VICKERS MK6B's resto

[BradB]

Ref the number 69 that's been punched into the parts.

Have a look at the "Matilda Diaries, Part 7" at the 2:00-2:01 mark. You'll see that the same style of punches to ID parts seems to still be in use today.

Fascinating!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77RfsFYaj4k

[Alex van de Wetering]

Have a look at the "Matilda Diaries

Brad, thanks for posting that link....great to follow the restoration of the Matilda!

The lettering on the steel beams you see in the video is a modern day equivalant of the punched numbers and is either done by laser printing, or by inkjet printing like in this case. It's not so much intended to mark certain parts, but more aimed to easily identify the type and measurement of the profiles, as well as the makers name. You also see bar codes these days containing info on material properties etc.

Alex

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Alex van de Wetering

Brad, thanks for posting that link....great to follow the restoration of the Matilda!

The lettering on the steel beams you see in the video is a modern day equivalant of the punched numbers and is either done by laser printing, or by inkjet printing like in this case. It's not so much intended to mark certain parts, but more aimed to easily identify the type and measurement of the profiles, as well as the makers name. You also see bar codes these days containing info on material properties etc.

Alex

The modern word is 'traceability' so that any issues, the batch can be identified. With structural steel work now, this is required.

[colin jones]

Hello all, I haven't posted for a while as I've ben away and quite busy, I have spent some time on the trans and I was at first quite concerned wether I could save it or not as all the bottom of the box is simply gone.
I am however, very fortunate that the oxidization has been localized to the bottom only. My first impression was that it was not salvageable but I am more confident that I can either repair the original box or I will attempt to fabricate a new one from steel. The gears are not damaged at all and even the bearings age in remarkable condition. It will be a slowish process but I feel very confident that I can make one. I would use the original top as it is still good.

[colin jones]

I got quite exited today as I have been tapping, spraying, tapping, spraying this part for about a month now and I must admit I never thought it would move but today it did. It was so solid with years of gunk and rust but consistency has paid off as I only have one of these and I need two. I am a very happy vegemite. The engine will be someone else's challenge.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by BradB

Ref the number 69 that's been punched into the parts.

Have a look at the "Matilda Diaries, Part 7" at the 2:00-2:01 mark. You'll see that the same style of punches to ID parts seems to still be in use today.

Fascinating!

Sometimes good ideas last for a long time. Case in point, the serial number for Cadillac Gage 4x4 armoured cars is stamped on the outside face of the front left lifting eye. That was where the books told me to go look when the Cold War Collection's 1969-build V100 arrived. In spring 2016 I looked in the same place on the Canadian Army's freshly delivered TAPV. The serial number is there too.