So, I bought a FFT

[kman]

Ah, that explains it. But what about all the holes that would have been in the guards for the larkspur ATUs? Are they still there, been filled in, or have the guards been replaced. Interesting little puzzle given that the vehicle is unmodified.

When I got my FFT the tub had been changed for a GS and it had pioneer tool brackets in both locations. I can't recall now if it had the ATU holes.

Howard

[FFRMAN]

The ETW 015 number plate has got me baffled, I have found that there are not many photos around of the FFTs when they were in service, especially of the radio fit out.

Hi Mike,

One time when I dropped in to visit Ian he talked to me about that number plate and told me what it meant, but I can't recall, maybe speak to Noel and ask him to ask Ian or see if you can visit Ian.

I may have some photos of the FFT from a few years ago, I'll try and find them

cheers

[2short]

Things are well Mike.
I've stolen the etw015 photo and posted it onto a group that has many ex service members present. They may help.

Cool landy btw.

[AGAS 5]

ETW 015:

• Is it a copy of a Vic number plate by previous owner ?

If from Army service, it could be something like:

• Electronic Trades Wing (School of Sigs) (vehicle) 015.
• Engineer Training Wing (School of Mil Engr) (vehicle) 015.

anyways, something to ponder .....

Nice pick up btw

Pete

[mike_k]

Howard, the vehicle has a set of Larkspur FFT wings, both sides are of this type.



They are drilled for the cable as well, back towards the bulkhead.


Its very hard to tell if the wings are original, but I suspect that they are. The tool holders were put on later in the vehicles life, they only have one coat of paint, unlike the rest of the vehicle which has at least 4.

Here are the original tool holders behind the seats,

[mike_k]

Scott, Pete and Ryan,

Thanks for the info re the number plate.

I suspect that it was an in service thing, the stenciling is very neat, and it had one at each end. No VIC at the top either, so probably not a Victorian plate, although the dates would be pretty close.

Electronic training wing, Electronic Trials wing, Engineer training wing? It would be good to narrow it down, someone will know out there I guess.

The actual plate has some holes where the ARN plate may have been attached over the top, but who knows. The vehicle would not have been able to drive on the road like that I assume.

Also, the TAC plate had this stencil on it, which pretty much fell off on the way home - any ideas anyone?

I will send a message to Noel, but as you know Scott, he is a hard man to contact.

If you come up with anything Ryan, that would be great!

[mike_k]

Some more photos of the vehicle, as I promised last night,

Here is the engine driven CAV generator,


Makes it hard to check the oil, and even harder to see the Lucas 12 volt dynamo underneath.

It is very securely mounted to the head - it needs to be, looks heavy. I hope it works!

The armoured cables running to the Ammeter and the distribution boxes in the tub,


One of the things that saved this vehicle is the sheer amount of paint that it has, under the wings, there are multiple coats of black and olive drab, which came off in big chunks with the pressure washer.

And the LHS antenna mounting - it looks like it had a different type to the one on the RHS, possibly a Larkspur HF base instead of the later AN/GRC 160 type.


I would be interested to see what everyone thinks, if it had the later antenna base, the paint fading would be different I think.

[2short]

Answers so far are it was a run around vehicle for a training establishment.
ETW= electrical trade wing.
Not registered for road use but for use within the base.

[mike_k]

That was quick Ryan,

Which type of unit would it have been attached to?

Does anyone have any photos of similar plates? (Long shot I know)

[Mick]

Hi Mike,

If I was to put money on it , I'd say RAEME Training Centre, Bandiana . Now ALTC .

Like Tommys , came up a treat after a nice bath. Look forward to seeing her when restored.

Mick

[mike_k]

Thanks Mick, good info as usual.

Some kind of training vehicle I guess, that would explain the multiple coats of paint.

It did look a lot better after a cleanup, I had a good look around it today, it looks like it originally had the Larkspur radios judging by the holes in the tub for the battery carrier. It also has the holes for the power distribution panel in the centre of the tub bulkhead. There are no holes in the tub wheel arches so I guess it just had the larkspur table. ( I think!)

I turned the engine over today with the crank handle which is encouraging, I also drained some very stale fuel and a couple of litres of water out of the left hand fuel tank - there's nothing like the smell of old petrol! No fuel cap for 25 years will do that I found.

Hopefully I'll hook a battery up in the next few days and see if I can fire it up.

[mike_k]

Had another look around the FFT today, does anyone recognise this bracket?


It looks like it has been there for a while, is it radio related?

Here is another view ,

[2short]

I'm literally talking to John Arnold now. The man that wrote a cop in a baggy green skin. I'll ask if he wants it.

[mike_k]

No worries Ryan,

If he would like it, it would be a good souvenir. And an incredible co incidence as well!

How it got onto 177 211 is anyones guess.

[2short]

I asked mike but never got a response.

On another topic. How much paint came off when you pressure washed the lichen off the vehicle?