S.S.F.

Hi all, I was wondering if it was possible to change my username to something more relevant now?

Hi all, I am currently rebuilding my 1919 Thornycroft J type, a civilian flat bed bodied example. I have been slowly gathering correct pattern components to get as authentic as I can, including a genuine Thomson Bennett magneto switch, which I managed to purchase from a Bentley spares website. Unfortunately, earlier this week I had a fire destroy my home, in which I kept the switch and some other lorry components, including its set of lamps, original log book (and it’s sister J types’ original log book), and a spare radiator top tank casting, unfortunately all beyond repair. I’m absolutely gutted, especially the log books, which are amazing bits of history that can never be replaced.

I am therefore after sourcing these components once again. The King of the Road 722 type lamps shouldn’t be too hard to get hold of, however the switches are like hens teeth as I’m sure you’re all aware, I therefore am asking if anyone may have a a spare switch, or may know someone who might? 
 

Some of the lamps before:

And after:

The new top radiator tank casting:

The Thomson Bennett switch I managed to source before the fire:

Bit of progress on the J type:

Cheers, Toby.

Hi all,

I am in the process of rebuilding my AEC 7.7 Matador engine and No. 1 Piston has obtained some damage and so I require another piston, and rings. I was wondering if anyone has a Piston they do not require? 

Also, are new piston rings available for these engines as I would also require a full set?

I also have a damaged valve, so again if anyone knows where I may find one that would be of great help!

Regards, T.

We have been debating this here in Devon. There is some thought that "Gigantic" and "Boadicea" are one and the same Engine - different names used depending on what "clothes" it is wearing. So are there two Engines - or is it one Engine in two different liveries with different names?

 

Tony

Hi Tony, you have a right to be confused, I'll attempt to explain the situation clearly to everyone!

McLaren No. 1652 was built in 1919 and is currently owned by Les Searle of Horsham, West Sussex. Most people will recognize the engine by its preservation name "Boadicea" and in the configuration shown below:

During its working life, No. 1652 "Boadicea" was owned by a showman who converted the engine to showman's specification ad re-named the engine "Gigantic", however these fittings were only carried for a year or so as the engine was found to be too heavy for use on fairgrounds.

In 2013, the current owner, Les Searle, decided to temporarily recreate the long lost showman's fittings for a bit of fun and fitted them to the engine, also re-instating its showman's name "Gigantic". And so in late 2013 the very same engine as pictured above looked like this:

Les has now removed these fittings and so currently the engine is back to normal, once again being named "Boadicea" and looking like the first image.

Now then, there is a separate engine, No. 1332 of 1912 which rather confusingly is also called "Gigantic". To make matters worse, this engine is exactly the same design as No. 1652 "Boadicea". "Gigantic" is pictured below:

This engine is owned by Neil Gough, also of West Sussex, who is currently re-building the engine and it is this engine that is being re-built into WD specification and is planned to attend the Brighton Run, not "Boadicea".

Hope this helps!

Hi all, I understand from an article in 'Old Glory' Magazine (Issue 284) that the McLaren engine that is to be returning to a WD paint scheme is No. 1332 "Gigantic", mechanically almost identical to "Boadicea", which is currently undergoing a re-build which is scheduled to be completed in time for the Brighton Run.