Markheliops

I'm not surprised you didn't hang about. As you say - not much too see and cold. I was p---ed off but my poor old mate travelled all the way from Germany - Would like to think he will win the TM just on merit - distance travelled and all that.

Hi all. Popped along to Withams on Saturday with my friend from Germany. SCRAP - SCRAP and more SCRAP. It was somewhat rather chilly as well. In fact - I froze my KP's off. :shake: Was very disappointed with what was on offer. For those of you who can't visualise the condition of the 432's on offer - http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u233/Markheliops/Withams1.jpg[/img] http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u233/Markheliops/Withams3.jpg[/img] http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u233/Markheliops/Withams2.jpg[/img] It does concern me that the Army is so short of funds, recovery aids and range wrecks are finding their way to MOD auctions. Even so - my friend stuck a bid on a tidy TM. Had a look over it and it seemed okay. Noisy clutch bearing but I understand it's the norm. http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u233/Markheliops/TM1.jpg[/img] http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u233/Markheliops/TM2.jpg[/img] I don't think we will get it as we only put in a lowish bid. Markheliops

Hi all. Been at it again - for the last three days actually. Started off by working out how to remove my WLF bogie assembly without the use of a crane. Previous entries will show how I removed the other bogie assembly by using my WLF as the lifting device. Had to resort to chocking and blocking by using lots of blocks and 2 x 30 tonne bottle jacks. I blocked the chassis in front of the crane mounts on the chassis and jacked the body up until I had enough clearance to roll the bogie assembly clear of the bogie assembly mounting bracket. Once I had enough clearance I was able to chock the body at the bogie mounting bracket to give me a more stable platform. Before rolling the bogie assembly out, I had the fore thought to mark the floor with paint to assist me when I come to reinstall the bogie assembly. :-D http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u233/Markheliops/lines.jpg[/img] It was then a - simple - task of rolling the complete assembly from under the truck. Actually, to my surprise the whole assembly just wheeled it's way out - just as the manual said. :dunno: No figure. I had to tow the other bogie assembly out with the Landy. I apologise for the video as I haven't quite got to grips with unloading vids. Update - video link - :computerterror: Once the bogie assembly was out, I used the crane of my Ward - clever eh - to remove the axle diff carriers. Centre one first. http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u233/Markheliops/centreaxlediffcarrier.jpg[/img] http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u233/Markheliops/centreaxlediff.jpg[/img] This was the offending axle which I believe caused me all the problems on route to Bolero. http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u233/Markheliops/outputshaftdamage.jpg[/img] Next came the rear axle diff carrier. http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u233/Markheliops/rearaxlediffcarrier.jpg[/img] I have found a number of issues with both diffs. Both contaminated with water in the oil. The rear axle drain plug had been welded into place which is a bit of a pain. Apparently, this is a common finding with WLF. They must have a habit of dropping out. I still haven't come across any real issues which would have caused the failure of my propshaft as yet. The idea is to swap the diff carriers from the spare WLF on to my bogie assembly. Whilst it is out from the truck, I shall be renewing other parts such as seals, bearings, etc. Updates as and when. Markheliops

Jack needs medical cover - Well he will if he buys the Ward La France. :-D

Plains is the first outing for the 432 and WLF - (providing the WLF is operational). :coffee2: Then Lee's show the next weekend. Beltring after that. Other shows throughtout the year as and when. Markheliops

Excellent Neil - Looking forward to seeing the OT90. Can I borrow ya tent Lee? :-D Sorry forgot - I have a GREEN one now.

I wouldn't have thought the one bid is a genuine offer - cause I can't see anyone paying £15000 for a 432 - pimped or not. :? Come on - we all know how E-bay works. :whistle:

:box: no bother at all. Would you give someone hassle if they drove in to a car park in a tank.!!!

Happy Birthday Rosemary. :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: Markheliops

Do you mean me. :-D Point taken. :tongue:

Sorry guys - my fault. Just come off night duty and still half asleep.

You know what I think Jack. Keep the Jimmy and buy the Ward La France as an ongoing project. And for those "persons" who dirty the water buy declaring a WLF isn't as much fun to drive, I suggest the old adage - Don't knock it until you've tried it - comes into play. :box: The WLF Jack is considering is a very good deal and will give him a great project to get his teeth into. He doesn't have to sell the Jimmy to obtain the WLF. If that were the case Jack, I would say don't purchase the WLF as a project vehicle if you have to sell the Jimmy to pay for it. So I repeat - keep the Jimmy and purchase the WLF. When the WLF is completed, then you can consider selling one of the vehicles if you wish. And I bet I know which one would go then. ;-) Markheliops

Hi Baz. My Ward La France is marked up as 11th Armoured Div, A Company 133rd Armored Ordnance Battalion. Try this link as it names all component elements of the Armored Divisions in World War II. http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/lineage/cc/adcomp.htm Try this as well - History of 11th Armoured Division. http://www.11tharmoreddivision.com/i_ourhistory.html Markheliops

Why do you think I'm smiling - :-D

And here, with the Winter Collection from HMVF. http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u233/Markheliops/00000001-5.jpg[/img] http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u233/Markheliops/00000002-4.jpg[/img] Can't pose with my WLF as I'm on duty for next four days. :cry: However - Saturday night was interesting - Can't believe the doormen wouldn't let me in my local night club. " No steel toe cap boots and no steel helmets either." :dunno: Still, the girls outside loved the look and I had no end of offers. :evil: Markheliops PS - Large size is good for me and I'm 5ft 10" and thanks for the extras Jack. :tup:

I'm going to Withams on Saturday 24th if anyone wants to meet up. Markheliops

Coveralls arrived today Jack - many thanks. Will try them on for size tomorrow when I get home from work. Markheliops

I knew you'd be lurking at the keyboard.

I bet you are getting very excited Neil. About bl--dy time as well. I will ignore the dig at my unfortunate situation in the arena - but thanks for tugging me out anyway. Only wanted the public to see the power of your Stolly anyway. :whistle: Markheliops

Do not fret N.O.S If you decide to attend the greatest gathering of HMVF members and vehicles this decade - and by sheer chance you do get bogged down in the terrible muddy conditions - I am sure a friendly wrecker owner will assist you - at some point. :pfrt: Markheliops :-D

Ah, by your almost racing style retreat, can I presume you are going to attend the Plains event. :-D

N.O.S I do feel such a statement is not only aimed at me but ALL wrecker owners. :box: It is of course a dangerous path to tread - To take thy p--s out of a wrecker owner is a bad move as you never know when YOU will need one. The plains is a very muddy area where vehicles tend to get stuck. :whistle: Markheliops PS. There will be no need for members to be making reference to the fact I got stuck at W+P. Thankie.

Good job chaps - I AM taking notes. If you insist Mike - I shall wait until you return so you can get your hands dirty on my WLF. :whistle: Markheliops

Thanks Jack - let you know when they arrive. :banana:

Wasn't for nowt Mark - I just wanted to see you hanging off the side of my truck. :whistle: Seriously, I do have an axle problem which I know about and I think I may also have another fault with the g/box or t/box. Time will reveal all. Markheliops