79x100

Here's one of a series published in "Motorcycling" in 1942 http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/2724/period16hbig4periodpublhs5.th.jpg[/img]

Tarbuk (without the 'c') still seem to be active in Austria as a multi-franchise dealer. Why not write and ask them if they know ? If it's the same firm, they're big on Land Rovers now ! http://www.tarbuk.at/filialen.htm

This bill was more than a hot topic in motorcycling circles. Everything including works race bikes coming to the UK for a GP and museum exhibits would have needed approval and registering. Fortunately, the Windscreen article has been overtaken by events and the bill has been dropped. Stringer made some lame excuse about technicalities in an attempt to save face. Let's hope that the diesel lads can do the same with the London charges.

I used to forget the lights regularly on my 109 GS. That's what the cranked handle clipped behind the seat is for :-)

Whether their apologists like it or not, the propganda systems then and now have ensured that SS uniforms and other symbols have become irretrievably linked with a political system and atrocities in support of that system. Trying to ignore this and stating that they were simply soldiers is glorifying them and whether intended or not, is likely to minimise these atrocities. I believe that anything which minimises what they did and the reasons for it will lead to a less clear understanding of history rather than the improved one that the ersatz SSers claim.

Anti-freeze ! Basically an instruction not to drain which was standard overnight procedure on earlier vehicles.

Did the organisers know ? It must be very difficult to control everything on every stand. Which stand was he on ?

Wasn't Beltring originally an MV event ? This shows what the outside world thinks of it. :-( To be honest, I'm not sure about why someone would want to dress in a uniform that they're not proud to wear but perhaps that just highlights a lack of imagination on my part ? :?

79x100 is the bore x stroke of a 500cc Norton single engine (until the post-war Manxes went "short-stroke" ) In Norton circles it is a term spoken with reverence. Proper engines have proper long strokes. If I had a WM20, I'd have to call myself 82x94 and that doesn't sound nearly so impressive - sort of short and fat :-) I chose a user name because I thought it was the done thing but on forums that I've joined since I use my real name and I actually feel more comfortable with that. Rich I am not a number... I am a free man !

Well, they look chain driven so I think that makes them quite old. In fact I'd go so far as to say that the newness has almost completely worn off

Cases of V.D. in the British Forces since 1945 ? ;-)

Have you tried Green Spark Plug ? http://www.gsparkplug.com/ In my experience, if they haven't got mica originals in stock then they'll certainly be able to advise on alternatives.

I'm wondering about bidding on this. eBay item 110154910134 Would it be the same as wartime ? I've never actually seen one dangling from a WD motorcycle but the seller says they often were suspended from vehicles so maybe I just haven't looked hard enough :tongue:

Jack, I think that you have a problem with tarmac because any solvent cleaner is going to soften the surface as well. Presumably it is the oiliness that you're worried about rather than a colour change (unless you've got red or green or something ?) I think you're therefore restricted to the dry absorbent medium method. At the risk of sounding flippant, was this a one-off spill or is it a regular occurrence ? in that case it would be a good idea to stop the leak first. No point in doing what the Dutch call "mopping with the tap open" or we might refer to as "hissing against the wind" This is the place to ask paving questions :- http://www.pavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/ib3/ikonboard.cgi Rich

I don't know much about US vehicles but I always assumed that the Dodge W.C. was a forerunner of the 'Portaloo" :-D

This one's appeared on the WW2 Re-enactor's forum. Not only the bucket but a girlies' bike as well. Presumably so the cross bar doesn't get in the way when the bucket's owner pops out for a night on the town with the glad rags on ? :-) http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y119/Rangerdangerman/DSCN0239.jpg I don't even dare to speculate on what sort of animal fondnesses are involved with the cage and the milk churn :schocked:

I believe that the specification for the gas detector panel was that it should be visible from the driving position which on motorcycles was the headlamp. What I assume to be the gas panel on my (as yet) unrestored 1939 16H is more yellow than most sources suggest. http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/9358/payne0518e4c0aze6.th.jpg[/img] The panel should turn pinkish in the presence of mustard gas (anyone got any I could try ?) I did try dripping chlorine bleach on it but that had no effect :-) The top surfaces of many pillar boxes were painted in gas paint as well as a warning to A.R.P. and the public. Rich

My knowledge is limited but comparing photographic references, my vote is for a Retriever.

Another shot as the BEF moved up to the Dyle line. Scout Carrier carrying 1st infantry Div markings. http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/6353/scout1318hussars1divrc8.th.jpg[/img] 3rd Div in Leuven http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/459/scout1519hussarsleuvennp4.th.jpg[/img] Less than 10 days later, this is one knocked out during the fighting around Asse where the 15/19th Hussars were involved in heavy fighting. A nice detail shot of the off-side. http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7329/scout1519hussarsassewx2.th.jpg[/img]

Graham, Is that the 1970s Almark edition By Peter Hodge or the 1990s revision with addenda by Michael D. Taylor ? The latter has a lot more info, particularly about the BEF. Rich.

This is from Peter Taghon's "Mei 1940" and shows a Carrier with 3rd Infantry Division markings. Am I correct in assuming from the passenger position that it is a Scout, as captioned ? It is IWM F 4393 http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/1154/3divbefcarrierus8.th.jpg[/img]

The picture came from a German collection so if not knocked out was certainly abandoned (and I hope immobilised :-) )

There are quite a number of photos of Boyes-equipped Carriers in service with the BEF. Is it safe to assume that any such would be Scout Carriers ? This one came up on eBay.de recently. http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/9791/58741wu6.th.jpg[/img] John, if you're interested, I'll happily start a thread to show the Scout shots that I have in various publications. Please go easy on me if I misidentify though ! :-) There are very few BEF era vehicles around. I think it would be great to see it built as a single-sider. If it is as far gone as you suggest then you won't be destroying too much. Rich

Graham, I think that your tribute is a great idea. The 1940 - 1943 home front period when the army was rebuilding its depleted units post Dunkirk and probably needing to build esprit-de-corps would probably give you greater scope for specific unit markings as Divisional and Arm of Service markings were displayed. The BEF era was one of coats of khaki and dirt often on civilian impressed models and sometimes covering the earlier markings. It was the point at which the authorities were ending the brass shoulder titles as well but the rules were not always followed and copies of local orders have rarely survived. I first acquired my 16h intending to chuck in a post-war OHV motor (the alloy head 350 engines are fairly available)and build a girder-forked Green-laner. It was only when I started finding original markings that I became a fanatic ! :-)