scott9643

I believe it was an RAF Regiment vehicle but it didn't come with any documentary evidence of that. The man who restored it and sold it to me said it was.......

Just spotted this and welcome to the gang. Nice looking K9 -- you're really lucky to get one this good! As in the thread -- keep to the original tyres and drive within the limits of the brakes and you'll have no problems. Don't get the RAF Regiment connection, but there, life is full of surprises.

Have a look at the brass military plate located behind the cab on the chassis rail next to the tyre inflator behind the oil can rack. This should give the original 6 digit military reg number. I've got a list of date in service K9s and might be able to date it for you

Here's a picture of ours -- 1951 and note no hip ring

hi i used to drive that machine out on heavy recoverys it was purchased from the glamorgan fire service years ago you are right about the holmes gear, it is a Leyland Martian. i have some pics and a short bit of film of it if you are interested

all the best Bungy 1948

The Leyland belongs to Mr Ted Tucker trading as "Land Rover Man" whose business can be accessed from the A361 Glastonbury road just past Walford Cross on the A38.

In its hayday, Mr Tucker used it for commercial recovery off the A38 (pre M5) then trading as Hamilton Motors. The original crane was replaced by a twin boom Holmes and as far as I remember the hydraulic spade has been removed from the back as well. I'd forgotten about the Glamorgan Fire Brigade connection and that's quite right Bungy

Although it doesn't look too bad from the M5, all that remains is hundreds of starving metal beetles holding hands. The cab is pretty well shot and beyond saving I'd say and it hasn't run in thirty years at least. It was unceremoniously pushed down the field a number of years ago to make way for loads of Landrovers. Unless you really need some axle bits, I wouldn't think it was worth any more than scrap. Knowing Mr Tucker -- it'll be gold plated scrap! so don't ask!

Looks in good nick, apart from the oil leak coming from the back wheel, would like more info for the WW11 Diamond T Register, another T for Dorset I wonder, looking forward to more info regarding this T, good luck with it.

Regards dizzy-t:wow:

:drive:

A quick update: "T" now on milweb at http://www.milweb.net/webverts/60648/. Not mine I hasten to add, but Kevin is a sensible bloke and the "T" is well worth a look if you're in the market

Ddin't some or all have a three gear coloum shift?

Early CAs had the 1500 engine derived from the F model victor with three speed column shift. In 1964 the 1600 FB Victor was introduced and the CA was facelifted with 1600cc engine and 4 speed gearbox. The most noticable difference was the increase in size of the windscreen. This version also with column shift and shared the same problems as the Ford 400e van whereby it was quite common for the gear linkage to get in a knot at the bottom of the steering column and it was a case of getting under and forcing a jemmy bar between the levers to force them apart (happy days working in a Vauxhall main dealer!) I'm still having nightmares about changing the starter motor!

CA finished production in 1969 and was replaced by the CF and the Navy had a load of those as crew buses as well

This 980 has been dry stored for the last 25 years and was dug out of a corner and started last weekend. The guy that owns it wants the shed cleared and will be advertising it soon. Oil and filters were changed, new batteries and a fresh can of cherryaid and away she went, When the smoke cleared she ran beautifully sounds good and has good oil pressure. The temptation to take it out for a spin was too great, so several of us took the beastie out round the fields -- what fun! What a tiny cab -- I've never driven one before and was surprised to find I could touch both doors from the drivers seat. A bit different to my Scammell.

Does anyone have any production details or can give some info on the following please.

British Army post war registration 21 YZ 11 - chassis number 980 2090 - Base Repair 11/53, and stencilled under the bonnet on the offside is WBO 924730M

The engine is the original Hercules lump, so the british Army registration number surprised me as I thought they were upengined to Rolls Royce post war, so if anyone has any information I would be very interested please

Hi Steve and welcome to the gang. I'm pretty certain we've met up this year at Prestons do?

I hope you've got plenty of spare time, cos this site is fascinating -- you can spend hours here!

