/14/2013 2:04 PM
A brief note to all regarding the boards decision to proceed with our next annual meet to take place in Las Vegas, NV. We expect this to be an exciting and different kind of venue , one that will provide for a plethora of entertainment and sightseeing options without a lot of driving.
My wife and I will take the lead on facilitating arrangements and we'll have ample help from fellow board members. In the past we had some members in the area but at the moment I am not aware of any active members, or even M100 enthusiasts from Las Vegas. If anyone has insight into this area to share, you are welcome to contact me directly.
In the meantime the club looks forward to everyone's participation and attendance next year, details to follow as we progress.
Francis E. Abate
Martin L
12/15/2013 5:45 AM
Great news Francis! Thank you for putting your hand up.
I look forward to visiting Las Vegas, will be a first time for me, Gerry has been before and assures me it is well worth a visit!
Ant and I need to get a Downunder organised ASAP.
At the last Lodefest members elected a new President. So far as I am aware this change of guard has not been notifiied to the membership.
Can we please thank Dr Arthur Love for taking on the Presidents role and welcome the new President Albert Plekker.
300SEL 6.3 #6481
420SEL W126
FEMA
12/15/2013 6:12 PM
Thank you Martin, I look forward to seeing you again. And, good point about the elections...the next Lodestar would be the appropriate place (formally) for this information which we will begin putting together again soon.
Francis E. Abate
Jack English
2/16/2014 11:23 PM
Organizing our schedule for the rest of the year. I can't seem to confirm a date for the Los Vegas Lode Fest later this year. Can we confirm the dates here?
Jack English
300SEL 6.3 #4768
FEMA
2/27/2014 9:08 PM
Yes, 18-21 September 2014 so all can plan! Tropicana hotel base with some planned events in process and plenty of guidance for on your own touring to come.
Francis E. Abate
tom.hanson
3/4/2014 7:42 PM
Sounds like a blast!! I can drive to that one from home in about 3 hours if I behave myself.
Tom Hanson
Supervisor, Parts Ops
MB Classic Center USA
949 598-4842 direct
thomas.hanson@mbusa.com
ex - 1970 6.3 #4045
nchristi26
3/28/2014 11:43 AM
do you think there will be 600's at this event.i have never seen
one and would like too. it is my favorite car. also is this event
open to the public.
thanks,nick
FEMA
4/4/2014 1:36 PM
Begin booking your stay now[8D]:
International M100 Group (18-Sep-2014 to 20-Sep-2014)
MAKING RESERVATIONS
A dedicated website is now available for your attendees to book their hotel rooms online. Reservations can be made starting 03-Apr-2014 at this web address:
Booking Website:
https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=11259380&utm_source=1356&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=31017572
This link should do the same in case the other does not work:
Booking Website:
https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=11259380
It is important that you share this web address with your attendees as soon as possible. There are several ways to do so:
Email: Copy/paste the web address into an email to your attendees
Website: Display it on your event website
Social: Display it on any social networks related to the event
GROUP SERVICES
Our Tropicana Group Services department is a dedicated team of professionals who will assist with all housing questions and/or requests. Our Group Services team will gladly act as the primary contact for all housing needs and work very closely with your Conference Services Manager and Sales Manager.
Email Address: Groupres@troplv.com; Phone 702-739-5400; Hours of Operation 8am - 6pm PST
Francis E. Abate
cakalues
4/5/2014 3:19 PM
Hey Nick
I am guessing there will be 1-2 600's there at the meet.
Francis,
I have already booked my room at the Tropicana. Thanks for posting the link!
Luis
hugin
5/16/2014 8:27 AM
Boy, would i like to go!
It's not exactly driving distance from Norway....but I Guess we can expect to see a number of 6.3 there.
I've always wanted to see Vegas, maybe this is the chance to grab.
Is there a program?
