G8RPI

Looking below the engine cover on AF3008 it appears the bulkhead is made from horizontal planks. In the center section at least.

QL beat me to it. Tim needs some wire locking tips 😀

The bizare thing is that ebay UK prohibit military items: "Articles or services specifically designed, developed, configured, adapted or modified for a military application." https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/military-items-policy?id=4342 but they have categories foor military items. Oh and I 100% endorse what earlymb says above. I always use tarrif codes. For a lot of items it also saves the recipient paying duty (not applicable to GSP they do their own thing).

I think you will find they are all very similar. The No80 has a slight truncated cone at base but that won't be seen when int the storage or discharger. You could turn up in wood or 3D print the base bit if you really wanted it correct. At least the head is correct and works.

What aout these: https://www.tacticalgeartrade.co.uk/m18-smoke-grenade-dummy-model-kit-green.html https://wolfarmouries.co.uk/tmc-m83-smoke-grenade-dummy.html

The base tractors sell on ebay for around £2000 so I guess it must be worth half that for parts to support a restoration. As a working tug with the rust sorted and good tyres probably about £2 to £5k. But things are going green and a lot of operators would be looking at electric for a tug of that class. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFB5bQo6Lwg

I'd blame autocorrect but it was all me....🙄

I'd be more concerned about the effect ATF could have on the rest system than OM-33 might have on the pump. The pump is probably easier to replace as well. OM-33 is a straight mineral hydraulic oil ISO-32 viscosity (I use it on my lathe, it's basically the same a as Esso nuto 32 that is specified). I can't see any problem with running the pump on a ISO 32 oil. ATF is different viscosity depending on type. Dextron III is thicker at 37 and VI is thinner at 29. OM-13 is thicker again at 47 cst. "Red ATF" is not a specification. If you do want to use ATF it seems Dextron III would be a better choice based on viscosity. Compatiblity with seals etc is another matter. Robert.

Normally PAL lock nuts (modern metric ones) are tightened 1/3 to 1/2 of a turn past when they contact the full nut. This should result in th flat face of the PAL nut distorting slightly. If there is no distortion there is no spring tension to keep it locked. Do you have a manufacturer and part number (not supplier stock number) for the nuts? This should give a route to data on the correct use of that particular nut. Robert.

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See photos for the details of the switch. As you can see it only moves a tiny mount due to a shallow depression in the disk. The disk is on the same shaft as the control knob. The tube is off with the roller in the depession. Slight adjustment of the switch position or bending of the lever arm may be all that is required. Looks like access on your sight is through the angled plate on the back of tthe lower section. Robert.

Hi, Good news that the tube is OK. The power issue sounds more like a problem with the microswitch that controls power to the tube. You are correct. It should be OFF, ON ND, ON with iris control. No way the tube should be powered all the time. Two possibilities, the microswitch is intermittent or something is out of mechanical adjustment. Robbert.

Hi, Can you see light through the sight with the Iris open? If you can the tube has been removed. Removing the plate above the eyepiece is a safe point of entry. This unit will use a XX1330 series tube, probably a XX1332. These are very good being a 2" microchannel plate "Gen II+" tube. The tube has built-in (potted) HT supply and runs from 6.5V DC. There si a simple 24V to 6.5V regulator in the sight. If you are lucky it will be this that has failed. IT can be repaired or even replaced with a LM317T based circuit. You need to check the voltage at the tube terminals or regulator output. Not had a chance to drag my sight out yet. Robert.

OK that is a new model to me. It is basically the L7A1 sight design adaptoed to fit in the L5A1 mount. Earlier versions used just an adaptor plate between the two. I have a couple of those adaptors. It is unlikey to need positive on two pins, particuarly if you are seeing no countinuity on pin C. You mention pin B twice, can you correct? I'll check the L7A1 body I have later.

Not sure about "a lot more horsepower than the Merlins". They are about the same. Range of 800-1500 hp for the Packard from 40 litres compared to 27 litres for the Merlin with similar power range. Both depending on exact model. Merlins thended to be heavier. Supercharger contributes to this. Need to be careful comparing figures though, what RPM? Sealevel or xx,000 feet? The Meteor might be a better comparison. Robert.

