VICKERS MK6B's resto

[Tim Bell]

Originally Posted by Dave lean

Many thanks to Tim Bell (MLU)who has given me a quality lead on information regarding the elusive Vickers . 5 in MG details. With any luck we should be able to replicate the exterior features of this particular MG and in so doing keep the high level of authenticity that Colin is striving for.

If Richard Fisher doesn't have the answers you need for the Vickers 50 cal - then am not sure who will.

Tim

[Phillip]

David,

There is a set of line drawings for the 0.50 in the Vickers Technical Handbook as pictured.

Not Blueprints but you can scale from these. PM sent as I can send you either a hard or soft copy if you would like.

Regards

Phillip

[Phillip]

Oops forgot the important bit.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

I cannot wait to see the results of this gun search/recreation. It will be epic.

[charlie fitton]

Originally Posted by Bruce Parker

I cannot wait to see the results of this gun search/recreation. It will be epic.

Did you mean "recreation" or "re-creation"?

No matter - either way it will still be fun...

[colin jones]

The guns certainly are going to be an interesting project and a thread on their own.
The last couple of days have been at a machine turning and milling the gear retaining block. It is a 2" thick piece of steel and very solid. I will do the shaft holes after I get my new gears.

[colin jones]

I used my geared drill to turn my rotating table a few thousand times.

[colin jones]

I have now completed the other final drives apart from the gears that will be done by some one else.
I need a seal so I used a fan belt which works great.

[colin jones]

The last part is a split section. I made it in one piece, cut it in halves, then mounted it to an original drive part and then re machined it in the lathe to re centre it.

[colin jones]

After I get my new parts back I will be able to fit them to the tank and put the tracks on. I still have plenty to do though.

[colin jones]

Been a little while between drinks but I have done quite a bit inside the tank as in the linkage and also the drive train. Fortunately I have some very good diagrams. I also got the first of my gear gutting parts back.

[colin jones]

I had to complete the rest of the turning clutch drum. The chap that cut it for me left excess so I can do my welding and then machine it down to size.

[colin jones]

He did a great job as the clutches fit in really nice. I have changed the design a bit to suit myself but it will still be OK.

[colin jones]

I will drill the holes after I get the shaft back.

[colin jones]

I have assembled the steering clutches but not the fine adjustment yet. I guess that will be done after installation as I don't have details of that part so a bit of trial and error to come. I have just temporarily put the newly made clutch cover on for a bit of a test fit and it is excellent.

[David Herbert]

Collin, that looks great !

I think your redesign of the clutch drum is very sensible. It will be much stronger than the original which was obviously too fragile judging by the brazed repair where the centre had been ripped out of it. That reduced the cooling venilation area to less than yours and it evidently worked so I think you probably have a better cooling / strength compromise than the original, plus it was easier to make.

I can't wait for the next installment...

David

[George Moore]

Colin,
There was some discussion a while back about the cartridge tray, and going through my collection of photographs I have noticed an anomaly.
This might have been suggested before, but I am confident that the photographs I have show only one handle fitted to the tray, it being on the "drivers" side. There does not appear to be a handle of any description on the other side. On closer inspection, there is what appears to be a plate, slightly less than the full width and approximately 1/2 the depth, measured from the front edge to the rear edge.
it appears that this plate could slide out, and the bottom of the tray has a rectangular slot, slightly smaller than the plate. Spent cartridges would then fall from the tray, to be collected, possibly done after an action.
It looks as if the handle is locked into position, so as to retain the "sliding" plate.
Hope this makes sense.

George.

[colin jones]

Hi David, I am more than confident the change I have made is considerably stronger than the original and the easiest way I could reproduce it. They did a great job of the old repair as it was probably done during its military days and still very strong.

George, that part was sorted out quite well back on page 27 and it all made very good sense why it was designed the way is was and thanks for your input.
Colin.

[George Moore]

Kinda lost the thread there.
Sorry mate

[colin jones]

All good George

[RichardT10829]

As always, totally in awe of your skills Colin.

would love to own one of these things.... its in the pipeline ! just need the lottery win first.

[colin jones]

Thanks Richard, I'll put one aside for you
I'm still working on the engine and transmission but took a break from that and made the heat shields, mufflers and brackets. They are quite a big muffler for a small tank.

[colin jones]

I made a really crude press die and formed the ends as per the drawing I have and some baffles for the inside. Rolled the tube to suit the ends and welded it all together. Also the clamping brackets as well.

[colin jones]

All bolted on and it's a good fit. Hopefully the engine will be fitted in the next couple of weeks.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by colin jones

I made a really crude press die and formed the ends as per the drawing I have and some baffles for the inside. Rolled the tube to suit the ends and welded it all together. Also the clamping brackets as well.

What you call crude, most of us build up ourselves and call impressive.

[Ian Fawbert]

Hi Colin,

I am not sure if these are like your tank, or have been posted before, but i saw vickers and thought of you.

https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/r.../PRG+691/12/22
'Vickers light tanks in Syria [PRG 691/12/22] • Photograph'
'View of a Vickers (5 ton) light tank on a trailer behind a truck.'


Cheers,
Ian.

[lynx42]

Hi Colin,

Found this photo on Facebook and am not sure where it originated from. One Robert Hunt uploaded it and thinks it is Cowra NSW in 1940.



The front one has no. 277 on the front but I cannot read the second one. The car on the right is a 1939 Chev sedan.

Regards Rick.

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by lynx42

Hi Colin,

Found this photo on Facebook and am not sure where it originated from. One Robert Hunt uploaded it and thinks it is Cowra NSW in 1940.

Attachment 102624

The front one has no. 277 on the front but I cannot read the second one. The car on the right is a 1939 Chev sedan.

Regards Rick.

Hi Rick,
277 would have been named Kingfisher. Not one of those known to have survived. Good photo.

regards,
Richard

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by lynx42

Hi Colin,

Found this photo on Facebook and am not sure where it originated from. One Robert Hunt uploaded it and thinks it is Cowra NSW in 1940.

Regards Rick.

There is a series of these pics held at the AWM, so perhaps it is a still from movie footage.

Curiously, other pics also show 277 as the leading vehicle from a similar perspective, but at different points along Kendall St, perhaps they used a HD camera on a Drone?

The AWM pics are captioned:

"Description
Cowra, NSW. 11 September 1940. Bren Gun Carriers of the 2/1st Australian Medium Regiment moving down the main street of Cowra during a parade. The street is lined with cars and people, some of whom are standing on the backs of trucks in order to get a better view. (Donor K. Warner)"

[colin jones]

Thankyou for the photos. It's amazing what is around if you know where to look.

Back to the Vickers now as I have just got my blank gears back. I had to drill and tap the main ring gear and made a tool to fit my mill that allows me to tap the holes straight and true. After I have completed the gears, ring gear and the drive shaft I have to send them all in to be hardened. It certainly has been quite a unique part of this project but a very important one.