Ken Wales

Can you charge batteries in situ by using two pin plug into socket(inspection lamp socket) located above the inter vehicle socket or do you have to use the inter vehicle socket. Thanks Ken

Finally after much grinding of hatch managed to get it to fit[TABLE=width: 900] [TR] [TD=align: left][TABLE=width: 170] [TR] [TD=align: left] Terms [TABLE=width: 100%] [TR] [TD] Search: [TABLE] [TR] [TD][/TD] [TD][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [TABLE=width: 100%] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Modern Guns Post 1870 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Launcher's & Rockets [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Mines & Bombs [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Grenades [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Historic Guns pre 1870 [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Helmets, Badges & Accessories [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Holsters, Bags, Slings & Covers [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Ammo, Bullets, Belts & Magazines [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Wood crates, & Ammo Boxes. [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Flags [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Military Books [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Relics Furniture [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] PHOTO FUN [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] GAMES traditional "Trench Art Style" [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] METAL & WOOD SIGNS [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] COINS & CURRENCY [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] GUN PARTS [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] ONE OFF WEAPONS [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] CIGARETTES [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD=class: catbox] Links [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/TD] [TD=width: 530, bgcolor: #FFFFFF][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

Thanks for all the help. I will let you know how I get on

Fairly close, would you work on the hatch bottom locating clips or on the hull plates. What would you use , a file?

No seals or gaskets, metal to metal.

I just tried to change the escape hatch from my Mk1 to my Mk2. Reason being the hatch I wanted to fit has the studs for the large bin and the other escape hatch has had them ground off. I thought it would be easy but the hatch does not fit as it appears to be fouling on the top edge. Two solutions I have thought of 1. To grind the top of the hatch so it fits or 2. To fit studs to the other hatch. Is there a trick to fitting the hatch I have tried forceful persuasion but to no avail. The other hatch fits quite easily. Does anyone have any good ideas? Also what is the spiral piece of metal for in the photo. It is on the left hand side at the bottom of the turret.

Matt Data Plate Ken

Please see attached photo of plate. It shows 6 upwards arrow and 4 so I presume June 1954. Tank Museum replied very quickly but they have no records.

Matt Thanks for that information very informative. I will have another look at hull plate but what I saw on initial look was this small plate 2 inches by 1 inch welded to the hull with 427 B engraved. The area around this plate I could see no other markings showing the manufacturing date. I did not clean the paint off to see if there was anything underneath but the welded plate was probably right on top of the area I need to see. Robin. I understand your comments but I am concerned as there is only one supplier in Australia that I am aware of (he is pretty good from my limited experience) but if I need a large part it would be difficult/expensive to get hold of if the Australian supplier could did not have in stock. One of the main reasons I purchased the Ferret was to get the large side bin which is slightly ironic as at the time my offer was finally accepted I had already committed to buy a replica bin whilst I was in the UK. That came home with me on an Emirates flight as luggage 20 kilos worth. The Ferret is now stored in my hangar and will not deteriorate any further. It will not die. it will be a hangar queen and someday someone may rebuild it but it is in pretty poor condition with some internal parts stripped before I purchased. One potential is that it could be made into a museum exhibit at some future date. Ken

I have just purchased another Ferret as a spares source for my other one (which was imported from the UK) Details are Australian Number 115151 With coloured red and yellow sign on back and front 107 Date Plate Mark 1 Model B 427 Cont No 6/FV/4267 Vehicle No 36 BA 95 On removal of data plate expecting to see date of manufacture there has been another plate welded to the hull 427B Condition is very rough. Referring to Ferret in British Army service indicates it was built in 1951 and the Contract Number 6/FV/4267 and British registration ( 36 BA 95) ties up but why was it given a British registration? The ignition panel looks a lot different (old fashioned) to my other Ferret a 1959 Mk2 Any comments help with the history would be appreciated. Is there any point of approaching tank museum to see if it had a UK history or would it have been sent to Australia immediately?

