VICKERS MK6B's resto

[James P]

Originally Posted by charlie fitton

I want you to be my neighbour...

I want to move into your garage/work shop

[lynx42]

Hi Colin,

Three photos off the web of the Pucka Vickers and another two from somewhere else.

Regards Rick.

1200px-Puckapunyal-Vickers-Light-MkVIA-2.jpg lrg_gallery_001_001.jpg VICKERS Light Tank Mk VIA Walkaround DD276 Puckapunyal 2014 04 GrubbyFingers.jpg 1280px-Vikers_Mk_VI.jpg file_2631956.jpg

[colin jones]

Hi Rick, thanks for the photos. I sure would to borrow the Pucka one for a few months.
I have been doing the internals for the last week or so. I have a few originals to copy which is always a bonus.

[colin jones]

After spending a couple of days making two sets, I should have remembered that old rule! "Measure twice, cut once" or never assume, or don't take things for granted. After completing the two set and bolting them together then doing a test fit I found that although the originals looked great they were in fact out of shape. I decided to do two complete new sets and new forming dies. It was definitely worth it.

[colin jones]

They are a good fit and straight just like they are supposed to be.

[colin jones]

With all the photos of the Vickers I can't seem to find one of the bracket that is in the last photo here. Does any one know what it is for. It's not for a jack but it does look about the right size for a Vickers water jacket.

[George Moore]

Originally Posted by colin jones

With all the photos of the Vickers I can't seem to find one of the bracket that is in the last photo here. Does any one know what it is for. It's not for a jack but it does look about the right size for a Vickers water jacket.

Colin,
It might be part of the bracket for holding the oil can, cannot make out the exact position in relation to the engine bay/rear crew section. I have some stowage diagrams that may help.....maybe not !!!
One of the drawings (not numbered) has a layout of some internal stowage on the hull sides, there does not seem to be a bracket listed as such, but there were all sorts of items stashed there. The drawing shows clips and fittings, hope this helps a bit ???

I will email you some stuff later.



George.

[Howard]

[David Dunlop]

Hello again, Colin.

I am curious about the internal layout of these tanks, in regards to power plant and crew accommodations, in the overall evolution of tank design.

From the World War One beginning for tanks, where everything was just stuffed into an essentially common interior, creating a rather noisy, foul environment for the crew, the Second World War tank had developed isolated engine and crew compartments with vastly improved crew conditions. Gun fumes were still an issue I think until the postwar development of the barrel mounted fume extractors.

How does the Vickers appear to fit along this evolutionary line?

David

[Chris Suslowicz]

Originally Posted by lynx42

Hi Colin,

Three photos off the web of the Pucka Vickers and another two from somewhere else.

Regards Rick.

As regards the radio fit, DD276 had a WS19 fitted because you can see the A and B set aerial bases on the top of the turret bustle. (This is possibly a restoration job, since the 'B' set mount is fitted with the protector ring.)

Chris.

[Mike Cecil]

Well spotted Chris: the Mk6A was restored by a staff member and an enthusiastic bunch of volunteers at the Army Tank Museum, so there is no guarantee that a No.19 set was ever actually fitted while the vehicle was in service.

Mike

[colin jones]

I have also continued on making the panels for the engine dividing wall

[colin jones]

As there are only two on each tank I will call them acceptable. They fit and look the part and will also be functional. Some photos I have seen have wire edge and some don't so mine don't. I need to get into the engine asap.

[colin jones]

I am certainly convinced that this engine had not done that many hours as gears, chains, general moving parts appear to have little wear on them but corrosion is the only problem that I can see. the timing chains were seized solid but persistence is paying off. I was able to get the very small wire out, the very small washer and the pin out and 100% confident it will restore like new.
The Magneto, again has little wear and I don't think too much corrosion. I suspect it too will be resurrected. The dynamo is seized solid but it's just another thing on the list