1970 300SEL 6.3 #4509
1969 300SEL 6.3 #0335
FEMA
5/16/2014 8:46 PM
I hope to have a fairly clean agenda and registration form ready by the end of May. I believe it is coming together nicely and hope that all will be pleased. It will be a mix of tour on your own and planned group events. This is because it is a short meet and trying to keep expenses down with your freedom to explore the area up!
Happy to answer any questions in the meantime.
Francis E. Abate
wpmilby3
7/11/2014 7:37 PM
Sorry not to be a pain in the ass but do we have an agenda yet?
Will
abl567
7/11/2014 8:29 PM
There is a link on the home page with the agenda and registration form
300SEL
6.3 #2723, my first classic Benz
3.5 #8659, my second.
2 to go...
FEMA
7/25/2014 8:59 PM
Could those that are planning to attend post it here along with number of attendees?
I'm trying to get an idea of our numbers for planning, thanks.
Francis E. Abate
james lawson
7/27/2014 12:36 PM
The special rates expire August 22nd. There is a group code. I don"t know if I am supposed to announce it here or not.
jim
Jack English
7/27/2014 11:40 PM
Hi, Francis: I have my reservations and registrations. I'll be there.
Jack English
300SEL 6.3 #4768
FEMA
7/31/2014 10:28 AM
That's fine Jim, hopefully more will take advantage of the rate deadline of 22 August!
I am working on a flyer to provide further details of the activities both formal and informal which will be emailed and snail mailed shortly...any questions feel free to post[8D]
In the meantime some highlights are as follows:
1. Informal welcome at the bar inside the Tropicana Hotel - Thursday evening.
2. Rick's Restorations, private tour then off to Hoover Dam with optional private tour - Friday.
3. Fremont Street Experience and Banquet Dinner downtown - Saturday.
4. Parting breakfast at the Trop - Sunday.
We'll have to arrange a board meeting as well and to that end I would like the board members who are attending to please respond here so I know if we'll have a quorum or not. Perhaps we'll conference call folks in if necessary.
Other interesting spots will be highlighted for you to consider like the Atomic Energy Museum, the Mob Museum, The Neon Museum, and various car collections.
Hope to see many there!
Francis E. Abate
tom.hanson
8/8/2014 5:50 PM
I am coming but won't be able to make my hotel reservation until the last minute. Don't know what I'll be driving either, but I hope somewhere on the car it will say _63 AMG.
Tom Hanson
Supervisor, Parts Ops
MB Classic Center USA
949 598-4842 direct
thomas.hanson@mbusa.com
ex - 1970 6.3 #4045
FEMA
8/13/2014 3:31 PM
Here's a link to the Lodefest 2014 Flyer to entice all[8D]
http://www.m-100.co/ali/Lodefest_2014%20event%20program-1.pdf
Francis E. Abate
Kimobenz
8/29/2014 12:49 PM
Any count how many members will be attending the Lodefest. I'm thinking of attending, maybe trailering my 1970 6.3 #4750 across the desert from Palm Springs area, or just attending without it. Anybody ever use a U-Haul Trailer?
Thanks
Jack English
8/29/2014 3:11 PM
Kimo,
I'm planning to drive my 6.3 but I have used a U Haul trailer for a 190SL a few years back and had no trouble. I'm leaving Monterey on Wednesday, September 17th. Arrive in Las Vegas same evening.
Jack English
300SEL 6.3 #4768
tom.hanson
8/29/2014 8:09 PM
Jack,
I'll drive up early on Thursday. See you at the Tropicana.
Kimobenz,
I'm driving up from San Bernardino. When will you head up there? Maybe we can caravan.
Tom Hanson
Supervisor, Parts Ops
MB Classic Center USA
949 598-4842 direct
thomas.hanson@mbusa.com
ex - 1970 6.3 #4045
cth350
8/30/2014 5:15 PM
Kimo,
I've trailered plenty of cars. mostly dead ones. If your air suspension is working, then drive it up on the trailer in the high position and then switch it to neutral. Be sure to put the car in park and apply the emergency brake. You must load the trailer with the car's engine forward (drive onto the trailer).
