Some time ago there was a thread on fuel bowsers and a photograph of some ex-RAF bowsers in a field , I would be very interested in buying one of these , can anybody remember who started the thread or give me the location of the bowsers so I can make some enquiries mself . I have a couple of old Fergies and a bowser would certainly make something different to take to shows.(sad , I know – but I can’t afford an aircraft so these will have to do at present) .I would also like some help in looking for any photo’s of the Morris Minor Travellers which the RAF driving school at St Athan used , any info at all on these would be very much appreciated.
By: ageorge - 13th May 2003 at 19:25
Thanks Ken , Much appreciated.
By: dhfan - 13th May 2003 at 17:35
Alastair
RAF Ground Support Equipment since 1918
F J Adkin
Airlife 1996
ISBN 1085310 562 7
You were right about the DB tractor. It’s a Taskmaster, developed from the Cropmaster.
It’s easy to be a smartarse when you’ve got a book in front of you!
Ken
By: Peter - 13th May 2003 at 16:56
price??
How much are these? If it true that they were oilers for a lancaster does anyone have a pic to back this up as one of these would compliment our lancaster aircraft display
By: ageorge - 13th May 2003 at 15:29
Originally posted by dhfan
If it does that you’re not holding the handle correctly. It’s suggested you have thumb and fingers on the same side to prevent physical damage.
Don’t do as I do, do as I say. 🙂
Haven’t used a starting handle in years but fairly confident I would remember the advice just after breaking my thumb.I have a book entitled “RAF Ground Equipment since ???” or similar. Written by ex-RAF ground crew chap, ? ? Atkins. Not the most riveting read ever, but it was cheap. Try to read more than a few pages at a time and it’s a superb cure for insomnia.
Any questions re ground equipment the answers may be in there.
Hi DHFan , yip I found out the hard way that you keep all 4 fingers and thumb on one side of the handle , like hooking it rather than gripping it , that way when it kicks back the handle flies back and hits your knuckles if your not fast enough !! , I have asked my Llibrary to try and find a copy of “RAF Ground Equipment ” – sound good to me !!!
By: dhfan - 13th May 2003 at 00:35
Originally posted by ageorge
I have a 600cc side valve JAP engine from a Howard Gem Rotovator that I rebuilt recently ??? , I wonder if its the same type of engine ?? ( a real bugger to start , if it kicks back on you the starting handle breaks your thumb )
If it does that you’re not holding the handle correctly. It’s suggested you have thumb and fingers on the same side to prevent physical damage.
Don’t do as I do, do as I say. 🙂
Haven’t used a starting handle in years but fairly confident I would remember the advice just after breaking my thumb.
I have a book entitled “RAF Ground Equipment since ???” or similar. Written by ex-RAF ground crew chap, ? ? Atkins. Not the most riveting read ever, but it was cheap. Try to read more than a few pages at a time and it’s a superb cure for insomnia.
Any questions re ground equipment the answers may be in there.
By: ageorge - 12th May 2003 at 21:47
Originally posted by David Burke
Alistair – I believe they were powered by a JAP engine from what a friend said and they were quite common with agricultural contractors in the1950’s and 60’s.
I have a 600cc side valve JAP engine from a Howard Gem Rotovator that I rebuilt recently ??? , I wonder if its the same type of engine ?? ( a real bugger to start , if it kicks back on you the starting handle breaks your thumb )
By: ageorge - 12th May 2003 at 21:44
Kev , that is bloody superb !! , it’s basically an industrialized DB Cropmaster , Geedee managed to fish out a photo of one from a brochure for me , don’t go putting yourself out for me but next time your there could you try and get some more shots of it for me , many thanks !!
By: kev35 - 12th May 2003 at 20:42
OK Alastair, there you go.
If you want any more let me know as i can go back anytime. I only live 20 minutes away.
kev35
By: David Burke - 12th May 2003 at 20:38
Alistair – I believe they were powered by a JAP engine from what a friend said and they were quite common with agricultural contractors in the1950’s and 60’s.
By: ageorge - 12th May 2003 at 20:32
Originally posted by kev35
Alastair.Went to Cosford today. Unfortunately the Morris Traveller is in an Army green scheme. It was refurbished and donated by the REME at Donnington. I did take a couple of photos. Also, a David Brown tractor and Crossley fire tender. Let me jnow if you want the photos.
Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.
Kev35
Kev , I would be very interested in seeing the DB Tractor , I collect Grey Fergies but I may have a wee DB Cropmaster project in the offing ??? , thanks .
By: kev35 - 12th May 2003 at 20:27
Alastair.
Went to Cosford today. Unfortunately the Morris Traveller is in an Army green scheme. It was refurbished and donated by the REME at Donnington. I did take a couple of photos. Also, a David Brown tractor and Crossley fire tender. Let me jnow if you want the photos.
Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.
Kev35
By: ageorge - 12th May 2003 at 09:25
Originally posted by David Burke
It was my thread which I started before christmas. I beleive now that the bowsers are called ‘Brockhouse’ refuellers and were used during the war as oilers for Lancasters and postwar for smaller aircraft refuelling. I am due to visit the company with them very shortly so I will ask for a price.
David , that would be excellent , even if they are not for sale is there any way that you could me permission to photograph them ?? , that way I at least I would have some photos ‘ so I know what I’m looking for in the future and I an ask Uncle Keith to date them for me . your help is very much appreciated , if you could get a photo of the small engine which powers the bowser the would that would be superb .
Many Thanks
By: ageorge - 12th May 2003 at 09:16
Originally posted by kev35
Alastair.I’m not sure but I think there might be a Morris Minor Traveller at Cosford? Is that the estate/station wagon model? If I’m right it’s in the same hangar as the Hastings and the Dakota. I might go during the week. if so i’ll have a look for you and try and take a couple of photos.
Regards,
kev35
Thanks Kev that would be a great help and much appreciated , if you do manage to get some shots could you post them to my works Email address
[email]ageorge@haemonetics.com[/email]
This is just so I can print them off on our office colour printer, thanks in advance Kev .
By: David Burke - 11th May 2003 at 21:43
It was my thread which I started before christmas. I beleive now that the bowsers are called ‘Brockhouse’ refuellers and were used during the war as oilers for Lancasters and postwar for smaller aircraft refuelling. I am due to visit the company with them very shortly so I will ask for a price.
By: kev35 - 11th May 2003 at 21:18
Alastair.
I’m not sure but I think there might be a Morris Minor Traveller at Cosford? Is that the estate/station wagon model? If I’m right it’s in the same hangar as the Hastings and the Dakota. I might go during the week. if so i’ll have a look for you and try and take a couple of photos.
Regards,
kev35
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May 11, 2003 at 9:12 pm