C15: Truck, 15-cwt, 4x2, AA, Mk II

[Keith Orpin]

Spotted at a local vehicle rally this last weekend, was this very original C15 4x2. Owned by a very quiet spoken chap from High Wycombe, whose father purchased her from Ruddington in 1946 for use in their garage, as a recovery truck. Still wearing No 2 Brown paintwork. Enjoy.
Keith

[Keith Orpin]

Also, at the same show, Pete's 41 C15A and my 42 C30 LAAT

[Alex van de Wetering]

Isn't that a Polsten AA C15?

Alex

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by Alex van de Wetering
Isn't that a Polsten AA C15?

Indeed - or more correctly - a Truck, 15-cwt, 4x2, AA, Mk II.

Thanks for sharing the pics, Keith! So how's your C30 LAAT running? Seems you made it to the show without a glitch.

Regards,
Hanno

[Keith Orpin]

Hanno,
Not only did she make it to the show, she also made it home again, under her own power !. Seriously, she is running very well, I had a couple of teething problems associated with the brakes, but nothing major. I photographed the Data plate for David to enter the details onto his database, truely a lovely Chev with a very interesting past. The owner has all of the release paperwork from Ruddington. The other interesting point is that she has only covered 8720 miles from new !
Keith

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Z 5194641 to 5195730 SM 2485
[1942] TRUCK 15 CWT. 4 X 2 AA (20 M.M.)

THESE ORIGINALLY HAD A VAN-6 BODY AND WAS ONE OF 2,000 C.15 AND F.15 TRUCKS CONVERTED BY DENNIS MOTORS LIMITED, GUILDFORD, SURREY TO 20-M.M. A.A. GUN PLATFORM WITH VAUXHALL MOTORS LIMITED MANUFACTURED GUN CARRIAGE-CUM-MOUNT.

This is the second known SM 2485 chassis, although my database may include a few more. This must be unique..demobbed, sold by the Ministry of Supply and then still in the same family! Wow! That Census Number appears to be incorrect BUT I wonder if it was genuine nevertheless...does the original paperwork quote the Census Number I wonder?

[Keith Orpin]

David,
Attached is a picture of one of the other plates detailing the vehicle model. As you correctly say, it mentions "VAN-6". I must admit, this confused me, but it would appear that you have the answer. The chap who ownes her was talking about replacing the tray body with a GS body, but having pleaded with him not to do so after all these years,he is thankfully going to leave her as she is. Would that cencus number on the door be for the van body ?. I'll see if I can find out more from him, with reference to the release paperwork/census number (may take some time).

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

No, the Census Numbers were the same...but because they had been rebuilt by 1944 when the 'B' drawn up, the reference is to the AA conversions.

Here is a photo of possibly the prototype on Bedford chassis. I have a Xerox of an IWM photo of the Ford F15 version.


Note that Z 4181050 is part of the batch Z 4176716 to 4182115 to Demand T.8957 for 15-cwt 4 x 2 G/S trucks. So, this was clearly a rebuild.

Reading the text about the history of the development in 1942 shows that Vauxhall did all the work and then produced 100 sets of mountings, although series production was spread to other contractors with Vauxhalls producing all jigs and fixtures for the other companies. The reference to Dennis was from Bart Vanderveen's text. I wonder now whether other companies were involved as well in parallel production or was it a question of multiple manufacture of parts with Dennis doing final assembly?

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by Keith Orpin
Not only did she make it to the show, she also made it home again, under her own power !. Seriously, she is running very well, I had a couple of teething problems associated with the brakes, but nothing major.

Keith, congrats on a succesful rebuild! Will you be taking her on an outing to Holland in September this year?

As you correctly say, it mentions "VAN-6". I must admit, this confused me, but it would appear that you have the answer. The chap who ownes her was talking about replacing the tray body with a GS body, but having pleaded with him not to do so after all these years,he is thankfully going to leave her as she is. Would that cencus number on the door be for the van body ?

A VAN-6 body wasn't anything else than a standard 15-cwt G.S. type body, really, fitted with tilt hoops and a canvas tilt. So fitting either a 2C1 "Budd" Welded Steel, 2H1 Bolted Wood-Steel Composite or 2J1 "Budd" Steel Bolted K.D. would turn it back into "factory spec" condition. Glad you persuaded the owner to leave the British AA body on though!

Interestingly, the CMP 15-cwt GS Type - Production Body Models list also lists a "2L1 Wood-Steel Platform" body type, fitted to a Ford 15A-20-MM-AA1. This must have been the Frost & Wood-built platform which was fitted to an F15A - which I believe is the sole 20-mm AA truck built in Canada (ref. 20 mm AA Guns). (Hmm, my F15A has a 2C1 body - maybe we should set up a swap! )

H.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by David_Hayward
Z 5194641 to 5195730 SM 2485
[1942] TRUCK 15 CWT. 4 X 2 AA (20 M.M.)

THESE ORIGINALLY HAD A VAN-6 BODY AND WAS ONE OF 2,000 C.15 AND F.15 TRUCKS CONVERTED BY DENNIS MOTORS LIMITED, GUILDFORD, SURREY TO 20-M.M. A.A. GUN PLATFORM WITH VAUXHALL MOTORS LIMITED MANUFACTURED GUN CARRIAGE-CUM-MOUNT.

This is the second known SM 2485 chassis, although my database may include a few more.

David, here's another Truck, 15-cwt, 4x2, AA, Mk II survivor. This F15 was featured in various issues of Wheels & Tracks.

I still remember being fascinated when I read the ad back in 1988, and I've always wondered ever since where this F15 ended up!

