Big ray

How on earth do you find the time to dance??

This is my 1942 Royal Enfield WD. CO. They are an excellent little machine, reliable and very responsive (Ohv.) Why is yours not restored to be ridden?? I have a few motorcycles to ride, this one is my favourite.

Thank you for posting this information, very much appreciated.

I was stationed in Newcastle Barracks Hamm until summer 1958 ( 5 Armd Wksps REME) we moved down to Cromwell Barracks (Summer 1958) until my demob (Dec 1958) A group of us from the Wksps have been meeting now for the last 53 years. We went back to Hamm in 1990 to see our old Barracks (Newcastle, it had been turned into a school for the British army, and by 1990 was empty.) Whilst there we went down to Cromwell Barracks (Now 617 Tank trn sq.) it used to be occupied by the MSO Tank transporter people when we were in Newcastle Barracks. Mid 1950s. We asked the guard on the gate if we could have access to the camp, we explained that we had been stationed there. He said that he would go to seek permission, he returned to tell us that the Sgt Major had said No........... we were very dissapointed, we had travelled by bus from various parts of the U.K. That was all a long time ago.......... but it all seems like yesterday.

Left school in 1952, started work welding, we were not even allowed to talk with co-workers, could`nt put up with that, so left and went to work for my family in war surplus / scrap business. Had a fantastic time in that work until conscripted into the REME early January 1956. Left the army in 1958, resumed work with my family until I came to the conclusion that I could do better on my own, that was twelve months after I got married. Started my own business in 1962, haulage,landscape including turf supplies, fabrication welding and fencing, retired eleven years ago,handed things over to our son............ just go in now when needed for welding or a bit of driving. Five years ago I suffered, without realising it, from a blood clot preventing the flow of blood into my heart, I told my wife to ring the emergency services because I did not feel well, no pain, just felt like I was going to pass out. The paramedic arrived at my front door 60 seconds before I dropped dead in the lounge........ hows that for timeing, he resuscitated me with a defibrilator, my heart stopped another twice on the way to the hospital. That paramedic was a young 24 year old man to who I owe my continued existence, he came to visit me several times during my recovery in the hospital, with the best will in the world nothing that I could do or say could express my gratitude to that young man, I did really try, I hope that I expressed myself adequately.

I have now been retired for the last eleven years (76)............ the trouble with doing nothing.......... you never know when you have finished!!!............ whats this about being senile, now, what was I doing before I turned this T.V. on ???

He obviously works elsewhere, he just does this job on the side.

Matt paint should be lustreless, I have always used undercoat, then gloss green paint before applying the matt coat....... but its vitally important that the paints are compatable. I always did the three coats onto some scrap metal sheet before applying to vehicle. The gloss paint is a barrier against the wet................... does not make me right, but its always worked for me.

A very nice little project, please keep us posted with your progress.

The plaque on the wall of the cottage.

We did our usual winter run at the weekend, the last house on the left of the road that we are parked in was destroyed during WW11 when a P47 Thunderbolt crashed into it after taking off from Hatcham Airfield. The pilot lost his life. Hatcham Airfield is now an industrial estate...... Jeeparts are based there. There is a sign fixed to the wall of the house listing the name of the pilot and the date of the accident.

Start shaking............ Pattons on his way, I`m talking to you G.I.s......... the Germans have already gone.

Absolutely, I am amazed at the times that I see the vehicle secured at the front of the trailer with a chain, and a rope fixed at the rear, I am of course refering to lighter vehicles, cars,Jeeps, etc.

I would`nt like to be the boss............. ouch.

We will be there putting on a diorama with the Birmingham & West Midland guys, try to find the time to say hello........ after you have bought all of your goodies of course.

You should never say that you are going, you should always say that you have been!!!!.......... Have a nice meal.

I dont suppose that they are taking any more liberties than the film companies making WW11 films with M38 Jeeps, Reo`s, GMC M135s and a gaggle of post war tanks......... perhaps it would be better if we just squint when watching.

I have recorded the series, I served in the mid 1950s (Germany) I will have a quick look, fortunately I have the delete button!!!

Check out Recymechs post in MV CHATTER..... REME in the field. It will give you a very good idea of what it was like in Germany (REME) in the mid 1950s

Thanks a million for posting, 6 armd wksps, 6 armd div are shown in the clips, I was stationed 5.armd wksps. 6 armd div in the mid 50s. definitely brings back a lot of good memories.

Pretty much the way that I remember it in the mid 50s.

For anyone thats not attended, this as got to be the premier show in the country, its 100% plus. We are very lucky that we have members (Bob James) that are willing to make such a great effort to go that extra mile. Well done to all concerned with this event.

The tractor weighed 12 tonnes with ballast, the trailer was either 40 or 45 tonnes ( Thats the 980 or 981 tank transporter) Gross weight with tank would be 75 tonnes. The Diamond "T" tank transporter was built specifically for the british army during WW2....... we could not produce enough Scammells, and they were falling behind in carrying capacity. The 969 Recovery truck was much lighter and was fitted with the petrol engine as opposed to the Hercules Diesel.

GMC Post war modification tractor unit and International scissor lift cargo truck.

Welcome to the forum Andrea, photographs would be nice.