Ron

I've now fitted some new parts in the gearbox and cleaned up the cases. I had forgotten what a nonsense these are to fit/remove!! Much improved by Royal Enfield on later models by simply slotting the bottom lug. I had to refrain from doing it to this box in the name of originality. I have a few more bits painted and much more enjoy the build up over the cleaning, stripping, welding, filling, sanding and spraying. One of my next tasks will be to modify and make fit my Indian made Model G air box. I'll post pictures as I go. Ron

See you at Goodwood then Steve. Ron

It might be for you Clive. But for some of us it's just easier to ask. ha ha! Ron

Well Paul never rushed one of his NOS brackets to me Steve. I guess I'll just have to make do with this old rusty one. Didn't see you at Popham on Sunday.... For some reason Beaulieu were displaying that strange and ugly prototype Enfield with an appeal for the correct carb. Ron

I've learnt that nothing is ever cast in stone Chris. Some years ago, a friend and fellow MVer made this little model of my PU. At the time it was sporting an incorrect number, applied by a previous owner. He used another Morris model kit as you suggested. But I don't know which. Ron

Yes they are driver and gunners seat cushions for Universal carriers. I have them already NOS otherwise I'd already be on my way to your house. Ron

Yes the front fixings are a twisted bracket off the lower rear carrier stud. For some reason I couldn't get mine lined up correctly and settled for one bolt on the bottom of frame rather than two. I had to bend it forward to stop it fouling the brake arm. Also here is the rear frame fixing bar that I've recently acquired but not fitted yet. Ron

Chris, not many pictures of the PU8/4. But here are a few that I have collected over the years. The first picture is from that series in the Jeep book. The next picture was actually given to me by the bloke on the right. Who is the father of Pip Biddlecomb. Well known MV collector from Ower nr Romsey. Anyone who knows Pip will see the likeness. The picture was taken somewhere around Cairo. The next two pictures are just factory shots I think. Next is a PU in the middle of a line of CMP's. Looks like desert again. Finally a PU in Polish hands. I am however seeking a picture of one with the BEF. 'Coz that's how I've done mine!! Ron

I am using Champion L82C in my OHV's and L86C in my SV's. I don't know of a better modern equivalent......But willing to learn. Ron

Exactly right Chris. The number is 664 before mine. Only about 1200 were built. There is in fact another survivor. But it is sadly neglected in a museum in Texas. Ron

Great stuff. Another one lives to fight again. You should be well run in and fettled and used to it by the big tour in 2014. Ron

Lovely Scott. I would however hazard a guess that, that one hasn't been near a wall since restoration. I have never been completely confident at riding my own 741B on the road......even though I have put the throttle on the right and covered quite some miles. I would never use it for DR work and definitely wouldn't go near a Wall of Death with it.......or anything else come to that. Ron

Both my G3 and G3L will wet sump if left unattended for any time. In that event I don't even try to start them until I have drained the crankcase and pored it back in the tank. Ron

I belong to the 'Indian Riders Club' and therefore meet a few of these 'Wall of Death' guys and girls. I also have a couple of books on the subject. It seems if it has wheels it can ride the wall. In fact the whole thing started with pedal cycles. I don't think a great deal of speed is required. More technique and nerve I think. Ron

Have to agree. The prototype Corgi was first announced to the public in "Motor Cycling" on 21st March 1946. Not even the previous Excelsior Welbike was born until 1942. I wouldn't argue about the Wall of Death though.......Just about everything else has been used. Ron

Yep me too. I first met Terry over 20 years ago. He is brilliant at his metal craft but can be dead scatty when it comes to keeping drawings and patterns. He often phones me for measurements because he has foolishly sold his pattern or lost a drawing. He once drove to my house to take Velo mudguard measurements......and promptly lost the bit of paper before he got home.....Bless! He's well over 70 now and can't go on for ever. Lets hope Drew is a chip off the old block. Ron

Ah it must be you then! Terry has admitted to me that something is wrong with a rear carrier that he made for someone. He has been to my place to re-measure my original. Ron

Jack I'll have a go. 1st pic Silhouettes so not sure, but I'm guessing the two on the right are Harley's 2nd pic Lady on Matchless G3 3rd pic L to R Graham Haskell M20. Pete Brown James ML. Bump Matchless G3. Kev Foster G3L. Tim Handscomb G3L and then vague. 4th pic 16H 5th pic Triumph 3or5 SW 6th pic Harley WLA's. 7th pic 16H (inset 1st bike is an M20) Ron

Have a look at Lex's website while you are waiting. http://www.welbike.net/ I'll PM you another email address. Mention my name if you make contact. (Ron Pier) Ron

I got the Matchless and other jobs out the way and just got back onto the 'L'. Engine is resting in the frame and I timed the mag up whilst the head was off. A tip for anyone else restoring one of these. ' fit the bloody valve lift cable before the mag' I persevered as there was no way I wanted to remove the mag again. But it had me sweating. Ron

Well it is a motorcycle I suppose? But I'm not sure about the Airborne title? Lex who visits this forum has just rebuilt an original.....but he's away till middle of next week. I also know another Dutch guy with several of them. Ron

It could be as you say Stef. Some of the improved engines were installed in 38. I restored my 38 Speedtwin with the aid of a 39 parts list and the Speedtwin bible by Woolridge. Ron

Stef I have just read your PM. I didn't get an email telling me it was there? I am still a bit baffled with this bike. As Rik stated. "No frame and engine numbers survive for this period" But unless my eyes are deceiving me the engine in the pictures you posted has an 8 stud cylinder barrel which was introduced for the 1939 model year following the Tiger 100 practice. (all 38 Speedtwin engines had the weaker 6 stud fixings) The engine number you noted as 8-5T-9315 (8=1938) The 1939 model year started in Nov 1938 and the engines were pre fixed 9-5T......Strange? Ron

Here he is again Rich, on the same Speedtwin and with a nice right up. Ron

Absolutely correct Rich. The silencer is Speedtwin shaped. Ron