Bowser1107

I would love to know the outcome of this vehicle, its iconic for the very reason mentioned during the Battle of Britain . .

I remember seeing this article in 2014 and just wanted to ask if anybody has any updates on any of the vehicles plus, the number of 'spares' within a container on the site ?? https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/11628944.rusting-wartime-vehicles-saved-from-scrapyard-by-bradford-military-history-enthusiast/ Thanks in anticipation

Still wondering if there is any progress . . . .

Always on the look-out for updates on Matador vehicles . . .

I get the impression from the photo that the bonnet the young Waaf is sat on is Yellow and possibly the front (if not all) of the canvas tilt is yellow. I can only ASSUME that ONE vehicle carried out the role of 'Follow Me' (FM) and traffic control but I am aware that there were barriers along the A16 at Grimsby (in what form can not longer be determined), and I have no doubt even the humble 'Erk' could have indicated that the road was going to be closed to on-coming traffic and then dragged/placed a barrier of sorts across the road. I would also presume you would STOP the traffic in both directions so more than just one man needed and the fact that the STOP sign is visible from the front indicated to ME, that it faced on-coming aircraft and not traffic ? Seemingly both the RAF and USAAF had the F-M vehicle to guide diverted aircraft around airfield sites but I have never heard mention of 'traffic Control ' but perhaps that role was included by the Flying Control Section ?? Would that be 3 or 4 vehicle now with photographic evidence to support the role of FM??

Would that be a Humber Ted ??

I certainly dont want to get into any arguments about this but how many photos have you seen of ground crew vehicles . . . " to be painted all over "Bright Orange". Vehicles temporarily used on landing grounds but not painted are to have a white sheet fixed over the bonnet." I would argue very few. There have been many discussions concerning camouflage of RAF vehicles over the years on numerous forums but I have never heard of this AMO before. I have a vast collection of book concerning Bomber Command with countless photos of groundcrew vehicles and I have not come across any with the colour scheme mentioned. It has been said that . . . . Quote: "I have, as I’m sure many others have looked at many photos online in personal collections and books on the R.A.F yet remarkably no wartime recollection of air or ground crew using such a dedicated marked vehicle has come to light nor a clear dated image emerged." It must be said that the AMO directive concerning 'Orange' painted vehicles' is a prime example of this . . . . Although its has been many years since I carried out my interviews, its been even longer since the war ended, I tend to believe something from those that were there. YES memories do fade and details are not explicit but if we dont believe what we are told then you cast doubt on everything anybody tells you. To many people these days want the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth and without such want to discard any info. I wrote about the extension to runway 03, probably a quote from my book so I am fully aware of the issues it raised. From another interview I was told the following . . . Also . . . "The extension didn't help the time keeping of the Lincolnshire Road Car bus company's service between Grimsby and Louth. On occasions when the Lancasters used the 03 end of the runway for taking off, a long line of traffic would form as the squadron taxied round and aircraft waited for their green light. Local people would walk or cycle to the barriers to watch and wave the bombers off ". I have no doubt RAFMT believes the AMO's issued but we all know things were not always implemented immediately. Although I have seen evidence of the 1944 directive of Yellow top surfaces I have NEVER seen 'Orange' overall ???? To say that the Yellow Peril wasnt used for the purpose it was painted for when I have heard it from the 'horses mouth' and to imply it was only used to man the crossing on the occasions when the squadron used that One particular runway seems to me, ridiculous.

I have no idea why the photo should have disappeared but here it is again . . . interview with ground staff in Flying Control . . . . I hope this helps

Here is the partial photo of the 'Flying Control Section' taken just before the end of the war . . . . I hope it is clear enough . . . .

I am aware that the local station to me, RAF Grimsby, had a vehicle that was termed 'Yellow Peril'. It was a Standard Tilly painted yellow and carried a light box over the cab that lit up 'STOP' on the rear was the 'Follow Me' sign that could be lit at night in low light but enough for diverted aircraft crews to see. First hand account from the 'Flying Control' Section gives accounts of such and I have a group photo showing the top of this vehicle along with the WOT crash tender. I cannot believe that GY was the only such RAF station to have such a vehicle. The example seen in the Night Bomber video is merely a defunct cut-down Morris used to tow out the caravan and as was very late in the war, 1945, it was painted yellow so as to be seen . . . not a 'Follow Me' vehicle

On one of the other forums I look in . . . I dont know any details but it may be worth inquiring ?? https://www.airfieldresearchgroup.org.uk/forum/general-discussion/9882-is-this-a-wartime-vehicle#135825 Good luck rgds Ian

I dont think I will ever be able to carry out the work you lads do because : A) I haven't the slightest mechanical skill, B) dont have the space and C) I suspect that a 'proper' restoration would cost money I aint got. The reason I love these restoration sites is because it gives unprecedented access to vehicle details that you rarely see even at museums. Being a model maker of military vehicles, particularly RAF types, and following such builds as this, enhances my knowledge and strangely, I get satisfaction knowing there is another type out there running and should give us all a reminder of those that went before us May I just say 'Thanks' to all those that contribute here , "more grease to your elbow, carry on the great work". Ian

May seem a strange question but I would like to know the wheel base for the Albion AM 463. ?? I presume (first rule of assumption . . NEVER assume) that the wheelbase was the same for the refueller as for the tractor unit and GS version but I would just like confirmation. I am not computer savvy and I cannot find the details so am rather hoping one of you chaps has a vehicle manual(s) of vehicles WWII. Thanks in anticipation Ian

I know this is old but I really hope you continued, at what ever pace. I too remembered seeing those K2's at Scambleby in Lincolnshire and in fact I had one removed to the former RAF station at Hemswell but I dont know what happened to it after I left there ???? Anyhow, anybody got any news of this particular resto ??

Its been an absolutely marvellous restoration considering what you started out with. I just have to sit and admire your enthusiasm and dedication to the project which surely must be recognised. I so look forward to seeing more of your innovations and the total revival of the rare vehicle. best of luck and continued success. Ian