W&T 23, Wee-Tees For Sale:
"Very Rare 1943 Ford F15 20-mm AA platform truck (FVD page 227). Genuine 10.930 miles. 95% complete (alas no gun!). Easy restoration. ₤550 or exchange good quality Jeep parts, especially capstan winch. Tel. (daytime only) 01-253 0791 - Robin or 0732 70278 - Claudine.

W&T 25, p.4:
Another interesting CMP F15, now a 1943 C291WQ (s/n 110574) with AA platform body, was recovered from a garden in Surrey last year (and the subject of a Wee-Tee in issue 23). It still has the original British WD numbers [Z5196119] and was modified only in being fitted with flasher and plywood sides and tailboard. Paul Sutton of Kent submitted some photos and full details of the ID plates. Built January 18, 1943, it was shipped under Contract SM2485 as an F15412-M-VAN-6, the conversion to AA being done in Britain.

Top picture: W&T issue 25; bottom picture: W&T issue 28, "reg. ELP200J, taken at an event in Booker in 1978".

[Keith Orpin]

Hi Guys,
Having been somewhat quite for the last year or so, it's about time that I should let you all know about a certain C15 that I have been after for a few years, ( one of the reasons for letting the C30 go).
I have recently agreed to purchase the C15 AA shown earlier in this thread from the sons of the late owner. Attached is an image of her, taken recently, and on 23 rd. April, she is going to be moved to her new home, so watch this thread for more images.
Regards
Keith

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Excellent, Keith!!

Hope to see it in the metal sometime soon.

[Alex van de Wetering]

Congrats Keith! That's an excellent purchase. Yes, please show some more pics in due time.

Don't worry if you loose the beacon when moving the truck to the new home

Alex

[Pete Ashby]

Case of slowly slowly catchy money here 'Agent O' I think.
Well done I may be back towards the end of month I'll give you a ring nearer the time and book an inspection

Pete

[Keith Orpin]

Hi Pete
Due to recover her on 23rd of April, so drooling later this month will be fine !

Hanno , Alex, It was only because I wrote a letter to his bereaved wife in the hope that it had not been scrapped. This was followed on by a series of phone calls with one of his sons, culminating in them offering the Chevy to me in exchange for some cash.
So, pictures of her being recovered will follow shortly
Keith

[Wolfy]

Good to see you at the weekend Keith. Exciting purchase I remember the photos from years ago. I'm trying to dig out any further information I have.

Carleton

[Lynn Eades]

That trolley appears to have Carrier return rollers on it.

[sth65pac]

Nice Truck Keith,

I look forward to seeing you restore this one to its full glory,

Ian

[Keith Orpin]

Ian,
Not sure how to approach this one, as I may show her as she is, I'll wait till I have pressure washed her off, and oiled her up.
Lynn,
If anything looks remotely military, I'll bring it home with me.
Charlton,
Thanks, this will be an interesting project one way or the other.
So looking forward to tomorrow...............
Keith

[Bob Carriere]

You mean you are going to remove that wonderful natural growing green patina from the front tires and front bumper!!!!!

Cheers

[Keith Orpin]

Well, today, we recovered the C15 AA from it's resting place. A bit reluctant to move initially, but with a helping hand or hands to be more precise, she finally moved ( one of the best things invented, a starting handle !) . She is now in her new home, many thanks to those involved with this recovery and the workout turning her over in 1st and reverse gear, to extract her from her resting place. Many more pictures to follow..........
Keith

[lynx42]

Great pick up Keith, Glad it has gone to a good home. How's Dan these days?

regards Rick 'n' Jill.

[Keith Orpin]

Hi Everyone,
After a rather exhausting weekend, the Chevy is now safely tucked away in the garage. Manage to get the old girl running this afternoon, sounds really sweet, and moved her out under her own power a couple of times, brakes are dragging like hell !. What is exciting is there is a small data plate on the dash from Dennis Motors, with a body serial No on it.
Rick, Best regards to you and Jill. Dan is doing well , has a little job in a tearoom ( voluntary) and took most of the pictures yesterday, as we were moving the Chevy out using the starting handle and 1st and reverse.
Best regards
Keith

[Richard Farrant]

Hi Keith,
Well done on obtaining the Chev. I can see Mr S in one photo drooling over it

regards, Richard

[Keith Orpin]

Hi Richard,
Well spotted , Mr S was kind enough to help me bring her home, and I'm sure he will be around taking measurements for his F15 AA. Could be interesting in a few years time to see a C15 AA and an F15 AA together.
Keith

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Keith Orpin

Hi Richard,
Well spotted , Mr S was kind enough to help me bring her home, and I'm sure he will be around taking measurements for his F15 AA. Could be interesting in a few years time to see a C15 AA and an F15 AA together.
Keith

Hi Keith,
There will be some rivalry there, to see who finishes theirs first!

Good luck.
Richard

[Wolfy]

Good work Keith looks great.

[sth65pac]

Love it Keith,

I cant imagine all of its history. What a great find!

Cheers,

Ian

[Keith Orpin]

I mentioned earlier a small data plate on the dash, well attached is a picture of said plate with body number 29254 on it, and another shot of the dash, now fitted with the correct keyless ignition switch, (which I had hidden away and almost forgot where I had placed it) and dash jewel, both of which had been removed at sometime.
What I need to do now is try and contact Dennis Motors Ltd, to see if they have any archive material.
Back to the garage ....
Keith

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Keith Orpin

What I need to do now is try and contact Dennis Motors Ltd, to see if they have any archive material.
Back to the garage ....
Keith

Hi Keith,
You might find a better result by contacting the Surrey County Archives as they hold all of the Dennis works records. I had a build sheet for a friend's 1929 Dennis fire engine, and I know there are production drawings of components going back 100 years in the archives.

regards, Richard