10-Cwt.. 2 Wheeled 5kv Generator Trailer restoration....Rebuild!

[Jerryjeeprichard]

Latest trailer to join the collection. 

Again another quite rare trailer, typically needing a substantial amount of repair/restoration

Trailer came with a donor 6kv trailer, fitted with a Coventry Climax. 

Plan is at the moment to strip and figure out the parts i'm missing, 

Below pictures on the collection. 

 

[Richard Farrant]

The Coventry Climax generator is a postwar one, around 1950's. It has the air cooled Climax engine. I have worked on many of these in army workshops. I am sure the trailer is postwar as well as the army registration was post 1950. Similar running gear to WW2 lightweight trailers though.

[Jerryjeeprichard]

Thanks Richard for the post. 

I have a dilemma over the climax trailer, I was always of the opinion that these were late 40s early 50s, because of this so many have been broken up for spares for the GS trailers, ultimately my plans to get the donor parts i need for the 5KV 

The dilemma I have is over the chassis tag. (image below). 

Contract number is 23/9778

WD Number X6263811

Made by Taskers 

So by reckoning this is wartime??? 

There is additional data plate on the rear with a post war number too, just don't have a picture to hand. 

 

Thoughts? 

 

 

 

[Richard Farrant]

You are correct in that the trailer appears to be from the WW2 period as the X census number comes up in the Chilwell list date Nov. 1944. That being said, I recall the trailers and generators which I worked on had post 1950 registrations numbers.  Also think the air cooled engine was 1950's as well. Thanks for posting the numbers up as it clarifies the period of manufacture.

[Sausage]

I have lots of spares for both engine and generator

let me know what you are after.

I have a working generator.

[Sausage]

8 minutes ago, Sausage said:

I have lots of spares for both engine and generator

let me know what you are after.

I have a working generator.

 

[Jerryjeeprichard]

On 3/25/2022 at 10:47 PM, Richard Farrant said:

You are correct in that the trailer appears to be from the WW2 period as the X census number comes up in the Chilwell list date Nov. 1944. That being said, I recall the trailers and generators which I worked on had post 1950 registrations numbers.  Also think the air cooled engine was 1950's as well. Thanks for posting the numbers up as it clarifies the period of manufacture.

Richard 

 

I have attached the data plate with the post war registration number, can that give an idea as to it later life. 

Is there any reference material on what the war time engine would have been, assuming the engine sat in it has been changed to air cooled version. 

Again I always associated the 6KV generator as 240v, but the data plate shows 110v?  

[Richard Farrant]

It does indeed seem to be a pre-1949 trailer as the plate shows a YM number. The air cooled generator was 110 volts as I recall when working on them back in the 70's era. The previous Coventry Climax powered generators were 4 cylinder side valve water cooled engines and I think the same as the wartime fire pumps. I have seen these in trailers back in 70's as well.

[B series]

 

As Richard mentioned, some of these WW II trailer chassis fitted with the 110v air cooled generators stayed in service for many years.

71YM97 sold at Ruddington April 1979 and 72YM58 sold at Shepshed May 1989.  

 

[wally dugan]

70 YM 85 was overhauled at 32 base workshops in DIDCOT which closed in 1964

[Sausage]

Richard,

I have box’s of spares so would be good to meet up.

I live near Gatwick are you any where near.

Ross

[Jerryjeeprichard]

Started the strip down 5KW, it needs a lot of work.... ☹️

Here is progress so far. 

 

[cordenj]

I knew it would be crusty....but worth saving👍

 

[Jerryjeeprichard]

I do remember John, you saying it was very crusty!!

Worth saving? Erm yes… but probably should be someone with magic wand! 
 

This resto I think will be board line.
More I get into stripping The more issue/ challenges I keep finding! 
Scrap pile is slowly building of bits I some how need to remanufacture, locate replacements . 

Photos thus far. 
 

 

 

 

Edited May 15, 2022 by Jerryjeeprichard
Photo

[Jerryjeeprichard]

The strip down of the engine has begun. 
The head bolts had rusted almost to nothing! Only way to remove was to drill them out! 
The external corrosion of the engine was that bad, my anticipation of the internals wasn’t holding much hope. 
Pleasantly surprised with the internal condition. So much so I feel with a few replacement parts the engine will run again. 
 

 

[wally dugan]

34 workshop  DONNINGTON

[Jerryjeeprichard]

Thanks Wally 

[cordenj]

On 5/15/2022 at 10:39 PM, Jerryjeeprichard said:

Brave! But is a very rare trailer👍

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 19, 2022 by cordenj

[cordenj]

FCL engines built between 37-46

https://www.wehs.net/when_was_it_made-2.html

[Jerryjeeprichard]

I’ve been tentatively researching the engine, John  link you have attached I haven’t yet come across. Extremely useful. 

Well found. 😎

[Jerryjeeprichard]

Anyone reading this post, I have created a small list of things I’m on the hunt for to aid the restoration.
I guess a long shot, If anyone has parts that may help the restoration please message me with what you have. 
 

I’m in the need of……

Good air filter 

Fan blade 

Valves 

Petrol tank

Spun cowl for the generator 

Over wing Stowage bins Pair, 

Brass latches to lock the bins. 

Oil Sump

T plate. (Original) 

Inline electrical fuses. 

Head gasket

Radiator manly looking for a good cowl. 

User Manual 

I would consider a complete engine unit if the price and condition was good. 

[REME 245]

Have you checked for any Face Book Pages or other sites for this make of generators.  When I used to collect Generators the Stationary Engine Forums were the best sources for spares and far cheaper than any military dealer.

[Jerryjeeprichard]

On 5/20/2022 at 8:45 AM, REME 245 said:

Have you checked for any Face Book Pages or other sites for this make of generators.  When I used to collect Generators the Stationary Engine Forums were the best sources for spares and far cheaper than any military dealer.

Good point, I’ll look to join a few. Hopefully I can turn up some bits 

. 

[Jerryjeeprichard]

Today’s progress. 
 

The original stowage bins, completely beyond repair. They were  crumbling under there own weight. Just enough left of them to take a patten.
I managed to source a second set of bins of 6kv generator. 
I thought these would be straight swap, but unfortunately the steel construction is very different. 
So I have had to take to some construction. 

[Jerryjeeprichard]

Progress on the 5kv. 

Ive managed to pick up a replacement rolling chassis. Although the trailer will be loosing some of it original identity.
The condition of the replacement frame is mint. Will restore really well. 
I’ve stripped all the component parts. 
There were a few minor differences between the two frames, which I have had to reconstruct. These changes are now complete 

So ready to be sent off blasting.