Great War truck

Tim (too)

Why, what would you say? Tim (too)

Isn't Lyon the home of Berliet trucks? Tim (too)

These trucks are all (but the grey Autocar) from military service. It is a bit hard to tell with the Dennis restoration as when finished it will consist of parts from about 7 different Dennis trucks, but they are all of the war time subsidy model even if some parts are replacement post war bits. Tim (too)

Yes thats right. The citric acid is used to clean up the ali and does a good job of it. I cant remember where it came from. Tony will know and I am sure he will post the answer soon. It is very hard to find any info on these early trucks, however through friends, contacts and the internet we have established enough information to enable us to do our projects. Interestingly, info on the US built trucks is much more readily available than the british built trucks. No idea why this is, but we have everything we could need now for the Peerless, our next project. Another great source of information comes from photos of these trucks which i avidly purchase when ever i come across them. Tim (too)

This is just about how it was left today. Tim (too)

Of course getting the thing apart has involved using the big sockets with scaffolding pole to get extra leverage. Getting it all red hot. Belting necessary parts with a hammer. Shouting at it. All the usual stuff really. But of course doing it with utmost delicacy so as not to break anything. Here are some photos which are fairly self explanatory: It is interesting to note that the transmission drum on this gearbox is actually two of them bolted together (unlike our other example), probably to give it better braking. We will return it to this configuration as being able to stop in a hurry is always useful. Everything has come apart using our tried and tested methods, however, the brakes are rusted solid and can not be taken off, despite the direst of threats. The shafts are stuck solid in the ali gear box caseing and we can not ease them off the end. We have stopped for now to reconsider our strategy. Tim (too)

Well if Leicestershire is Gods back garden, the particular piece that it will be going to is the bit of waste ground behind the compost heap where only stinging nettles grow (sorry Steve). Anyway, it wont be happeneing for some years yet i am sure. Too many other distractions and the shed has not been built yet. On the restoration front i have just spent a few days down in Devon and we have been working on dismantling the gearbox. Not very exciting, but quite satisfying as it comes apart. The problem is of course the very delicate case which you can see here: The aliminium has rotted away in some places and we are desperately trying not to make it fall apart.

That is true, but only for the Saturday. I would like to do more, but i would also like to remain married. Tim (too)

Is it Coutance? Oh hang on. No it is nothing like it.

Ok then. Before i start going through books, is it in an area that was liberated by the British, the Canadian or American forces. I presume that it is a British photograph as the US ones had different markings in the corner? Thanks Tim (too)

Jack. Do you know the answer to this, or do you really not know? Tim (too)

I love that snow picture. I was hoping to take the Jeep out when we had snow last weekend. However i couldnt get the cars in front of it out the way so it ahd to stay in the garage. Did the Explorer get through without any trouble. Certainly couldnt have done that in my Jeep. Tim (too)

Nice to see the Amazon. Does it have to work for its keep? Tim (too)

The engine still has a lot of work to do on it, including the making of a new water pump. Steve has been slighlty side tracked on another project so that will take a bit of time to get finished. In the meantime, Tony has started work on the gearbox. We have the remains of three gearboxes, two of which have smashed casings and the third one is "delicate" to say the least. Steve is confident that it can be brought back. I am a little wary, but have every confidence in Steve. Anyway, this is how it looks with the cover off and you can see the gears inside. The gears all look to be in good order, but i still have reservations about the casing. Ever optimistic, we proceed ever onwards. Tim (too)

I have not updated this for a while and i am not certain how many photos we have lost since the server incident. Anyway, just to keep you up to date, the fan and mounting have been all cleaned/painted and now mounted on the engine.

Yes Paul. I think you were there the same day as me. Still looking for my other photos of the day. here is one of them: Here are some more of this years event: I will get you the dates of this years event. We will be able to take vehicles onto the ranges and drive on and off the landing craft. Richard will also give us the full tour if you are so interested. There is a lot to see, if you know where to look. I will post some more info soon and if anybody else wants to bring a vehicle you will be welcomed. Tim (too)

Here it is. Packards being rebuilt in one of the hangars. I dont think the insides have changed very much in all that time. Tim (too)

Oh yes, i forgot you lived there. Did you know at the end of WW1, Hendon aerodrome was partly taken over by Packard for ex WD truck rebuilds. I have a period photo somewhere which will interest you. Will have a look for it. Tim (too)

Oh gosh! Is that what it means! Ah well, that explains a lot then. Tim (too)

As you know i am an obsessive postcard collector. Not so long ago i came across this postcard of Alphington Street in Exeter. Nothing special you may say. Well the fourth from the left of the row of Georgian Houses was my first property (well actually the top floor was my flat) Still bored i hear you groan? Well, the view is a bit different today. The first two Georgian houses are long gone, and the building in front of those (on the very left) was until recently a dilapidated pile of rubble. When i told my collegues at work of my purchase they were both suprised and amused. I must admit when i bought the property i was always a bit confused as to why the walls were leaning at funny angles. One door was flush with the floor to the left, but to the right there was a gap of about 5 inches. Thinking no more about and as the surveyors report said nothing (it really did say nothing - but cost me £300) i was not put off. What actually happened was the property was hit in the Baedecker raid of Exeter and all the buildings to the left were flattened. The houses were never rebuilt and the corner shop (and garage behind it) were left as rubble. This rubble has since been cleared and a new block of flats built. Once i had moved in i was hit with constant large repair bills and then extreme negative equity until the flat was worth about 40% of my original purhcase price. On a happier note i rented it out for 10 years and sold it a couple of years ago and made a little profit. Although i could still blame the Nazi war machine for stuffing me financially for 10 years of my life, at least i was not living in numbers 6 and 7 when the bombs dropped. There you go. Every photo tells a story. Tim (too)

I found this WW1 postcard a while back. The sender actually sent it to his girl friend. I hope that she had a good sense of humour. Makes me laugh. Tim (too)

Take a look at this item on E bay 280215723620 Does it really work and is it a good idea? With fuel prices going the way they are we might all all buy multifuel engined trucks and smell like chip shops. I guess a multi fuel REO would not have a problem with this, but something a bit more delicate I would be cautious about. Not too sure what price chip oil is, but new stuff is probably more expensive than diesel? Any thoughts? Tim (too)

Yes, well done Jack. It is a real shame but in a short time everything will be just about back to normal. You just need enthusiasm and support from everyone to get there and you have mine. I notice a lot of picture links are not reloading from Photobucket. Is there a reason for this, or is it just part of the general problem. Tim (too)

Hey thanks for that Neil. It is all very pleasing to the eye. Do you remember that full size replica nuclear submarine they made from old tyres. We must be in with a chance for the next Turner prize. :angel: Tim (too)