Tony,

 

That was my old workplace for 22 years, not TA, but 44 Command Workshops. Most of it was knocked down for the high speed railway, sadly. I did take my vehicles to the opening of the TA centre there and the 50th Anniversary of REME, so will endeavour to get there with my REME marked truck and a 1944 Fordson mobile workshop that would have served in REME. The latter is under restoration at this present time so should be ready for next years season....and we are within 10 miles of the barracks.

How interesting! The old man was Adjutant there when it changed to 14 Command Wksp in the 50's (1952 I think -- but could be wrong -- only a baby boy at the time!). Is there any history available, because I have a picture of him taken in 1949 which is inscribed 2 Command Wksp Ashford, but according to the REME museum, 2 Command was in Gainsborough???

Hi Guys, I served with the forward repair group at 7th armoured workshops at Fallingbostel from Jan 1964 to Jan 1968.

We had 12 half tracks. all named after animals from Alligator to Lynx. Most were fitted out with 3 bunks, a two burner petrol cooker and bins for the rations. After exercise March Hare in 1964 we were also issued with Aladin parafin heaters mounted on a wooden base to stop them from topling over. For communication we had a C13 radio.

The best part was when on exercise we were detached from the worksop fending for ourselves. We were issued with compo rations which we used to suppliment with food obtained from farms or local villages.

All in all we were very comfortable in our half tracks.

 

Regards Gordon.

Have you got any pictures Gordon -- love to see the halftracks in service -- go to http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?23368-REME-Forward-Repair-Teams -- should bring back a few memories!

Does anyone have any more pictures of the type of Royal Signals half tracks shown in scott9643's post above?

Not exactly --but I have these of a White scout car Royal Signals post war which I think are interesting

Trouble? Nah mate, just checking the tyres..........

Well 'urry up mate! -- kettles boiling

Thought you might like these

I've still got this in the back garden -- any body want a new pet?

Royal Signals attached to 13/17 Hussars, Wolfenbutel 1954

.........lower picture REME Forward Repair Team halftrack in REME museum reserve collection

Should have added this link to the thread I started about FRTs

http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?23368-REME-Forward-Repair-Teams

Royal Signals attached to 13/17 Hussars, Wolfenbutel 1954

.........lower picture REME Forward Repair Team halftrack in REME museum reserve collection

 

Now it just so happens that we've got a photo of two of these guys and a shot of their 4 x 4 which Preston is going to share with the Police. So fare warning -- If you are the people that left Cobbaton early in the morning -- I suggest you phone Preston now to either protest your innocence or own up -- or await a knock on your door by a Policemen very interested in your weekend activities

 

GOOD NEWS! Hot off the press from Preston -- The Police were able to trace the vehicle and paid a surprise visit to certain individual in Wales. All of the stolen guns were recovered and the son of doubtful parentage admited stealing them. He was promptly arrested and charged with burglary. Let's hope he gets his just deserts

At events the mili's seem to me to be very cliquey, little groups, the 'Brits' are seperate to the White stars, the Landrovers seem often to be a seperate entity entirely, and I get the distinct impression no one would really look out for another section until something happens,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, then its too late!!

 

You might be right about the cliquey little groups, but don't tell me it's not the same in the 'put put club', tractors, Landrovers, Fire Engines or whatever -- it doesn't matter where your interests lie, there will always be those who take it way too seriously and those who don't give a monkeys, and you'll find the two don't always mix. Likewise, those people with American vehicles tend to congregate as do people with British, Russian or whatever, and I don't see that any different to the one marque car clubs.

You've had a bad experience if you feel MV owners don't help each other out -- can't share your view I'm afraid! We make friends everywhere we go and I'd like to think that the majority would rather help out than leave you in a jam -- we would do the same! -- like the time we spent several hours pulling cars and commercials out of a rally site one wet and miserable weekend

I went to buy some Deep Bronze Green paint for my MV and the vendor (an ardent MV enthusiast) said 'what are you going to do with that? -- "I'm going to paint my Scammell" says I -- 'What? shiny green? -- well no one will talk to you" he warned -- "Oh good!" I said -- "...can I have two tins?" and we now regularly get comments like 'when are you going to flog that crap and buy a WW2 vehicle' All part of the fun and good banter, but it says to me 'come and join us -- not on yer bike!

