VICKERS MK6B's resto

[colin jones]

Just completed fitting the other final drive. After putting it on I found it was too tight for some reason, so I removed it and disassembled tha one as well. I am glad I did as I found I never machined the bearing cup quite deep enough so back on the lathe it went and 3.2mm came out. I also countersunk the bolts that hold the planetary gear hub as a precautionary measure.

[colin jones]

They are now both up to speed and ready for the tracks. I will probably wait and have them running to test the drive train and steering brakes. That light is getting quite bright at the tunnels end now.🤗

[David Herbert]

It's a tax man with a torch !

Great work though and it is so good that these very rare tanks found the right guy to rescue them.

David

[colin jones]

David, one would hope it's not the tax man with a torch but hopefully his batteries will go flat. Thanks for your comments.😊

[colin jones]

I have made and fitted an engine mount to suit the GMH Red motor that I will install and also made a mounting bracket for the twin hydraulic spool valve that will ultimately be connected to and controlled by the original tillers via rods and clevis's. By the time I install the engine, hyd pump, oil tank, radiator and any other part, it will still be quite busy in there. Still quite a bit of thought to go into it yet.

[colin jones]

I have been busy making the valve control set up via linkage, making sure it won't interfere with the engine or hyd pump.

[colin jones]

I could have shortened those cross rods to make it easier but as those rods, brackets, clevis's and the tillers are original from the tank and made in the 30s,I wanted to keep as much of the original parts as I could. A bit of return linkage was no big deal and it certainly operates great. Looking forward to driving this little beast. Hopefully not to far away. The engine and pump is next on the agenda.