Bedford QL Tipper Update - Jan 2016
An update on what we've been doing with the tipper...
CAB
The binnacles have been cleaned up.
The inside of the cab is being painted white (typical of classic commercial vehicles)
ENGINE
New carb ready for fitting
New ignition leads and distributor cap
BRAKES
Stopping is more important than starting, and to that end we have fitted new/refurbished master and slave cylinders. The drum covers have been cleaned up and painted.
Below: The front brakes during reassembly
BODYWORK
Getting the dents out the old fashioned way... with a hammer!
Inside of the nose cone into zinc primer, then gloss black for waterproofing.
New Artillery Piece - 25 Pounder 'F Sub'
As always, we've been busy behind the scenes over the winter months. One of the biggest events has been the acquisition of a new artillery piece, 'F Sub'. This gun was formerly at Tilbury, the Collection acquired this from our friends at The Garrison, Larkhill in 2015. It is our intention to restore it to working condition in order for ourselves and The Garrison to do firing demonstrations.
The Garrison were kind enough to give us some practice on a couple of their working guns over a weekend in November. We learned a lot in a very short space of time! Practice makes perfect and we plan to do lots more practice on 'F Sub'.
The Dig For Victory Show on Instagram
Don't forget to follow the Dig For Victory Show on Instagram. In addition to pics from the show, we are also posting photos from our various vehicle projects. Here's a taste...
Restoration Update - September 2015
The radio silence in the months since the Dig For Victory Show 2015 doesn't mean we've been idle!
We took the Beach Master jeep on a trip to The War and Peace Revival in Kent. The largest gathering of classic military vehicles in Europe is always a great event and this year was no exception. We bumped into a couple of fellow naval jeeps there!
We also like to support local shows, and took the Matador Timber Tractor and the Anderson Shelter down to the Walton in Gordano village fete, which this year had a 1940s theme. They are pictured here with Dave and Lindsay's Morris.
The Little Lady - Jeep
The main focus of our attentions has been the 'Little Lady'. We had a very fixed and very important deadline to get this vehicle on the road.
Many gallons of midnight oil were burned in trying to get it finished on time, and a week before it needed to be dispatched on its most important mission yet, she turned over and fired up for the first time since the fateful motorway collision years ago.
There's still a couple of bits and pieces to iron out, but overall it's a super vehicle to drive, and smart to boot!
    
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We were recently asked to supply two vehicles for filming of the upcoming BBC drama 'Close to the Enemy'. The Jeep and Bedford OY stepped up to the challenge. Keep an eye out for it on your TV screens in 2016.
 
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Restoration Update -April 2015
Lots of progress on multiple fronts here at the Shopland Collection workshops, Wednesday was no exception. Here's a round up...
The Bedford QL Tipper has had the brake master and slave cylinders removed for refurbishment, and a lick of paint on the wheels. The cab frontage has had the rust removed, and the damaged windows removed for repair. A coat of zinc primer has been applied.
  
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A spare Bedford TK cab that has been sat in the yard for many years is finally being broken up for spare parts. The decision was made to retain the cab front, and salvage any undamaged items from the rear. This necessitated cutting the cab in half (Rust had already taken hold of the underside).
    
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On the subject of cabs, this RL cab was moved from out in the yard to a perfectly-sized shelf inside. This meant the opportunity to get the TL out in the sunshine. The TL is currently being restored to serve in the operating fleet once again.
Also basking in the sun outside was the Mini Moke, and the recently-resprayed Austin Gipsy fire pump.
      
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Also finding a place indoors was one of the Crossley tractor units. This was assisted by the Bonser forklift. Taking it out of the elements will help stop the deterioration.
  
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