VICKERS MK6B's resto

[colin jones]

There is one thing I can guarantee. It's going to be a lot heavier than the original. I have machined all the excess steel away, so the general thickness is now 13mm.

[colin jones]

I am quite happy with my progress to date. The more I do the more confident I am getting that the end result will be OK

[colin jones]

I thought I would show you how you can curve some plate quite easily by hand. I'm bending some 3mm plate 300mm long and it is just formed around a piece of offcut pipe.

[colin jones]

With this method of curving, you can put as much or as little bend as you need. You just can't bend smaller than the host former. I also bend bren carrier front mudguards on this.
Now my sump is bent, I just need to do some cut outs, press the bottom for the sump plug and just make it fit any way I can.

[jdmcm]

So let me get this straight Colin...you are actually building your own transmission case from scratch?...now you are just making the rest of us look silly...shame on you sir!

John

[colin jones]

Hi John, well lets say, I'm attempting to make it.

[Matt Stephenson]

Hi Colin,

Very, very impressive work there. Is there any particular reason to fabricate the new transmission case from steel rather than from an aluminium alloy as per the original? I know that aluminium alloy does cost a bit more than steel, but is there another reason? Structural strength and integrity or just using what's on hand?

All that said, I'm in awe of your work and the lenghts you are going to with your restoration. As has been mentioned previously, most wouldn't be so bold to tackle such a mammoth undertaking, with what most would consider to only be scrap.

Following your progress with great interest.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Colin,

I am amazed by your skills and determination to restore this rare tank. Hats off and !

Thanks for sharing all the pics & info here on MLU.

Regards,
Hanno