Life Near The Edge is a comic thriller by journalist and author Richard Heseltine. Set in the high-octane world of the classic car trade, it’s a novel where the hero is far from heroic and it isn’t always easy to differentiate between the good guys and the bad guys…
Miles Furlong is coasting through life. A 30-something underachiever, he’s comfortably numb writing about classic cars, marinating himself in Scotch, and making the beast with two backs in-between blackouts. His world is then blown apart on being tasked with deciphering the tangled narrative behind an old racing car. This leads him into direct contact with the black hats of the old car world who don’t appreciate his meddling. He also falls in love, sheds his clothes in the most public way imaginable, and becomes an internet sensation for all the wrong reasons. Will he uncover the truth or lose his mind trying?
The story of how a Pan American Airways B-314 flying boat, caught in the South Pacific, made an unplanned flight around the world following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Flying in total secrecy and radio blackout, Captain Ford and his 10 man crew flew over 31,500 miles in six weeks, avoiding enemy action in their effort to return safely to the United States. An astounding feat in 1941!
Based on the civilian WL model, Harley-Davidson’s WLA (“A” for “Army”) motorcycle was first produced in 1940. It would remain in production through 1945, and eventually over 90,000 were delivered for use in all theaters of WWII. Like the WL, the WLA was equipped with a 45 cubic inch (740 cc) flathead high compression engine and a rugged frame. Military modifications included blackout lights, fenders without traditional sides (to reduce mud clogging), an air cleaner to facilitate off-road use and easy maintenance, and a crankcase breather that enabled the fording of water obstacles. The motorcycle typically was also equipped with leg protectors, a skid plate, leather rifle or machine gun scabbard, an ammunition box, radio or luggage rack, and a windscreen. This U.S. Army technical manual TM 9-879 was created in 1943 for the men who operated and serviced the WLA in the field. In its pages you will find a description of the motorcycle, and information regarding its use and care.Originally classified “restricted”, this manual was declassified long ago and is reprinted here in its entirety. Legal disclaimer: The name “Harley-Davidson” is a trademark of H-D Michigan, LLC and the Harley Davidson Motor Co., which reserves all rights to it.