Under no circumstances secure the BODY to the trailer. Only secure the wheels, lower control arm and the axle. That's because the air suspension is fully operational with the engine off and it will compensate for bumps on the road. Tie the body down and the system will rip pieces off the car trying to do its job.
The Uhaul trailer has two nylon straps for the front wheels and a pair of safety chains fore and aft. Put the rear safety chain around the axle loosely. Put the front chain around a control arm loosely. They are only there as a last resort kind of thing.
To repeat myself, the rear axle, the lower control arms in front and the four wheels are the only parts of the car that won't move much on an air suspension car being trailered and only the wheels should be tightly secured.
The two front nylons wrap around the tires and are then secured. Check them after a mile or two and check them again at some later point. It is unlikely that they will slip off the wheels, but it happens.
If you are fond of using belts and suspenders, you can add a nylon tow rope to the rear end and secure both ends to one of the front safety loops; pick up the slack using a bungee cord.
-CTH
FEMA
9/2/2014 8:53 AM
Hey Jim,
We are expecting 20 + people at this time, hopefully more will surprise us!
Francis E. Abate
Kimobenz
9/2/2014 6:14 PM
I'll be attending with or without trailering my 6.3. Still working on that.
Tom - If I trailer my 6.3 w/ my F-250 SD, I'll go via San Bernardino on the 15. Your idea of caravanning is interesting, I can just see you in a 63 AMG doing 55 mph behind me,[:D] I'm sure you have heard of the Las Vegas pull,[:p] otherwise I'll be taking the across the desert route thru Amboy on Rt 66[8D].
I'll let you know.
Thanks,
Jim @ kimobenz
tom.hanson
9/5/2014 5:51 PM
Jim,
I'm off of the 215 near the 210. Best meeting point would be off the 215 in Devore. Less traffic and good "trailer friendly" freeway access. Drop me an email at the office and we can exchange info.
thomas.hanson@mbusa.com
Tom Hanson
Supervisor, Parts Ops
MB Classic Center USA
949 598-4842 direct
thomas.hanson@mbusa.com
ex - 1970 6.3 #4045
tom.hanson
9/5/2014 7:04 PM
are there any rooms left at the Tropicana?
Tom Hanson
Supervisor, Parts Ops
MB Classic Center USA
949 598-4842 direct
thomas.hanson@mbusa.com
ex - 1970 6.3 #4045
FEMA
9/7/2014 11:09 AM
Tom;
Follow the link provided in the flyer and see if they can still give you the special rate...if not I would call and ask or we can do that for you if you like but I would hope they would allow a few after the deadline.
I am sure there are rooms regardless.
Francis E. Abate
FEMA
9/9/2014 9:02 PM
We confirmed there are rooms available however, no longer at the group rate as the deadline has well passed.
Francis E. Abate
tom.hanson
9/11/2014 7:42 PM
I'm stayng close by at the Double Tree. Less $$ and I'm following Company policy. But I'll be hanging out the the Tropicana!! [8D]
Tom Hanson
Supervisor, Parts Ops
MB Classic Center USA
949 598-4842 direct
thomas.hanson@mbusa.com
ex - 1970 6.3 #4045
aplekker
9/13/2014 6:49 PM
We will be arriving in Vegas and staying at the Tropicana Tuesday afternoon. If anyone else is already in town by then, please let me know. Also planning to do some shows, we have reservations for Thursday's late evening show 'O', at the Cirque du Soleil theatre at the Bellagio right now.
We are staying through Monday afternoon, so there is lots of time to do other shows or events.
See you guys next week,
Albert
1965 600 SWB #248
1968 6.3 #0347
1971 6.3 #5745 Euro
1979 6.9 #6857 Euro
1979 450SLC 5.0 EURO
1981 300SD
1989 560SEL
2003 CL600 Brabus T12 570HP
1965 Cadillac DeVille Convertible
Jack English
9/14/2014 11:22 AM
I expect to arrive late Wednesday, probably in the evening, driving from Carmel straight through. Staying at the Tropicana, also.
