Markheliops

Nice work John. I look forward to seeing the finished article. Regards Mark

Hi Jon. I've just brought one - Mil reg 03 FW 72. I'm currently taking it apart to give it an overhaul and it should be ready by July as I need it at War and Peace. Markheliops

I'm not in favour of increasing the speed limit, especially for civilian owed tracked vehicles. I'm probably in the minority here but I think an increase in speed of civilian tracked vehicles will eventually result in a fender-bender of some degree and the practice of civilians owning ex-military tracked vehicles could come under scrutiny, with the eventual ban of using them on the road. I can see the logic in the proposal in regard to engine wear and fuel costs but unfortunately we see on a regular basis civilian -owned tracked vehicles on the road with tracks about to fall off and other obvious defects. I'm not saying every tracked vehicle owner is a little, shall we say hap-hazard with their maintenance but they are out there. Obviously the same applies for wheeled vehicles too but if there is a prang with a tracked vehicle, it always makes the news in a big way. I say the easier it is to stay under the radar of the authorities the better off we will be. Markheliops

When you say it won't shift into second gear - does the gear indicator move and then return to first gear? You have a number of options with this one................. Do you have main brake pressure - if not the brake safety system will stop you changing up to any gear other than first gear. Also the governor on top the gearbox could be stuck. This in effect will be telling the gearbox not to change up to further gears as the engine is not up to the required RPM. It could also be the gearbox foot controller playing up - but unlikely. Failing that - electrical fault at the rear junction box or stuck solenoids but with my basic knowledge I think stuck solenoids is highly unlikely unless water has got into the top electrical box. Markheliops

That was my Sister calling the show. Forgive her as she doesn't know the difference between WWII and post war!

I live in Lymington now old bean - sssssssssoooooooooo much closer.

I have been meaning to sit down with a coffee as I have a number of wants for the Rugged Boys. Trouble is you're so busy matey! We'll get together soon and discuss.

I'm liking that red paint Mike - looks cracking.

The Scammell S26 for comfort and ease of drive. I'm obviously not including the low loader trailer loaded with the ARRV. For ease of drive and sheer fun - the Volvo BV206 - just don't kill the tracks. Put into gear and steer. Hard to beat off road. Markeliops

Hi all. Not military I know but ideal for anyone who owns armour or anything that requires a crane to service, repair etc. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1973-Iron-Fairy-Mobile-Crane-Triple-Extension-6-25-Ton-Lift-/331478891712?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4d2dae7cc0 It's a crane we were using to mainly change Chieftain power packs and other associated vehicle repairs. Unfortunately, Mr Health and Safety doesn't think our little crane quite meets the required standards so I've been told to sell it! I've stuck it on e-bay and I'm hoping someone will find a use for it. Markheliops

I wouldn't suggest trying to short cut the GUE starter Paul. There are a number of safety devices on the Chieftain and if the GUE isn't starting on the button - there will be a reason for it. I saying this from experience as my sparkie at work short cut the system and we think caused a rather loud explosion in the fighting compartment. Put it this way - I was closing down the systems in the drivers compartment and felt the blast at the back of my neck and others heard the explosion in the other workshops........................... I would advise trying to figure out why the GUE isn't starting as once you understand how the electronics work on the beast they aren't too difficult to find faults. Markheliops

Oh - Doh - okay. I thought the new GUE was £600!!! At that price I'd have ripped his arm off. lol

HIGH!!!! What for a NEW GUE!!!! Put it this way - if I was selling a second hand GUE - I'd want and get a £1000 minimum................ If the GUE fails you'll get no charging of the batteries unless the main engine generator is working and then it only charges about 1000 revs. You won't get the gunnery systems working either. Welcome to the world of main battle tanks! Forget everything you know about prices for CVRT and FV43 series vehicle spares. You also wanted a Control Cubicle that is basically the brains of the powered gunnery systems - I have two. A brand new one still in the box - £1500 and a second hand one £500................ For a second hand engine expect to pay around £2000 for a good take out unit. £5000 plus for a recon. Tracks - £4500 a set plus VAT and they are becoming very hard to get hold of which is why I'm keeping hold of my new set. I have a brand new Chieftain drivers seat. How much should I ask for this as a CVRT Scorpion drivers seat is being sold for £975 from a dealer........................... £600 for a new GUE is, in my opinion, giving it away..................... I'd suggest you buy it pretty sharp!!!! Markheliops

That's a track tensioner Antar.

