Richard Farrant

Hi Radek, That Austin is not a K3, but a K2 2 ton truck, built for the RAF to carry two generators. I know it well as about 19 years ago it was on a long road convoy run across Australia that I also participated in with a friend in his Land Rover.

Charlie, you are correct, my memory, the early Iron Fairy had Ford and the Sapphire was 6.354 powered, a much better engine.

Hi Charlie, I was involved with testing and calibrating cranes while working for the army and we did have these Iron Fairy Saffires and they did carry a WD registration no.. The workshop I was at had two of these on unit strength at one time. RAF also had them. It should have a Ford 6 cyl diesel engine. Is there any trace of green paint?

The second photo, paper on the left translates as an Honorary Certificate for Tennis, think sport is the theme here

My brother has a Willys MB which he has had on the road since 1984, at that time I decoked it and lapped the valves in. He has run it every year since without any additives nor sign of problems. When the fears of valve recession arose through the historic vehicle community, I thought that my work might increase with head overhauls but in fact there has been no sign of increased problems. There are reasons for that, when considering the actual vehicles we own, but will not elaborate on that now. cheers Richard

These cans were standard issue from WW1 through to after WW2 for petrol and water, although this one is marked as a petrol can. Stowage brackets fitted on vehicles for them.

Looks like a Trolley, Acc. Used for carrying batteries and a small charging set for starting aircraft. Look at any pics of wartime airfields and they will be seen by aircraft.

Tony, They are Canadian Dodge T212 8cwt Personnel trucks and they served with British as well as Canadian and NZ forces. Built from 1941, there are photos of crated ones being unpacked in North Africa and factory painted in sand colour. No way are photos of these earlier than 1941.

Gordon, It is not a Quad as that was 4x4, this is the Guy Ant 4x2 I think the K6 dates this a bit later than 1941-2

Well, there is Austin K6 3ton GS Cargo, Guy Ant 15cwt, and looks like a Fordson WOT3 in background, the Dodge I forget the model

The Lanc is now at Goose Bay Airport and crew are resting. They should be home on Sunday according to reports.

Thanks Ray, I kept my post very brief as I was at work and using a phone, but it summed up where some now are. Richard

Check the date to that news item, 2007. None of them went to collectors, they were distributed around the country to ex-servicemen's clubs (RSL) and now on show.

The programme we were doing were Series 2 and 2a and were despatched in bare alloy, just steel parts painted black. In later years I have seen some reconditioned boxes in Sky Blue or even green

James, You have checked to make sure the engine is not seized?

The long number starting 151..... will be the serial number of the box. Being an army gearbox it has more than likely gone through a few rebuilds, where they are exchanged and sent back for an overhaul programme. Having done this way back in early 70's, I can say that boxes were marked with a programme number and all casings would have same number as they were easily mixed up in the stripping and cleaning process.

Hi Ron, I have seen that Stalwart on several occasions. Having worked on Stalwarts since the late Seventies and pretty familiar with them. I have doubts about raising the overall gearing as it raises ratio of bottom gear when you want to do any off road work like climbing river banks. Great if you only drive on the road. Other thing I noticed when it was in the river is its inability to get over sand banks in low water, I assume because it is only driving on centre wheels. I never asked the owner how he engages front and rear wheels, it appeared that they were not driving when in the water. Not sure about using the pinion splines for engaging coupling, a dog clutch would be more sensible. regards, Richard

Got nothing like that but do use a selection of medical forceps which are invaluable for holding small crews or nuts in to position in tight spots.

Hi Scott, There are some great shots there, well done. A few old friends amongst them as well as my brother! cheers Richard

An early 1950's Humber 1 ton 4x4 truck. I expect Clive will be along soon to ask you for the chassis number!

Hi Nick, 39 Comd Wksp was at Bridgend and 42 Comd Wksp was Liverpool. I am sure Bridgend closed in the late 1980's. Aston Down was a vehicle disposal point at one time when MoD held auctions, before the likes of Withams, etc. It had been a RAF airfield.

with wheels in Signal Red !

Well done Bryan, Better to err on the side of caution until you can see the whole picture.

I cannot recollect there being a separate switch for the fuel pump so guess you are referring to the Ignition Switch which also connects the pump.

That name was always given to these parts by the older guys I worked with at REME workshops and it sticks as they do look like one, albeit a bit heavier.