Richard Farrant

Hi Degsy, I have heard of that mod, apparantly it was standard fitment in a 23C fitted to a certain van (Standard Atlas?). This one had the normal Thermostart and it worked well. Engine rebuild kits are very reasonable too.

A Mark V tank from WW1 perhaps?

I agree here. But must say that an engine is not a living being as such, they don't get addicted to ether, it gets used because there is a problem, and if the problem is not rectified, then it gets worse, hence using ether more and more. Not absolutley sure, but would be surprised if the Leyland DAF 4 tonner did not have a heater plug, they work well usually, and the other thing to make sure is that both batteries are good. It only takes one of the pair to be below par, to give you slow cranking, after all a diesel relies on speed of cranking to create the heat in the combustion. I recently rebuilt a 23C diesel in a Massey 35 tractor, now, 40+ year ago, people said they were addicted to ether and it was the only way to start them. Well this one only wanted a bit of heat and it was away, no problems, not bad for a 54 year old engine.

I was not sure if you were asking about engine or gearbox levels, but if you meant gearbox, then there is a procedure for Allison boxes, ( they are similar to those on other vehicles ), so as it is a bit critical, I have scanned the info for you.

Sounds like a disc harrow might have been more use !

Hi John, I am unaware of a straight eight Daimler engine being used in military vehicles, as for the Dingo and armoured car, they are both dry sump so have a double pump, ie main delivery and a scavenge, the limo is bound to be a wet sump type, so no options here. regards, Richard

You're too late, I know a man who has that already

The Saracen could also tow a Barmine minelayer, which would need some effort to draw through the ground.

A friend who drives lorries has been struggling to get back from Czech this week loaded with steel at 44 tons, he phoned yesterday from near Brussels saying how bad it is over there, he was able to get up hills better than some trucks due to his weight, and that on the motorways it was down to one lane through Germany, so slow going.

Perhaps after this winter, the point may be made to councils and others. We know they are doing there best, despite all those knocking them, they are out there working to keep the roads clear, but help from the community would ease the situation. As for saying "other countries cope better than us", not so sure after seeing news bulletins from USA and talking to lorry drivers who work right across Europe.

That is a good idea, but........last year councils were warning people not to clear roads and paths in front of their properties because they would be liable for any injuries or accidents. We always used to do this outside home. I recently heard that farmers who wanted to sub-contract to County Councils to snow plough, had to have a massive liability insurance, use white diesel and other stipulations before they could get a contract. Perhaps it is the authorites who should sort themselves out firstly.

My first contact with MV's would be accompanying my dad when he went rifle shooting, so early 1950's, a lot of the times it was on army ranges, or Bisley, so always a few lorries about. As well as my military Dinky Toys of course, but first ride in a MV (about 1958) was a Bedford OY belonging to SCATS, it had a beavertail body fitted to carry tractors. My first actual MV was an ex army BSA WDB40, it was only about 5 years old.

Tony, You obviously did not get it, I was not laughing about the machine, am well aware of them, ...it was Adrian's remarks. :-)

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Hi Robert, That would be the same filter as a WOT6 then. About 3 years ago, I got a new old stock filter element from Howard at Collectors Car Parts, near Heathrow.

Just heard that Airfix have announced their new models to come out during 2011. For the Land Rover enthusiasts, there is to be a twin pack containing a WMIK and a Snatch, both in 1:48 scale. Also a Cromwell tank in 1:76 scale, with the wading attachments to rear of engine deck. Just recently released is a twin pack containing a Bedford QLD Cargo and QLT Troop Carrier. Airfix actually used my QL for some of their CAD drawings. Not built any kits for years now, but waiting for the QL ones to arrive.

Eddy, You might be interested in this. Back in 1989, were were on the MVT Normandy Tour, in a town called Bagnoles d'Orne, and the town went all out to welcome us, with a parade and reception. It was quite hot and there were a number of tanks, the one with rubber pads were pulled out of the parade because they were lifting the tarmac. Budge's had their Cromwell and on one tight turn in the street, it only left the white marks on the surface, like a Carrier does.

I recently restored an ex-British Army Ford GPW, and the engine had a rebuild plate from Singapore Base Workshop REME. Regarding the Army Auxiliary Workshops, many years ago, whilst trying to trace the history on a vehicle, I asked the REME Museum if the had a list of them, with the B numbers, answer was no. It is possible that in records for the Ministry of Supply ( the oversaw the rebuild programmes) at the Public Records Office, there might be more info.

They are aircraft starter units, made by a US firm called O.E. Szekely.

If the material is like that on curtainside trucks, then they "weld" it. Try finding a tarpaulin repairer.

I actually watched that one this afternoon, seeing them digging by lamplight. Some dedicated workers there.

Seconded Graham, Morris's Superblend Zero 2000, being using it for ten years or so, ever since it came out top in the tests at MIRA ( ref. FBHVC ). I have supplied it to others in the past and no one I know has had any dramatic valve problems.

Excepting the opposed piston types, such as Rootes TS3, Rolls K60 and Leyland L60

Having read that website, I am not sure those words on the marines, come from Percy Hobart. Some of the language used and talk of Amtracs, etc, seem to be too recent.

Best wishes to you as well, Ray. Looking forward to reading more of your stories in the New Year, thank you for those that you have related to us up to now. regards, Richard