Richard Farrant

something to do with switching codes, perhaps for use with a signalling lamp or morse key?

Andy, I take it you are too young to remember phoneboxes with buttons A and B . ..

Got it in one .... you have found me out :blush:

If you press button B, do you get your money back ?

Alec, In all the years I worked on the Meadows 27 1/2 sets, I never used a cartridge to start one. I am wondering if they are the same as those used on Field Marshalls? The Meadows is quite an easy engine to start by hand, good exercise too

Could EEC on the plate, mean Eagle Engineering Company? It also says AMD, which no doubt will be Air Ministry Dept. and it does look like a trailer type also used on the barrage balloon gas cylinder transporter.

Hi Danny, No real similarites to the Bofors tractor crew compartment, pretty sure they had the spare wheel and tank between cab and body as well. There was a civvy built gantry on a QL in an old book I once saw, it belonged to a vehicle dealer in Derbyshire, bit different though. Could well have been made to lift out engines from tractors, etc. Company i worked for years ago had a similar set up on a small Bedford truck for that purpose. Will keep the QLR body in mind as well, Ian did mention it.

I had a wheel powder coated and it looked just like original.

Hi Danny, Very doubtful this gantry body was from its military use, looks like something made up during its civilian life. Not sure what you mean about a OY REME version, assume you are refering to the Austin K6 Breakdown Gantry, where the jib could be slid forward when out of use.

Hi Shaun, Powder coating makes a good job on a solid metal wheel.

That is ex-Luxembourg army

Hi Peter, I met a Stalwart owner at a military vehicle event in Australia, earlier this year. He has done extensive mods to his vehicle, including fitting a higher ratio gear train in the transfer box, giving him a road speed of around 60 mph. He has also fitted a declutch system to bevel boxes, forgot at present how he did that, but think it is only the leading axle that can be disconnected. He has a LPG conversion on it, and this is where you will want to know. On the long run up to Corowa from Melbourne, he was suffering icing when running on gas, and had removed the large fuel tank for a small one for starting up, so had to keep topping up the petrol tank and run on petrol more than he intended. Not sure if he is on this forum, but comes from Geelong in Victoria. regards, Richard

hi Ed, OK, I accept your credentials, I was only giving my 44 years of hands on engineering experience on tractors, plant and heavy vehicles. Incidentally, i think you will find that a bicycle will not stand up on its own due to only having two wheels, so not a good example to pick out

As I initially suggested 3 cyl MF35 or 135 as a suitable tractor to mow paddocks, guess I should make a reply. My background was starting working life with a Massey Ferguson main distributor as an apprentice in the late 60's, so am quite qualified to make these suggestions and know what these tractors are capable of. Degsy may well respond as well, but being a hill farmer in Wales, i think he is also suitable qualified by his experience. Majors and Nuffields have a much higher centre of gravity than even a MF65. Incidentally, 4 cyl 35's , I rebuilt an engine on one last year, and it now starts like a new one. Just to make sure there is some MV content in this thread, when I started work at the REME workshop, they had a MF35 there with army registration.

Simon, i think this seal subject came up recently, and I forgot to mention that Routemaster buses had these accumulaters as well, so it might be worth checking out bus parts firms in case there are seals already available. regards, Richard

Parts are plentiful though, for Massey 35 or 135, Fordson Dexta, and the like. Lots of parts suppliers and at really reasonable prices. I know what I would go for that is a 3 cylinder 35 or 135, and make sure the topper is not to big as it may overload the engine.

Ah well, best to find these things out early on and when help is at hand

Hi Iain, The Tapley will not show you any imbalances between wheels. Better if you can find a friendly truck or bus workshop with brake rollers who will test them for you, that way you will have a much better idea of how they are performing. regards, Richard

Hi Degsy, Think I've seen that Weasel before somewhere Nice to meet you yesterday. looks like you are going to get some enjoyment out that. regards, Richard

Good one !

I recall the M74 coming to Beltring many years ago, soon after the museum received it. I think it may have been an exchange from either Germany or Belgium if I recall. Roger J will know. As for the other one from Arborfield, think that one was liberated from Bosnia or thereabouts.

Tony, I am thinking that the details you have, re.Tickfords and a contract number, refer only to the body, and not the trailer chassis. Seem to think this has been discussed on here in the past :undecided:

Steve, You are right about rain water, not having touched metal, being as good as distilled, and thus is good for topping up batteries ................but, when you come to think of it, if you put water that has not contacted metal, into a cooling system, it is immediately contacting metal !!! I think those of us in a hard water area should preferably use a rain water for cooling, due to the amount of chalk and scale that comes from the tap water, just look inside the kettle. It depends on what area your water supply is coming from.

Tony, I know Clive is having problems with his internet link at present, he asked me to convey this to anyone trying to contact him. No doubt that he will reply to you when he can.

Hi Rupert, Welcome to the forum. I have heard rumours of a K2 ambulance being restored in WA. You should get some advice on here if needed. regards, Richard