VICKERS MK6B's resto

[Lynn Eades]

In keeping with what Chris says, the Bovington tank has the folding aerial mount that takes the same base / insulator etc. as the early U.C., with D set aerial. At least it did, in mid 2014.
If that aerial set up only went with the 11 set radio, then that must have been what was fitted originally or at some point. As I recall the mount has been fitted with a later base.

[Mike Cecil]

The No9 (and 109?) uses the D set aerial, I think, but wiser wireless-souls than I can verify that.

Mike

[Lynn Eades]

Yes Mike, It's a whole nuther thing, involving Warlocks and sulphur.

[RichardT10829]

Colin.

This may seem extreme..... but..... I will suggest it and run away...

can you not build up the corroded sections sufficiently to make a pattern to re cast a replacement ? I have no doubt this would be a very long process, but big hurdles have never stopped you in the past ?

looking at the corrosion product, it wreaks of dissimilar metal corrosion. I feel for you matey.

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by RichardT10829

can you not build up the corroded sections sufficiently to make a pattern to re cast a replacement ? I have no doubt this would be a very long process, but big hurdles have never stopped you in the past ?

looking at the corrosion product, it wreaks of dissimilar metal corrosion. I feel for you matey.

Richard,
As I mentioned to Colin recently, I believe the sump and its adaptor were made of a magnesium alloy called Elektron, which was very much in its infancy when this Vickers was built. It had a tendency to corrode in the early days, but later developments made it much more resistant to corrosion, just look at all the grey Ferguson TE20 tractors from the late 40's/early 50's that are still around, the gearbox casing was made of the same type of metal. It is very tricky to weld and need to be careful as it will burn. The fabricator that restored the hull of another of the Aussie Vickers MkVIa tanks brought back to England, had to build up the mantlet where it had crumbled away, it was a painstaking job, I think he was using TIG as I recall.
I don't think it was a case of dissimilar metals, but just an alloy susceptible to corrosion or breakdown.

[Snowy]

There was a restoration of a 100 year old Delage car engine where the block was scanned and a 3D master printed then cast (done right here in Oz, as well!):
http://www.enginelabs.com/news/video...otive-history/
I wonder if they could give you any advice.

[David Herbert]

Very interesting link Snowy. I didn't realise that you can 3D print a sand mould direct. Beautiful result but must have been expensive as all that high tech gear must be paid for by the work it produces.

David