Richard Farrant

Found this: https://screenshots.firefox.com/8lpn39jhkLxSTQcT/get.google.com

Hi Ron, I am sure we may have discussed this when we met up at Corowa in March. Suspension angle on Stalwarts in comparison with Saracen or Saladin. Both the later vehicles have minimal loads added, so suspension angle is relatively constant. The Stalwart however, is designed for a 5 ton payload, but as we know, practically all of the Stalwarts in private ownership never carry a significant load. so setting the suspension to a similar setting of a Saracen will improve the life of the final drive train and reduce the torque needed to drive them. Years ago when I worked in REME Workshops, I had to do extensive drive line repairs to a Stalwart used by RE for driver training. It was agreed with the unit that we should lower the suspension as they did not carry loads and had been suffering bevel box and tracta joint failures. This solved the problem. I have also done it for a private owner who also had been suffering breakages due to the excessive angle of driveshafts. I did note the heights for each 'axle', (ie Front, Centre, Rear) but it might take a bit of searching to find them. regards, Richard

You will find the noise from the open pipe is far to great to go on the road with, although it sounds great (!). When we tested the Fox's after repairs we always left the rear armour off to check for leaks and had a short silencer made to fit the outlet on side of the hull, think it was one from a V8 Rover, you will need something on there. My thoughts are that there is a possiblity tthat sound deadening material in your silencer may be obstructing gas flow, how ever it seems you have not confirmed all the belts are intact yet.

If I am not mistaken, the photo shows the power steering pump pulley and belt

That is perfect! The EMER Inspection Standards state 110psi minimum at starter speed for the Austin engine.

I only know of two Stalwarts in Australia and only one has disconnects, although I cannot recollect the method used. The owner has also changed the transfer box gear ratio and can achieve a road speed of 60mph.

Electromagnetic clutches would be a good solution then there would be no need for dog clutches. Then just a flick of a switch to bring them in or out.

If there is an obstruction or restriction in the exhaust system it will not allow the hot gasses to pass out quickly enough. A copy silencer may be different inside and any sound absorbing material inside might have moved. As you are not coming up with any faults in the cooling system, we have to widen the field searching for causes of temp rise. The original silencer was very heavy as I recall.

Putting petrol fumes to one side, and assuming tank was degassed, putting heat to the tank with slosh sealant in it may not be a good idea as the sealant could burn inside or detach itself from the inside of the tank. One problem with using a sealant that it can inhibit soldering or welding in the future. Might be worth pressurising the tank (if possible) and putting it in a bath to find the exact point of the leak. regards, Richard

My guess is that this has been placed there while working on the engine so as not to damage the core. I do the same with corrogated cardboard as it is easy for a spanner to slip.

I am going by the colour, looks like silver or bare metal. Having worked on the Fox over all their service life, around 1975 to 1990, I recall the silencers being heatproof black. You cannot rule anything out. I suggest you contact the previous owner to find what work had been done to the vehicle before the overheating occured. This could provide clues. Richard

Jeff, just looking at the photo you posted. The silencer / muffler looks like it could be reproduced item. If it is not made correctly inside it could create back pressure and the restriction will cause overheating. Can you confirm if it is a copied part? regards, Richard

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/273220684599?chn=ps Take your choice!

65 lbs/ft. The info is from EMER Inspection Standards

If it were a tractor tyre (similar directional tread pattern) then it would be pointed end of chevron touching the ground first. But I think it was found that the tyres wore quicker this way and thus instructions to reverse the tyres. Bearing in mind the rubber situation during the war, anything to make the tyres last longer.

Jon, As I understand it, tyres made for vintage vehicles (I seem to recollect before 1949) do not need the European rating ........ or DOT it seems, as I have just found this on a UK Classic tyre supplier's website,( I underlined relevant phrases): The Blockley Tyre Company’s objective is to produce the highest quality tyres with authentic appearance and handling characteristics for Vintage, Veteran and Classic cars to use on both the road and track. Tyres manufactured for older cars are exempt from the legislation expected of tyres for more modern vehicles but despite this Blockley have chosen to attain: Speed rating from S (113mph) to W (168mph); see individual tyre entries in our Shop for details US Department of Transportation (DoT) coding for the manufacturing processes European standard 'E' marking for all 15", 16" and the 600/650 x 18 crossply tyres and all the radial tyres in the range The reason for voluntarily adopting these measures is to ensure Blockley Tyres maintain the highest standards of quality and performance. As far as we are aware Blockley Tyres are the only range designed for historic vehicles on the US market which are DoT marked.

My understanding is that they paid to be there like other stall owners. If the company did not get a good return, then they may not come back. I cannot see how you think it was paid for by the show organisers.

That does not sound correct. 51 would be a Field Company of Royal Engineers. There is a big difference between RE and REME.. Also I make it 17th Field Company RE

Hi Paul, Steve Shirley's museum has now moved from RAF Scampton and is now located in Gainsborough. See the website: https://firemuseum.uk/ It seems there is bad news, just seen a news item on the website that the collection has to move from the Gainsborough site by September this year. https://firemuseum.uk/press-release-april-2018/ regards, Richard

Hi Peter, Correcton to Richard Banister's number, it is 01797 253211

Hi Martin, It was good to catch up with you at the IMPS get-together the other night. regards, Richard

Just back after 7 days at the show. Nothing to complain about, a lot of different vehicles appearing, plenty of armour from all eras. Met up with a lot of old friends from all over the world. We all enjoyed ourselves and it was a good laid back week. Weather excelled itself, just like the early years of the show, when it had a reputation of being hot and dry. Look forward to the next one.

Booked in on Thursday and very friendly staff at booking in, no problems at all. Been going to this event since it started at Tenterden steam railway and was the IMPS annual military vehicle show and then moved to Beltring. I have only missed one, in 1995 (had a much better offer, several weeks trekking across Australia in old MV's). There are people coming from the far side of the world this year (as they do most years), a good number are friends and good to meet them. I will be there enjoying myself as will my friends. regards, Richard

I am thinking WVS, Womens Voluntary Service, which was part of CD as I recall and something about her uniform leads me to think this.

Civil Defence used J2 minibuses in England at that time. Don,t know if they operated in NI.