Richard Farrant

Hi Graeme, Sent you a PM. regards, Richard

David, Not Austin. AU stands for Automotive Products Ltd., of which Lockheed was part of the company. regards, Richard

Sorry Simon, got confused there, thought I was replying to a C8 owner! Time to switch off I think 😉

Hi Marc, Your Contract No is S 23/6450, listed as a 4x4 GS, Census numbers Z5809758 to Z5813757 regards, Richard

Simon, What you need is a Makers parts list for your particular Contract No. This would confirm its original spec.

Simon, I did think that but look at the makers serial number plate, that is actually stamped 'GB' as well. Compare it with Marc's plate which is 'GS', although his is a different Contract number.

I have just looked at the Contracts list that was used by Chilwell and your vehicle Contract number shows up as S7447 and Cat. Ref. No. 341 and is described as 'Truck 15cwt, 4x4 Fitted for Winch.' I wonder if this has any bearing on the 'GB' stamp, Breakdown maybe? The red/yellow/blue sign you found is REME, and this sort of links up with that theory. It could have been rebuilt in later years for Wireless use. Have you looked under the chassis to see if it has a winch? Been thinking about the above and as the Contract list I am using has been transcribed from an original (a Groucho publication), there could be an error where the vehicle description has been missread. I now think that it possibly was 'FFW', which means 'Fitted for Wireless' as I have not come across a C8GS with a winch before.

Looks like a Humber Snipe Utility

I have to say that working for the army in their vehicle workshops for 22 years, I never came across a vehicle with a FV type switchbox that had a key barrel fitted. This includes AEC Knockers, Scammell Explorers Ferrets, Saracens, etc. No Champs they had all gone by that time. regards, Richard

It is an armature for a CAV starter motor. Details: Starter No.2, Mk1A/1 (CAV type MS624/1) fitted to Scammell Explorer, Contract No’s 7443 and 7915 Albion lorry 10 ton 6x4. Contract No’s 9788 and 15128 Hope this is of interest! regards Richard

Hi Nick, A RHD conversion I once observed in Australia, did not have the relay arm on the axle, it was a similar set up to a Land Rover, mounted on chassis cross member, so did away with the inherrent problem of jeeps pulling to one side on braking.

You will find quite few WW2 jeeps in Australia that were converted to RH drive due to difficulties in registering LH drive. Situation is more relaxed now but still a few around with RHD. i have never studied the technical issues involved though.

Hi Chris, Sending you a PM regards, Richard

Hi Mike, I am only going on what Roger Jones told me when he drove Swampy after its restoration in Aldershot workshops, that it did not go more than about 18mph. Is it possible it was only the differential that had been changed (not the whole bogie assembly)? Only remember what they said at the time.

He may have driven a R100 with the wrong axle fitted. It could be it had a tank transporter axle fitted as the REME Museum had a Pioneer recovery which only did about 18 mph, think it was "Swampy", which came back from Belize for restoration. Quite possible that it was the only axle available when they changed it at some point in its earlier life.

It may not need the drum removing as it is not uncommon for the wheel cylinders to sieze. They can be removed with out taking the wheel off.

All I can tell you is that it is an Austin part. regards, Richard

Rob van Meel (Groucho Publishing) produced the copies. There are no Air Ministry contracts in it only ones for B vehicles for RAOC Chilwell supply purposes. Richard

Probably all done by number plate recognition, that is how I understood it to be.

It was quite different in 1944 ..........................

Jack the offending wheels up, there is always backlash in the geartrain and if you cannot rock the wheel then brake is stuck on. Richard

Hi Steve, A top job, well done. Not as daunting as you thought I guess. It is good to find a visible fault as you can then be certain you have solved the problem. Richard

Hi Jim, The normal Semi-Matt, which has a slight sheen on it but once cured it looks authentic. Problem with a dead flat matt is that a spot of oil or grease marks it for life, with semi-matt it is more durable. Richard

Gavin, Forget RAL codes, you should look at British Standard colours, they are still used by paint makes in the UK. For SCC No.2 Brown, see Kerry at RR Services, there is a Brown with my name on that was matched by a true sample by the paint manufacturer. regards, Richard

The engine is a Bedford 214 3.5 litre.