VICKERS MK6B's resto

[Lynn Eades]

Just to make sure you aware Terry, that some carriers are more rare than these Mk.VI B, Vickers tanks.

Great work Colin.

[colin jones]

Dave, I don't think they gave a rats bum what happened to these machines after they sold them and having them buried in a dump for years only adds to their charm. No problems for the plasma cutter as I just got a new box of plasma's in.

David, there is actually 4 inlets but what they "ALL" exactly do, I'm not sure yet but no doubt I will find out when that part becomes a priority on the long, long, very long list of things to do.

Terry, those guys way back then probably did their work twice as fast as they certainly were tradesmen with eyes for great detail.

James the only miracles I have is my wife who never complains how long I spend in the shed and that is a lot as I don't think too many wives would put up with it 7 days a week.

Lynn, thanks for the compliment and we're looking forward to the cruise to NZ at Xmas time.

[colin jones]

Another rather eventful day. I happen to have a large quantity of half round head rivets but with some small modified press bits and lots of hydraulic power
I can change the head to any shape I want. the top of the intake covers have thin flat tops and the sides are thin mushroom style. As you can see I just put the rivet in a shank sized hole die, set my pressing depth and press away. I could probably do 2-300 per hour if need be. Then I cut them to the required length.

[colin jones]

I am trying to replicate all the little parts that may or may not be seen but I still think they're worth doing.

[colin jones]

Light at the end of the tunnel for the engine covers now. They are starting to look like 1936 Vickers light tanks. I think I should put their names on them.

[George Moore]

Originally Posted by colin jones

Light at the end of the tunnel for the engine covers now. They are starting to look like 1936 Vickers light tanks. I think I should put their names on them.

One HAS to be called COLIN surely!
Absolutely fantastic, such attention to detail and the craftsmanship required to replicate it all. Totally amazed.
Re machine tools, I did a trade apprenticeship, making our own tools. Sadly a lot of these skills are lacking, but there are some trades (in the UK) still being taught. During my apprenticeship I did some work with a Cincinnati lathe which still had a cast "courtesy of the USA lend lease" on the side.

[Ryan]

Colin, you do realise that now with our car industry in the toilet the government is going to look towards you and your tank/carrier production lines to meet the nations demands for vehicles at the next war!