Richard Farrant

Hi Kyle, You will like to see this video of the RAF Firefighting Museum, the Mk5's are seen in it. Some years ago when Steve Shirley started the collection at RAF Manston, I was involved with two fire engine restorations for him.

Hi Seamus, The number you can see clearly here, ie BB18 7257367 is I believe something that has been over stamped at a later date. You will see a 4-pointed star symbol, this is a prefix to the original number and after 'BB18' the actual chassis number was in larger size with an unusual font, you can just make out the first two numerals. It is quite possible the lorry went through a major rebuild programme at some point and maybe though error a number had to be changed to fit the paperwork. I know the one I restored had been rebuilt by a REME Heavy Workshop in Germany about 1952, there was a plate in the cab and one on the engine bearing this out.

Hi Seamus, For a bit of history, go to the following website and just enter 39YX32 in the first box, you will have a charge for the search and receive a copy of a Key Card, this will havea number of vehicles listed, yours being one. The reg number was allocated after 1949 and the card will show the wartime number (not sure if the one on the door now is authentic), also when it was disposed off, occasionally there may bea remark indicating the last holding unit. Also the Contract number is shown. https://www.rlcarchive.org/VehicleSrch regards Richard

Hi Peter, Welcome to the forum. There is a core plug at the back of the block as you describe. If it is leaking (rusted through) thisis a sure sign of sludge built up in that area and I would suggest that removing the engine and taking off the flywheel and bell housing. Then removing that core plug and possibly one on the side near the rear and flushing the block through with a pressure washer. To be honest it is wise to renew all of the plugs if there is a lot of sludge. Due to your climate in Adelaide, you may not use antifreeze, but I would adise to use an anti corrosion additive in the coolant. Just been over your way ....... got back home just in time! regards, Richard

I may be wrong, but think this WOT6 may have belonged to a chap called Tim Wood, who sadly passed away some years ago, I am sure he was from Essex. Somewhere I may have a photo of it at Beltring.

Here are a few photos of the work being carried out and one before we started on it.

Hi Seamus, Here is a photo of a WOT6 Machinery truck that I was involved in restoring for a friend some years ago. Should have a few more photos of during the strip down. I recall the chassis number was on the passenger side of the chassis, somewhere about in line with the rear of the cab. It was quite feint so do not use a sander. regards, Richard

Hi Tom, Good thanks, firing on all cylinders! regards, Richard

Ian, Suspect the rear main bearing cap and rear cover on the block (above the cap) have not had the care and attention on assembly. I have rebuilt many of these Austin engines and never had a problem.

RE16434 is for a B80

You can get petroleum jelly from the chemist. When we used it on engine building at REME workshops it was supplied as a 'medical product'.

Both the B60 and B80 used the Solex 40NNIP carb, but they would be set up / jetted differently. There should be a Rolls Royce number stamped on them and you need to know the specific number for the engine/vehicle application.

The design of the folding wire cutters goes back to WW1,

Going on a listing of RE construction equipment from 1968, the following crushers in service then were; Parker Rockranger No.1 and No.2 Goodwin Barsby Goliath Parker Eubit 2 Marsden F Pegson AX122 and AX126 Parker Monarch These range 25/50 tons per hour down to 4/5 tons ph. What engine is fitted?

Locking wire pliers, very useful, I have a similar pair

You could contact the Royal Engineers Museum at Chatham, with the army number 02CP69, but at this present time I suspect the museum will be closed. regards, Richard

Well done Mick, you got her there at last! regards, Richard

I remember that, a stunt by RR Services as I recall, the crowd were horrified at the loss of a jeep😁

Morris Commercial engine, looks like it is set up to drive a compressor or generator.

We used those phones on the army ranges to contact the butts, I remember having to lug it up to the next firing point

Sure did Martin, will put some photos up later on.

Hi Andy, Here is a photo of the FV439 best regards, Richard

Hi Andy i will post a photo of it once I have downloaded it from my camera. It has the two generator pods on top and a large mast that folds down regards Richard

Just got back from this event in Australia, probably the only military vehicle event I will get to this year as COVID is likely to scupper our UK show season. Here is a video I found on Youtube of NSW collector, Chris Watson with his Mack, Ferret and FV439 after loading at Corowa and ready to head home. I actually presented Chris with his award for the FV439 the previous evening. The event theme this year was Year of the Military Motorcycle and there was a varied collection of them, most numerous was the Harley WLA with 8 of them attending. I believe the WLA was still in service with the Australian Army in to the Sixties. regards, Richard