We've got a milly Land Rover as well and I don't agree that they are a seperate entity or even treated as a seperate entity -- once you've got over the fact it's not a jeep (no sorry -- that's me taking the pee) I think you need to lighten up a bit -- we take the whole thing just like Oddball from (Kellys Heroes) ....eating cheese, drinking a little wine, taking in some rays! -- it's a fun hobby, but you have to join in if you want to make the best of it.

Update: Eight weapons in total were stolen and Police have visited Preston and are treating the thefts very seriously. So far, they have not been silly about the weapons display, but have obviously made some recommendations that are going to cost Preston a tidy sum of money but hopefully won't spoil the uniqueness of his collection

Just to clarify a point -- the photos submited to the Police were of people and vehicles that could not be explained. There was no intention to name and shame people who to all intents and purposes could have been perfectly innocent how ever suspicious it may seem that nobody who has been questioned so far appeared to know them, they pitched thier tents at around 20.30 (the time they were caught on camera) and they were seen packing up and disappearing at around seven in the morning

Anyone who was camping at the event, if you haven't been contacted by either Tim or Preston so far, would you please give them a ring -- any snippets of information could be useful

In reading through other lines in this thread, I think we all suffer in some way or other from paranioa that some oik is going get inside our vehicles. We have the usual questions all the time "can I get inside" (and smear everything they get their hands on with icecream and wrench off all the loose equipment just to see if they can) I think sensible policing is the answer -- and this could be done in small groups with a bit of co-operation. I have been surprised at the generosity of some mv owners who have said I'll keep an eye on it for you mate -- makes you want to share doesn't it

I work in an organsation that risk assesses everything (literally) and I tell you what -- the "bloody Health and Safety ruins everything" wears a bit thin when something gets nicked or someone gets hurt. A simple risk assessment -- asking youself a number of questions that start with "what if ...." and providing yourself with an answer could go a long way to keeping you and your hard earned cash safe (Got that feeling I'm preaching now -- end of sermon and todays lesson!)

We've got three vehicles -- two we can tax on line no problem by ticking the MOT box, but our most recent one that we had to have the DVLA to check, we have to complete the V112G every year and take a trip to the PO. I asked the question aboiut taxing on line in the local DVLA stating that I have two other vehicles I have no problem with and received a mighty sigh and shrugged shoulders -- nothing to do with me she said -- dems de rules

PO I use -- very helpful -- no questions asked, no long queues. Still a bit of a pain though compared with sitting at the old PC, but Hey Ho

Probably not my place to start this, but as no one has so far -- here goes

We're all having a brilliant weekend at Preston Issacs VE day weekend until Tim discovers that two AK 47s have gone missing and so have a group of campers. A quick bit of searching finds that no one new these guys, they hadn't entered -- just turned up. After a more thorough check, Tim discovers that more weapons had been stolen -- not neccessarily the most attractive stuff, but Eastern Block weapons and I'm sure a list will be forthcoming

Now it just so happens that we've got a photo of two of these guys and a shot of their 4 x 4 which Preston is going to share with the Police. So fare warning -- If you are the people that left Cobbaton early in the morning -- I suggest you phone Preston now to either protest your innocence or own up -- or await a knock on your door by a Policemen very interested in your weekend activities

For everyone out there reading this thread, I'm sure we're all honest decent folk -- let's not let a minority of thieving gits spoil our hobby -- if you're offered weapons -- please phone Preston or Tim, they put tons and tons of effort into the MVT, lets see if the network can get these weapons back

:mad: :mad:

Would this be a good time to review the definition of laden/unladen? :readpaper::readbook::banghead:

Good idea! Is the definition for commercial goods carried for hire or reward?

Is a caravan a laden trailer if it contains your personal clothing/bedding/food etc.

