Research into the external fittings including the semaphores (winker) and their retaining brackets for the Einheitsdiesel project has started. This will be a long lead investigation as we have a few years preparation before this project is due to start.
The exhaust manifolds for the Sd.Kfz.223 3 Serie have been machined. The cylinder heads (4) have not yet been machined nor have the block faces. This will follow in the coming weeks.
We have secured a good partner for the machining of the con rod big ends for the 3.5 litre V8 of the Sd.Kfz.222 4 Serie. The block for this engine has been assembled with the exception of the con rods and crankshaft. As soon as the con rods are completed and returned to the workshop we will be able to finally assemble the engine.
Parallel to this is the gathering of all the suppression related fittings for the plug leads and distributor of these armoured cars. We have 3 complete units to do for the 3 engines (Sd.Kfz.223 3 Serie, Sd.Kfz.222 4 Serie and the Sd.Kfz.261 5 Serie) requiring these suppressed kits – so we will be tasked to locate a number of small fittings to complete all 3 sets. The last 2 brass taps for the 3 armoured car engine projects have been commissioned. These will be 3D printed and returned to us for machining and for the smaller fittings – internal and external – to be machined here and fitted when completed.
The research into the hand held search lights fitted above the dashboard of the Ausf.A le.Pz.Sp.Wg is well underway. The first piece on our findings has been published in this week’s Inside Track explaining what these devices look like and how to operate them. More will be published in due course as we continue to decipher the fitting differences of these lamps within the Sd.Kfz.223 3 Serie and Sd.Kfz.222 4 Serie.
Small components continue to be located for our ex Frundsberg Div. Sd.Kfz.250 Ausf.A. A complete set of original swing arm end caps are now in hand. A small sump cover for the armoured chassis tub was secured this week.
