Richard Farrant

Hi Dave, You have got me there, what number post are you referring to? There is a number at top right of each post. Rushmoor, those were the days! regards, Richard

Hi Jules, As far as I am aware the 75c is basically the same as the 75b, except that it has radio suppression in addition. regards, Richard

George Rotinoff was involved in piling and concrete, in a business started by his father which merged with another company to form West Rotinoff Piling & Construction. He left the business in 1944 and started his own company, Rotinoff Construction and operated opencast coal mines in Northumberland. It was in 1946 that he started converting Shermans to tractors and dozers for his own companies use. The site at Poyle, mentioned was an ex-Ministry of Supply tank repair base and he bought that around this time to maintain and construct his equipment. There was an article with photos in a recent Vintage Roadscene magazine.

Degsy, I was banging my head on the wall when I read his post earlier ......... the only oil he is qualified to talk about is Neatsfoot oil.

These Shermans were run by George Rotinoff as part of his open cast mining operation. The same man who built Rotinoff trucks.

You don't say where you will want to move it from. If it is a non-runner then you will need either a low loader or beavertail lorry with a winch or "Hiab" type loader crane. There are 4 lifting rings on the Ferret. There is no way you will push a dead Ferret ........... unless you have a rugby team hanging around with nothing to do . Try companies that move plant.

I was looking at the dip in the axle beam which looks like it is to clear a sump, yet there is no visible king pin arrangement unless the axle ends are heavily modified to be a trailed axle.

In retrospect, I now realise it was not the last Normandy but 2004 ........ where does time go?

I would bet that this Hippo was one of a number that came out of reserve storage in late 1970's or so. When I worked for the army, a number came to a nearby vehicle pool (TMP) and were issued out to units when they required a 10 tonner. We were still able to draw some spares from RAOC. I understood they had come from the Antwerp Vehicle Depot. They were in remarkable condition at the time.

Just found this; http://www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk/item/researching-family-and-royal-marine-history/royal-marines-in-combined-operations-1939-45 scroll down to 11th Battalion RM and there is reference to their role there.

Sorry to hear that Mike has passed away. I last saw him at the MVT camp in Normandy 5 years ago with his wife, who I believe passed away a few years ago. He always had time for a chat.

Defend mobile naval bases maybe ? The Coastal patrol boats used to move around ports in the UK, not just naval ports, so could be to do with them.

Hi Jules, I recommend Mike Starmer's book covering NW Europe 1936-45. It was Khaki Green No.3, but the one I referred to was in the SCC colour chart and was Brown No2, which superseded the Khaki Green. All green paints were withdrawn from production early in the War as the chromium oxide ingredient was essential elsewhere in War Production. Green was re-introduced as Olive Drab in April 1944. regards, Richard

I have seen some dealer adverts for these Fodens and as Wally says, they were very sought after as there was a shortage of heavy lorries after the war, with a lot going for export to get money into the country. All existing road transport was worn out and mostly pre-1940. I have noticed these prices on previous auction catalogues that Wally has posted, there would have been a lot of bidding for them, when you look at what else there was on offer, there was little to compare.

I can recommend the company and fitted a new wiring harness to a MW some years ago, fitted beautifully.

Hi Josh, this info is from a War Office data book of 1944; C15A Max. recommended trailed weight in Tons Normal roads 4 tons Hilly roads 3 tons Cross country 1 ton for comparison the Chev CGT (quad gun tractor) Normal roads 4 tons Hilly roads 3 tons Cross country 3 tons regards, Richard

It makes a difference if brush painted, when sprayed it is slightly more matt and does that several weeks to cure at this time of year.

Hi Monty, Good to see you have joined the ranks now! regards, Richard

The original colour of your MW is unlikely to be like BS298 Olive Drab as the regulations for that colours use were introduced in April 1944. Your brown colour is likely to be SCC No. 2 Brown (SCC : Special Camouflage Colours). I found a hidden sample of this colour on a plate inside an armoured vehicle of 1942 vintage, and covered by a control panel. I can let you know the details and supplier as it was matched for me by the paint manufacturer. I would probably describe it as milk chocolate colour.

You cannot have interactive anything without the information to base it on.

Sounds like bad management, someone should be accountable. The Library is the archives, without this it can no longer function as a museum.

Try this link, it could be of help; http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Mercury_Truck_and_Tractor_Co

Hi Paul, There is an area meeting of MVT about 28 miles from you at Rusper, It is the venue for the clubnight of East Surrey and West Kent Area. On the 2nd Weds of each month around 8pm at The Plough, in the High Street. regards, Richard

Hi Ray, Earlier this year I saw a WW1 GS Wagon in Australia which was built in England, by the Gloucester Railway Carriage & Wagon Co., then apparently another from the same maker turned up. regards, Richard

Want a bet? I remember being in first year of secondary school and doing cross country in t-shirt, shorts and plimsoles in bloody great snow drifts, not impressed.