Adrian Barrell Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Hi all, seems strange starting this as a new member but i am certainly new to this site. I have been collecting MVs since 1983. I started with a Dodge WC52 and have owned two GMC 353s, Diamond T 969, two Diamond T 980s, M151A1 Mutt, M5 High speed tractor, M75 APC, M4A4 Sherman, Cromwell tank, two Caterpillar D4s, Can-Am Bombardier, Indian 741B, M10 tank destroyer and a White Scout Car. Also various trailers and associated kit. Currently I have the M4A4 Sherman, M5 Tractor, M75 APC, Cat D4 dozer and the Can-Am all fully restored, the White M3A1 under restoration and the Cromwell waiting its turn! At least i can't be accused of wartime snobbery...... :wink: The day job is running my small engineering company, very handy for me to restore tanks with! We do undertake some tank work commercially, mainly the heavy fabrication and repairs. I also do some film work either with my vehicles or more usually driving other tanks or making things for special effects use. The latest being eight fuel tanker bodies for the new Bond film. Thanks for the welcome. Adrian Barrell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 :schocked: :-o :schocked: Hi Adrian. Ok, so you haven't much experience then :oops: :cry: one hell of a collection of vehicles and I am sure you have loved driving every single one. Sounds like you will have some great experience to pass on and I can happly say that I just slighty more than jealous at that collection - that is pure dedication. What made you finally join HMVF? Best wishes. Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Hi Adrian Nice collection, you might know a mate of mine then a certain Mr Ellis who does work for the films etc. welcome here and please share your knowledge :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 Jack, as you can see, my main interest is in tracked and armoured vehicles. Thing is, I have only been able to afford wrecks! The Sherman took me over 4000 hrs...... As to the HMVF, I have to confess I have only just found it. :oops: Regards, Adrian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 Hi Mark, don't think I do but I have only worked on the fringes of the industry, it's not really my thing. After a few 16 hr shifts in Prague over night at -10 degrees, it loses any glamour it may have had! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Hi Mark, don't think I do but I have only worked on the fringes of the industry, it's not really my thing. After a few 16 hr shifts in Prague over night at -10 degrees, it loses any glamour it may have had! ........going to have to tell us more now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 ........going to have to tell us more now! Hmm, that particular job was League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I had made the pseudo WW1 tank used in the opening sequence and was in Prague for the shoot. It all ended badly with a collapsed set and me in hospital with a broken arm! Mind you, the nurses were gorgeous... :wink: Adrian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Seen the movie in the cinema. Also seen the replica at Beltring, nice! Do you visit Beltring yourself? [attachment deleted by admin] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 That's the one! I subsequently modded it to look a little more WW1 for a BBC production last year, as seen at Beltring. I normally do go to Beltring, though this year was the first I have missed for years. My sherman was there last year. Regards, Adrian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 That's the one! I subsequently modded it to look a little more WW1 for a BBC production last year, as seen at Beltring. I normally do go to Beltring, though this year was the first I have missed for years. My sherman was there last year. Regards, Adrian I got to go in the arena in a Sherman named "Zemsta". Great fun. Show us a pic of your vehicles... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 Hope these come out....here is my M75 and my Sherman, I'll scan some prints in tomorrow of other things. Adrian [attachment deleted by admin] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 second attempt.... [attachment deleted by admin] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 :-o Now that's some cool stuff. Guess I'll have to ask very polite to get a lift at next Beltring?? (had to try...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Adrain. What are the Shermans like to drive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 Jack, that depends on the Sherman! Obviously, there is a variety of engines but also single and double pull brakes and boosted clutches. Mine has the multibank engine which is very tourqey (is that a word?), double pull brakes and a spring boosted clutch. I have driven:- Sexton, M7, M4A1 with the radial engine, M4A2 with the twin GM diesels, both early and late models and M50 Super Sherman. Though I'm biased, the M4A4 is easily the nicest to drive, Sexton probably the worst. It's a combination of seating position, controls, engine power and such things as the condition of the suspension. It's quite common for sherman type suspension to be seized and it does make it a little harder to steer. Having said all that, they are quite roomy, and well laid out inside. They feel a bit lumbering, though when up to speed they do come alive somewhat. Always happy to give a ride Enigma! Might even let you drive it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmite!! Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Hmm, that particular job was League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I had made the pseudo WW1 tank used in the opening sequence and was in Prague for the shoot. It all ended badly with a collapsed set and me in hospital with a broken arm! Mind you, the nurses were gorgeous... :wink: Adrian Is that the one C&C have for sale @ 25K ?? they told me it cost over 100K to build?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 That's the one. Take one cent ARV, cut it down in height, fit extra idlers in front, extend and raise the tracks, remove one wheel each side and cut doorways in the hull sides, make a whole new outer hull, sponsons with traversing 6 pdrs etc etc It soon adds up! Adrian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Thanks Adrian. First of all Enigma just PM'd me to say that he would be to scared to drive a tank and that I should take his place 8-) A tank must be a noisy as hell and you must know that you have driven one after an hour or two? What do they do to the gallon? And what is the maintenance schedule like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 Jack, nice try :-D They are not too noisy, though the M75 is very loud inside...... They are quite tiring though and you do get very dusty! Maintenance varies a lot from different types, Sherman is very reliable and so is not too onerous. Fuel consumption depends on type of driving. On a good run, I get maybe 1/2 mile to the gallon, cross country...... I did a film job over two days and used £175 worth of petrol. Thirsty stuff! Adrian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Always happy to give a ride Enigma! Might even let you drive it.... :-o Cool, tHanks mate..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Jack, that depends on the Sherman! Obviously, there is a variety of engines but also single and double pull brakes and boosted clutches. Mine has the multibank engine which is very tourqey (is that a word?), double pull brakes and a spring boosted clutch. I have driven:- Sexton, M7, M4A1 with the radial engine, M4A2 with the twin GM diesels, both early and late models and M50 Super Sherman. Though I'm biased, the M4A4 is easily the nicest to drive, Sexton probably the worst. It's a combination of seating position, controls, engine power and such things as the condition of the suspension. It's quite common for sherman type suspension to be seized and it does make it a little harder to steer. Having said all that, they are quite roomy, and well laid out inside. They feel a bit lumbering, though when up to speed they do come alive somewhat. Always happy to give a ride Enigma! Might even let you drive it.... Don't suppose you'd like to swap rides for one in a Stalwart when she's swimming?? :roll: :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joris Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Welcome and let me start by :schocked: ! What a truly massive ammount of vehicles you (have) own(ed) and massive vehicles too! Man I envy Enigma now :evil: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cripp Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Hi Adrian, at Beltring 05 we took a load of pictures of your sherman and questioned you for ages about it for a little project we were getting started on. Great photo albums you had. You should post some more pictures. I especially liked the engines. By the way did I see you at Chatham dockyard a few months ago? Was going to say hello but you'd gone when I got round the stalls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tugger Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Adrian, glad to see you here, however I don't suppose you would remember me, I met you once at W&P having been told to find you by your Father, who I knew from Fram. I was at 'Stennets' the other day and realised what they had 'lying' around and I reckon you are the man, if anyone can, to persuade them to take something down next year Hope to see you there again Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted November 17, 2006 Author Share Posted November 17, 2006 Don't suppose you'd like to swap rides for one in a Stalwart when she's swimming?? :roll: :-) Neil, why not! I've driven Stalwart off road a little but never been in one on the water. My only amphib driving was in a DUKW. I'm up for it. Adrian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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