Cornishbloke

Hi Just bought an RB44 from Withams. I've contacted someone about getting the thing through the HGV test and they maintain that it must be fitted with side bars. I've not seen any pictures of registered ones with these. Does anyone have recent experience of this and if they are not required could you point me in the direction of the relevant legislation. The chap who's doing it sounds like he is aware of all the current regs so I don't think its flannel. Richard

Kate Aidee?

I'm planning to get an RB44 communications vehicle and this came up at the right time. I believe that they fit to the outside rear or can be demounted if necessary. In the meantime I'll use it to explore HF antenna. I've got a 5.4m for lugging with the 320, and I want to try some different set ups using both. It's almost like trying to buy a vehicle one bit at a time! Thanks for all the input Richard

The cb2/ib2 boxes allow you to monitor the two radio sets at the same time ( one in each ear!) but one of the two is the master. The boxes have Ab aB and ic . I think the ib3 will allow a choice of three radios e.g 2VRCs and a man pack but you can still only monitor two of them.

Spot on Chris - did I get a bargain??

Agree with Timbo. I am just upgrading the Scorpion fit to ANR. You'll need the IB2 , 2 cb2 and the commander's box (fixed). The commander will also need the commander's personal unit. You can run the driver with a driver's unit which had no radio capability, but then you need a driver's control box. There are a couple of 6 way boxes as well - I'll try to get some photos tomorrow if it helps. If you want to run the radios the you will need a couple of TUAMs and ARFATs for the 353 or initiate boxes and DCcu if you want man packs. PM if you want explanations. Richard

I've just bought one with the CES on eBay and need to arrange a courier. Does anyone know the weight of the two packages and the length of the closed mast? Cheers Richard

Just have

Might be that the sabre hatches are just that little bit bigger as it's a different turret. From what I remember with the Hawker batteries there wasn't much stopping it, but just enough. Couldn't even get them in on their side. I've got to replace the turret batteries shortly and am looking at those that Marcus Glenn has for sale. Hope they are a bit smaller!

If it helps - I have the same issues with batteries, when a Scorp doesn't start it's a real PITA. I've put an alloy PCB box from Maplins on the bulkhead just behind where the driver's head would be. Drilled it for a Bosche socket and ran a lead from the inspection light sockets on the master switch box in the driver's compartment. Putting a plug on my trickle charger means I can just plug it in and let it get on with it. The inspection light sockets are live when the master switch is off so you can isolate everything else. Because it's right near the driver it should stop you driving off trailing a charger. Otherwise the square gel batteries don't fit through the turret hatches and the only way out is top armour off, driver's seat out and drag through the gap. Richard

I've attached a motorcycle holder to the backing plate of the civiilan number plates. Whole thing unbolts for shows. The backing plate is a series land rover military number plate bracket. The wading screen makes a useful dog shelf as well

Really nice - envious!

Just came in for a cup of tea whilst re-fitting the headlight on my Scorpion and saw this. Cheered me up! Interesting pattern of smoke dischargers - I've never seen these before. Nice to see first parades being carried out properly rather than just leap in and hope that it all works. Back out to the shed with a spring in my step! :cheesy:

This is a daft question. I'm upgrading the comms on the Scorpion to ANR and have bought an IB2 from a reputable supplier on Ebay. It arrived today and to me seems much lighter than it ought to! I've opened it up and there is a PCB in it, but, and this is what concerns me, there are two flat areas on the cover either side of the audio and 28v plugs with transfers saying "FUSE Tighten slowly by hand. There are no fuse carriers, and the case is not drilled for them. I can't test it yet as there is no power in the turret. Does anyone know whether this is correct because I'm worried I may have a dummy or training variant. Cheers Richard

Apart from 2 VRC 353's in the vehicle I've just bought a couple of PRC 320's and will take one to Beltring to see what I can receive. Hope to pick up a couple of bits (battery / hand charger). I've no radio licence so will not be transmitting but look forward to hearing something. PM me with your location at W&P and perhaps I can pick your brains. Richard

Hi I'm beginning on the fighting compartment of mine and I need details of the radio carrier. I took some photos at the Tank Museum some years ago but not with a view to making one. Would it be possible to take some photos and if possible some rough dimensions so I can make something up. Looking at the TM photos there are three top hat shaped risers (which I have) with what looks like flat plate folded to match the contours. One end at least has an upright with a welded gusset as this seems to hold the breakout box in some fits. The clansman 353s mount on to flat runners which are set on shockmounts which bolt to this carrier. Hope this makes sense, but apart from the Tank Museum I have never seen a carrier in a vehicle. Many thanks Richard

Mad dash to get the Scorp ready for Armed Forces Day in Plymouth . Had a good day with the weather today and almost ready to spray.

Liskeard - You going to Mount Edgcumbe? We might go tactical for the weekend!:wave:

Welcome - there are quite a few of us in the county. What is your vehicle?

Thanks - I didn't realise that other non CVR vehicles had them. I've contacted four fox and will see where that leads. Many thanks Richard

PM sent

Don't think so - they are the small ones that fit below the wading screen.

Hi I need to replace one of the sealed beam units on the Scorpion. Is there a civilian alternative or does anyone know where to get a military one. Later in the year I might modify it to the later, bulb type lights. Are the covers and untis easy to come by? Regards Richard

as far as the grease gun thing is concerned I've heard them called "Oddypots" although I don't know why. I've got one and you need to screw up the valve on the pot (the one where grease is coming out on yours) and then it should come out the lance. To get the lance off the nipple afterwards undo the valve on the pot. TBH they seem like a good idea, but I'm not sure as I just seem to end up covered in grease as it either squirts out of the pot or the lance. As it's double action, even picking it up can give you a greasy leg!

I had a Ferret with exactly what you describe. The IB2, crew boxes, headsets and fixed wiring were Clansman and the radios etc. Larkspur. There was an adapter box fitted between the IB and the radios (I had B41/C47) which was known as Clansman Larch. The radios worked fine as did the intercom. Unfortunately it's been a while since I sold it but there is a good Ferret site www.ferret-fv701.co.uk who may be able to answer the question