Markheliops

Hi Jack Not sure what's occurring but don't give up yet. Insurance companies will always try to fob you off. The point being if they have agreed to a "good will payment" it's another way of saying it's our fault. Maybe time to visit the small claims court. Before any action you have to be able to prove you have made all attempts to come to a reasonable agreement. That means letters etc to recovery company and insurance people - I use the word lightly of course -. A phone conversation repeated in court means nothing in the eyes of the law. Maybe three letters to recovery agents asking them to deal with the damage of you will be forced to seek compensation. In the eyes of the law - as repeatidly stated the recovery driver, hence company is liable for the damaged caused - they just presume you won't bother persuing it. I would strongly suggest the above course of action as a means to an end to get your truck repaired. Let me know if you want any advice and I can speak to many people in the recovery industry to get the latest information. Markheliops

Hi all Popped into Beltring yesterday as my WLF is located 2 mins down the road. Met up with Mark and Lee. Lee was in excellent spirits - considering he had pitched his tent inside out and had to re-pitch it. :rofl: Popped over to introduce myself to Mark and the gang. My Ward will be at the show from Monday 16th. Hopefully fixed and mobile - even if temporarily reduced to single axle drive. Collecting the bits this Tuesday (10th). May - keeping fingers crossed - be the first outing for a Centurion ARV if things go to plan and I can arrange delivery. I'm getting very excited but there are a few hurdles to get over first. Pitches are being snapped up as we speak so don't leave it too long before you all head over. See you all there Markheliops

Hi all Popped into Beltring yesterday as my WLF is located 2 mins down the road. Met up with Mark and Lee. Lee was in excellent spirits - considering he had pitched his tent inside out and had to re-pitch it. :rofl: Popped over to introduce myself to Mark and the gang. My Ward will be at the show from Monday 16th. Hopefully fixed and mobile - even if temporarily reduced to single axle drive. Collecting the bits this Tuesday (10th). May - keeping fingers crossed - be the first outing for a Centurion ARV if things go to plan and I can arrange delivery. I'm getting very excited but there are a few hurdles to get over first. :whistle: Pitches are being snapped up as we speak so don't leave it too long before you all head over. See you all there Markheliops

Been with Kent Fire and Rescue Service since 2003. Employed as a Crew Manager at Thames-side Fire Station in Gravesend. Prior to that - employed as a heavy commercial recovery driver. Before that, HM forces. Before that - a mouthy little sprog. :-D Markheliops

Hi all After a massive favour. Don't suppose there are any forum members who live in or near Upton-upon-Severn and who are coming to War and Peace? I have located some brake chambers and lines for the Ward repairs. If not I'll have to pop over myself - I live in Kent. Basically the bracket, chambers, air lines, brake relay valve and connectors will have to be removed but the good news it the bogie assembly has been removed from the truck already, so it's a matter of just unbolting them. Sticky buns, tea and something for your trouble if anyone can assist. :-D Thanks Markheliops

Hi all. Trying to put some figures together. Wonder if anyone has a low loader capable of carrying a Centurion ARV - (weight 50 tonnes) and what the cost would be from Luton to Hop Farm. Not after getting it to W+P just working out costs. If required, recovery will be around August time. Centurion is driving and can be loaded under it's own power. Regards Markheliops

Hi Jack Been on to my friend in Germany - ref your axle. He has a friend who wheels and deals in military vehicles. My friend thinks he has a GMC which he is breaking for spares. I have informed him it needs to be a split axle - I don't know the difference - GMC's not being the toys of my choice - but he will check and come back to me a.s.a.p tomorrow. If he does have what you need, my friend will bring it from Germany to Beltring for you on Monday 16th - I you want it. Will let you know tomorrow if he has the axle you require. Markheliops PS Left you a message on your phone.