Taking it one stage further -- is a four wheeled office type steered trailer that has been converted to a caravan laden or unladen? :mad:

I do'nt know if this is the right place to put this but, I've been asked by the owner of Dunkeswell airport to mention that he and the management would dearly like to put on military vehicle displays to coincide with the vintage aircraft fly ins that are held there, or even events that are just for military vehicles.

As you can guess, there is no shortage of space for such events on this historic W.W.II airfield.

Can anyone help?

If so,please contact me via this site.

 

Thanks.

p.s. Jack, you could'nt do something like A&E up there could you!!!!:-D

The MVT West Somerset meet at the Royal British Legion Club in Taunton first Monday of each month, go to http://www.mvt-westsomerset.co.uk for contact details and club events

That's the same weekend as Prestons VJ weekend at Cobbaton -- quite a few of us locals will be heading off to that. Pity we didn't know earlier, Dunkerswell is a lot nearer

Happy to put the event on the West Somerset MVT website if someone could PM me with more details please

There's an event at the nieghboring Smeatharpe Airfield the following weekend, formally RAF Upottery of Band of Brothers fame that is being put on by the South West Airfields Heritage Trust. Go to www.southwestairfields.co.uk for more details and a good overview of both Dunkerswell and Upottery air fields

Plenty of the old wartime buildings still standing at both fields, but Dunkerswell is the only active airfield on the Blackdowns

Thanks very much all. The knowledge and friendly assistance on this site never fails to impress me. Your schematic is exactly what I wanted Andy -- thanks for that

PM on the way Alex

I haven't quite got in to the plethora of spurious bits of army kit that seem to adorn preserved vehicles at shows these days and aerials with flags attached are my favourite! Anyway, I've just bought a 12v Lightwieght with a couple of TUUAMs nailed to the front wings? and racking on the inside with the some odd connector boxes attached. I don't want to throw it all away and quite fancy a radio set but don't know anything about Clansman, or what goes with what.

Can any of you radio experts help please -- what are the boxes? do they go together? (I note one has 28v on it) and what do I need to buy to make it all work -- set, parts, leads etc. HELP! :nut:

Hi

 

I have a shelter canvas (or main parts of) that I think is a lean to type that comes off a box body or workshop body. It is a rubbery canvas with brass eyelets and hooks and loads of buckles. The windows are more of the same material that was used for canvas used on champs etc (leatherette?) all brand new never used and stored in dry place for a very long time. Any ideas of what it is from and if anyone wants it open to reasonable offers.

 

 

On the inside of the canvas should be a stencilled FV number along with the typical broad arrow and possibly a date. Could you photograph or post that information please

Nice picture but they are two Explorers, not Pioneers....

 

The clue is in the driven front axle. That big differential, planetary reduction system, in place of the skinny, steering only, pioneer front axle means the Explorer's radiator has to sit a lot higher than in a Pioneer....Glazed tops on the doors are another pointer....And Air braking connections at the front of the vehicle.....And a different shaped cab and windscreens....And note difference in engine air cleaner....

And having a Gardner 6LW rather than the big petrol engine in the Explorer, meant the Pioneer could get by with a lot smaller radiator....Pioneer front winch rollers are shorter, and are not open at the top as are the Explorer version...Rear view mirrors mount on door on the Explorer and move with the door, but pioneer does not have door tops so mirrors fixed to the windscreen framing stay in place when door is opened.......Explorer front towing eye spring hinges on the right, on the pioneer it swings from the left hand side....see also different mounting points for Headlights....Explorer front mudguards fix to a tubular frame, on the Pioneer they fix to a rectangular (top hat) section sheet steel pressing....On the Pioneer the Fuel tank is exposed, on the Explorer it is enclosed in a rectangular cover....

Draw a line from the top of the front tyres to the top of the rear tyres, Explorer cab is well above this line, Pioneer cab very noticeably below it.....

http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=44893&d=1304865570

......and hadn't the King died by the time the Explorer came into service? or are we being way too fussy!