On 4 August 2014, 100 years after Britain entered
the First World War, the last remaining WW1 Maudslay lorry was started up for the first
time in 40 years.
The Great War lorry that came to Coventry Transport Museum as little more than a chassis is nearly built up to its former glory, thanks to the meticulous craftsmanship and research by the team working on it.
There are plenty more little touches that the Maudslay team will be tweaking over the coming weeks but first the Maudslay is to travel to Stoneleigh Park next weekend for the Coventry Festival of Motoring taking place 23rd – 24th of August.
Workshop Technician Will van
Gemeren said that the final issue to correct before the engine would start was
that the oil pressure. The oil was creating too much pressure but with a
pressure regulator built and fitted the engine finally roared into life.
A new magneto has been fitted and now the engine consistently starts.
The Maudslay now needs little touches that will complete its restoration and
preserve it. The wheel arches will be rust-proofed shortly and side panel locks
will be fitted next week.
The gear linkages have been fixed and brackets have been added to the back
wheel arches to add extra support, as well as to house a supply box, which
during the war probably would have held necessary provisions and equipment for the
war effort. Another support bracket was added to support the exhaust. The front
wheel brackets, which are original to the Maudslay, were re-structured to bring
them back to their former shape and provide the support needed to the front
wheels. The bull bar has also been adjusted to protect the radiator and the bed
of the lorry is now completely painted to match its original colour. The canvas
is still to be fitted but when complete will weigh nearly 224lbs.
Article by Sara Johnstone.
Article by Sara Johnstone.
