cordenj

First job to move the trailer into the workshop and start planning the stripdown. Side locker/mudguard removal means better view of Austin engine and large DC generator: Rubbed down multiple layers of paint on the engine cover looking for any sign of original markings. Nothing: I am looking for is a starting handle. It needs a long "reach" and I've tried a friend's Series Landrover handle which fits, so one of those is on the shopping list too......

Dave, Yes see what you mean your trailer (post #107) has a similar flatbed and wings. Wonder if some of these lightweight trailers were converted once cast by the army?

One of the items I need for this restoration is the correct vice to fit the drilled steel reinforcing bars on the side locker. Closeup of vice on period photo: Its easy enough to find a metal vice, but what isn't so easy is to find the correct size. The predrilled holes determine the vice size but I can't find any information on Record Vice base dimensions. The front pair of holes are 5 1/4" (133mm) apart, and the distance from front pair to third bolthole is 5 3/4" (146mm). I know Record 24 is too large to fit. So if any one knows what size this base pattern matches (a suspect they were a Record Vice), I can look out for one. This is the part of the locker reinforced for the vice:

After the generator interlude....better weather last weekend made it seem a good time to start on the MUREX Welding trailer restoration. I plan to do this over most of this year, so not likely to be finished for any 2013 shows, but we'll see if it makes Brooklands in November. First task to open seized locker doors. Good to find one side locker was fitted out with sliding wooden trays (complete with a few large welding rods):

Given a contact for very well made cover: Just need to get one of the correct handles.

Yes Maurice, inisde the headstock was where I found some original olive green paint, so mine one kept that shade as far as possible.

( Martyn: don't want to highjack your thread, but you might want to get a carrier for your BSA too!) I have seen some very good repro ones at shows for around £50. This one is war date stamped onto metal frame and cost a bit more. In use by Commandos....

Humbrol colour no 155 MATT (matt British olive drab. This is what it looks like on a sunny day:

This one is for my No 1 Lightweight rather than a 10cwt GS, but as it Orme Evans might be of interest. Here are the details form Dataplate and detail of fabricated spring mount rather than cast: Trailer, 10Cwt. Lightweight: No 1, Mk II Make: Orme Evans. Contract: 7130 WD No. X5897412

Hi Simon, Not sure my particular trailers will help you. But took these photos at Beltring about 5 yrs ago: Will see if I have anything else in my trailer files.

Hi Martyn, I completely stripped and restored my folding BSA (No. R40884) a couple of years ago. I took several photos of restoration if you need any detailed shots....just let me know. Parts do appear on Ebay, but as you say the prices are high. Last year someone seemed to be breaking bikes and selling the parts via ebay as that way they made more! One tip: I'd recommend not trying to spraypaint the frame, as very difficult to avoid runs. I brush painted mine with high quality brush and three tins of Humbrol paint from local model shop!

Evening James, Sounds like fun, but careful or you won't be invited back in June for your "Tyntesfield Affair"....

80W Generator back together (bar the fuel pipe), and the spare for the REME display: If anyone has a source for the canvas covers, please let me know.

Hi Neil, I really think this is a specialised niche in a fairly esoteric sub-genre....but as you ask! Some photos below of the one end panel I have: Dimensions are: 167mm x 295mm (top radiussed to fit into standard frame). The edge of the panel is all rolled, can't see if it is wired as well. The circular sprung disc fits into the engine breather pipe. Enjoy. Cheers

Ok Neil.....Just taking a break from 10cwt trailers at moment...but not doing nothing! Managed to recently get a small non-working Stuart Turner 80Watt Lighweight Charging Set and another ECC version (with parts missing). Aim to make one complete unit, so am busy taking them apart, and cleaning and painting etc. Thought the remains i.e. a small engine in pieces would make a good addition to the REME trailer display. Re: 10 cwt REME trailers at Arnhem: My research (including With Spanners Descending by Joe Roberts, Tugs and Gliders to Arnhem by Arie-Jan van Hees) has confirmed that REME Advanced Workshops at Arnhem included a MUREX welding trailer. It left Down Ampney as part of a ten Horsa glider A/B block number 89 (chalk numbers 849-858) listed as Admin but consisted of REME, and was landed by glider in LZ "X" near Wolheze as part of the second lift on 18th Sept. The workshop with any functioning equipment was moved up to the Hartenstein...where the welding trailer is recorded as being destroyed by mortar fire in subsequent days. There is no record as to whether it was ever used. Gives me a further incentive to get my MUREX Welding trailer restored; as I can only find written references to the MUREX and the elusive "Type Z" Wireless repair trailer (from the other types REME equipment trailers), actually landing north of the Rhine. Clearly significant numbers of standard 10cwt GS landed with the Division, as did a small number of 10cwt Lighweight Store ("Binned") with the RASC. A 2 Para veteran has told be he remembered seeing a 100 Gallon Water Bowser at Wolfheze, but I cannot find any other confirmation. The detailed glider manifests refer to trailers but do not specify any special types. The other types of REME equipment trailers, including the Electrical Repair and the Machinery versions, came up to Nijmegan on 21st Sept as part of the REME Workshop with the Seaborne Echelon. Where is is recorded they were very busy carrying out a range of vehicle repairs.

Looks like a useful company Ian. Will be interested in how it goes and typical restoration cost. Thanks

Hi Robin, Yes I do remember and that was a ggod example of what is still out there in people's sheds and garages. If you do find some more, I need one the MUREX Welding trailer. Thanks

Thanks Chris, That's all items ID'd. Knew it wouldn't take long on here! Cheers

Yes I agree. Think it is a PIAT tail. It is marked 2 43 which I take to mean it was made in Feb 1943. The explosive damage to the front shows it been fired and presumeably then picked up sometime later as a souvenir. As the neighbour's father has now passed away, can't find out the history of how and where he collected these artifacts...so can only imagine what this PIAT did (of course may have just been used on a range!)

Doing some more Googling on Type 41 fuse, I think they were also used on incendiary bombs. I think what I have here is a complete inert Incendiary Bomb with fuse and tailfin. The marks I thought were from a chisel are probably actually impact marks from when it hit the ground. The seperate tail matches up and it looks much more like one of these (photo just clipped from the internet):

Thanks Tony, This one is empty,so should be safe. Interesting piece of history though.

Thanks was guessing it might be German from paint colour. I'd not thought of a large fuse and I'd not seen one before. The heavy end cap has what appear to be cold chisel marks on the end, but am guessing it wasn't removed with a chisel?

My neighbour is again clearing out some of her father's WWII kit/items and as she knows I like old tat....brought these round today. He was in the RA in NW Europe I think I can ID some of these but not all. Any help with confirming/Identifying much appreciated. 1. Parachute flare? Cotton printed with MAPLE 1940 30IF. 2. Small Canvas bag. Stencilled "WATERPROOF SIGNAL". small label "Bags, Waterproof, Signal" and instructions for use. 3. 2" Mortar Bomb. Smoke? 4. German Incendary bomb tail. 5. PIAT tail (presumeably picked up after fired in anger as metal peeled back from impact) 6. Unidentided item. From colour German? Front nose cap unscrews as does heavy rear section with following markings: AZ 13(inside a small circle) A and under these 41 Many thanks [/color]

Do you really want to know Ian? £60 for the pair...a real bargain, as they can fetch more than £80 each on Ebay for a fairly rough one. But seldom come up for sale. So your NOS example is an excellent buy. (It wasn't listed under Military spares or Military Vehicles was it?)

Excellent buy Ian, I found two like that in their packets a couple of years ago...and thought there can't be many left then!