Andrew Hills
@fwdpublishing.bsky.social
Writer and publisher of books of historic interest. Author of Tanks of TOG, British Zimmerit, Striding Ashore, The Semple Tank, and The T.O.G. Amphibian amongst others.
How to steal a jeep (sort of).
The vehicle here is a Mini Moke VRM 14BT18 and these 4 British squaddies are showing just how light it is (~400 kg). Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, production of the civilian Moke (1964) was done by Austin, Leyland, and Morris.
The vehicle here is a Mini Moke VRM 14BT18 and these 4 British squaddies are showing just how light it is (~400 kg). Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, production of the civilian Moke (1964) was done by Austin, Leyland, and Morris.
November 25, 2025 at 5:44 PM
How to steal a jeep (sort of).
The vehicle here is a Mini Moke VRM 14BT18 and these 4 British squaddies are showing just how light it is (~400 kg). Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, production of the civilian Moke (1964) was done by Austin, Leyland, and Morris.
The vehicle here is a Mini Moke VRM 14BT18 and these 4 British squaddies are showing just how light it is (~400 kg). Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, production of the civilian Moke (1964) was done by Austin, Leyland, and Morris.
Chieftain MBT vismod I snapped in 1995. Unfortunately there were a lot of vehicles moving around so getting closer would have been hazardous. Appears to be a rocking a 'Russian tank' vismod kit for training with fuel drums on the back, 'ERA' blocks, and a short side skirt. #tanks
November 20, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Chieftain MBT vismod I snapped in 1995. Unfortunately there were a lot of vehicles moving around so getting closer would have been hazardous. Appears to be a rocking a 'Russian tank' vismod kit for training with fuel drums on the back, 'ERA' blocks, and a short side skirt. #tanks
In 1941 there were few options for mounting a big gun on a tank to counter enemy fortifications and heavy tanks. The SVDC had ideas but so did the Canadians. Like this Ram tank chassis with a 3.7" AA gun. Maj. Worthington behind the project can be seen in the background. #tanks
November 18, 2025 at 2:01 PM
In 1941 there were few options for mounting a big gun on a tank to counter enemy fortifications and heavy tanks. The SVDC had ideas but so did the Canadians. Like this Ram tank chassis with a 3.7" AA gun. Maj. Worthington behind the project can be seen in the background. #tanks
Kudos to those who may recognise this vehicle. This is a 38 hp Lanchester armoured car. In fact, its the 1914 wooden-body mockup of it and I genuinely can't decide it I admire the bold style and improved layout over the Rolls or if its just plain ugly. 36 were built. #WW1
November 17, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Kudos to those who may recognise this vehicle. This is a 38 hp Lanchester armoured car. In fact, its the 1914 wooden-body mockup of it and I genuinely can't decide it I admire the bold style and improved layout over the Rolls or if its just plain ugly. 36 were built. #WW1
I think the Humber and Otter had only steerable front wheels. On the Fox, it still had front wheel steering but had two steering wheels (front and back) switched by means of a lever with the rear wheel horizontal under the back of the turret. You can see it here www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Kn...
November 17, 2025 at 3:24 AM
I think the Humber and Otter had only steerable front wheels. On the Fox, it still had front wheel steering but had two steering wheels (front and back) switched by means of a lever with the rear wheel horizontal under the back of the turret. You can see it here www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Kn...
I think it was ok, 1,700 were made and it saw good service. Its based on the Humber design but with a GMC 270 cu. in. engine and standard transmission. For sure its not as nice as the Fox from GM in 1943 though. The Fox really is a nice looking beast and with a clever four-wheel steering system too.
November 17, 2025 at 1:19 AM
I think it was ok, 1,700 were made and it saw good service. Its based on the Humber design but with a GMC 270 cu. in. engine and standard transmission. For sure its not as nice as the Fox from GM in 1943 though. The Fox really is a nice looking beast and with a clever four-wheel steering system too.
GM (Canada) Otter Light Reconnaissance Car seen during testing in the UK c.1942 taking part in bridge laying trials.
November 16, 2025 at 9:44 PM
GM (Canada) Otter Light Reconnaissance Car seen during testing in the UK c.1942 taking part in bridge laying trials.
Another box of Bowman and Hughes' Gun Carriage of 1900 to go out. Are you interested in ideas for armoured vehicles before 1915? Then please check out the latest volume in the Origins of Armour Series. www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXWMKKCM
November 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Another box of Bowman and Hughes' Gun Carriage of 1900 to go out. Are you interested in ideas for armoured vehicles before 1915? Then please check out the latest volume in the Origins of Armour Series. www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXWMKKCM
The Swiss liked the British Centurion. Well armed, with good protection and good mobility. Here's a brief bit of footage of a Swiss Centurion tank during comparative mobility trials doing river crossing, an icy embankment, and a river bank. Full video at youtu.be/ac2JnO0a-hM
2:30, no sound #tanks
2:30, no sound #tanks
November 14, 2025 at 3:15 AM
The Swiss liked the British Centurion. Well armed, with good protection and good mobility. Here's a brief bit of footage of a Swiss Centurion tank during comparative mobility trials doing river crossing, an icy embankment, and a river bank. Full video at youtu.be/ac2JnO0a-hM
2:30, no sound #tanks
2:30, no sound #tanks
Interior view of the Vickers 0.303" machine gun in a Rolls Royce armoured car. The top of the steering wheel can be seen in the bottom right. Spare ammunition belts were stowed behind the drivers seat but to fire the MG the operator would have to be kneelling or squatting inside.
