Ford 10
A set of new brake shoes, actuator bearings, shafts and rods have been fitted. The system was fully tested and found to be much improved, although some fine balancing between the handbrake and foot-pedal was required. The left-hand trafficator was found to be sticking, an old, recurring problem. It appears the chassis flexes slightly with a number of people on board causing the arm to catch on the door frame. Some adjustments were required to reposition the mechanism. She passed her MoT test in October, remarkably her first ever since manufacture nearly 80 years ago. Some internal trim is missing so replacing that will be a job for the winter.
Alvis front-wheel-drive The rebuilt engine was returned to us during October and will be fitted in the coming months.
Electric Tug All the repainting is finished and the Museum decals have been applied.
Mercury MD 40 Unfortunately, during operation around the site, it was noticed that fuel was dripping from the tank and it was feared that the original repair had failed. Work to make good the repair started in November. Further engine work improved the ‘smoke’ problem. We have also taken the opportunity to adjust the brakes (again), a continuing process it seems, although the change has improved braking performance.
BMC bowser With the original repainting being completed some three or four years ago the bodywork was beginning to suffer considerable fading, so it was
The giant Romanian lathe in need of work in April...
decided to give her a refresh and work began in early October. The cab was given a key with a rough pad and any areas of rust treated. Unfortu- nately the condition of the roof, particularly around the gutters, was pretty bad. It was there- fore necessary to rub back to solid metal before it was treated, filled, prepared and given a first undercoat. The main body of the cab is now resplendent in its original mid-blue and the roof was due to be finished in bright yellow before the end of November.
Aircraft Factory equipment The BAC Romanian lathe has received a number of coats of primer, each being rubbed down before the next was applied. A test area was painted but the finish was too glossy so a more matt version of the colour will be used, to match its factory condition. The second of two large hanging factory clocks has been returned to storage having been cleaned. That was followed by a number of smaller office clocks, some bearing the Vickers-Armstrongs name, together with a further selection of metal, wooden and cardboard factory signs. We have also been working on a three-tiered
trolley intended for the canteen display in the new Hangar, something that brought back strong memories to ex-factory workers. If you recall the tea lady, her trolley and its contents please let us know. Cleaning and painting of the trolley was completed in November. Further items to come our way were four wooden clocking-in card holders. These have been lightly cleaned, treated with a light stain to remove any scratches and waxed to protect them.
Debbie Crawt
...making progress – primer applied, volunteer John Phillips working on the machine (Nigel Brecknell).
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