Richard Farrant Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Hi John, I am glad to see this trailer found the right person to restore it, you are doing a wonderful job there. Look forward to seeing your workshop display at shows this Summer ! regards, Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted April 10, 2012 Author Share Posted April 10, 2012 Hi John, I am glad to see this trailer found the right person to restore it, you are doing a wonderful job there. Look forward to seeing your workshop display at shows this Summer ! regards, Richard Thanks Richard, Something this unusual deserves to be preserved .... so doing the best job I can. Hope to take it to Amberley and will defintely be at Ardingly and W&P. Don't know if you have read the whole thread, but I've set out to record the whole restoration in detail (probably too much detail for many!) as a resource to help anyone else who wants to restore a 10cwt trailer. A couple of other semiderelict 10 cwt REME special trailers have been discovered and saved since I started last autumn, so makes me wonder how many are still out there waiting to be found. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hans prijs Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 hi john do you come to the war and peache show this summer with your reme trailer i want to see your trailer live hans prijs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted April 10, 2012 Author Share Posted April 10, 2012 hi john do you come to the war and peache show this summer with your reme trailer i want to see your trailer live hans prijs Evening Hans, Yes, I will be there from Thursday. I've been asked to take the Water Bowser again, but can only tow one trailer on the road....so plan the take the REME Lightweight this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Farrant Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Don't know if you have read the whole thread, but I've set out to record the whole restoration in detail (probably too much detail for many!) as a resource to help anyone else who wants to restore a 10cwt trailer. hi John, I have followed your thread with interest. As you know, I knew of this trailer for years, and the late owner would have loved to have seen it restored, but at least he saved it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agincourt no1 Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 (edited) For any one interested I will be taking the afore mentioned "trailer, 2-wheeled, lightweight type MACHINERY" to the war and peace show in july where along with an airborne binned trailer we hope to entice john to park up with us to set up number 7 L.A.D. . If we can we will try to get our 110 genny along to power some of the tools but the 240s will be running! hope to get visit from some of you neil agincourt no1 Rob get some pics of your up and I will do some of mine Edited April 13, 2012 by agincourt no1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P Bellamy Posted April 14, 2012 Share Posted April 14, 2012 Thanks PB, I have 25mm x 3mm flat steel strip for the five connecting bars and have assumed it is all arc-welded together. Is that correct? Cheers Apologies John, The trailer is in a museum in the next county and I haven't had a chance to get over to check it. Your frame looks good to me. As you can tell, her owner Neil is now on here too so, between the pair of you, you should get most things sorted out. All the best, PB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted April 14, 2012 Author Share Posted April 14, 2012 For any one interested I will be taking the afore mentioned "trailer, 2-wheeled, lightweight type MACHINERY" to the war and peace show in july where along with an airborne binned trailer we hope to entice john to park up with us to set up number 7 L.A.D. . If we can we will try to get our 110 genny along to power some of the tools but the 240s will be running! Hi Neil, Have accepted Robin's offer to join your display at W&P with this trailer, so all together should make an interesting display. Hope you are able to bring the 110v DC genny, can then run the Van Norman and ATLAS Grinders. Could also try out the Admiralty still.....on water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted April 14, 2012 Author Share Posted April 14, 2012 Apologies John, The trailer is in a museum in the next county and I haven't had a chance to get over to check it. Your frame looks good to me. Thanks PB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted April 22, 2012 Author Share Posted April 22, 2012 Have been contining to work on the trailer; but took today to visit "Agincourt No1", from this forum, to see his rebuilt Lightweight REME Machinery Trailer in the midlands; and for him to take measurements from my original canvas cover to make a copy. Lots of compared notes and shared info. We found that while the machinery and electrical repair trailers appear very similar there are in fact a number of manufacturing differences (only of interest for someone building one from scratch, or trying to identfy the type from a pile of rusted parts!). As this thread has developed into one that is capturing information on all REME variants, I will post some photos of the machinery trailer as purchased and as it appears today after a lot of reconstruction (note the lathe is a post-war Myford. Original fitting would have been an even heavier 41/2" lathe ...possibly a Harrison). Both this Machinery Trailer and my Electrical Repair version wil be at War & Peace in July. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted April 26, 2012 Author Share Posted April 26, 2012 (edited) After the short excursion to Neil's REME Machinery, trailer back to the Electrical Repair version: I've been dismantling, cleaning, repainting and refitting a couple of the original pieces of equipment. The 110v D.C ATLAS bench grinder and the Maxlume light. A reminder of their condition when acquired last autumn: The grinder is incredibly heavy, just the motor weighs around 80lbs, and that is without the substantial cast base. As I've said before with this trailer, "lightweight" is a relative term. Stripping the machine showed it was originally grey (manufacturer's colour?), then had turned green and then had grey paint as seen in the photos above. So I've returned to British green. The original brass data plates had not been painted at any time, so I've cleaned them up. The ATLAS plate was held on with large roof felting tacks...suspect that wasn't original so retapped the motor body and used BA brass machine screws: I've refitted the Maxlume light with 3 x 60Watt 240v bulbs, fully rewired it throughout and it works perfectly .... a useful additon to my workshop, and won't just sit on the trailer between shows: One of the few pieces of the original kit that did not come with the trailer is a Black & Decker Vibro-Centric Valve seat refacer. These were supplied to the industrial market in 1940's a fitted wooden case; from what I can ascertain the WWII military version came in a metal case that fitted into one of the purpose designed compartments in the trailer. I've now secured one of these sets and collect it tomorrow, another piece in the jigsaw.