Richard Farrant

MB is probably the maker, Metal Box Company. As they are plated, I would say they are connected with medical or surgical use.

I can elaborate on two of the holding units; TMP Ashford - Training Materiel Park at the Ordnance Support Unit, Rowcroft Barracks, Ashford, Kent OSU Ashford - same location as above, might have been drawn from TMP for the use of OSU. The TMP was akin to vehicle hire depot, when units needed extra vehicles for a scheme, or had some out of service they would draw what type they needed. Anything from a motorcycle, Land Rover to a 10 tonner or 14 tonner.

If the core plugs are rusting through, then change them. This is often due to crud built up behind them, normally at the back of the block.

Beginning of May the grass in Kitcheners Field was a foot tall, shortly after it was cropped. I would say for a first season of grass it will be pretty good.

Bill, The RASC was formed long before WW2. The statement in my previous post was from information in the Vehicle Census number list. I interpreted it as being a number from a batch allocated for vehicles taken into army service that had previously come from the M of HS, which could include Civil Defence, etc. regards, Richard

This census number is from a group of various vehicles which were ex-M of H.S. .... which I assume was Ministry of Home Security.

Alixcompo, Here is a photo of an early Bedford CA in the Royal Navy. On the front door you can just make out the registration number in small letters (same as on number plate). I have also seen the depot name in small letters on the doors of RN vehicles in 60's to 80's period.

You can use any condenser in an emergency and I recall the coil is in passenger side of cab on a WOT6. By rights the condenser should be close to the distributor, but we know how awkward that is. You could fit a condenser to side of coil, making sure it is earthed, and if it has a wire connection, attach it to the CB or Neg terminal of the coil. You will need to remove or disconnect the current condenser. All this is a temporary fix if you do not have the correct part. If condenser is at fault, the points may be burnt or pitted. regards, Richard

The draught eye height might be a bit high for a Humber, more suited to a 4 tonner. Awfully nose heavy on those trailers and you definitely need the jockey wheel down when unhooking.

Bedford specified a Straight 90 gear oil for both boxes, for example, Morris AG90 gear oil. The Army from my recollection used to state OMD330, which was actually a SAE50 engine oil. On the viscosity scales a 50 engine oil equated to a 90 gear oil.

Check the transfer box level, it may well have increased.

Hi Andrew, I remember some of those who came over in 1984 and still see them. Recently I saw some movie taken on your trip. I was at Portsmouth D-Day show that year but was unable to get to Normandy. Look forward to any photos that you can find. regards, Richard

Look back on this thread for poster ARMYPHOTOS, he is owner of that MW

The NSN implies that the kit was supplied by the Amethyst Group Ltd. at Staplehurst. These were the people who supplied Bedford Genuine Parts in the latter service life of Bedfords. Might be worth contacting their successor who is now based at New Romney.

No "Mickey Mouse" there! With "MM" pattern, all upper facing surfaces are dark, this is just a disruptive cam pattern.

The soldier nearest the camera is from the Army Film and Photographic Unit so it might be allocated to them, maybe a loan from the US army?

Shave the block? Skim the head is the obvious choice, working out exhaust valve to head clearance. For more power, fit a B81, more cubes!

Lex, That census number was allocated to a laundry trailer !

A Matador with MK body and Militant cab, recollect seeing at a show at Bletchley Park years ago.

Of course a 6BT is 360ci and only 100cc larger than a 354 ..... might be nearer the mark.

Certainly did not have the sweet bark of a 270

that is what it sounded like

Well spotted, on of my typos, one finger types faster than the other! For Dennis delivery dates, it may be of interest to Christian that the Surrey county archives have a lot, if not all, the Dennis factory records. I once obtained a build sheet for a 1930 fire engine that was built for the NSW fire service in Australia, so quite likely they have record of the tipper.

Sorry Neil, I used the term "modern" to indicate the fail safe air brake system that followed on after the likes of Mk1 Knockers. I spent a lot of time under and in these old trucks and the first one I drove was a Mk1 with Coles crane, about 25 tons all up. To update a Mk1 to spring brakes would entail a lot of work and expense as it is not just the fitting of spring brake chambers, it is all the extra plumbing and valves, etc. For the limited mileage likely to be undertaken, why try and up date it. If the original system is checked and made sure to be in first class working order there should be no doubts if driven accordingly.

Neil, I think you have a bad understanding of modern air brake functioning. True you have to have air to release brakes to move, but you also need air pressure to apply the brakes. The brake chambers have a spring in them to apply when no air and also a normal operating chamber is combined in it as well.