Buyers guide...should we..?

[N.O.S.]

i do like a man who is not frightened to admit his mistakes

Hahaha ask Jack why don't you, just mention posters. Your fault.

[Tony B]

The Land Rover 101.

 

These vehicles were designed to fit a British military requirement for an airportable load carrier that could also be used as a prime mover for the 105mm light gun then entering service, and replace the K9 series of vehicles.

 

The dimensions were constrained by the width and carrying capacity of the RAF transport aircraft and the lifting capacity of Wessex helicopters.

 

There is a great argument over whether the running gear of the 101 was used in the Range Rover, or the other way about. Rover had acquired the rights to the Buick designed aluminium V8 engine, as this was the lightest most powerful engine available it was an automatic choice. The gear box is a 2 ratio 4 sped manual with reverse.

 

The vehicle was originally built as a GS version but over the years variants were conceived. The three best known are the radio body, the ambulance and the very rare Vampire, SIGINT vehicle.

 

Additionally GS vehicles were configured as Artillery tractors, Rapier SAM support vehicles and mortar trucks. Some vehicles were equipped with mid mounted winches. About 2266 were eventually built with some exported to Luxembourg.

 

Good points.

A specific military vehicle never went onto the civilian market. Many ambulances have been converted to campers. Rare vehicle marks you as a real anorak. Had a long service history including first gulf War and peacekeeping such as Bosnia. Very good cross country and very quick.

 

Bad points

 

Rare vehicle, hard to find parts and expensive. The compromises in the dimensions especially the engine being mounted low in the chassis make them a nightmare to work on. The ambulance is very high for the width and can lead to exciting moments. The 101 rumble, on overrun the noise from the axle can scare the pants off you. Very thirsty.

 

Conclusion

 

You own a 101 because it is more fun than a hair shirt.

 

Open to editing and correction by you guys this is only a quick start.

:yay:

[Tony B]

The Dodge WC 3/4 ton series

Originally designed in 1941 as a replacement to the ½ ton VC range. This was a private enterprise by Dodge following the trials of the VC range. At the time the US Quartermaster’s department responsible for military vehicles had placed a moratorium on new types. However the improved performance and versatility offered by the WC vehicles convinced them to accept it.

The WC range was one of the first product designed vehicles. They are 80% compatible with the earlier VC range and designed to be maintained in the field. Originally designed to carry an eight man infantry section and there equipment, the solid design allowed the vehicle to fulfil many roles. These vehicles served in every theatre of conflict during WW2 and for many years afterwards with different countries. They have also been adapted for many civilian uses, including a mobile still operating in Normandy.

Good points

An iconic vehicle. Very easy to get spares. An ideal starter vehicle, easy to work on. Comfortable for long journeys, reliable and plenty of room for families. The Weapons Carrier is also very useful for those little domestic jobs such as delivering washing machines, helping move house and taking rubbish to the tip.

Bad points.

Lack of doors on most of them. Keep being told ‘Nice Jeep’.

Conclusion

Ideal starter vehicle for WW2. Great fun to own and a ladies drive. Prices are still reasonably sensible. Can fit in a garage if canvas is removed. The Ambulance version is especially iconic and can be slept in.

Open to editing and comment guys.

[Jessie The Jeep]

For anyone looking for a Jeep, I think they should read my Willys/Hotchkiss differences articles so they know what kind of Jeep they are actually buying, or at least how much of comes from each manufacturer!

 

Steve

[Tony B]

Ah but the idea is what do actual owner's think about them. The technicalities can be got from any book , the deep sown love (or hate) of a vehicle is bulit over time.

[Lauren Child]

Great fun to own and a ladies drive. Prices are still reasonably sensible. Can fit in a garage if canvas is removed. The Ambulance version is especially iconic and can be slept in.

 

Open to editing and comment guys.

 

Are you trying to sell it to me?

[Tony B]

It took 2 years to find the right one, and with what she has done for me, I'd sell my soul first. The type sell themselves, they even christen you in wet weather. Good idea to put a board under the frame bettween it and the canvas. the water sits and when you drive off it slops under the front canvas straight into the lap.

[Enigma]

Buyers guide for a BSA folding bike....easy...

 

Buy a complete one!!

Don't just buy a frame thinking you'll get the rest later - veeeery hard to find.

A Dutch friend of mine missed the rear wheel, luckily enough I found a ebay auction with the wheel in the States off all places.

Costs were high, but he was lucky to find one in the first place.

[Tony B]

Very true, bike bits are extremley hard to come by.Most have been worked into the ground.

[LeeEnfield]

Bedford MW 15cwt truck

 

Right O, here goes,..........

 

Produced in response to a government contract in 1935, for low cost 15cwt truck, suitable for arduous duties in various parts of the world, incorporating components from commercially proven civilian vehicles, (in this respect parts from heavier/larger trucks were quite often used)

Military requirments called for, amoungst others included oversize tyres on military rims, an easy access cab, covered with a folding canvas roof, and canvas or steel half doors.

 

Bedford MW can trace its ancestory back to the civilian Model WH, two tonner.

 

Early models were fitted with small areo screens and canvas half doors

Latter models had steel half doors with removable canvas side screens and a full width divided top hinged twin windscreen.

 

 

Good points

Its BRITISH and of Wartime period.

Good mechanical parts avalability,.although NOT from halfords.:-D

Great Fun to drive,..........smiles for miles.

 

Not so Good points

Parts availbility body wise, whilst not impossible, .........can be problematical, esp wings and windscreen assy; Rear body is (normally) wood with metal fixings.

Tyres, Correct pattern ones are rare now, although they do still turn up,........don't try and fit american 900x16 ones as rim is diferent shape to british rim, meaning you'll need to shamfer bead to get to fit; (hearsey, this have not had to try it.)

Things could be getting better on this score though,............speak to Jack. :-D

 

All in all, the Bedford MW, an honest British truck.

 

A (very) potted thread, hopfully imparted something,...comments, etc welcomed

 

Andy

[john wheatley (R.I.P.)]

MORRIS 15 CWT.

At one time seemed quite rare but more seem to be turning up every year.

Basic 4 cylinder engine, not a problem to work on, have been told that one engine problem is they seem to get through valves and springs with monotonous regularity, only hearsay.

Early models had aero screens, later ones had a windscreen in two halves which could be opened separately.

Spares still about with a little scratching round, have found the silencer for a V W Camper is about the same as origional.

Four wheel drive which keeps the fuel consumtion down to about 10 mpg but with the front drive shaft removed will rise to about 12-14. Removal can be a bit embarrasing as at last years W & P when I needed a push to move a 25 lb gun.

Ugly looking beast , steers like a brick and built for a crew of midgets but grows on you.

Much the same as any other British vehicle, no better no worse than most, just your personal choice.

Hope this helps a bit,:???

Regards,

John.

[Tony B]

Trust john to tell it how it is. You have to say Bertha did stirling srvice with bolts bits and moving the gun, she did what she was asked.:tup::

[john wheatley (R.I.P.)]

Trust john to tell it how it is. You have to say Bertha did stirling srvice with bolts bits and moving the gun, she did what she was asked.:tup::

How kind.:bow::bow::bow:

Regards,

John.