VICKERS MK6B's resto

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by colin jones

I sent the museum a email about their Vickers tank and just got a reply back today.
Their tank is complete but in order for them to have it displayed inside they had to drain all fluids. The director told me that because of this, the tank is not in running condition. I asked if someone could possibly take some photos of the inside of the tank for me which I would be happy to have paid for but he said because of safety reasons it had been welded shut and was not able to help with my request. That Vickers would have been the perfect one for reference as it, I assume has not been touched inside and is probably as original inside as the day it was made.
Is there anyone here that has any influence over there or possibly know someone that does. Photos of the inside of that tank would be invaluable to me.
Colin.

When I was seeking information of internal turret fittings on a MkVIA, a Canadian member of the forum went to check the tank out, it was outside at the time, and if I recall, there was a wasps nest inside and thought it unwise to try and open the turret up. Assume this is the same tank. The detail I needed was I think the signalling lamp which pushed up through the turret roof. I do not think it was present in the Puckapunyal one.

[colin jones]

Yes it is such a shame it's not open . AS these are so rare and as far as I know all the other examples left have been refurbished. The one at Pucka was also redone and the internals are not original as I was told by the curator there a couple of years ago. I think there is a wreck at a museum in Egypt so I will follow that one up as well. I have seen photos of that one and it does have significant battle damage but it is still original. I'm sure that the right connections could get access to the inside of the one in Canada. Looking inside tanks is something everyone wants to do at these museums and the openings could be covered with Perspex or glass if it was a safety issue.

[colin jones]

The suspension is now complete on both tanks as well as new cover plates. So the underside is finished. I am now waiting on my new wheels as it is so much easier to put them on in their current position using the overhead gantry.

[colin jones]

Wombat is now back on its wheels and sitting nice and level. Just having a good look this morning, I have a lot of fabrication to do on these two tanks before they're finished.

[Mike Cecil]

Bruce,

All the Mk6A tanks in Australia were named. You can see the list of tanks on line in AWM126.

Registrations C270 to C279 in this book: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2143572

Great job, Colin!

Mike

[jdmcm]

You have come a long way Colin, been a pleasure to watch the amazing progress so far! You Inspire me to keep going on my projects with your ingenuity and tenacity

Regards
John

[Tim Lovelock]

Hi Colin,
Wow, what progress, I sure hope you're experiencing a tremendous sense of satisfaction with each leap in your restoration.
I am certainly enjoying your progress.
Cheers Tim