Bedford QL 6pdr portee

[Jonathan Moore]

A couple of years ago I bought this rather sad looking Bedford QL and believe me, sad would be an understatement. At first I couldn't establish what version of QL it had started life as but after a session with the cutting torch and 9" grinder, I at last found the chassis number. It was manufactured in 1944 as a QLD and has since been used, abused and comprehensively destroyed. What to do with it was the question, really it was only any good for spares but the fact that it was road registered gave it some brownie points. After a long hard think, actually not long or hard, I have decided to recreate a 1941 QL 6pdr portee. I am not likely to start in the next 18 months, so I am looking for information, plans pictures, dimensions or even the whereabouts of "Mary". I have already bought a lot of the required replacement automotive components and if in doubt, an Airfix 1:35 scale model but actually dimensions would be very welcome for either the QL or the 6pdr. I did try contacting the Royal Artillery museum in Woolwich, London before it closed but they had already closed their library.

Any information would be good, I always live in hope.

Jonathan

[Rob Abbott]

Hi Johnathan
I have a complete 6 Pounder which you are welcome to come and have a look at/take measurements/photos/etc.
I'm just outside Swindon down the M4 so not too far away from you hopefully.
If it would help just let me know.
Good luck with the conversion
Rob

[Niels V]

The Shopland collection also has Portee in their collection, albeit on an Austin K5

[Jonathan Moore]

Rob,

That would be a fantastic opportunity thanks. I am making plans to come down that way in the near future so I will let you know when and I hope that can meet.

I am aware of the Shopland's collection portee and I am going to see if I can gain access to get some detailed pictures but thanks for the reminder.

Jon

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Have you seen the thread Bedford QL ex-portees?

HTH,
Hanno

[Jonathan Moore]

No Hanno, I hadn't seen that thread, I see that Mary is pictured in it, I don't know if it actually this Mary but this one appears to have unfortunately disappeared. I would really have liked to find her and get some measurements of the cab alterations.

Thanks for bringing the thread to my attention.

Regards,

Jon