Live to switch and fuse. If you do it the other way one lamp terminal will be live (with respect to ground) even with the light off). If you are hardwiring the lights make sure you use proper strainrelif for the cable. A compression gland like this: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-glands/6694654 You need to check that the thread and cable size suit the parts you have. The glands are availble in a wide range of sizes. Robert.

Do you have continuity between pin A and the fuse holders? Are you sure of the model number? I can't find a reference to a L18 A1. I have L5 A1 and A7L1 units. Any photos ?

I can confirm that Pin A is + 24V pin B 0V (ground) is correct for these periscopes. I don't have a note of the model numbers, but generally the different models refer to different age / performance of tube used. Early ones needed external infrared light sources. The late ones (narrow body and single tube) used high perfomance microchannel plate "Generation II+" tubes like the XX1332. Robert

The Scorpion shelf directly under the radio mountings shown by SirHC is folded sheet. It appears that the shock mounts are under this. So there is almost certainly a steel plate similar or the same as the Scimtar / Wolf type under the the shock mounts. The folded sheet is not strong enough to support a 353. The stack-up would be Vehicle structure - steel plate - shock mounts - folded sheet shelf - mounting bars - radio. The bars in the first photo by SirLanceUK can be used but they would have to be cut off the plate they are welded to. You also need four shock mounts "Barry Mounts". The weight rating for each of mount must encompass 1/4 of the total weight of the radio, bars and folded shelf. Robert.

Technically those mains connectors are illegal. They are certainly unsafe. This is because the earth connection does not have a positve means (e.g. long pin) to ensure it makes first and breaks last. Ideally they should be replaced with a modern mains connector like an IEC 60320 C13/C14 type as used on computers etc. If you must use them NEVER plug or unplug them with the supply on. Pull the 13A plug first. Put a label next to it saying this and if possible wire lock then in the mated position. The issue is if there is a fault as you can end up with a live box in one hand and a earthed metal plug (or vice versa) in the other as you mate or un-mate them. This is likely to be fatal so while the chance of a fault is low, the consequence is exreme. Robert.

The relevant regulations are the known as the Explosives Precursors and Posions Regulations. they include The Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2015 and The Poisons Act 1972 (Explosives Precursors)(Amendment) Regulations 2018. Guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/licensing-for-home-users-of-explosives-precursors/licensing-for-home-users-of-poisons-and-explosive-precursors https://www.protectuk.police.uk/advice-and-guidance/awareness/poisons-act-1972-selling-chemicals-responsibly A couple of things are noteworthy. First is that they are retrospective so something you have owned for years could now be illegal and possibly get you locked up. Second is that they only apply to members of the pubilic. Business and professional users don't need a licence. This means if you have a VAT number or Limited Company you are covered. You can buy a filled battery but not a dry charged one with acid, or just acid over 15%. Technically if yu tip the aicd out of a charged battery into a container you need an EPP licence.... I note a number of ebay sellers are deliberatly circumventing the rules by selling battery electrolyte rather than acid.

There are some variations on the lamps, but yes they mormally have a Mil-C-5015 type 3 pin male connector and a MS3106E10SL-3S is a suitable mate. The MS3106E is a straight connector with solder pins. It has a thin straight knurled coupling nut. The ones used on British vehicles often had a "artic" nut which is thicker with coarse "scallops" instead of knurling. They are designed to use with gloves on. Mouser uk has the MS3106E10SL-3S for about £20. You could Also try https://www.servoconnectors.co.uk/ Tell them you will accept anything that fits and don't need certification.. Robert.

I had a look at the Pinion in photoshop and it does look like there are still cracks in the teeth. Robert.

That pinion worries me a bit. I suggest you at least use a fine stone on a dremel or die grinder to smooth off the fracture surfaces. The aim is to remove any existing cracks, nicks sharp corners etc that can act as stress concentrations and cause further cracking and failure. Ideally replace the fracture surface with a smooth curve perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth. It would be a good idea to do a dye penetrant crack test on it too. Kits marketed for weld testing can be had for under £30. Random ebay example www.ebay.co.uk/itm/371040603133? 3/8" UNS (32tpi) is very common in electronics. Used on BNC socket and potentiometer (volume control) attachments. Robert.

Plus one for this. Put the tape on the pipe dry and well stretched, then lubricate with soapy water when pushing the hose over. You just need a strip where the clamp will be. Robert G8RPI.