One for me please but I need to get it to Australia. I will be in uk at Easter

Yes more storage would be great as all the other bins full already.

My Ferret has same mod, but I want a side bin. I was told bolts had probably been ground off but it was a good job as no sign of them. Does anyone have a side bin?

I would be interested in a side bin. Please let me have details.

Peter Many thanks. Ken

Peter I own Ferret 03CC17 which I have imported from England to Australia. On forum you indicated you could translate army information. Please see attached, I understand some of it but not 100% sure of what it all means. One item of information which does not seem to be there is the disposal date. Thanks in anticipation. Ken

I have the army history of my Ferret but I would like to know it history since then. When sold? Price? Auction location? Sold to? Copy of catolgue or page relating to? Any history from then until I purchased it last year? Any photos in service or after? Thanks in anticipation. Ken

As someone who does not understand/hates electrics, re response: “make up lead and charge thru socket that powers searchlight” Do you use separate cables with individual male pins or do you get hold of one of the normal plugs and attach wires to that. I am paranoid about plugging positive in negative and damaging batteries. Re the male plugs are they a standard size available at normal electric shops. If so is there a size/specification/type I can quote . Thanks Ken

Many thanks, that answers my queries. Ken

Couple of queries with my Ferret MK2/3. 1. The Commanders seat came with a seat belt. Is this original equipment fitted when new or fitted during service or fitted after leaving army? 2. What type of aerial fits under the cap with chain. How long is the aerial and what would it be described as? (I understand it is a Type “C” Connector). Also the use of a Pineapple has been related to this fitting and I have obtained one of these but cannot see how it all relates. All the aerials I have seen for sale are the normal ones for the Clansman radios.

I imported into Australia a Ferret and to comply with Australian regulations the barrels had to be cut (in fact they already had been) and the firing pins welded (even though I understand there is not a firing pin) but the vendor put some weld into the bottom of the barrel which made them happy.

Clive Yippee, they managed to get it started. On investigation electrician found there were a few bad connections. 1. Battery 2. One in the area of inter-vehicle starter socket box. 3. Connection to the starter. Main problem however was the starter motor which was supplied as brand new (case had a couple of scratches) and almost certainly was brand new. They were getting 24 volts to the motor but then they worked out that 24 volts not getting past the terminals (believe they used your information to find this problem). There was a coating on the terminals which garage did not realise was a coating and once they scratched off all good. There was another cable which had almost been cut through by rubbing on drive coupling??(not sure re part rubbing on) which eventually would have been another problem. So now they are starting on what I originally took it in for, the roadworthy inspection. They have five brand new tyres to fit but they cannot break the bead with their gear so are taking to a lorry tyre place to use their equipment. Once roadworthy done, then the battle with Queensland Transport to register the Ferret , I have examples of others they have done so should not be insurmountable, only problem is they did not actually see the other vehicles and they may ask to see mine. Thanks a lot for the great information you provided and when /if you come to Australia look us up. We are just north of Brisbane. Cheers, I will be having a cold beer to celebrate tonight. Ken

Clive Yes wow, I personally have always hated electronics and only have a very basic understanding. I will print your comments off and will take to mechanic to see if that enbables them to resolves the problem. I will let you know outcome. Thanks a load. Ken

New starter installed, checked before installation and appeared OK. Garage managed to get the starter motor in without removing any major items. Old starter motor appeared to have an internal problem but not actually confirmed. New batteries installed. However on trying to start the solenoid just clicks. Engine turns freely on starting handle so starter motor not engaged. Electrician going to look at but garage believes 24 volts getting to starter motor and believes there maybe a bad connection. Any brilliant ideas of what could be causing problem, has original problem with batterry overheating caused further damage??????

Have located one in Australia from Empire Trading (Tim). Awaiting final costings. Re rebuild, possibly option but I want to get on road ASAP and this seemed quickest option. Many thanks for all the advice very much appreciated.