Ron

You are probably quite right about the above machine. But RAF vehicles during the war had a "Defence of the realm" tax disc and lots of TRW's were supplied to the RAF. Did they have civil registrations and tax discs too? Ron

I can't work it out myself Chris. I clamped it in my vice for testing. But when I have taken mags to my guy for testing, he just stands them in a jig and spins them with an electric motor. Same difference to my mind. If it was up to me, I'd want a full internal examination and test. But at the moment it looks like I'll be fitting it back as it is. Hey Ho!

Don't know Chris? But the HT lead and or plug should spark against the mag body whether it's in or out the bike. It's baffling! The owner doesn't want to spend any money on the mag until we've tested it back on the bike. Can't argue with that. Ron

I tested that Chris by running my drill at a very low speed. Slower I'd say than a good swing with the plug out. I really don't get this scenario?? Ron

Well here's a thing! And it's happened before! I was not getting a glimmer of a spark from the mag. I even plucked up the courage to hold the plug lead end in my fingers and even with a good kick, not a tingle. Put the mag on the bench, wound it up with a drill and it's sparking perfectly. We can see the the mag and dynamo have recently been overhauled. This has happened to me twice before (Matchless G3 and Triumph 5SW) both with rebuilt mags. Even my long term mag guy couldn't give an explanation??? Ron

Yep we're going to whip the mag off today and take it to Shepton on Saturday for a refurb. The new owner has also commissioned me for a quick respray after he takes it apart. Ron

Now sold!! Ron

I recognize that bike Jeremy. Just needs a 2" brush and a tin of goose turd green by moonlight! Ron

Paul if it helps, this is an absolute genuine tank from a first contract WD/C. Ron

Well it's not urgent and I'm not desperate🙂 Just thought there might be a like minded person lookin in!! Cheers Ron

Very nice and if anyone is interested in an easy restoration, I have this one going spare. I've had it running and the engine sounds sweet but the mag is flagging. Matching frame and engine from contract C7890 (1940) and with it's original 1946 registration (which is quite apt actually) . PM me. Ron

PS and if anyone needs a correct Mansfield pillion for a 3HW. I have a spare fully refurbed example. £280. Ron

OK Chris thanks for letting us know. They became quite rare to the point that some good quality but expensive repros were made. Not sure if any of those are still available. My Triumphs have good originals so I'll pass on buying this one just as a spare, and leave it for someone who actually needs one. Cheers Ron

How much would you like? Ron

PS. The tank transfers used on the WD bikes are the smaller one that are listed for the rear mudguard. https://classictransfers.co.uk/product/velocette-6571-89x30mm/ Ron

Good idea Steve to get a few miles before a final strip. Veloce must have had a real aversion to Lucas! Even the battery is EXIDE. We did some research and hunting down pictures and Arnaud made a great job of a dummy. I have two more on order with him. The correct horn to look out for is a Clearhooters HF320 and even better with a MILLER lighthouse medallion badge. Ron

It looks like mine Steve. Goose turd green by moonlight!! Ron

Brian Tillin <briantillin385@gmail.com> has made them from Stainless Steel in the past. Ron

Hello Paul. I've restored several of these over the years from 1st contract to later WD/C. I have loads of pictures, so just ask. Jan has probably already told you that the RE models were mostly fitted with this distinctive "D" plate on the front nose of the saddle. Have you got the often missing center stand? If not I think I know of a freshly cast one that is probably for sale. Ron

I managed to find a dry part of today to take some pix of the finished bike. Ron

Yep you're probably right Lex. Ron

Yes Lex an MOV is a 250. But the last letter looks like an "F". As I look again I don't even think its an MAF frame. The MAF has a cast in bash plate, and I think the brake pedal pivot is in the wrong place.?? Ron

Well not as bad as I thought then. Looks like an MAF frame with an MDD engine. So at least it's all military. Ron But now I look again, the number doesn't make sense. Looks like it's been modified to fit in the MDD range, but the prifix doesn't say MDD????

Is that the RAF blue one that's been around for years? It's certainly not an MDD frame. Did you check the numbers? Ron

Yes Steve but the thing is, my bike was already restored. So to the most part, I've simply taken it apart, cleaned everything down with panel wipe and resprayed everything. The only things I've rubbed down are the tank and left side tool box. Regarding the battery. Just to be different, these were fitted with an EXIDE battery. After discussions with Arnaud and lots of searching for pictures, Arnaud has managed to reproduce the logo and made a dummy box which includes the correct battery terminals. Annoyingly though, the bloody strap covers his lovely art work. I have ordered two more which should be on their way to me soon. One each for you and the other Steve who is restoring the black bike I sold him. Ron