cordenj Posted December 1, 2013 Author Share Posted December 1, 2013 (edited) After many other distractions over past couple of months, today was the day to make a determined attempt to start the Austin engine on the MUREX trailer. I'd built and fitted an exhaust system a couple of weeks ago: And now with welcome assistance from a retired BAE Systems electrical engineer, the IMPS Chairman with EasyStart and a Financial Advisor (to operate the starting handle), we struggled for some time with it not quite firing correctly. Checked the firing order and plugs leads....and corrected it to be 1:3:4:2...and it burst into life. Very rewarding as everything had been dismantled over the past year, so there were a myriad of potential problems. It was good to see the mechanical governor working smoothly too, as that was the first one I'd ever tackled: With the welding output box connected, the main Voltmeter showed 50v output. I now need to find some suitable welding leads and I suspect the large Ammeter will then register an output. Engine running smoothly, good oil pressure and electrical output, all in all a very satisfying day! I've uploaded a couple of videos to Youtube: Thanks to Ian, Anthony and Ross. Edited December 1, 2013 by cordenj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artifficer Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 After many other distractions over past couple of months, today was the day to make a determined attempt to start the Austin engine on the MUREX trailer. I'd built and fitted an exhaust system a couple of weeks ago: [ATTACH=CONFIG]84625[/ATTACH] And now with welcome assistance from a retired BAE Systems electrical engineer, the IMPS Chairman with EasyStart and a Financial Advisor (to operate the starting handle), we struggled for some time with it not quite firing correctly. Checked the firing order and plugs leads....and corrected it to be 1:3:4:2...and it burst into life. Very rewarding as everything had been dismantled over the past year, so there were a myriad of potential problems. It was good to see the mechanical governor working smoothly too, as that was the first one I'd ever tackled: [ATTACH=CONFIG]84626[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]84627[/ATTACH] With the welding output box connected, the main Voltmeter showed 50v output. [ATTACH=CONFIG]84628[/ATTACH] I now need to find some suitable welding leads and I suspect the large Ammeter will then register an output. Engine running smoothly, good oil pressure and electrical output, all in all a very satisfying day! I've uploaded a couple of videos to Youtube: Thanks to Ian, Anthony and Ross. Hi John Great job, I thought this one was going to be on the back burner for a while? I notice that strong drink always seems to lubricate the work whenever TL is involved. Regards Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted December 3, 2013 Author Share Posted December 3, 2013 Hi John Great job, I thought this one was going to be on the back burner for a while? I notice that strong drink always seems to lubricate the work whenever TL is involved. Regards Rob Morning Robin, Surprisingly he is holding up a tin of Easystart in the photo..... rather than the usual Talisker! And before you ask, it was for the engine not himself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ploughman Posted December 3, 2013 Share Posted December 3, 2013 (edited) Hi GuysI have been following this thread and thought that you may like to see my recent purchase. It was described to me as an ex WD water bowser, yes my ears also pricked up with the thought that i may be on to something here! As the pictures confirm yes it is a water bowser but not quite like the original 10cwt air portable type i had in mind. However on inspection this trailer does have some very interesting original fittings still in place, such as the convoy light and switch + trailer socket and plug still attached. It hasn't fared to well but all parts which have fallen off due to tin worm appear to have been thrown back under the bowser. The original chassis plate has long since gone but a plate confirming conversion by an agricultural engineer is still present. I would greatly appreciate any help in identifying its type, age and original equipment once carried. Richard Just having a trawl through this project and spotted the photo on page 3 on the trailer stating Belton Makers of Boston. Do not know if this has been mentioned or not but a Maurice Belton is listed as being an Agricultural Engineer in Sibsey. May be a connection or not but may be worth a call. No website but contact details on a directory are here - http://www.192.com/atoz/business/boston-pe22/sc/maurice-belton-machinery-ltd/52bc7a8d00c084a1fab872d8cbef7ddd33e0ed6a/comp/ Hope this helps. Edited December 3, 2013 by ploughman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted December 3, 2013 Author Share Posted December 3, 2013 Just having a trawl through this project and spotted the photo on page 3 on the trailer stating Belton Makers of Boston.Do not know if this has been mentioned or not but a Maurice Belton is listed as being an Agricultural Engineer in Sibsey. May be a connection or not but may be worth a call. No website but contact details on a directory are here - http://www.192.com/atoz/business/boston-pe22/sc/maurice-belton-machinery-ltd/52bc7a8d00c084a1fab872d8cbef7ddd33e0ed6a/comp/ Hope this helps. Thanks Bryan, I've made Richard aware. