Richard Farrant

Hi Baz, I think it is a wartime model, what is remarkable is that it is in original and running condition. Richard

I agree with Degsy, and I think they are known as Straddle trucks. Richard

The Fordson Thames was the name given for the commercial vehicles from late 30's through to the mid 50's. This could be a 7V forward control truck from late 1938-9 as in the attached photo taken at the Dorset Steam Fair. There were a few of these used in the Forces in support roles at home and mainly seen as tippers. Then in the early 1950's, a bonneted Fordson Thames ET series, these were used in small numbers in the army as 3 ton GS transport, but survivors often found are ex-Civil Defence vehicles that were used then put in to storage before being disposed of years later.

Rick, I think the vehicle in the second photo, is a Krupp Protze, more commonly known as a Krupp Boxer. Richard

Yes, had one for all types, think it was yellow, will have to find it.

These two CMP trucks are from the Danish army and would have been transfered to them after the War. The second one has US type light units on the front mudguards, the gun ring mount would be US origin also. My own Bedford also came from Denmark and had US carbine holders, head and side lamps etc. Even a US Chevrolet carb, and the rear lamps were German Notek.

..............because all the wording at the bottom of my posts is exactly the same as it was before :tup: one and the same bloke ;-)

Simon, If you look at any postwar British military vehicle with a wood content in the body, it will have the "T" plate. I am not at all sure it was used actually during the War. Have you got the data plate off the side of the body? Richard

Jon, It should be able to as the tillers are only operating a mechanical band brake. Using a Hollebone would be better though. Richard

Simon, The "T" plate means that is Tropicalised, in other words, the timber is treated and suitable for tropical climates. I have seen this on a WOT2 GS FFW body and with the body plate as well, reckon it was a post war build, due to the Contract Number on the plate, also to because I think the "T" plate was introduced after the war. Body seemed to be of the same design though. Re. Harringtons, they were (maybe still are), coachbuilders (as in coaches) and I think were in Brighton. Richard

OK Mark, then my suggestion is to clean all traces of oil from the wheels and now that your breathers are clear, see what happens after your next drive. That will save any unneccesary dismantling.

:thankyou:

Mark, You are thinking on the right lines, but because one seal is leaking, it could be worn, so while you have the opportunity, it might be time to change it because if left and the drain hole in hub got blocked, then it could be oil on brakes shoes later on. Richard

To Jack - Founder of the Bring Back Kewelde Campaign Kewelde is still here...........look under the avatar :wave: :whistle:

:goodidea: :-D

Andy, If you do it in BATUS colours, be prepared for ill informed comments, like when are going to finish painting it. A long while ago, a friend had one of the first Pink Panther Land Rovers in preservation and I was standing by it at a show, when a couple came up and said to each other "why did'nt he finish painting it, its still in primer" ! :? Richard

David, A quick check on the DVLA website reveals it carries a current Tax Disc due to expire 1st August 2008 and its colour is Gold. So at least you know it still exists! Richard

It is a British Army Training Area at Suffield, Canada. I think the coloured vehicles were used by Umpires in the Battle Exercises

I assume you mean using the diff housing to jack under. On really heavy vehicles it is inadvisable to as this part does not take the weight, it is best to jack under the spring location, then block or use axle stands, just inside of the spring.

Mark, A lot of heavy truck axles have a hole ( or several holes) adjacent to the wheel studs usually, that drains off any oil weep from the hub seal. The idea is that the oil is flung into a "gutter" in the hub to keep it from the brake linings, then it leaks out of this hole, hence seeing oil leaks inside the wheel rims sometimes. Richard

Well thank you Tony :tup: If truth be known, I was actually trying to put my name under my handle in small print, but once I posted, I realised I had stuffed up I am happy with it anyway, lived with my name for over 56 years ;-) Richard

Andy, As you say, for its day it was a radical design, but the reason could have been to eliminate the diff housing which drastically reduces ground clearance. This would have made it better for operating on badly rutted roads or off road and I suspect exports were high on the agenda. As for who designed it, at that time, Herbert Austin would have been "hands on" in that department and he had worked in Australia prior to starting his company so would know what the conditons abroad were. Richard

I agree with Tony here. If anyone were to find a NOS cylinder, the seals should be renewed before use at all costs. Also if you are getting a slight weep after resealing a cyl with slight corrosion marks in the bore, it will quickly get worse, as every time the seal pass the pitted area it will wear the lip of the seal. Richard

Rick, Kegresse went back to France in 1917 and teamed up with Citroen to use his track design on their cars. The cars were launched in an expedition across the Sahara around 1921. Regarding the Austin lorry drive shafts, all I can dig up is this, from a history of British Leyland, "1913......it was reckless of Austin then still a young and not very rich concern, to produce a vehicle so unconventional as the twin-shaft two tonner. Amongst its novelties was the chassis frame: in an age when many respectable firms were still using lengths of rolled steel joist, Austin employed an elaborate pierced and pressed assembly, nicely proportioned. Drive was transmitted into each rear wheel by way of seperate prop shafts, which passed through the chassis sides. About 2,000 were made, many of which went to Russia and some to South Africa. The design petered out in 1919" Hope this is of help. Richard

Paul, An item on the following web page could be of interest to you ; http://www.britpart.com/pdf/Series%20II%20and%20III.pdf Richard