VICKERS MK6B's resto

[colin jones]

Here's a bit better picture of Platypus dash.

[Dave lean]

Col, I have a NOS CAV ammeter but its 24 not 12, I'll drop it off next time i'm out there, prob Sat am...

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by colin jones

Here's a bit better picture of Platypus dash.

Colin,
The water temp gauge is missing in the photo because there was a leak in the capillary tube and it had gone back to the instrument shop. The starter button at top left, switch was a common Lucas item, still available in 1970's, heavy duty type, we made the flap cover and flange which was mounted on face of panel and switch faced up on back side. Three toggle switches, first one is on/off/on for the red or blue tail lamps, second one is for the front side lamps, off/on, then the third is the magneto switch, off/on.

At the bottom on the left is a small square item with two screws securing it to the panel, and a large hole in the centre. This is the horn button, replicated it from a photo, I used a normal small Lucas push button switch and made the cover, inserted a brake cylinder cup seal of suitable size, worked fine and look right. the large brass switch was rather elaborate as it was for dimming the front side lamps, there are no headlamps on these.
More to come later on ......

cheers Richard

[Richard Farrant]

Hi Colin,
I have found the remains of two of the original festoon lamps from Platypus. Basically the brass bases and end pivots, one base is in straight order, the other one was damaged, but with your skills you would probably make a set by lunch time. Attached is a poor photo from my phone, are you are interested in them ?
regards, Richard

[colin jones]

Dave, Excellent and see you sat. Richard, are you saying you actually have those parts and if so I most definitely want them.
I sent another email the Borden museum asking (begging) that I would pay them to unweld the hatch and take photo's for me and I got an answer back this morning. They were able to shine a torch in side and said that there were no instruments left at all so there is nothing that can help me. Very disappointing.

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by colin jones

Dave, Excellent and see you sat. Richard, are you saying you actually have those parts and if so I most definitely want them.
I sent another email the Borden museum asking (begging) that I would pay them to unweld the hatch and take photo's for me and I got an answer back this morning. They were able to shine a torch in side and said that there were no instruments left at all so there is nothing that can help me. Very disappointing.

Hi Colin,
They are my contribution to your project, they have been on the shelf here for about 12 years. the rotary part of the lamp is not there, this was all I had to go on to identify it, it has 'Lucas Birmingham' marked on it. There were 4 all together, one on dashboard, another to the side of the driver, near right shoulder, I think, and two in the turret. I located some reconditioned ones, a wonderful job by someone.
I have also found the template drawing of the dashboard panel, will have to redraw it first though.

regards, Richard

[Richard Farrant]

Colin,
Something else, on the dashboard in the centre is a socket for a 2-pin plug to use an inspection lamp, these 2-pin plugs and sockets were a common household item in my younger days, for table lamps, etc. Finding plugs and sockets was not so easy, but I did find one at home then some popped up on Ebay. I recall there is another socket on hull offside under the armour above engine bay, there was another in the turret which fed the spotlight, so the crew could unplug and use a inspection lamp if needed. The spotlamp is a commonly used Simms and they still appear at swapmeets and dealers at times. also fitted to Matilda.
Here is a picture of the 2-pin plug, socket is identical shape:

http://www.plugsocketmuseum.nl/GB/BS372_5A-2p_plugs.jpg

[colin jones]

Nice brand new rubber and they did an excellent job.