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted March 21, 2014 Author Share Posted March 21, 2014 After a lengthy break from work on the trailer due to family commitments arising from the flooding in Sussex, and its aftermath.....I'm now going to get on and finish the MUREX Welder for shows this year. First tasks have been to: make and fit a fan guard; fit roof with petrol tank; fit side boxes (all with correct BSW nuts and bolts): Few photos of trailer in the sun before camouflage applied: Other jobs are to: source and make up welding leads, design and build the collapsible welding bench that was part of the standard kit, fit "T-Plate", refit white convoy disc, wire up convoy light and side light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeePig Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 It's looking luverly! And will you be testing its welding ability? trevor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted March 21, 2014 Author Share Posted March 21, 2014 It's looking luverly! And will you be testing its welding ability? trevor Yes Trevor, definitely will. I've read that these old MUREX welders were a pleasure to use as they produce a really good steady current output. But probably not use it at any shows. Can just imagine the organisers will not be keen on getting claims for "arc-eye" from all and sundry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeePig Posted March 21, 2014 Share Posted March 21, 2014 Yes Trevor, definitely will. I've read that these old MUREX welders were a pleasure to use as they produce a really good steady current output. But probably not use it at any shows. Can just imagine the organisers will not be keen on getting claims for "arc-eye" from all and sundry! Well, John, from what I remember of the Murex we had at the garage I used to work in, it was very forgiving - much better than my SIP 140. Talking of shows, do you not think you will be called upon to make a few field repairs from people who have been a little too enthusiastic in driving their MVs? trevor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted March 23, 2014 Author Share Posted March 23, 2014 Camouflage paint put on. Reasons and method for this all covered earlier in this thread for the Electrical Repair trailer so won't reiterate. As the wartime instructions for this pattern included covered all horizontal surfaces of vehicle, there is a lot of matt black paint. It will be relieved by a white invasion star and pale blue "X" numbers in due course: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiho9 Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 I've enjoyed reading this from the beginning. Excellent work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted March 27, 2014 Author Share Posted March 27, 2014 I've enjoyed reading this from the beginning. Excellent work Thanks. It seems to have been a long time since I started this one, but definitely getting there! Currently finishing the collapsible welding bench. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted March 29, 2014 Author Share Posted March 29, 2014 Here is a replica of the collapsible welding bench. Similar construction to collapsible benches on the electrical supply trailer, but as the original description from 1951 REME Vol. 2 book the "All metal welding bench with removable legs is carried on the side of the trailer" I've made this with a mild steel top rather than hardwood planks: Very easy to make, biggest challenge has been sourcing the correct 3/8 BSF machine studs (not zinc plated modern versions!). I was lucky to find the original "eared" 3/8 BSF Wingnuts in one of the trailer's lockers. The two pairs of legs fit vertically in the front of the trailer, held in place by two webbing straps. The bench top sits vertically along the right hand side of the trailer and is held in place by a winged bolt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starfire Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Awesome work. We'll need some pics of the bench mounted to the trailer. Cheers, Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted April 2, 2014 Author Share Posted April 2, 2014 Awesome work. We'll need some pics of the bench mounted to the trailer. Cheers, Terry[/quote Here you are Terry. The two webbing straps are original and were fitted on the trailer. I've left the bench-top unpainted as I suspect it would have been originally, but need to think how to stop it rusting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon_M Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Coat of engine oil on the bench top, methinks. I'll bet there was provision for storage of an oil can or the like on the trailer somewhere ? These days diesel would probably do a better job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted April 2, 2014 Author Share Posted April 2, 2014 Coat of engine oil on the bench top, methinks. I'll bet there was provision for storage of an oil can or the like on the trailer somewhere ? These days diesel would probably do a better job. Yes Gordon, am sure you are right: just oil it over. But was wondering whether there is a more modern option, that will be more suited for displays with the public leaning on it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon_M Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 WD40 I suppose, but I'd just cover it in oil and let them lean ....:blush: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starfire Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 You could have it galvanised. Cheers, Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon_M Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 You wouldn't want to weld on a galvanised surface, every time you strike an arc on it you'd get toxic Zinc fume Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niels v Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 If you not are going to weld on it, you could maybe give it a clear coat of varnish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeePig Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 So the choices so far are: - make visitors oily - poison visitors with zinc - lacquer the table hmmmm... trevor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted April 3, 2014 Author Share Posted April 3, 2014 So the choices so far are: - make visitors oily - poison visitors with zinc - lacquer the table hmmmm... trevor Yes or just paint the thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted April 11, 2014 Author Share Posted April 11, 2014 (edited) Attempted......Thread title change Edited April 11, 2014 by cordenj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin craig Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread tonight. I had an awful day at work and have insomnia as a result. Right stressed. I love it. One question in my mind, why is there such a massive hitch at the back? It looks out of scale with the rest of the trailer. Were they daisy chained together with other types, I may have missed something explaing this i think. R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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