Richard Farrant

Hi Pumpkinate, As you are in Australia, you might be interested in the attached which was sent to me to include in the club newsletter of an Australian military vehicle group. Worth checking out as it would be more convenient for you than dealing with a UK based business. regards, Richard Big Tyre.pdf

The lorry is definitely not a Hippo, I think it is an AEC Militant 10 tonner

Check the pulleys for damage, if there is a chunk broken out of a sheave it could be causing the damage. Crank pulley possibly as you can't see it well and might have gone unnoticed.

Ian, Not had that happen, but have to say that the rubber valve needs care fitting in to the 'top hat' to ensure the rib around it is seating correctly. It should not blow out like you photo shows. I used an aftermarket kit recently without a problem. cheers Richard

Hi Chris, I have a wartime dated War Office data book of bearings on all vehicles in British service. I have found the two SKF numbers although I think Sean may have got a number incorrect on one it should read I/131098 / 131099 (I have underlined where the error was). There are Timken equivalents listed for these numbers; SKF I/131098 / 131099 > Timken 337S / 0332US SKF I/131122 / 131123 > Timken 248X / 244X I have been down this path for MW wheel bearings before, but cannot recollect where I eventually found them. regards, Richard

Hi, I think you are describing the Triumph TRW 500cc twin, which although looking late 40's style, they were built right up until the early 60's. They had telescopic front forks, but a rigid rear end and sprung saddle. I had worked on some from the adjacent TMP back in the late 70's so not surprised they were brought out for Crusader 80. I recollect all the work we had getting vehicles ready for that exercise and the piles of repair work when they returned. regards, Richard

Could be Naval Jelly, remember using that years ago, probably known by another name now, it was a phosphoric solution washed off with water.

Message from Moderator To all those who have posted on this thread with rather childish remarks, should look at post no.1. You will find that Nick has removed his post on the old tunnels because of your off track remarks. He is feeling that it is not worth posting if this is the sort of response that comes back. Nick and others post subjects of interest and don't like it being spoilt with unnecessary banter. I have been a moderator on here for a fair number of years now and never had to make a post like this before, but when a member threatens to leave the forum, it is time to nip this sort of thing in the bud. Please respect members threads and respond to them as you would expect on a thread of yours. That is all for now. Richard - Moderator

Simon, The obvious first call would be to Norman Aish in Poole, the last one I had from him fitted like a glove. I know he is on holiday till the 8th May though, so don't expect a reply this week. cheers Richard

Clive, A local car parts business had a load of these harnesses for sale last year at £5 plus postage. Said to be for a 1991 Land Rover, but another link indicated they were a main harness for a LHD Series 3 88/109, which sounds more plausible.

Hi Martin, Why not contact these people, I have heard they are good; http://www.ep-services.co.uk/our_company

No Tony, it was the CO's command vehicle from a Royal Engineers unit.

Hi Clive, Not sure how long that Sec. of State for War had been in office in 1956, but I have come across quite a number of jerricans dated early 50's (prior to 1956).

I am guessing a sheet would be laid over the 'bathtub and turning the night and change of temperature, water will form and collect in the tub.

Hi Lizzie, the Ferret carried two of these channels. There only looks to be one on the Austin. Yes, used for crossing small ditches, but could be used in sand as well, these are much heavier than PSP, pierce steel planking, which is relatively flat with raised edges around the holes.

Hi Hendrik, A bit more history for you, the rebuild was done in 23 Base Workshop REME, in Wetter, Germany.

Hi Mike, I started working for the army in 1974 and I think it was 1975, a QL with Office body came in for a gearbox change. I believe the truck was cast (disposed of) the following year. Most remaining QL's in units would have gone around that time. It was interesting to see documents of vehicles still in service around that time, with a number of WW2 veterans hanging on. Not sure of exactly when but think it was late 70's a number of WW2 Leyland Hippos were brought out of storage from a British vehicle depot in Belgium to supplement the heavy vehicle fleet until the Foden 16 tonne came into service. We had a number in the area. Going back to the QL in question, I think it could have been kept in service if it had a specialised body or role, and as the Key Card has "Binned" against its entry, then this would be why. The same happened with other trucks that had special roles and bodies. The earlier disposal dates you have noted would be for normal GS cargo trucks. My own QL had been transferred to the Danish army in the late 40's and disposed of in 1987 from reserve storage. cheers Richard

Does it sense engine RPM, from ignition?

Hi Lizzie, The 'sand channel' on the front of the K9 is actually a Ferret ditching channel. Not supplied with any other vehicle (that I am aware of).

A low tension ignition coil?

Is that a terminal (as in electrical) at the top of the picture?

BVD, normally means 'B' Vehicle Depot in the UK. The 'B' denotes softskin vehicles. The depot was in Belgium at that time and from records, it seems it was termed Base Vehicle Depot. 'Binned' means Stores, Binned which could have been its original role and probably rebuilt as a normal cargo truck. The body may well have been swapped as the postwar number denotes a Rebuilt vehicle, and if done on a large programme, the bodies and cab were likely mixed up.

He has not been a member of this forum for several years

You should post these photos on the Flypast Historic forum : http://forum.keypublishing.com/forumdisplay.php?4-Historic-Aviation With the numbers visible on the prop, I am certain someone will know what it is off and knowing the location may well tell you about the actual aircraft. I am always impressed on the depth of aircraft knowledge on that forum. regards, Richard

G-ACDC is the oldest Tiger Moth still flying and it is owned by the Tiger Club. For years it was regularly seen over my home area when based at Headcorn then more recently at Pent Farm. I believe the club is now based a Damyns Hall aerodrome in Essex. Richard