Richard Farrant

Simon, MW chassis numbers and years 1940 1001 to 18750 1941 18751 to 33719 1942 33720 to 46021 1943 46022 to 55885 1944 55886 to 64484 1945 64485 to 66995 Regarding authenticity, it is doubtful that major items such as bodywork and chassis were produced after the war, stocks would be high and plenty of vehicles to use for spares. So any MW that has had a rebuild would still be of WW2 origin, just a bit mixed. Richard

simon, 1940-41 there was a small speedo to the left and to the right, the CAV round switchboard with ign and light switch and red warning lamp. Below to left was a dual oil pressure / water temp guage and to the right, an ammeter. this was changed at Chassis no. MW23433 1941-45 large speedo to left and to right the combined AC instrument cluster with ammeter, oil guage and warning light. Below in centre is the CAV switchboard. Richard

Simon, There are several differences over the 4 years after the aero screen version, but they also got "corrupted" on major overhauls or rebuilds, and it would have gone through at least on of tohse. No consideration was given to Contract number, year of build etc. If you have a chassis number, that is the best way, then you can find out if it has the correct dashboard, (2 types), roof cupola, etc. The chassis number could be on a plate in the cab, also there may be a large dat plate on the chassis under pass side, with post war census number, chassis number and dates of rebuilds. Adjacent to the plate will be the chassis number stamped in side of chassis. The round rad badge would seem like an early one as later, around 42-43 they had a rectangular pressed metal badge with only "Bedford" script logo on it.

hi Mark, True, UNF is interchangeable with ANF threads, the same with ANC and UNC, but there is a difference in the thread root and crest. Unified came about after WW2 and is supposed to be due to NATO trying to standardise threads by developing the Unified system. It would appear that it was a refined version of the American National system which started in 1911. Richard

Dave, That looks like one that is a small reservoir, which is filled with a special aerosol of Start Pilot, they come without a nozzle and work upside down, like a lighter recharger. There must be a pump in the cab, to inject it with. Some Ford engined yard tugs which the Army had, were fitted with this system. Richard

Piet, Try this forum link, if someone on there can confirm whether the screen is the same part as used in the civilian vehicles, you should then be able to order one in Belgium or Holland http://www.leylandexports.com/cgi/forum/Blah.pl Richard

I have just enlarged the photo slightly and noticed a vehicle behind the "FDS" sign, it looks to be a BBC vehicle, a Humber 4x4 ambulance body type which were adapted for reporting and broadcasting from the war zone. This is significant, because the BBC set up the first radio link back to UK from Creully Castle. Look at this link; http://www.btinternet.com/~roger.beckwith/bh/repwar/wr_trucks.htm Richard

Based on the Humber heavy utility running gear Richard

and that one is a Humber Light Reconnaisance Car

Rick, Generally, they are ANC and ANF, that is American National Course and American National Fine. Richard

There looks to be more British vehicles in that photo, front right foreground is a Dennis tipper truck, and to the left is a Humber heavy utility 4x4. Further back, the large group of trucks, I can see several Fordson WOT6 trucks, along with a CMP 3ton truck, a jeep and possibly another Humber. In the centre coming towards camera is an Austin K2 ambulance. Richard

Hi, Its not the one that Cyril had, this is John's.

Radek, I think he comes on here, next time I speak to him, I will get him to contact you...........he also has a K2 ambulance ;-) Richard

I suggest you order the glass under the correct model number of your truck, a geat deal of British Army repair work is now done under Contract repair, and the parts are obtained from civilian sources. As there are number of these trucks now in civilian commercial use, construction sites, etc. There is a fair chance of getting one, try contacting a DAF dealer and checking with them, as to if it is the same part number as the 45. Richard

That actual car belongs to a friend of mine :tup:

Richard, That is Start Pilot, nearly all diesel powered vehicles and equipment in the British Army had these at one time. Very rarely needed, intended for very cold climate starts. They are little aluminium cartridges. The same device fitted to a Petter AA1 single cylinder diesel, was fitted to something like a AEC 12 litre diesel. I have seen these Petters with blown head gaskets and stretched head studs, by using the Start Pilot pump, it was too big a dose. Richard

Its an Austin 8AP 8hp 2 seater tourer :whistle:

A rather apt name as this is what most people say as they squirt it in a reluctant old diesel :-D

Tony, Ki-Gas pumps and reservoirs were fitted to the Daimler Dingo, and filled with petrol, it had several jets in the manifold. You might remember the Fergie TEF, diesel, that had a Ki-Gass pump................as did the Spitfire ;-) Richard

Radek, Built around March / April 1943. Richard

You used to be able to get Ether from dispensing chemists, worth trying them. On some vehicles or equipment, there is a rechargable resevoir, usually clear and you use a special Start Pilot aerosol, bit like recharging a lighter. If the container is not sealed, ether will evaporate quickly. That old saying of engines getting addicted on it is usually made by those that do not understand. When a diesel is getting worn and tired, compressions are not good enough at low cranking speed, so a quick sniff is enough to get them firing, also if you have a low battery, it is often used to save winding over too much. When an engine relies on ether / Start Pilot / Easy Start, then it is because it is getting knackered...........or a bad design, like the Ford engine used in Transits, etc at one time. As an aside, there is another brand available in Australia called...........Start Yer B*rstard.....I kid you not :-D Richard

Radek, If the contract number is V3729, then the census numbers run from L4156868 to L4157867 Richard

:? :? :? BSA WM20's were still in service into the 1960's, before the B40 was called up. I do not remember the oily old Norton lasting that long :evil: Not biased of course, only owned BSA's since 1969 :tup: Richard

It is a Norton 16H ;-)

Chris, Join the club ! I rode a WM20 like that for years and had great fun, it was also fitted with a Vokes filter. Richard