djwalker

I take your point. My question about the cold-start was more curiosity really. I have a Bedford RL with a diesel engine that has the remnants of a cold start system just like you describe. I read somewhere about the foden system using some highly volatile liquid which made me wonder if it was like "quickstart". The foden started up yesterday having stood a few months without any problem. The only problem is the smoke! It is indoors and I really need to either buy a gas mask or figure a way of ducting the smoke out of the building. BTW I would still like to buy that replacement rope from you. Just a question of logistics. Rgds, Dan

So I had my first drive in 34KE59 today. (Prior to that, my son James had moved her round.) Steering: *extremely* heavy, as if the power steering was off. Occasionally seemed to become light. Couldn't engage 4th or 8th gear. No light on when "body electrics" green button pressed. (Looking at the state of some of the red emergency "off" buttons/boxes on the e.k.a. body, I suspect one of them my be failing to disengage.) Clearly a lot to sort out, but I'm sure we will get there eventually. But what an awesome piece of equipment. And we are slowly getting together the c.e.s.. Thanks for the various suggestions; I have asked Mr D. Crouch about ground reaction plates and he is going to get back to me. Regards, Dan

Another question - did the cold-start system use ether? And does "cold start" mean less than about -20C?!

Anyone know where I can get hold of the ground reaction plates (feet) for the rear ground anchors and for the side stabilizers? Rgds, Dan

Here is 34KE59 in its new home in the dry, where it has been now for a few months.

Am now sorted in terms of documentation. Big thanks to Wally. Lowered winch today with help of a friend John. Steam cleaned it. Plan to remove rope-drum and find out where the play is arising. Also to rust-treat and paint chassis.

Hello, Clive. A bit or reinforcement cannot hurt, to say the least, and your info about 6A current drain and which manuals I need is also a great help to me. So locked solenoid switch sounds likely, does it?? Are these documents e.g. S522/4 very hard to get hold of? Over the years I have built up a good set of manuals for the RL, to stolly is different... Rgds,. Dan

Thanks to you all for these helpful replies; really appreciated. That document looks excellent and I will read it. The diagram I uploaded I've cropped from the most complete Stalwart Mk1 diagram that seems to be available. But yes, when I look at the complete diagram, it does seem DP (so that is a typo on the diagram?) connects to "OIL". I am asking all this to help me trace the fault in my Mk1 Stalwart. Nothing happens when starter switch is pressed, except 6Amps goes down solenoid wire: no clicking or perceptible sound at solenoid. Have been advised to tap starter unit with soft mallet while actuation starter. That is probably next step. If/when that fails, I want to test if this ignition junction box goes live. Any further info or suggestions very much appreciated. BTW I am looking for a copy of EMER power S522 on the B81 if anyone can help. Best wishes, Dan W

Ted - phew, glad I'm spared that. And what amazing photos, and of historical importance. Thanks for sharing them. Do you know what the big aircraft hulk is? Maybe a York? I do hope the new year will bring you better health. Very best wishes, take care. Dan. PS miss you greatly on RSOLES.

Many thanks, Clive. Any idea why IGN, DP and SOL are written twice inside? And why DP seems to terminate inside?

Well, Ted, I needed more of a challenge. I know, but I didn't start the thread; I do try to use the correct term "MK6" and to educate others, I remember the salamander is the chassis. Anyway, hope you and Mrs A are well. Best wishes.

The attached diagram shows part of the ignition circuit on the Alvis Stalwart; it's the bit inside the big circle that puzzles me. Is this old notation for a relay? If so, what is the switching characteristic? Rgds, DJW

By the way, meant to say, those are great bits of film you have on youtube of the vehicle running. And I am near Birkenhead. Dan W Where are you? more than welcome for a visit and you can come see one running...nothing quite like it!

Hello, Dave. I visited Scampton with my son James in Dec 2011 and spoke to Steve. We had a great day there. Our primary goal then was to look at the foam system on the Mk10. But the Mk6 has been an obsession with me for years. I own the heavily modified one that used to do beach rides at Skegness, then did the rounds on off-road shows, Avon Bassett, etc; a shame, but at least it survives. Then, about 3 years ago, I had a lucky find. One ~complete and one shell - minus engine and fire-fighting equipment that had been hacked around but that might one day be able to be made to resemble the driver training vehicle. I will set about copying this manual. I have between 1/2 and 3/4 tonne of spare parts (Mk6 parts), obviously I will want first pick for my restorations, but at the end of the day I don't want the stuff scrapped. PM me your address. I did discuss with Steve exchange of manuals but he and I are busy, so to date nothing has progressed. That is no slight on him. But now is the time! I would very muck like to collaborate. I have recently acquired an ex-reserve Foden 6x6 EKA so I am not scared any longer of lifting heavy components in and out of these FCTs. There are some pictures of a very small selection of my kit at http://www.flickr.com/photos/djw-trucks. Amongst the kit, a Mk1 stalwart which is in very good shape, though has a problem with the starter at the moment which is bugging me. Kind regards, Dan W.

I have the 378 pg document "FV 651/CCT Fire Crash Tender Technical Handbook" and three Alvis "Mk6" vehicles in varying states. I am trying to restore one as a crash tender. I would be very happy to exchange (i.e. provide a copy of) this document in return for similar technical documentation on same appliance. Rgds, Dan W.

I would be very happy to pay for a copy of this document as I am trying to rebuild a couple of these vehicles. Dan W

Two more pictures. Cab is mainly OK, just a bit of rust.

Hello. I am about to overhaul the winch on YSU350. The limited docs that I have refer to "Technical Handbook EMER Wh Veh F 172" for winch overhaul. Can anyone help?? Rgds, Daniel.

Very nice looking Foden EKA in arena at Welland yesterday. Belongs to anyone here? Really wanted to go over and have a look at it and ask the owner some questions, but was part of the AFS display desperately trying to pack up our pipes and hoses before rain started good and proper. Regards, all. Dan

Your last sentence would have sufficed. Your status as "moderator" no more justifies your circulation of a questionnable assertion (viz "you are insulting our members") than I was for drifting off the thread, for which I apologize.

Problem! Bloke I bought my EKA from has damaged crane steel wire. Says ~5 strands are broken. What can be done? Was already having a crap summer. Hope you are all faring better!

Hello guys. Welcome. How are you? Dan W (rsoles/stolly group). PS Went to collect mk1 militant today. Makes the stolly seem nimble!

Hello guys, Dan W (rsoles/stolly group) here. How are you?

Thanks! Dan W