Lauren Child

Sounds like a plan. We need somewhere to talk about elements of the vehicle hobby that the chaps just won't understand, like "asking for directions when lost" and "reading the instructions before you start"

Be advised - There are some rather graphic photos of burns part way in.

OK, that is rather expensive - thanks for the explanation

Any ideas on the adhesive process used to stick the rubber to the wheel? I'm just pondering that there will come a time when you can't adapt other wheels. At that point we'll probably be getting rubber rings moulded or cutting them from sheet. I'd imagine you could use a press to get them on, but how to stick them there?

I'll have a look - I've been picking up all sorts of manuals to see if I can find any mention of the F22 (it's a bit of an oddidty), and I'm sure I ended up with two copies of special pattern vehicles.

It looks like it's available here - http://www.afvhandbooks.com/tank_technical_handbook_p001.html hope that helps

Diamond T in what looked like British colours on the side of the A421 today. It set off again as I doubled back - that keeps happenning whenever I think "I'll pop back and see if they need a hand". I may start getting a complex. Was it a case of "oh god that crazy woman's heading back - quick lets go"? Nice looking truck anyway

CMP cab 13 door tops are quite different to look at - there's a large clear panel next to a smaller panel with a flap underneath. Two flat metal prongs stick downwars - they have a screw hole on the flat to secure them onto the door. Theres a decent photo of a wrecker with windows here - http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5308456456_606f25cf00.jpg

I would have thought Centaur and Cromwell track would be identical. From what I understand they'd be the same tank if enough engines were available whereas the Cavalier was an earlier version/design.

There are three manuals that form the basic reading. MB-F1 is the maintenance manual. They pop up on ebay every so often. It shows how to do things but there's no exploded parts diagrams. It's probably the most important one to have. Don't get mixed up with MB-C1 and C2, which are chevrolet versions. Reprint availabe here - http://www.mark.clubaustin.co.uk/maint_manuals.htm The illustrated parts list has the exploded parts diagrams. I picked up an F60L reprint on ebay, which is probably close enough for most things (the illustrated parts lists are rather difficult to track down - let me know if you find an FGT one). The user manuals come in different flavours - the usual one is called "special pattern vehicles". Again they come up on ebay fairly regularly. Theres a F60L specific user handbook from here - http://www.mark.clubaustin.co.uk/drivers_handbooks.htm If you get stuck let me know. I may have a spare user manual knocking around. Congrats on the purchase - they're fun vehicles Good places for parts - Dirk Leegwater - http://www.lwdparts.com/ (CMP specific stuff) Van Pelt - http://www.vanpeltsales.com/ (period ford stuff) Mac's - http://macsautoparts.com/ (more period ford stuff)

It may be to do with the supply chains - if there are enough operational vehicles then you don't need to use others, except as a temporary convenience here and there. I seem to remember reading that allied supply chains were better than the axis equivelents.

Nice one - that looks absolutely fantastic.

It is that as well. Tanks are like climbing frames for adults when you're restoring them, and I still get the same broad grin whenever I'm driving

Rememberance is important, but it's the engineering that attracts me to the vehicles over any other related activities. There's something about military engineering. There's no fluff and nonsense. It's made to function, not to look pretty. You can very easily see the difference beteen a good elegant design and a poor inelegant one. There's no polishing, chrome, and metallic paint, the beauty and elegance of the design is in what it is.

Now that's what I call a flooded engine.

I don't know a great deal I'm afraid - I heard a lot of stories from my grandad about his time in the navy, but not a lot from her. I keep meaning to visit Beaumanor to see what the place is like (they do dinner evening events every so often). I'll look forward to reading your website!

I hear he's teamed up with Benito Muslin-ey

That truck is truly awesome - I hope it does a good round of the shows. I'm wishing I'd gone to this instead of the thing in Northampton now.

I have to say, I do like the idea of the tank cosy - I'm not that good a knitting though

Thanks to David1212 who pm'ed me with some other details to track them down.... .... the pattern is available here -> http://www.etsy.com/listing/108449743/tiger-1-tank-panzer-crocheted-slippers?

Ah, apparently it's not her's after all and she's not able to help. The search still goes on for the originator

Tanks very much I've just sent an eamil. If I get anywhere I'll let you all know!

I know - I also really really want some. Alas all I have is the photo, which seems to be doing the rounds. If anyone finds a source for them please let me know!

This place seems to fit the bill http://www.historic-military-vehicle-brake-carburettor-fuelpump-spares-kit.com/morris.htm

One of my friends just tweted this to me and I thought I'd share it.