Hi Jack There are loads of axles being advertised by European dealers. I have a friend coming over from Germany on Monday 16th to set up a stall selling bits and bobs. He could bring it over for you or as already stated the dealers could bring it over. You are welcome to join my small but friendly field repairs team who will be working on my WLF - but they don't know it yet. Let me know. Markheliops

Hi all. The damage to Jack's truck is serious enough for him to put a compensation claim into the recovery company. As already stated, once the casualty vehicle - IE Jack's truck - is attached to the recovery vehicle, it becomes the responsibility of the recovery driver and as such he and the company are liable for any damage caused. This is particularly true as Jack's truck was only suffering from rough engine running and no fault in the axle or running gear. The recovery company can dress it up anyway they like - they are responsible for the damage. For those people who have been recovered by the AA etc, why do you think the recovery driver goes around the vehicle before loading to make a note of any damage. As it is not in doubt when the damage occurred - the recovery company doesn't have a leg to stand on. If you haven't already Jack, first thing in the morning get on to the recovery company and ask their operations manager to come and see you to discuss a way forward. Any recovery company will try to avoid any insurance claim as the excess on the liability insurance policies are very expensive. I'm sure sitting down with the ops manager and having an adult discussion about having the vehicle repaired will be the best way forward for all parties. Failing that - and I can't see it happening - court!!! Any more advice and you have my number. Markheliops

I know Mike - but then again, it's not something I would plan on taking for a regular jolly round the streets of Sevenoaks - or then again. :-D Bet you would like to clamber over one - and no-one would see your knees!!

I'm not familiar with Jimmy's Jack. Do they have selectable front wheel drive - if they do the front prop would have to be removed or it would still turn the gearbox as the props are connected - if rear suspend towing. If front lifted - back to how the hell the front wheel has come off. In all my time in commercial recovery I have never heard of a front wheel coming off when on front suspend tow. Will be interesting to hear the drivers account of what happened. Markheliops

Thanks for that Chris- I would agree a chieftain ARV is a lovely bit of kit but very expensive and I thought it may be nice to have something with a bit of history. Markheliops

Jack Just had a thought - The only way this could happen is if the vehicle was being recovered by a suspended rear lift - This is where the vehicle is lifted at the back either on the chassis or the rear axle and the steering wheel strapped. Recovery operators do this for two reasons_ Either the vehicle is damaged - IE broken rear axle or collapsed rear wheel bearings or The recovery operator is being lazy and can't be bothered to remove the propshaft so lifts the vehicle rear wheels of the ground. Hence if a front wheel came off during a suspend rear tow - it would cause a big problem. Either way, it's still down to the recovery operator. I'll PM you my mobile number and if you want some advice give me a call. I may be lacking in some things but recovery operations is not one of them. Also I have a friend who runs a large recovery firm and he has 30 years in this field. All recovery firms have liability insurance and this is how these things are dealt with. I recovered a tractor unit once and because of a mechanical fault the brakes came on 65 miles into the journey. Knackered all the brakes, tyres, etc. Not my fault but the company insurance still had to fork out nearly £3000 in damages to repair the vehicle. Markheliops

Right Jack - as previously stated - The recovery operator is legally responsible for his load - your vehicle. On no account except responsibility for any damage to your vehicle. You need to ask the company for a written report stating at what time this incident occurred, how this incident occurred and what they intend to do in regards to the damage to your vehicle. If on a suspended tow, at what point did they realise the front wheel had come off. Personally, when I was suspend towing an HGV, I would never have known the front wheel had come off until I had reached my destination unless the wheel had hit something or somebody. The recovery operator will attempt to blame the vehicle owner but in the eyes of the law - the load being carried is the driver (the companies) responsibility. Keep us informed and let me know what company was recovering your vehicle. Markheliops

Hi all. My friend it's nuts on armoured vehicles and as such we have been on the lookout for something suitable to purchase. Why, well he just wants a toy to play with and I would like something to tinker with. No the Ward is not being sold. The WLF is my show vehicle that I can take to shows but once the repairs are carried out - is basically finished. Well, I don't want to shout from the rooftops just yet - but I have located a Centurion ARV for sale at a reasonable cost. Apparently the vehicle is ex-Army reserve, very low miles, 100% good rubber tracks and is a good runner. The vehicle will receive a full service and be fitted with electroninc ignition system, which I understand will be a massive bonus, before planned delivery. Obviously I am aware of the massive pitfalls of ownership of a vehicle like this such as fuel consumption - :cry: - and transportation of the thing. Basically I would like your thoughts, concerns and any knowledge you have on these vehicles or ownership of 50 tonnes of armoured vehicle. Markheliops

