James Shopland

Just spotted this picture of a 4.5-inch gun in the desert

One day we hope ours will look something like that!

James ,

 

I believe they came out of shoeburyness,there was a major clear out several years ago.I have a couple of carriages here that came from the clear out.

The guy you bought them from seemed to have a good 'Contact' :cool2: and bagged quite a bit if gear.

 

Rob...................rnixartillery.

Think you might be right!

Thats a great project. Where did you find it?

The old girl was used as a test platform and then ended up at Stafford Armouries minus barrel and recoil system.....

Hi James, I am based in Bradford!! Just let me know what you want pictures of and I'll do them for you no probs. Send me a p.m with your details and a list of the areas you need pics of. I have attached a pic of the trail markings, I will have to try and find the others as this is not brilliant. Cheers, Mel [ATTACH=CONFIG]74397[/ATTACH]

Lol, well, at lest you are still in England! Your offer is much appreciated. I have photographed a number of guns including the one at Firepower and the one for sale at R&R Services but there is always something you miss. Something I have noted is the differences between the welded trail and the riveted trail; do you you when they changed the design?

At the moment I am trying to measure and locate the two nuts that hold the barrel to the recoil system along with numerous other bits such as sight, sight bracket, tools, spades and 'elephant' cover to name but a few!

Yours etc....

Hi James, I found the markings on the jacket on the opposite side to the oil gravity tank, and as far as I know they are for the Herts & Beds Yeomanry, 201 Field Battery. I have seen some old pictures with markings/numbers on the trail, but I think from memory they were on the other side of the carriage from yours, though this is not to say they wouldn't have been on both sides. I will try and find them again!! I got them in 2007. Cheers, Mel

Thanks Mel.

You have two 5.5-inch? I am rapidly coming to the conclusion one is enough or so my girlfriend would have me believe!

You are right about the markings I will take a closer look over the weekend. Obviously my barrel and carriage were never matched in service but we might find something, somewhere.

Where are you based? I might have to impose and take some pictures of your guns.

Best regards,

James.

The reason I asked is that these pictures are of the markings I found on my 5.5's [ATTACH=CONFIG]74386[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]74387[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]74388[/ATTACH]

Sorry Mel,

Nothing quite so exciting just a plain old white circle. Having said that I will take a closer look over the whole gun. Thanks for the photo though. How long have your had your 5.5-inch?

James.

Sorry Mel,

Nothing quite so exciting just a plain old white circle. Having said that I will take a closer look over the whole gun. Thanks for the photo though. How long have your had your 5.5-inch?

James.

Yes we were very lucky to find a barrel and yes it does have the jacket; doubly lucky

All we need to do now is find a 5.5-inch barrel for the other carriage!

Below is a marking we found on the outer leg of the left trail (looking from the breech end).

Any ideas anyone?

Hi Mel, We have located a 4.5-inch barrel. If you have any leads on a 5.5-inch....

Mate what happened to the Old Matador?

Thanks everyone.

Chris I am afraid there are no aerial mounts fitted but I will try and photograph the roof and post the pictures.

The main body is split into two main compartments (excluding the generator,) with sliding window between the two. Either side of the divider there is bench/desk. In the front compartment there are three fixed seats facing the partition and in the back there are two facing forwards over the wheel arches.

Best regards,

James.

What a lovely old truck. Is she now restored?

Best regards,

James.

Thanks guys for all your replies; they are much appreciated. Below is a picture of the old girl.

We do in fact have a generator but I have no idea if it is the right one. As you can see from the picture above the generator was locate behind the o/s rear wheel. Inside the body all of the partition and desks are in situ and we still have some of the seats.

Thanks again for your interest.

James.

Thanks Guys,

Below is a picture of the old girl in the field. Despite our initial concerns she came out okay.

Loaded up for the journey home:

In the workshop:

If you want to read more follow the restoration blog at http://www.shoplandcollection.com

Kindest regards,

James

Sorry Robert, I meant the station. To be honest we are not exactly sure what we need ourselves to fit out the QLR.

Hi guys,

We have a rather empty looking QLR that needs a wireless set. Any help appreciated.

best regards,

James.

Hi guys,

Currently looking for a DT cab. Would consider open or closed. Many thanks.

james.

Hi guys,

We are currently restoring a 4.5-inch field gun Which is far from complete. The carriage and many of the parts are the same as the more common 5.5-inch gun. If anyone has any bit cluttering their garage and would like to see them go to a good home, please let me know.

Best regards,

James.