[Big D]

Hi all,

The sandblasters have started on the M8 so I took the opportunity to check for serial numbers before they put any paint on it, to see if I could learn a bit more about the hull.

As I previously mentioned, the ordnance serial numbers ‘7373’ are in each lower corner of the front hull. These were nice and clear. I was hoping to locate the other number on the front armour plate in the centre below the front hatches. The metal on the hull here is quite rough and I could not make out a lot out with any certainty. I thought I could see a ‘6’ but then again it could have been a ‘C’. I took some pictures of this area but even blowing the photos up didn’t reveal anything. Whatever was there was very hard to see and nothing like as clear as the ordnance serial numbers on the lower front corners.

There are a range of other numbers on the hull in various places. There is a series of numbers on the top of the hull at the rear above where the radiator is. There are other numbers in the front armour which I figure are plate drawing numbers. All in all, not a lot more learnt!

I’ll send through some more photos once they’ve got some paint on the hull.

Along with cleaning up a few other parts, I’ve just about reassembled the generator. I had to fit a new electrical stud and make up a new insulating plate and insulating sleeves for the two studs. The repair appears to be okay. I’ve made up some new gaskets, replaced one of the bearings and have some new brushes coming, so hopefully not a bad repair cost overall, excluding all the hours I put in! Everything seems to check out so far but we’ll see what the auto electrician says. He’ll tell me how good (or bad) I am!

I’ve also had some other radio/interphone parts arrive. It seems a shame to open these boxes up.

That's it for today.....