November 13, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Interior view of the Vickers 0.303" machine gun in a Rolls Royce armoured car. The top of the steering wheel can be seen in the bottom right. Spare ammunition belts were stowed behind the drivers seat but to fire the MG the operator would have to be kneelling or squatting inside.
In 1931, the Canadian Department of Militia and Defence bought 12 Vickers-Carden-Loyd MG carriers. Tested in Manitoba they later went to the Canadian Armoured Fighting Vehicle School (CAFVS), Camp Borden. Pictured in Windsor, Ontatio, 1937, this has been refitted with a 60 hp Ford V8.
November 12, 2025 at 5:05 PM
In 1931, the Canadian Department of Militia and Defence bought 12 Vickers-Carden-Loyd MG carriers. Tested in Manitoba they later went to the Canadian Armoured Fighting Vehicle School (CAFVS), Camp Borden. Pictured in Windsor, Ontatio, 1937, this has been refitted with a 60 hp Ford V8.
Another picture of HMAC Chatham. Vehicle belonged to 1st Armoured Car Company (RTC), in Mespotamia, 1922
November 10, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Another picture of HMAC Chatham. Vehicle belonged to 1st Armoured Car Company (RTC), in Mespotamia, 1922
Continuing last week's post on Rolls Royce armoured cars and their tyres. This lovely front view shows an interest mix with a steel-studded tyre (front right) and spare on left of cab, and a grooved rubber tyre (front left) with a spare on the cab right.
November 10, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Continuing last week's post on Rolls Royce armoured cars and their tyres. This lovely front view shows an interest mix with a steel-studded tyre (front right) and spare on left of cab, and a grooved rubber tyre (front left) with a spare on the cab right.
Unused material from the artist's work on the Bowman and Hughes' Machine Gun Carriage of 1900. The cross section wasn't used in the book, but it does provide a good idea of the internal layout and the sort of space in which the men operating the gun would have to work.
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXWMKKCM
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXWMKKCM
November 7, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Unused material from the artist's work on the Bowman and Hughes' Machine Gun Carriage of 1900. The cross section wasn't used in the book, but it does provide a good idea of the internal layout and the sort of space in which the men operating the gun would have to work.
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXWMKKCM
www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXWMKKCM
Another picture of this wireless antenna frame in use.
November 6, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Another picture of this wireless antenna frame in use.
2/2 She also has a specially-grooved tyre on the front. On the rear (outer) is a steel-studden tyre (and a spare on the hull side). the inner tyre at the back appears to be a standard sand tyre with cirumferential grooves.
November 6, 2025 at 2:27 PM
2/2 She also has a specially-grooved tyre on the front. On the rear (outer) is a steel-studden tyre (and a spare on the hull side). the inner tyre at the back appears to be a standard sand tyre with cirumferential grooves.
No kidding. The thought of being burned whilst trapped in the tank is one which concentrates the mind somewhat.
November 4, 2025 at 3:42 AM
No kidding. The thought of being burned whilst trapped in the tank is one which concentrates the mind somewhat.
2/2 Tests continued without the shoes on and in the final images two can be seen lying around.
November 3, 2025 at 5:18 PM
2/2 Tests continued without the shoes on and in the final images two can be seen lying around.
Fiat 18BL truck during testing using a 12-plate footed-wheel in an attempt to spread the load from the wheels and thereby to avoid sinking and improve traction on soft ground in France. Images are undated but likely taken around the time of the end of WW1 or just after. 1/2
November 3, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Fiat 18BL truck during testing using a 12-plate footed-wheel in an attempt to spread the load from the wheels and thereby to avoid sinking and improve traction on soft ground in France. Images are undated but likely taken around the time of the end of WW1 or just after. 1/2
An interesting little snippet from the development saga of the British A.9 Cruiser tank, July 1936. The whole turret was raised by 5.5 in. (140 mm) to improve the gun depression of the 2 pdr. main armament from -10 to -15 deg.
November 3, 2025 at 4:46 AM
An interesting little snippet from the development saga of the British A.9 Cruiser tank, July 1936. The whole turret was raised by 5.5 in. (140 mm) to improve the gun depression of the 2 pdr. main armament from -10 to -15 deg.
Happy Halloween people. Winston is rocking his TOG costume.
November 1, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Happy Halloween people. Winston is rocking his TOG costume.