VICKERS MK6B's resto

[colin jones]

Hi Richard, fortunately they are the same. It would have been just another hurdle to get over if they weren't. And there's been plenty of them with a few more to go. Plenty of light in the tunnel now though.

[colin jones]

Done a few jobs today I've been moving from bench to bench . A couple of brackets that fits to the side next to the driver and also the last two rods and clevis's for the brakes. A very tight area they have to fit in but that is the last of the rods and clevis's that I need to make for Bowerbird. The engine will come out tomorrow for the last time and I will check and double check everything before it goes back in and the final drives fitted to it.

[colin jones]

This is the final drive centre gear which I made long ago and made the mistake of not drilling and tapping before I had it professionally heat treated. That was one very slow process to drill and hand tap and I was scared I would break a tap in there as this is a critical part for the drive. About 6hrs to complete the process and I was very relieved after completing the last hole.

[colin jones]

Everything that I can fit to the drivetrain has now been done and I trial fitted the axle and tube which has not ever been together like this since I made the gearbox. A bit of modification was required to some holes to get all the bolts in but I'm happy with the result. Went over all the bolts as once in place it is extremely difficult to get access to certain areas and now is the time to do it. Tomorrow will be drilling and tapping holes in the side as there is a few broken and it is easier to fix now before the drive goes back in, There is a few other jobs inside the hull that I will complete first which means I will remove the turret off Bower Bird as well. It just makes sense rather than leaning, bending and crouching.

[Dave lean]

Looks like I'd better finish off the .5 inch guns sooner rather than later?? I'll drop by later in the week to get some stock from you if thats OK?

[colin jones]

Hi Dave, no probs and I'll see you late in the week.
I got the turret off and checked the bearings which are all very good and just a couple of photos of the inside of the turret.

[colin jones]

So, after very carefully checking everything before the engine went in, I had to lift it out once more the put the cross tube in first. That all went in quite nice until I checked the clutch and found the rod setup I made hit the cross tube funnel by a whisker so out it all came again A bit of grinding and back in it went and that was for the final time. I just do not understand why on earth everything had to be made with very little clearance. These would have been dreadful to work on in the field.