[/color] Edited April 26, 2012 by cordenj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landyandy Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 looking good mate,will have to come and see it when completly finished Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted April 26, 2012 Author Share Posted April 26, 2012 Evening Andy, You'll be very welcome, p.m. me when to fancy a run round the M25. Your one at Bordon still has the collapsible benches which I will make from scratch....but that will be a job for next winter; priority now is to finish the trailer to show it this summer. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted May 9, 2012 Author Share Posted May 9, 2012 (edited) Today I have been in contact with the curator of the REME Museum at Arborfield, and as a result the trailer's first public outing will be to the REME Corps Day on 16th June at Arborfield Garrison. 2012 is the 70th anniversary of the formation of the REME and this day is part of the celebrations. See poster and details at: http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/news.aspx?nid=9 The organisers' plan is to have a lineup of MVs with REME connections, from the earliest to the current equipment, lining the access road from Rocket Gate, so should be a treat for any MV enthusiast.....and families. I believe they are keen to hear from owners of any other historical REME vehicles, who would like to be part of the display. Edited May 9, 2012 by cordenj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Farrant Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 2012 is the 70th anniversary of the formation of the REME and this day is part of the celebrations. Good grief, just realised I took my Bedford QL to the 50th anniversary at Arborfield ........ where have those 20 years gone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted May 13, 2012 Author Share Posted May 13, 2012 A cased Black & Decker Vibro-Centric Valve seat refacer and Standard Stone Dressing Stand were part of the original equipment. I found one for sale near Portsmouth and picked it up a couple of weeks ago and this is what it looks like: The case had been "Hammerited" on outside, but inside still in original B&D red paint; I've now stripped and repainted the outside (under the Hammerite was standard British Green O/D, then B&D Red gloss) . Wasn't sure where it went in the trailer, but the photo below shows it in BondaPrimer slotted perfectly into original purpose made housing: You can see from the fittings that other kit was designed to go into this part of trailer but not sure what yet. I believe the full list of equipment was listed in the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Regulations: Vehicles General (Issue 1, 1946) .....does anyone have a copy of the relevent pages? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted May 19, 2012 Author Share Posted May 19, 2012 FINISHED (except for the benches)..... signficantly different to the first post to this thread last November. I said before that I will make the collapsible workbenches from scratch, but that is a job for this winter. First public outing will be REME 70th at Arborfield in June, and then part of a much larger Airborne display at W&P in July. . Markings added using excellent stencils from my usual source...Tony at Axholme Signs. Placement and size of X-numbers all based on original photos: Original cover was hand washed (several times), rotten leather straps all replaced by a local saddler, camouflage pattern added in matt black paint and then all waterproofed with Thompson's Waterseal. This is the only original cover I am aware of that has survived. It is of a complicated pattern, and if anyone wishes to have a copy made for their trailer, please ask for more detailed photos of its method of construction. Some have expressed surprise that leather was used for the straps, where clearly webbing was readily available; but when the old leather was removed there was no sign of previous stitching, so the saddler believes the leather straps were fitted from new. Pleased to have been able to restore one of the rarest Airborne Lightweight trailers, and think it has turned out well. This thread has always been intended to be a resource for Lightweight REME trailers, so I encourage anyone else to add relevent content. WANTED: I am looking for examples of the WWII dated tools to build up the kit, and am still looking for a second Large 6v Battery box, there must be another out there somewhere! If anyone has any leads on where I might find one...please pm me. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Farrant Posted May 19, 2012 Share Posted May 19, 2012 A great job there John. Getting all the kit together it will make a good display. regards, Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted May 20, 2012 Share Posted May 20, 2012 Looks like you'll have a nice side line in mobile mechanics at the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferretfixer Posted May 20, 2012 Share Posted May 20, 2012 A VEREY Creditable job Buddy! & thats from a REAL EX R.E.M.E Armourer! I am MOST impressed with your craftsmanship & attention to detail. The research & tracking down of original fitments has been a LONG journey for you, of that I am aware! I have a traveling Armourers display that is used at shows & I know only too well how difficult it is trying to source original tools, Gauges Etc & trade related emphemera! Well Done! Another item of rare Corps Related equipment saved for future generation's to marval at! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geordie8888 Posted May 20, 2012 Share Posted May 20, 2012 Outstanding! My Mk1 airborne lightweight trailer finally arrived on Friday! Expect some PMs asking for some help/info!! Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted May 20, 2012 Author Share Posted May 20, 2012 Thanks for the kind comments everyone. Collecting the extra kit will continue to be a challenge, but hope that displaying it with the kit I have will help flush out other stuff! Simon: happy to try to answer any questions on Mk1. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nz2 Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Did the frame for the trailer canvas cover have legs to enable it to be used as a roof in rainy weather? Operating it otherwise in damp conditions would not be the best for the equipment or for the items being worked on. Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cordenj Posted May 23, 2012 Author Share Posted May 23, 2012 Did the frame for the trailer canvas cover have legs to enable it to be used as a roof in rainy weather?Operating it otherwise in damp conditions would not be the best for the equipment or for the items being worked on. Doug Hi Doug, Not as far as I know; but agree with you and have already considered making some extension pieces for the frame legs to lift the frame and cover. It would be a simple "field mod" even if it wasn't part of the original design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agincourt no1 Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 ok john i will get some pics up soon now you have set the bar so high i better crack on with mine. neil machinery trailer owner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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