monty_stubble

Bought a set. What do you use for varnish?

What is the transfer on the top? Is it another winged M?

I think the stuff I've got is probably what there is.

Is any one aware of a field service pocket book relating specifically to motorcycles marshalling convoys.

I have a copy of 1941 Pamphlet No. 6 "Mechanized movement by road" and 1943 Pamphlet No. 5 "Movement by Road & Rail" but haven't spotted any others. Anyone in the know?

MS

I may be wrong here, but I don't believe that serving personnel, in the middle of a conflict, would paint an "anatomically" perfect flying "M" on their bikes. Looking at the photos, while the logos may be different sizes, they are all consistent with the marque.

That suggests transfers or factory paints.

Monty

Don't think there are any holes. Certainly no filler. Looks like it's out with the paintbrush then.

Did you find the "C" number?

Monty

Thanks, any idea who sells the badges?

MS

Any ideas on the number which should go on a Matchless G3L (Frame number is 48273). 

I'm also a bit confused by the date allocated to the frame which by my knowledge is late 1942. Also lent out my book so can't check.

Finally, how big should the "Flying M" be? All sizes are available from various suppliers.

Any help gratefully received.

Monty

I have the contact of a local engineering work where (worst case scenario cost-wise) the guy can make new ones. Be very expensive though. As he says, "There's nothing that's been made that can't be made again". In the meantime the search continues.

Good thought. I'll have a look locally to begin with (I'm in the north).

I did wonder about a 1" threaded insert inside a more modern bearing (like a helicoil) but there isn't much room.

All the same I think. It equates, as you say to 40mm.

I've already had a reply from Fenwicks and it's a non starter, I'm afraid.

Steering Head bearings are 1.577" OD and 1" ID with a 1" BSCY thread. Also have 22 balls of 3/16 diameter.

Any ideas where I can get a replacement headstock bearing(s) in the UK?

Also, did I read somewhere that the wording on the generally available oil mix transfer was not correct for the ML (I might have imagined this).

I'd certainly be up for 2 contract plates.

By WW2 Renolds seem to have bought everyone out, including these guys.

Renolds bought the Coventry Chain Company pre-war but in WW2 they still operated as two companies but only apparently selling Renolds chain. Incidentaly, Coventry Chains made the drive chains for WW1 tanks.

Doesn't look much like one.

10 minutes ago, Ron said:

• Reynold Chains comes to mind. Ron

• Renold  chains had a virtual monopoly in WW2. Motorcycle magazine advertisements at the time made this clear.

I too have them. I guess the holes must be later mods.

Hesitate to pose this again. But as I near the completion of one ML and start on the next (yes, really) I am still confused by the routing of the cable to the rear light. Ron's clips (see the other thread) is by far the neatest and most sensible (which I've used) but I keep seeing them with holes in the rear mudguard to route the cable through. Is this a later adaptation or were there some of both kinds? I seem to have been out of the loop for a long time as I was wooed away by a 1961 AJS.

The cable attaches to the screw connector (arrowed). The cable goes down to the trigger.

I don't think we've ever met. I live in the north.

I'll get some better pictures next time it gets worked on.

When you press the trigger foot pedal a shield to cover the sight is activated. It protects it from the flash (presumably).  When you let go it pops back down. It's approx 6mm outer, 2mm inner cable.  I'll just skin the plastic off one, I've got some in the shed.

Yes, bit worried about that.  Could take a few mil off the nut I suppose.

2 other questions ...

1. Does the cable from the rear light go through the mudguard or over it. There seems to be a mixture. On the bike I haven't started on yet it goes through, on some photos, over the top. Which is it?

2. On your 2 pounder Anti Tank gun. When you fire it there is a bowden cable arrangement to close off the sight. How is it connected at the pedal? Is it a nipple or is it just clamped on with a screw? And is there a lubricator in the middle of the cable?