Ron

There is loads of useful information in "British Forces Motorcycles" By Orchard and Madden. It's really worth searching out a copy on the internet. But to answer your question briefly, the following is a guideline. The standard pre war finish of parade ground Bronze green (or RAF blue). Was not suitable. So at the start of the war the WO directive called for a mat Khaki Green. Around 1942-43, the colour was changed to Earth Brown, and in 1944 the colour was again changed to Olive Drab. Of course there were no hard and fast rules as older colour paint stocks were used up or mixed with newer colours. Ron PS does anyone know the BS paint code number for Earth Brown. I fancy doing my WD/L this colour. I have some BS 499 which I've always known as Service Brown?

Well they had lots of those 1200cc UL's in SA. Ron

On closer inspection Lex. You are right. I can see the tops of the fork springs in the gloom. It was the horn that threw me. It looks more like an Indian horn. Didn't they have a tendency to fit the horn under the headlamp on a WLC and over the top on a WLA? Ron

Ha Ha. I kind of like the guessing game. I feel I probably know you Wolfie! Ron

J, It's all very well having a rare vehicle. (My Morris is one of only two known) But sometimes it's nicer to have something in common with other guys to share things with. I haven't got the bike home yet. I have a mate with a van who has offered to take me the 8 hour round trip to collect it. Which wont happen for a couple of weeks. The thing is, I love vehicles! It's just that I hate bloody driving these days!! However it's my turn to drive today, to the VMCC jumble at Shepton Mallet. Ron

I haven't worked out what the secrecy is all about on here? Perhaps I should change my name to 325X19?? RON!!

I also have a W/NG. Mine is from contract S4554. I must agree that it would be a shame to impede your sporty W/NG with that mock up Big4 chair. The only side-cars that I have seen on W/NG's are these home made looking jobs issued to home guard. Ron

Now don't be so cynical Rik! We all know it was the WLA that won the war. Along with the Enigma machine that was captured by the Yanks. Ron

I think it's an Indian 640. I've no idea about Muricun markings though. Ron

Thanks for posting those You Tubes. However I have been informed by the definitive expert, that it's not a WD/L. It is in fact a pre war bitsa. The South American owner has had several attempts at selling it as a WD/L.......So far without success I believe. Ron

Thanks for those kind words Jenkinov. I'll keep you posted. I had decided that, time, money, room and willpower had determined that my shed would not take another project......But I just couldn't resist this one. Ron

Yes. I bought it! I have to make arrangements to collect it from Cambridgeshire.(I'm in Poole) I'm quite excited about it. It's from the second contract of 250, so a proper military bike. I think the first contract of 100 were more or less just khaki painted civy bikes, although with a lack of pictures it's difficult to know the differences. There is only one other example on Jan's WD register. I've emailed the owner and hoping he'll respond. I'll post some pictures in the future, as I proceed. Ron

I don't think the trailers are anything to do with the couplings. It looks like the coupling is just cut from it's original vehicle and an A frame welded on to make a dolly for a large trailer. I must admit I can't remember seeing a 12 ton Scammell coupling! Maybe that's why these have twin wheels. Here is a Scarab and also The military Bedford Scammell. Ron

Centurian. The roller cages must sit back to back, so that the open end of the rollers run on the hardened steel washers. If the rollers ran facing each other, there would be some awful gnashing of rollers I think. Ron

Yes they look like the rear wheels, cut from one of those three wheeler Scammell Scarabs. I know the Scammell coupling was fitted to some Bedford tractor units during the war. The driver could drop of a trailer and pick up another one without leaving his cab. Ron

Well done on your knowledge as usual Steve. Now could you please send me a copy of a parts list for a WD/L from contract C8620 and a factory picture. Ha Ha. Ron

Whilst on this subject. Here is my Morris with buff coloured canvas (not WW2). I spayed the canvas with a lovely buff coloured Mezowax called Khaki. It was available from R&R in the 90's. but all they sell now is green stuff. I even contacted Mezowax direct some years ago. But they just said there was no call for the buff colour. Does anyone know of an alternative please. It would be handy for faded motorcycle pannier bags and so on. Ron

This is a WW2 tilt on my Tilly. It was more of a grey/green colour. But I have sprayed it with Mezowax which has made it a bit greener than it was. Unfortunately I haven't been able to buy the Khaki (buff)colour Mezowax any more. Because it seems only American vehicles count, with their Olive green?? Allied Forces had this tilt for about 2 years until Jim found an almost identical colour piece of canvas to replace the Bren gun panel in the roof. (which someone had replaced with a glaringly wrong colour panel). Ron

That's right Pete. I was the red faced co pilot that day. I seem to remember that the three of us had to push it the last 10 yards. Ron

Yes Steve. I'm waiting with interest. Jan is trying to contact the seller. Ron

Yes nice one Ferret! If it is the ex Dingo of Martin North. Then I have spent quite a few hours helping him fettle it and accompanied it over lots of miles. The steel roof is a work of art. Ron

I can vouch for Axholme Signs. I've done several of my vehicles with their stencils. I've got quite proficient at applying the stencils to the double curvature of motorcycle tanks. Ron Pier

According to Orchard and Madden. Only 350 were produced for the WO, and one civilian type Model L. The basic machine looks a lot like my WD/C. So some parts wouldn't be any harder to find than a C. But engine parts might have to be adapted. Ron

Hey Pete. Does that look like Martin North's Dingo with the metal roof, that went to US? Ron

Factory pictures WD/L. Ron