alsfarms

Hello Ben,

I am curious as to the depth, front to back of your nice facility.  What a proper backdrop for your Lorries!

Al

So far I have had no luck with my hunt for Locomobile/Riker truck parts here in the USA, (or for that matter even complete trucks).  I am an optimist and am well aware that anything is possible to be located under the next "rock".  I just need patience and keep up the hunt both hither and yon.

Al 

Here is another nice Riker/Locomobile engine picture, at the factory, taken during the WW-1 time-frame.

Al

Here is another vintage picture of a Riker parts and pieces.  I would like to share information also.  If you can help this Riker come back together, please drop a note.

Al

Hello Dorset Boy,  I have a couple of questions for you.  First, does you truck still have its original hood?  Secondly, Could you either measure your hood or the engine compartment and give me a good idea of how long from radiator to cowling the hood should be?  How tall are the hood sides?  I have a lead on a hood and would like to have a fair idea if it is even close to what I should have.

Regards,

Al 

Here is another picture of Riker trucks at the factory.  I hope someone may have seen a forlorn chassis or any pieces laying out that could be used to help with my restoration project  It would be nice to order the parts I am missing  from the factory...if only there was still a factory........  I would start with the radiator as shown in the picture.   🙂

Al

Nice Thornycroft lorry!  It may have been asked before, but I am new to this forum....what is the history behind the name "Thornycroft"?

Al

I like the red brick shop complex in the back ground also!  What other nice piece is lurking behind closed doors?

Al

I am late joining here but am impressed with what you have going on the Dennis projects.  I would like to move my Riker project along in a very similar direction.  I just need to locate more parts!

Al

Runflat,  My question was not really related to "Alvis", but occured to me that England may have been a bit more organized with regards to military truck specifications than the US during WW1.  Did the UK have a certain Military Spec. like the US had the "Liberty" truck spec that was built by several builders?

Al

Oh yes,  I would sure like to run across an original radiator that is apart so a duplicate set of castings could be made and allow me to have a proper radiator!  I imagine that I am really in the "dream mode"!

To answer your question.  I have a variety of pieces that could be reworked to build a RIker but I would sooner try to find a rolling chassis or parts thereof.  I do have a nice heavy front axle from a 1915 Seagrave and a bunch of wheel rim parts that I could use to put 24" pneumatic tires on the rig.  I would sooner hold for solid rubber wheels either wood or cast.  The worm drive is going to be a big issue unless I can find a rolling chassis.  If not I would probably work with a Timken.  No transmission, but I do have a spare Locomobile trans. to modify for use if all else fails.  No steering but that one can be overcome.  If I wanted to build it more towards a chain drive Locomobile , I have the trans-axle from the same Seagrave donor truck., I also have a chain drive rear axle , brakes and enough frame rail but I do not have the correct looking  bowed front frame  cross member..  As you can tell I could build a "bits a this and bits a that truck" but would sooner find the right stuff before I resort to that method for building the truck.

Al

Does anyone know of ancient truck frames, laying in the hedgerow that have either 14 spoke wood wheels as shown in the second picture above or the cast iron wheels as shown just above?  Attach a picture or two if you know of any.

Al

Was it typical for British trucks, (and particular military units), to stay with wood spoked wheels longer or did the British engineers change over to steel and cast iron wheels earlier than the US did?

Al

Nice pictures and thanks for the reference.  It looks like this Locomobile has had a different radiator built, probably to replace a missing unit?  Do you know the  story?  I watched the VIdeo clip that showed this rig running at a show.  It sure runs nice.

Al

Now that is a story.  How many years ago did the Locomobile move from being a home to a running truck again?  That would be a nice find!

Al

Here is another view.......

Al

Has anyone seen a heavy truck frame or even just the front "engine" section of a frame that is left over from a previous use?  (refer to the picture attached)

Al

Nice Locomobile  truck in action video clip.  Thanks for sharing.  This clip certainly does give me the "urge" to proceed with the Riker project.  Do you or anyone else here have history of the Locomobile shown in the clip?  I would like to chat with the owner and l;earn more.

Al

Here are three pictures that show phantom views of the Riker four speed transmission that I am looking for.  If you see something like this or you have something in your way, I can put it to good use.  Drop a note.

Al

Hello, Per my introduction to this forum I included a picture of the main project I have, which is a 1909 Locomobile Model L Toy Tonneau.  This automobile was purchased new from Locomobile by my Great-Grand-Dad.  I have the engine done, body, fenders and a grundle of other small things completed.   Along the way, I had the opportunity to acquire a complete 1917-18 Riker engine.  Much of the pieces from Locomobile will or can be made to work so I have some bits and pieces that could help build the engine into a Riker.  The Riker engine is the most refined of the Locomobile 4 cylinder engines, manganese bronze crankcase, five main bearings, full pressure oiling, 6' stroke.  I am sure you are already aware of that information.  The first thing I would like to procure is a Riker or Locomobile 4 speed transmission.  If I can't locate a correct transmission, then I would entertain a different make side shift four speed and adapt, (last resort).  Next would be the chassis.  Am I correct in my thinking that the true Locomobile trucks were chain drive 5 tons, whereas the Riker utilized a worm drive rear axle and was listed as a 3 or 4 ton variant?   I see a wealth of information at the Bridgeport Library Locomobile Archive regarding Locomobile trucks as well as the Riker.  I have some early Locomobile information in the works right now.  It will be nice to get possession and I will update this forum.  I just studied pictures of your truck engine and it shows the Locomobile script on the top water manifold castings.  My engine shows "Riker" on those castings, but I would bet "dollars to donuts" that the engines are the same.  Is your truck titled as a Locomobile or Riker?  What year is your truck?  I will try to post a few pictures that show what the transmission is that I am looking for.

Al. 

I am embarking on what is a "long shot" project to resurrect a 1918 Riker 4 ton truck.  Do you have or know of any derelict Riker or Locomobile truck pieces and parts?  I will consider anything at this moment but am most interested, currently, in a transmission.  If you can share any direction, or sob stories send me a note.    🙂

The attached is a factory picture of a Riker truck being prepared to serve in WW1.

Al

Anyone that would like to study "Riker" should contact the Bridgeport Public Library.  They are most helpful and are helping me with a current information need I have.  I can share a phone number for a direct conversation with the "Historical" area of the library.

Al

I am a Member of the Alvis club, but I find that not much early Alvis military equipment is showcased or discussed.  The Red Triangle is a great source for parts that are simply not available in the "used" market.

Al

I have been in touch with the Bridgeport Public library.  They are a kind and helpful bunch.  They are currently in the process of scanning some information that is directly relevant to my current Locomobile and Riker projects.  If you are also needing information, I encourage you to contact the Bridgeport Public library and ask for the "Historical" department at the main Branch.  I will share the phone number if needed.

Al