N.O.S.

Are you sure they are not 36 x 8? This would make them 8.00 ish x 20 (36 is O.D., 8 is tyre section height so 36 minus twice 8 gives rim size). I would have thought a good modern equivalent would be 8.50 x 20? Another example - GMC were 7 x 34 but equivalent new designation is 7.50 x 20

Giles - when I tried to tax an April 1960 large winch truck as Special Vehicle (for off-road winching work) - current rate £165 - at my local DVLA office around 2002, I was advised that I could take advantage of the Historic Road Tax. I was advised verbally that Historic Taxation would cover both work (non-load carrying, moving to / from job) and private (rallying etc). This suggests that any pre 1973 plant and equipment can benefit from Historic taxation class. I'm sure your local DVLA office will be able to advise, although there still appears to be an element of concern about the consistency of advice (which is not surprising given the very unusual situations we in our hobby find ourselves in!). I think the view is that if dual use the higher of the RFT rates should be paid - this would cover you for second use. If a similar but post 1973 vehicle is used it would require tax of £165 if Special Vehicles or £165 if Private HGV, so again cost is same so usage should be acceptable to the Authorities - so long as other conditions are met.... Two points arise when using a vehicle for different purposes, which need considering carefully: A post 1960 / pre 1973 vehicle used as 'Special Types' e.g. forklift, winch truck, etc, does not require an MOT if it is being used to move around in the course of its work. However if it is being used for private non-commercial work - e.g. taking to a rally or just out for a spin for fun - it may need a MOT or at least comply with certain C&U requirements. The Inland Revenue have been dipping fuel tanks of vintage tractors at rallies - they say white diesel must be used if tractors is used for 'private' purposes e.g. atending a rally. This would presumably apply to any historic vehicle or special vehicle used for private purpose. So if your Beaver is to be used for work i.e. moving to or from a place of work then you should have no difficulty getting the DVLA to confirm you can use it with red diesel and taxed Historic - try your local office?. If you want to take it down the pub, or to a rally, you may need to get answers to more questions

Oh don't worry - there's a Federal just like that Autocar was, I believe restoration is underway :cool2::-D

Could be aircon refills? My cloakroom ticket....

Here's an example from the Ypres album. Edit: What a coincidence, just realised it's the Cloth Hall!!!

The "Then and Now" photograph albums dating from the war period are fascinating, if depressing - they show beautiful buildings 'then', and as they've been blown apart 'now' from the same vantage point. They were published for each of the big towns/cities which suffered serious damage.

Did anyone see the rusty German big tank muzzle brake for sale in the stalls this year? ISTR asking £900 odd?

I could just imagine Bernard in that Hillbilly pickup, Andy!

I think each USAAF base had their own version of The Lucky Bastard Club certificate. Not seen that style before.

That's a great picture - not seen anything like it before, thanks! :-)

Ah yes, that's what else it could be

Thanks Richard, the danger of posting odd snippets of wierd information like this is that you can end up with a reputation for being a nut case :nut::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Yes, first three are definitely b&w photos which have been colour tinted. Very common process even into the late '60s.

Think I'd agree with you there. But what else could it be?

I think the X denotes a vehicle supplied by the British to the U.S. Army Air Force in England (reverse lend-lease?)

An almost empty producer / town gas bag maybe?

OMG, I'm really not sure I'd have the courage to do it :shake: A very experienced old chap I know has had great success with it - he called round yesterday and I was talking about this very topic, saying I'd be worried about putting too much in. He says little and often. If I was going to try it I'd get him to do it. Are you feeling brave? :cheesy:

Is that a 5LW? Difficult to see in the pics. Would certainly explain how they managed to fit it in! Smokey? Nothing new for a Gardner, but a lttle VIM through the air intake might help :cool2:

It both irritates me and makes me laugh out loud in equal measure. Is it still produced by Andy Willman? He once reported in an early series from a naturist clasic car show in USA with no clothes on and holding a rubber chicken over his privates - priceless entertainment. It was inevitable the show could not maintain that standard for ever :-D

There's something just a lttle sad about that. At least you can be honest about a good old WW2 GMC!

Well said! (I'm a bit of an admirer of the Hilux myself - maybe a 5 unit multibank like a Sherman would work OK :-D)