nz2

It does not fit the pattern of what we accept as correct. However what would be our reaction if it was identified as a prototype version, or as an option after market cab offered in the 1950's. Exchange the more recent wheels and tyres, the radio aerial, and free wheeling hubs and you have then a possible true to period of time functional winter vehicle! Doug

It is interesting to read through the responses from people as to their thoughts on rally participation. It is not just the MV scene that this applies to, but is similar to any vintage vehicle or machinery event. As others have said they choose which events they attend. An important factor here is distance and the costs of transporting, particularly larger items hundreds of km either way. There are also time constrains, and work commitments so at times its travel by car or fly a greater distance, and help others out on site. This also allows a degree of freedom to talk with other owners and compare items and with that the chance to acquire or pass on parts that are needed. The comments made as to presentation of some peoples vehicles are so true, even here on the other side of the world. The clutter of personal gear about vehicles can be quite distracting for photographing a scene. My pet hate is the use of modern style folding chairs parked beside a vehicle, totally out of character to the scene. Other styles of wooden folding chairs of a period design are available and can fit well into a photo. As for the latter additional categories of collecting and storing bits, I well fit into that group! Yes I have piles of parts, often saved from otherwise a scrap man. Slowly enough parts of the various models are being located and the rebuilds are progressing forward. One only has to read through the great work undertaken on this forum of some restorations from non operative piles of parts. The role of the Gosling's with their Dennis and Thornycroft well illustrate this. I feel the points as to eventual disposal by should be a further category. The value of parts is based upon who wants them. Rallies and events are great to get to, but remember some people have more funds, time, energy and health available than others. Doug

Is the seat design the same as used on the Dennis or are there changes? Doug

Did you consider making the fabricated mount out of aluminum? The gear box will continue to corrode with electrolysis as it is attached to other steel items about the chassis and the positive ions will continue to move to the lesser reactive metal ( Aluminum). Your method of repair has given a fresh lead to rebuilding similar damaged gear boxes here. Doug

Richard, Do you have any photos or data on the different diff units? Looking for something to assist in identifying the model and dating an AEC chassis Doug

Any brass plates with serial numbers on the front axle and diff housing? I would be interest to know those to relate it to an AEC chassis I know of with dates 11.20 on the diff and front axle brass plates. No visible stamped numbers on the chassis rails. Doug

Dig in a ground anchor behind the forklift by the wall (out of view) Bring the forklift mast right back and attach chain between the anchor and the top of the mast. Upon tilting the mast forward the forklift should inch back wards. Repeat shortening the chain each time. Block the wheels so the forklift doesn't slide back into the hole. Doug

That makes sense. Still the Peterbro tractors are not common by any means. Doug

Those photos of the cut away engine show what you were referring to. I was totally side tracked. Interesting your reference to these engines being exported in numbers to Australia and NZ. I have not seen any and a conversation with a tractor collector comes up the same. It would be interesting to see one and hear one going especially the v12. What was the sound pattern produced. Doug

Regards the unusual piece below the piston. Is there a photo of this available? On a smaller scale the David Brown 2D cultivating toolbar tractor has a third cylinder underneath the crank shaft. This is designed as a balancing aid for the two cylinder engine to run more smoothly. There is no power produced from that lower piston. Could this be the same form? Doug

Welcome to another Kiwi. Interested to hear of your WW1 modeling. Preference here is for full size. Doug

On my list of places to visit when in Nelson next. May I suggest writing to council ( I assume from your comments they are the building owners) outlining the conditions required for storage with protection from the elements and thieves. Such a letter gives a paper record so in the future if any Council employee or manger does not like the gun to remove it breaks the agreement Referring here from experience with a Council manger who now is in deep trouble for not reading previous correspondence. Doug

Remarkable to see such a vehicle so complete. Is it so complete mechanically that it runs? Is it the legendary find of needing only a can of petrol!

It is interesting to note these small differences in parts. We can only assume ( without the early parts manuals) that there are two sets of casting materials. Could the export market been a cheaper/ plainer version? Doug

Aside from finding a turret as from a production tank, what would be the chances involved in placing a gun on top as shown in the photos. The result would be some thing different for display. Doug

Ransomes did produce the MG2 as a wheeled version. These were designed for use in large warehouses for moving small trailers about. Their size allowed them to be driven down narrow isles. It is quite possible that branches of the military did use them for this purpose. I know of one locally that was originally used for transporting bales of wool using trailers like a train. The comment made regards other items of estate management equipment is so true. How many lawn mowers and other such items do we see presented. Still and important role in maintaining a property. Don't have any ex military lawn mowers, amongst the collection of 200 mowers one of my sons has stored here. Probably no different to the 36 inch Council parks mowers. Is some one going to say a pair of manual hedge trimmers (shears) if not painted green would not be military! Find me a set with a broad arrow mark and we are really talking! Doug

Before you race off and get the gear shift quadrant cast in bronze, it would be interesting to know how common is the bronze casting compared to steel. All those I've seen about NZ or Aussie are steel. Bronze and brass suggests of a fire engine application. Doug

Welcome to another Kiwi. Can you repost the photo as it fails to work currently. Doug

Once completed where will it go to for display?

Do you know of any earlier history and use for this gun. I find no reference to it in the book " Great guns; The Artillery History of New Zealand" Doug

Its great to see that you have collected these trailers up. What are you towing them with? Aside from towing it behind the Landrover S1, ( when it gets restored) that design of trailer is too young for our vehicles. Needs aging 25 years. Doug

Welcome aboard to a fellow Kiwi. Do you know anything of the army history to these trailers? Were they purchased new by NZ Army for use in NZ in training exercises, or are they ex Singapore when the British undertook withdrawal from the post. I understand quite a bit of gear came to NZ ex Singapore. Thanks Doug

The ebony gear change knob raises again the interesting points of when parts changed. Looking through the photos I have amassed of various Thornycrofts, where a gear change knob exists they are brass. There is only a few images with the shaft complete, most having the top of the shaft lever bare. If they were all a brass item it would be attractive to scrap collectors. Could the brass item be an export item or a replacement part? My parts book copy is dated 1920 and lists the ebony knob, but if only an earlier copy was about that could well show a different knob. This is a quandary for me as what should the knob be therefore on a 1912-13 model? Doug

Mike, It is good to see you bringing these parts together from being in storage at other peoples collections. Next question is what is the time frame to have an Albion mobile? Doug

Mike, Time for yet another shed to store this lot in! Doug