David B.

Given the choice of watching it or not being aware of it at all,I'm glad I watched it. Thank you Nick for drawing it to my attention.

Strange the e mail I received from him is signed as ............copied from the actual e mail ...........

 

Keep in touch,

Best regards

 

Adrian Scott-Cox

Mairie d’Arromanches

It it simply means that the letter is from Adrian at the Town Hall or Mayor's office.

This is a copy of the manual - I do not know if it is available now[ATTACH=CONFIG]83627[/ATTACH]

Was this the edition copies of which were available on Ebay USA. They were quite expensive if I remember.

I had some bound copies done of the 1960 revision and was charged £20. I could probably get one or more done if that would help anyone.

David.

My Old Man used to take me into town (Oxford) when St Giles' Fair was setting up. I wanted to look at the big wheel,roundabouts and gallopers etc. He used to lead me around the back to look at the WD vehicles many of them with huge Gardner engines running away on the back. Fifty years after I realise that he was right and he has left me with a virtual lifetime's interest,good on him.

It is a tool kit box and often illustrated together with the vehicle tools in the drivers handbooks. I think they go back before WW2 and were made by several different makers. I have two with WW2 dates including one bought just outside Dunkirk.

82ZA70 looks like a post-war army registration number - I don't know how it would fit into the contract system. In my chaotic filing system I found this photocopy of a manual that shows the mortar trailer from the rear fully loaded with either mortar or ammunition but also it shows the detail of the floor planking with a wide central plank and 3 narrower planks to either side and an even narrower one against each side - just like the planking on my trailer when I got it in 1986 so the odds are that at least the floor was original. It is the pattern I will be replicating.[ATTACH=CONFIG]82476[/ATTACH]Hopefully you can make out the detail but it is a scan of a photocopy.

Tony, I think that your photocopy is from the Small Arms Training Pamphlet for the 4.2" Mortar. I wouldn't mind a photocopy if you could do me one at some time.

I will check to see if the plank spacing is the same on the Orme Evans GS model.

Cheers,

David.

According to the Ministry of Supply publication, Data Book of Wheeled Vehicles, the draught eye on this trailer has an ID of 2 21/32" so that it can be towed by a 3 tonner. I have my doubts about it being towed by a 4x4 though as a QL has a tow hook height of 2' 9 1/2", where as an OY is 2' 3 1/2". The height of the trailer eye is 2' 1 3/4". All this from the data book, it also states that if the lorry were laden the tow hook height would be 3" less than given, this would still make the trailer tow too high at the front if behind a 4x4 (QL).

Regards Richard ,I think you are quite right. I noticed this thread while I was away without the Data Book to hand.

I did a similar comparison with the 10cwt tow eye height versus truck tow bar heights once and it seemed that to me that the largest British truck which could comfortably tow a GS/Mortar trailer was the OY. The 4x4 three tonners tow hook was too high as you say.

Regards Maurice - hope you are well. What a lovely trailer, are you sure you can't lie down in the back of it ?

All the best,

David.

I've really got the bit between my teeth. The trailer is almost completely stripped down

 

Good on you Tony, we've got sidetracked on Dingo cylinder head and K2 steering with next year in mind. Takes up a lot of time and money.. When the time comes to restart the trailer I hope we have all the bits put by and have learnt lots from posts such as yours,please keep it up !

David.

Tony Oliver has died suddenly at his home, one of the pioneers of military vehicle collecting in the UK founder of TLO film services, and the History on Wheels museum at Eton, our thoughts are with his wife Vera and the family.

 

 

 

 

Having spoken to the family today my information is that the service at St John's Church, Egham actually begins at 12.30 on Monday September the 9th but an early arrival is advised as parking in the area is quite difficult.

 

It is hoped that there will be a good representation of museum vehicles at the church and following the church service there will be a private cremation.

 

Later in the afternoon from approximately 3 pm there will be wake at the museum to which those who knew Tony are invited to attend. All those able to bring a classic/military vehicle to the wake are urged to do so and it is hoped there will be an outstanding turnout as Tony would have loved to have seen.

 

Contrary to the information on the website,donations are invited to the British Heart Foundation. Family flowers only.

Just a reminder to anyone who may have missed this thread. Tony's funeral takes place next Monday the 9th September, 12 for 12.30. Later in the afternoon there will be a gathering of friends at the museum.

Having spoken to the family today my information is that the service at St John's Church, Egham actually begins at 12.30 on Monday September the 9th but an early arrival is advised as parking in the area is quite difficult.

It is hoped that there will be a good representation of museum vehicles at the church and following the church service there will be a private cremation.

Later in the afternoon from approximately 3 pm there will be wake at the museum to which those who knew Tony are invited to attend. All those able to bring a classic/military vehicle to the wake are urged to do so and it is hoped there will be an outstanding turnout as Tony would have loved to have seen.

Contrary to the information on the website,donations are invited to the British Heart Foundation. Family flowers only.

PLEASE NOTE CORRECTION TO THIS POST

Tony Oliver has died suddenly at his home, one of the pioneers of military vehicle collecting in the UK founder of TLO film services, and the History on Wheels museum at Eton, our thoughts are with his wife Vera and the family.

 

 

 

 

Having spoken to the family today my information is that the service at St John's Church, Egham actually begins at 12.30 on Monday September the 9th but an early arrival is advised as parking in the area is quite difficult.

 

It is hoped that there will be a good representation of museum vehicles at the church and following the church service there will be a private cremation.

 

Later in the afternoon from approximately 3 pm there will be wake at the museum to which those who knew Tony are invited to attend. All those able to bring a classic/military vehicle to the wake are urged to do so and it is hoped there will be an outstanding turnout as Tony would have loved to have seen.

