A week of great progress across both Sd.Kfz.223 projects, with reassembly now well underway on the Weald Foundation vehicle and the Wheatcroft Collection example edging ever closer to completion
The Wheatcroft Collection Sd.Kfz.223
A week of satisfying progress across both Sd.Kfz.223 projects, with reassembly now well underway on the Weald Foundation vehicle and the Wheatcroft Collection example edging ever closer to completion.
During a static engine test, Alex noticed the water pump gland had started weeping. He repacked it to prevent any future issues, careful attention that avoids bigger problems down the line. Well done Alex.
WEALD FOUNDATION SD.KFZ.223 AUSF.A (3. SERIE)
With the clutch job now complete, reassembly has begun in earnest. The body, fuel tanks, aerial frame, and fenders have all been refitted, and the vehicle is really starting to look like itself again.
The rear lights and number plate lights have been wired in, which included tracing and fixing a bad earth on the left-hand number plate light. Not a difficult fix, but a laborious as the electrical systems on these vehicles are quite different from anything modern.
The sump guard is currently being fitted, while work continues on the windscreens. Martin has been machining the required parts, and Tom is welding them together.
As for the dynamo and regulator, after continued difficulties getting the system to charge, we decided to seek outside help. The units have been taken to a local specialist with extensive experience in classic vehicles. We’re hopeful he can identify the fault.
LOOKING AHEAD
Next week we aim to finish the windscreens and refit the Schutzschild (turret) to our Sd.Kfz.223. And in exciting news, we’ll be turning our attention to another vehicle in the collection: our ‘Black Sea’ Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III). This vehicle hasn’t run in a long time, so we’re looking forward to start working on it.