Jack English
300SEL 6.3 #4768
FEMA
9/15/2014 11:22 AM
I'll be in the bar Thursday evening before dinnertime per the flyer info published to greet our arriving members so if you are already there - Jack & Albert - hope to see you for a little while anyway.
Francis E. Abate
aplekker
9/16/2014 7:06 PM
In Vegas, at the Tropicana... It's 100 degrees here right now.
1965 600 SWB #248
1968 6.3 #0347
1971 6.3 #5745 Euro
1979 6.9 #6857 Euro
1979 450SLC 5.0 EURO
1981 300SD
1989 560SEL
2003 CL600 Brabus T12 570HP
1965 Cadillac DeVille Convertible
mpmorris
9/16/2014 7:16 PM
Gail and I will not arrive until 2pm Friday, leaving the Sacramento Delta around 5/6am. We'll catch up with you folks at the Hoover Dam? I have Jack's cell number.
mpmorris
tom.hanson
9/17/2014 2:28 PM
Upon further investigation, the Tropicana is a Double Tree hotel. Shows you how long it's been since I stayed in Vegas. So I'm staying at the Tropicana after all. Will be bringing the ML320 Blutech instead of the R63, which is overdue for service. At least now I'll be able to make it up there and halfway back on one tank of fuel!!
Tom Hanson
Supervisor, Parts Ops
MB Classic Center USA
949 598-4842 direct
thomas.hanson@mbusa.com
ex - 1970 6.3 #4045
4882
9/18/2014 3:05 AM
Hi Everyone
how is everyone going getting to lodefest, has anyone got any photos of your car in transit or at vegas already.
FEMA
9/22/2014 4:42 PM
I left Vegas today and must head to Boston on business. I will get to the board meeting minutes and event brief between now and my return but overall (speaking as the host) I thought the meet went very well. We had some new faces and interest in bringing fresh ideas to the table which is something we always welcome and need that benefits the club membership.
There were many nice pictures taken of the unique sites and scenery that, as the others return and have time you will see shortly I am sure.
Glad to hear your event down under was a hit!
Francis E. Abate
tom.hanson
9/22/2014 7:40 PM
Vegas was a blast !!!!! See everyone next year.
Tom Hanson
Supervisor, Parts Ops
MB Classic Center USA
949 598-4842 direct
thomas.hanson@mbusa.com
ex - 1970 6.3 #4045
Jack English
9/27/2014 1:17 PM
I need a response from those who attended the Lode Fest 2014: several of you have paid what should have been group expenses. I have that information from Luis and Albert. Now I need to know if anyone else has expenses to turn in for reimbursement so we can close the books on this event and report to the board. I picked up several tabs which were not payable by check. Who else? Thanks
Jack English
300SEL 6.3 #4768
aplekker
10/3/2014 8:19 AM
Jack,
At this point in time I think you can close the books on Lode Fest 2014...
1965 600 SWB #248
1971 600 SWB #1806
1968 6.3 #0347
1971 6.3 #5745 Euro
1979 6.9 #6857 Euro
1979 450SLC 5.0 EURO
1981 300SD
1989 560SEL
2003 CL600 Brabus T12 570HP
1965 Cadillac DeVille Convertible
Jack English
10/3/2014 11:22 PM
Albert, Thanks. I'll start to work on that this weekend.
Jack English
300SEL 6.3 #4768
tom.hanson
10/6/2014 7:37 PM
I paid for admission to the dam (damn?) tour, but it was well worth it. I'm not going to put up a stink over a small amount like that. I want to take all my boys there and have considered it a trial run. The event was great and I enjoyed seeing everyone there. [:D]
Tom Hanson
Supervisor, Parts Ops
MB Classic Center USA
949 598-4842 direct
thomas.hanson@mbusa.com
ex - 1970 6.3 #4045