VICKERS MK6B's resto

[David Dunlop]

Hi Colin.

Any known surviving crew members from either of these tanks still around that you know of? They might enjoy watching them get rolled out again once you are done.

David

[Mike Cecil]

Doubtful, based on the maths: say, 20 in 1940 +78 years = 98! Even 18 in 1940 will equal 96 years old. The tanks were last used in 1942 for training, so even then, an 18 year old trainee driver would be 94, if my maths is correct (I'm sure I'll be told if I'm wrong!)

Mike

[colin jones]

David, Mike,
I'm sure if there were any surviving crew from way back then they would be quite happy to see these getting restored.

I have just finished both ring gears and that was quite a job I have orders my 3/4" cutters for the mill and then cut the ball bearing grove in the top of each one and make a matching piece that will be bolted to the underside of the turret via some angle that also needs to be curved.

[Mike Cecil]

I agree, Colin, very happy to see 'their' tanks coming back to life in such a professional manner.

My comment was the likelihood of any crew being alive today, which I think is doubtful. But maybe, just maybe....

Mike

[lssah2025]

Bloody hell, I wish I had 1/10th of your ability!!!! Wish some of my toys were back across the pond, would be sending you some work if you wanted it!!!

[Mike Cecil]

Hi Colin,

I think I see where you are heading with this - what I cannot foresee at this point is how you are going to seal the ball-race against dust/dirt (which would bring it to a grinding halt in quick time) and how the turret will be kept on/in place.

I should be patient and wait and see, of course, as I'm sure you already have that worked out ..... but I'm not (patient, that is).

The speed at which you are working on this build is a bit intimidating. I'm only working on one little Ford GP, and taking years to do it!

Mike

[David Herbert]

Most WW2 turret rings were not actually sealed against anything. They relied on their shape to encourage water to keep away from the actual bearing surfaces. There were usually ribs on both the top of the hull and the bottom of the turret that prevented bullet fragments from getting to the bearing and these helped to keep water and lumps of dirt away too. Dust was a more difficult problem that was reduced by regular greasing which used the grease to push the dirt away from the actual bearing and trap incoming dirt and water. The rack was exposed (as it is on modern tanks) and just guarded to prevent damage to crew.

David

[colin jones]

Mike the dust seal is very simple as shown on the parts drawings I have.
It is nothing more than I assume a strip of felt or possibly leather that runs around the outside bottom of the turret. It has a metal band on top and is secured by a clamp which looks like an oversize hose clamp. The turret is held in place by 5 or 6 internal brackets bolted to the turret and goes under the ring. They turn with the turret and it's all covered by a angled styled capping. I am so fortunate to have great drawings thanks to members on the forum here.