shaun

We are about to repaint our "instant sunshine " ! That should sort the weather out

The sky pilot has been notified its on apparently , so it's his decision . But it will definitely not be raining in the beer tent or Jimmys ( that's the cafe/bar) .

We are now flat out preparing the vehicles for Military Revival. The arena program is all planned . The media partnership with the Eastern Daily press has boosted advanced ticket sales ( just hope the car park is big enough ! ). We are going to have nearly 50 of the museums vehicles and out of storage and on display, many of the being demonstrated in the arena. here are some images of a few of the vehicles and kit being prepared .

Hi Alex , got the 75 back from the blasters today, so here are some more if the numbers etc for you ..

TTFN

Shaun

Hi Shaun,

 

Nice to see another one being restored! assume you're in the US? can you let me have your carriage number too for my database please??

 

Your Watervliet Arsenal number is close to one of mine, 4769 my inspectors initials are AGG, cannot read yours clearly?? the only two WVT numbers on my list!

 

Grtz,

 

Alex Schmidt

Hi Alex,

im in the UK , as soon as I get the carriage back from the blaster on Tuesday I will send you the number. I will also get some close ups of all the inspection stamps etc.

TTFN

Shaun

Hi Guys, I'm half way through the restoration of a 75mm and need a couple of parts . I need an extractor and a firing mech. The gun is live and I hope to fire blank at some point with it . I have just sent most of it off for sand blasting. Here is an image of the breach ring so you can see the type etc .TTFN Shaun

Who is Mario Balotellis - is he an Italian MV collector ? He he he

It's a V12 - we have a thing for V12s at the moment !

We have a merc ! Well a German taxi (don't tell Steve I said that Rick )

Twin Brens ! It's a British vehicle old chap .

either or will do , as long as the Bentley is in cammo !

Rick are you bring the Cromwell or the wad you get for it !

Plans are going well, tank rides sorted, mini tanks sorted, hanger dance tickets going very well , after speaking to many of you at W&P it's seems we may need a bigger field ! The passes will be processed very soon. If you have not booked yet or having problems with the website , PM me on here with your details and I will get the passes etc sent direct.

Was Richard there ? A good choice of recipient . Not seen Richard in a few years .

found a little bit of video when we were doing the photo shoot

I think they were the fast escape cover alls , mind you Andy had a black eye later in the week so not really sure what was going on in the back of the RV ! Now focus on the Cromwell will you Ben .

I think Rick was dropping a hint I need to buy it ....... Turning up with my name on the truck ! Anyway here are a couple more images of tank and owner .

The man himself !

Great photos and videos Pete, glad you got back ok ! Rick a very well deserved double mate !

Rick , do you want me to sling my box of stencils in ?

Rick, looking good buddy ! See you there .

My pictures. In no real particular order!

Interesting LSV , is that the one the guy built from scratch ?

I totally agree , but we have to remember the organisers have a lot on there plate - especially this year with a new venue and give them all the support we can - by that I mean being flexible and accepting what we are given as far as space is concerned . Personally I think this is the best thing to happen to show for a long time.

Well most of our heavy kit is there now, driving the rest down on Sunday . Can't wait ! We will have a lot of toys there .

The 'Normandy Cowl' is the deflector that Cromwells had on the rear of the tank to deflect the exhaust plume backwards. As built, the exhaust goes out vertically, not very tactical amongst the hedgerows!

 

It is often written that the cowls were to prevent the exhaust from being sucked into the hatches and gassing the crew when the tanks were lined up. I do not accept that as the likely origin of the cowl though as no air is drawn through the hatches, unlike Sherman and directing it backwards merely gasses the crew behind.....

 

I believe it to be for tactical reasons in that the exhaust plume, particularly on starting up is very visible and gives away your position.

 

Initially, the deflectors were 'home made' from anything available, I have even seen pictures of cut in half jerrycans used. Eventually, the official cowl was adopted and starts to appear in action by late summer 1944. Comet had one from the start, though with a slot in the centre for the gun when in it's crutch.

you are probably right Adrain having seen the plume of dust the fans can push up from the Comet, but all so on one exercise many years ago I was commanding a Ferret Mk2when a smoke grenade was dropped on the engine deck and settled between the exhaust shield and the armour , the smoke did go straight up but was also sucked in every hatch . when I looked down in side the vehicle from the gunners seat where I sat all I could see was thick green smoke . Some where in that smoke was my driver. I thought at the time it was interesting to see how much air the fans etc drag through the fighting compartment.