 

Contrary to the information on the website,donations are invited to the British Heart Foundation. Family flowers only.

Hello David

 

I have one of the Dunlops that your after, and may be interested in others that you have for my Austin K2 GS lorry.

 

Colin

Hello Colin,

Any chance you could give me a ring to discuss please. 07860 889524 .

Thanks, David.

sad news.

 

/p

Probably one of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts and advisors on military vehicles and militaria ever. A thoroughly nice man who would give anyone more than just the time of day with the benefit of his years of experience,knowledge and his extensive collection of documents,books and manuals.

He was top of the tree since the film "Battle of Britain" and was enjoying his retirement from the film business indulging himself by exercising his ever enquiring mind on fresh lines of research.

Expert on so many subjects from Imperial Russian militaria through French taxis to Japanese sake bowls and so much more.

A truly irreplaceable figure, I shall miss him greatly.

David Belcher.

Mortar trailers have

 

• squared flat panel mudguards

• mudguard supports bolted to side raves

• front opening in place of tailgate - presumably to allow easy transfer of ammo

• no toolbox

• longer body

• bar through handbrake handle

 

GS trailers have

 

• curved mudguards

• mudguard supports welded to side raves

• tailgate

• toolbox

• body shorter than frame

• plain handbrake handle

 

 

Both were towed by carriers, and some mortar trailers were subsequently converted to GS trailers by adding a tailgate

Both had the two types of hitch - early one with handles on neck and later one with handles as part of the hitch assembly

 

Hope this helps

 

SK

Sorry - I would have to disagree.

What you have described are roughly speaking the differences between the Number 1 and Number 2 Trailers with the earlier No 1 trailer having the curved mudguards. Mortar trailers and GS versions differed however in the position of the moveable head/tail boards.

Mortar and GS trailers were sometimes produced concurrently in the same contracts for mixed types and I believe that whether the tailgate or headboard is hinged and the details of the internal body fittings is what differentiates between GS , Mortar and Mortar Ammunition versions. What confuses the issue very often is the retrospective conversions of the Mortar trailers to a more useable GS type with the conversion of the rear tailboard to a moveable tailgate.

There is a lot of confusion about the GS/Mortar question and when I get a bit of time and perhaps with a little help with illustrations will try to illustrate my theory. Certainly any pictures of the trailers deployed with the mortars shows them close to the gun with the rounds being taken from the front of the trailer.

I'll try to follow this up but not tonight.

David.

PM sent.

Hello Graham - has the message got through. I'm keen to speak to you.

David.

hi David, I have a pair of Goodyears as in your photos, they came off the late Cyril Groombridges Bedford OY as he managed to get a pair of NOS ones 2 yrs ago, I will not be fitting them to my OY as I am going to keep the Michelin Radials I have on the lorry, you can have the pair for £50. PM me if your interested.

regards

PM sent.

Hello Graham,

I'm so sorry but did not know that Cyril had passed away, I was dealing with him from about the early 70s onwards. I used to call him "Uncle" Cyril. in fact I bought an OY from him in about 1972.

Could you let me have a telephone number for you please and I can give you a call and discuss the tyres.

All the best,

David.

One other thought . Re-cutting commercial vehicle tyres used to be a common practice. Does anyone have any recent experience of having these WD tyres re-cut and what are the legalities of this ?

I am sorting out some of the 10.50 x 16 tyres I have with a view to matching up a spare pair for the front axle of my K2 and passing on some of the odd tyres I have to someone who has need of them.

Wanted.

One or two of the Dunlop pattern as illustrated or the Goodyear "Grooved Standard" - (2nd and 3rd pics), in very good condition as fitted to the front axle of British WW2 4x2 trucks - OY.K3 etc.

I would be happy to buy these outright if anyone can help me please.

For sale or Exchange.

I have one Pirelli "Carriload" (pics 5 and 6) in pretty good condition and one Avon "Traction" (7 and 8) with little wear which I do not need and which I can either exchange or sell .

If I can find what I need for my K2,I may also have one or two Dunlop "Trak Grips" which I will be able to part with also,but these will be only suitable as spares.

If any one can help it would probably be best to PM me or call in on 07860 889524.

Many thanks in advance,

David.

Good to see the pictures Tim,

 

Really enjoyed the weekend, thanks to everyone for making it happen.

 

Jules

I'd echo that Julian. Disappointed to be working on Saturday and miss the road run but everything else was thoroughly enjoyed. Nice to get to see and appreciate some of the interesting sites on the doorstep. Normandy,The Ardennes,Arnhem etc all excellent visits but its surprising what went on in rural Oxfordshire !

Many thanks to all the organisers and chief cook.

David.

I got an original one some where. Will trace it and make picture after W&P show

Hello Peter,

I don't think I've ever seen one. Should anyone be thinking of making a few I would be interested in one- what are they made of ?

David.

[quote=simon king;374051.........with the making of suspension shackle pins and other turned parts by the firm as well with the making up of replacement raves and replacement "girder and tube" type pintles by another firm....

sk

It might be worth asking if anyone else could use some of these parts before finalising the order. most of these trailers were well used in civilian life to say the least.

David.

I've got somewhere with this question. The colour of the disc is covered in ACIs (Army Council Instructions). I found ACI 833 of 4th October 1947 and it states to paint a RED circle on the Radiator, replacing the Blue of ACI 926 of 1946.......ô

So does that point to a sequence of colours used over several years do you think ? If so what other colours were used ?

The one I have is an original green, so is the BSA Mk V. I wonder if the brown is the wrong?

Ian - the answer is probably both were correct. The last of these bikes that I had was original brown with the transfers over the paint. If you speak to the motorcycle experts they will tell you that bikes came from the factory for a period in Service Brown. I think it was something to do with a shortage of certain pigments.