Hi Jack Something sounds fishy here!!! Can I presume the vehicle was being suspended tow. Can't see how the front wheel has come of if the wheels aren't in contact with the road. I used to work for a heavy commercial recovery firm Jack and I can assure you, once the vehicle is being towed, any damage is down to the recovery operator as he is liable for the load - IE the vehicle being towed. Will be intersting to find out exactly what damage has been caused and HOW it happened. Also if the vehicle is being towed and the front wheel came off - why is the road closed and Police on scene - sounds like a major incident. It would only cause that much aggravation if the vehicle was being DRIVEN - if you get my drift. Keep us informed Jack but don't except it's your fault - it's down to the recovery operator. Markheliops

Crikey Jack - Hope all is OK. My experience was quite good really - Had to wait a fair while but low loaders are hard to get on a weekend. Was picked up and delivered to Kent without any dramas. My only concern now is that I have received my policy etc, and according to the small print there is a maximum amount of £1000 costs per 12 months. I'm a bit peeved as I asked Roadsure about a rumour I had heard in that you can only use the policy once and I was assured this was not the case. I expect you can use the service as many times as you need to but a low loader at £150 per hour is going to use the amount of a £1000 in one go. So, I will be contacting Roadsure to express my concern about the small print. Still a good service for £125 as the recovery would have cost about £750 + VAT if I hadn't had the policy. It will be interesting to see what Roadsure will do next. I wonder if I will receive a letter saying my breakdown policy is now used up for 12 months. I would respond by saying if you are going to offer breakdown policies for large military vehicles, you have to expect the recovery costs to be quite substantial for the acquisition of a low loader. Lets wait and see. Markheliops

Excellent report and top photographs Steve. Almost feels like I was there - :cry: Looking forward to the next installment. Markheliops

Hi Tony Welcome to Green madness. Seems to me you'll fit in perfectly with the rest of the loons on here. I'm only here for the comedy element. :whistle: Markheliops

Hi Neil About the right time - was waiting for the low loader to arrive. I had finished crying into my helmet and had kicked my tool box into the bushes by then. Markheliops

Damn - Damn - Damn!!! :shake: You lot had loads of fun - I feel left out. No I don't - I had my own FUN ride when my brakes failed on the A12 at 40 mph. :tongue: Markheliops

Hi all. Once again, thanks for all your input and commiserations. Yes, I was truly gutted to miss out on what would appear to be event of the year. Neil, I have The Rugged Boys on the side tool box of the WLF. I suspect it was me you passed Friday afternoon. Was I crying into my helmet or laying underneath the beast with my spanners. Even when it went bang, I still spent nearly three hours trying to effect a repair. I soooooo much wanted to get there. I am a bit more optimistic today. Hopefully I can source spares from somewhere. I will definitely be at War and Peace. I am arriving on Monday 16th. If not under my own power my bestest friend :-D tootallmike will be hauling me in. I am planning to repair the WLF during the week so I can make the Redball Express convoy on Saturday evening, providing I have the bits. It should be quite entertaining really. I am planning to remove the complete bogie assembly from the WLF to fit new bits and service the remainder. It's going to be the War and Peace project. If anyone fancies getting their hands dirty by all means grab your spanners and head over. Failing that, a cup of tea as I will be far too busy to put the kettle on. :whistle: As for what caused the problem in the first place - still not 100% sure. :dunno: My tyre pressures were bang as I checked them before leaving. Tootallmike has seen my tyres and reckons they are pretty good. That just leaves play in the input shaft or the prop just failed because it was worn. Hey, who knows. All I can do is repair it, check everything is 110% - hence pulling the bogie out - and see what happens. On the subject of War and Peace. Popped in today and would you believe it - someone has pitched tent already. :? Would be great if a day, place and time could be arranged for all HMVF members could meet up at W+P. Any ideas or suggestions. Not putting myself in the frame or anything but I am planning to have a BBQ Saturday evening - what say you all. Many thanks and keep trucking - if you are able. :roll: Markheliops

Hi Mark. You can read all about me and the Ward's ill-fated attempt to get to Op Bolero on here - pics an'all. See Op Bolero - my experience - and it hurt. Markheliops

Thought I was right - memories A1 OK then. :-D Thanks for that Sirhc. Apology excepted Nige. :-D :-D :-D Markheliops

Perhaps the The Management may like to move this thread to members restorations. It's going to be a long haul. :cry: Markheliops