The Fug is nothing like yours then Paulob1. The prop covers on the fug are air operated and are activated by a pull out switch. The auxiliary wheels are lever operated but via a lever to the left of the driver. Thanks anyway. Markheliops

Agreed. David Crouch is as straight as an arrow. He won't sell you junk unless you opt for a piece of junk - and then he will tell you you're buying a piece of junk!

They were listed as Direct Sales but they were in no better condition than the ones sold in the tenders! One of the tender CET's went for around £7k. If anyone is looking for a CET, Marcus Glen has a couple left and they are in pretty good condition.

Umm - I'm not overly happy with Withams. I went to view some CET's a few months ago. Guide price - £9500 plus VAT. A salesman came out to show me the six CET's parked outside. He informed me they were the last ones left and these were the best of the lot!! That was a matter of personal opinion as it was obvious to me they had been outside for at least four years............ Anyway how much do you think he wanted for a CET? £75000 pounds each !!!!!!!!!!!! REALLY - From a guide price of £9500..................... The funny thing is two weeks later two CET's were advertised by other dealers at £9500, ex reserve models and they looked to be in far better condition than the ones Withams had. I was going to e-mail Paul at Withams and ask if his salesmen were smoking something illegal..................... as they were obviously off their heads - but in all honesty I can't be bothered and it would probably fall on deaf ears anyway. Their loss as they managed to give me the hump and I won't be going back!!!

Hi Edd. Re: Identification of Clansman items. Visit this site: http://www.armyradio.com/arsc/customer/home.php Not only will you be able to identify all of the items but you will also get an idea of the prices that are being asked - bear in mind this chap is a dealer though. Regards Markheliops

Hi guys. I'm still trying to find out what does what on the Czech Fug OT65. Our Fug in the type with the Caspel engine and auxiliary belly wheels. Can someone please identify the following............ Now I think this thing is the cabin bilge pump but I'm not sure about the red lever. I would have thought the bilge pumps could be switched on by the driver (ie within arms length) but the driver couldn't reach this lever. Lever to the right of the gear shift? Now can someone identify this lot please. Now this lot. I know the panel is mainly for inflating and deflating the tyres but there are some other controls on here as well. Thanking someone in anticipation. Markheliops

Hi John. Thank you for the information. I think the turret weighs around 15 tonnes so I shall be calling in a mobile crane of suitable size. Not taking any chances with this! I'll take some pictures when I start the task. Regards Mark

Conqueror Is looking good John. I should get my Chieftain ARRV done but in reality I can't see myself winching anything near capacity. In fact, there isn't much Shrek can't just pull out! Lol

Caddy - I've been thinking about your main armament issues: Check the pressure of the recuperator cylinder - this is used to hold the gun at rest and absorb some of the recoil after firing. It should, if at the correct pressure, be able to hold the gun at all angles of elevation but if it has no pressure or is low, you will fine the gun moves up and down as you cross uneven terrain. It does hurt when the 120mm gun comes bouncing off your head! The gauge should be reading 500lbs. If it's reading way below that or zero - that's your problem. You should also have the stop plate fitted to the breech block to stop the gun sliding backwards as in recoil. if the gun slides to the rear, it will elevate quite sharply and you can become trapped in the mechanism. To be honest, I'm not sure to what this chap was referring too in regard to the clutches. As far as I'm aware, the only clutch in the transverse system is the clutch that prevents the handle spinning round when you power up the powered transverse systems. There is another clutch built into the system that safeguards the main armament if it meets an obstruction when transvering with the powered systems. I thought it was standard practice to house the main gun in the gun crutch unless the powered gun systems were in operation. This was to prevent damage to the systems and prevent - the main armament moving of it's own accord. Feel free anyone to correct me as I'm not an expert!!! Markheliops

Caddy. Are you powering the gun control equipment up or are you talking about driving the tank with no gunnery systems powered? Mark

Thank you John. Very much appreciated.