Adrian Barrell

Neil, why not! I've driven Stalwart off road a little but never been in one on the water. My only amphib driving was in a DUKW. I'm up for it. Adrian

Jack, nice try :-D They are not too noisy, though the M75 is very loud inside...... They are quite tiring though and you do get very dusty! Maintenance varies a lot from different types, Sherman is very reliable and so is not too onerous. Fuel consumption depends on type of driving. On a good run, I get maybe 1/2 mile to the gallon, cross country...... I did a film job over two days and used £175 worth of petrol. Thirsty stuff! Adrian

That's the one. Take one cent ARV, cut it down in height, fit extra idlers in front, extend and raise the tracks, remove one wheel each side and cut doorways in the hull sides, make a whole new outer hull, sponsons with traversing 6 pdrs etc etc It soon adds up! Adrian

Jack, that depends on the Sherman! Obviously, there is a variety of engines but also single and double pull brakes and boosted clutches. Mine has the multibank engine which is very tourqey (is that a word?), double pull brakes and a spring boosted clutch. I have driven:- Sexton, M7, M4A1 with the radial engine, M4A2 with the twin GM diesels, both early and late models and M50 Super Sherman. Though I'm biased, the M4A4 is easily the nicest to drive, Sexton probably the worst. It's a combination of seating position, controls, engine power and such things as the condition of the suspension. It's quite common for sherman type suspension to be seized and it does make it a little harder to steer. Having said all that, they are quite roomy, and well laid out inside. They feel a bit lumbering, though when up to speed they do come alive somewhat. Always happy to give a ride Enigma! Might even let you drive it....

second attempt.... [attachment deleted by admin]

Hope these come out....here is my M75 and my Sherman, I'll scan some prints in tomorrow of other things. Adrian [attachment deleted by admin]

That's the one! I subsequently modded it to look a little more WW1 for a BBC production last year, as seen at Beltring. I normally do go to Beltring, though this year was the first I have missed for years. My sherman was there last year. Regards, Adrian

Hmm, that particular job was League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I had made the pseudo WW1 tank used in the opening sequence and was in Prague for the shoot. It all ended badly with a collapsed set and me in hospital with a broken arm! Mind you, the nurses were gorgeous... :wink: Adrian

Hi Mark, don't think I do but I have only worked on the fringes of the industry, it's not really my thing. After a few 16 hr shifts in Prague over night at -10 degrees, it loses any glamour it may have had!

Jack, as you can see, my main interest is in tracked and armoured vehicles. Thing is, I have only been able to afford wrecks! The Sherman took me over 4000 hrs...... As to the HMVF, I have to confess I have only just found it. :oops: Regards, Adrian

Hi all, seems strange starting this as a new member but i am certainly new to this site. I have been collecting MVs since 1983. I started with a Dodge WC52 and have owned two GMC 353s, Diamond T 969, two Diamond T 980s, M151A1 Mutt, M5 High speed tractor, M75 APC, M4A4 Sherman, Cromwell tank, two Caterpillar D4s, Can-Am Bombardier, Indian 741B, M10 tank destroyer and a White Scout Car. Also various trailers and associated kit. Currently I have the M4A4 Sherman, M5 Tractor, M75 APC, Cat D4 dozer and the Can-Am all fully restored, the White M3A1 under restoration and the Cromwell waiting its turn! At least i can't be accused of wartime snobbery...... :wink: The day job is running my small engineering company, very handy for me to restore tanks with! We do undertake some tank work commercially, mainly the heavy fabrication and repairs. I also do some film work either with my vehicles or more usually driving other tanks or making things for special effects use. The latest being eight fuel tanker bodies for the new Bond film. Thanks for the welcome. Adrian Barrell