LarryH57 Posted July 23, 2023 Share Posted July 23, 2023 (edited) This vehicles has a cab etc that looks like a Bedford MSC but the wheels don't. So is it an MSC or other Bedford type? Perhaps its just an upgrade in the wheels and tyres to a more military pattern? The doors on the Austin K2 are different, so its not a 2 Ton or ealier 30 cwt version Also to my mind, it looks like it has started out being painted in RAF Blue, with RAF in white on the doors, and then had a rush job of sprayed camo, of Camouflage Green No.3 (bases coat) and Nobels Tarmac (Dark) Green No.4, which has worn off the cab. Does that suggest a type of paint used or 'incorrectly' used like building distemper? Incidentally has anyone got any photos of an RAF Austin K2, 2-Ton Tender? Now I am having second thoughts! perhaps this is an Austin K2 Edited July 24, 2023 by LarryH57 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noel7 Posted July 23, 2023 Share Posted July 23, 2023 The cab and bonnet [so far as it is visible] look to me to be that of a civilian 1939 Bedford design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted angus Posted July 23, 2023 Share Posted July 23, 2023 Yes its a Bedford MSC, many of them were fitted with 10.50 x 16 whilst in service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAFMT Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 As for the paint, this photo seems to be taken early war and could pre-date the service-wide introduction of formalised camouflage paint schemes. At that time, building distemper (as you suggested) was a common enough material to use when those airfield in the south east began to face German attacks. Or an over-thinned application of Dark Earth/Dark Green, perhaps, trying to make a small amount cover as many vehicles as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted angus Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 and another - I think this is a IWM image Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAFMT Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 Civvy reg plate, definitely early war! Thanks Ted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted angus Posted July 24, 2023 Share Posted July 24, 2023 Dated may 1940 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryH57 Posted July 24, 2023 Author Share Posted July 24, 2023 (edited) Ted, thanks so much; I thought it was the same truck when I first saw it! I guessed itwas early war period shot of a Bedgord MSC, dating from something like summer 1940, as their is no RAF Registration, and only the civi style plate. I am trying to see what the offside disc is for, as it looks to be a bridging sign, but might be a Group Number applied in a circular pattern, which I have seen on a Commer & Queen Mary? Is this an IWM photo with that May 1940 date attached? Edited July 24, 2023 by LarryH57 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAFMT Posted July 25, 2023 Share Posted July 25, 2023 Probably bridging plate, with two numbers indicating this vehicle would frequently tow a trailer? It's too early for group numbers, which were introduced in 41, after the roundel was in use on the front offside. Can't recall ever seeing the Command letter/Group number combo in a circular pattern before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted angus Posted July 25, 2023 Share Posted July 25, 2023 1 hour ago, RAFMT said: Probably bridging plate, with two numbers indicating this vehicle would frequently tow a trailer? It's too early for group numbers, which were introduced in 41, after the roundel was in use on the front offside. Can't recall ever seeing the Command letter/Group number combo in a circular pattern before. Totally Agreed, although normally this type didn't have a tow hitch. Ted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted angus Posted July 26, 2023 Share Posted July 26, 2023 The bridge class for this vehicle is 4 it is possible that there is no second number above the line. Ted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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