VICKERS MK6B's resto

[Lynn Eades]

So Colin, are they or are they not basket cases? (Sorry, I couldn't help my self )
Btw, have you thought of this? Without a doubt you have to be the most knowledgeable living person in the world on this model of tank. Not a farmer, but outstanding in your field. Well done Colin!

[Mike Gurr]

Colin,
I don't post much on here, usually on the Carrier forum but I do log on every evening hoping for another update on your project. Your work is excellent, I and I imagine many others very much appreciate your efforts in sharing your odyssey with us. Please keep it up and looking forward to seeing the running result.

[colin jones]

Well thankyou Lynn and Mike 😊 I certainly appreciate your comments. No Lynn they are far from it and just as well. I just can't imagine how the hell I would get all this information without these (not) 😁 basket cases and I'm so happy that there will still be some nice original parts back in these little tanks. I think it was mentioned before! How much or the original needs to bee there before its a replica.🤔 Hard one to answer.
Back to business😎 Making really good progress on these baskets as I have made the two floors and did a test fit and it's extremely tight and kept the original shape from 1936.

[colin jones]

I formed the 2mm ally over some marine ply I cut to the right diameter and used my air hammer to hug the perimeter. This is a very good way of getting the right shape and also great if you have to do more than one possibly two
There are a series of cradle type boxes that I am doing too. I reckon about a week and I'll have them both back up to speed.

[colin jones]

There is a aluminium angle frame that is riveted to the floor and is in need of repair. It is made from 32x32x5mm angle and I do not believe that they don't make that size here in Aus any more. The nearest I can get is 40x40x6 🤨 I guess I will have to use it and machine it down to the size I want. At least it's aluminium and I can accept 6mm thick

[clarkray]

Hi Colin,I have just retired after sixty years in the machining and fabricating business(36 years on my own).I also have rebuilt dodges, ford t16 carrier and even built a tank on a carrier frame.I believe myself to be pretty decent worker.But you have put me to shame!I can only wish to be half as good as yourself!Congratulations!

[Lynn Eades]

Colin, I had the same trouble with steel angle here and had the edges water / lazer cut to size. (water is better because I didn't have to straighten it) I don't know what people do in other parts of the world, Riveted carriers have approx. 7mm side armour. Here I can only buy 6mm or 8mm plate. Maybe in Australia and other larger countries you have more choice? Everything is a compromise, but the small variations you have to make will be of little consequence. Mechanically minded people, like us, will be in awe of what you have done.

[colin jones]

Clarkray, Thank you🙂 but I'm sure my work puts no one to shame. I would most certainly think that most restorers here could do the same if not considerably better when the different challenges arise. I have had many on this project mainly because the Vickers are just so rare and they deserve to be preserved. There's not many examples out there to compare against
Thank you also Lynn.🙂 As far as the angle is concerned, it too is just another time consuming necessary thing to do. It is not my job to redesign although I could make some things easier but I do enjoy replicating 80+ year old designs.
I had a goal today of completing the basket inserts I started last night.