42 Pilot Model HUP Project

[RHClarke]

Saturday at the barn was spent removing the two axles from the Pilot Model frame. The weather was rainy in the morning, but sunny and hot in the afternoon. The perfect weather for taking apart a CMP, and for the emergence of the local air forces. Blackflies, gnats and mosquitoes made their debut at the barn on this fine day. Bob was away on family business, and Grant was at work, so the only company I had were the birds and the bugs.

The removal of the spring assemblies from the frame went quite well. The front axle had screw in spring mounting pins, while the rear axle had friction fit spring mounting pins. The pins for the springs were very worn, as would be expected from 70 years plus of use. I then removed the pin assemblies and then propped up the frame. This allowed me to roll the axle assemblies out from beneath the frame.

The springs were liberated from the axle tubes with the help of the air impact wrench and lots of penetrating oils. They were in fair shape with no cracks visible on the individual leafs. The axle tubes were in great shape as one would expect with such a robust design.

The rest of the day was spent preparing a site for another sea container, which should be in place this summer. It will be the Pilot Model's home for the foreseeable future.

Photos:

1 - Front axle off
2 - '45 frame - count the crossmembers to compare with the '42
3 - '42 frame for comparison
4 - '42 rear axle with post war parking brake assemblies