Marsupial News

Much work on the powerplant - a modified 3 litre, diesel engine with 4 x 4 transmission - took place slowly over the past few months. Many components, especially seals, gaskets, clamps and water pipes etc. of the engine were cleaned, inspected, painted and/or replaced. The oil pan was removed, cleaned and painted. A modified oil dump line was fitted and the speedometer cable was removed. The handbrake was dismantled, inspected for wear, tested and replaced. The speedometer cable was removed - it will be replaced with an electronic version. A new triple pulley is to carry a second, 100W alternator and a small airconditioner compressor. Design of the mountings for these devices has been deferred until the powerplant is mounted in the vehicle chassis to ensure a good fit. The powerplant then was transported to the Byfield factory in a special carrier (see below, left). There the unit was positioned in the chassis (below, right) and a plan of which mounting brackets to add, remove or modify was made. Measurements of the powerplant position were then made so that detailed plans for the steel floor frame can be finalised. This floor structure will then be constructed. At the same time oil, coolant and electrical systems associated with the engine must be added to the vehicle, and customised propeller shafts fitted between the transfer case output shafts and the forward and rear differentials.

Powerplant in the carrier, ready for transport

The powerplant is positioned in the vehicle chassis

With clearance from the licensing authorities, work on chassis modification is now under way. Detailed design work in the AutoCad model is now being turned into detailed manufacturing drawings, and these are being distributed to a growing cadre of volunteer mechanics, engineers and materials specialists for realisation into metal and plastic. To better visualize the body shape, a 1/12 scale physical model was built (see photo). Meanwhile, there is plenty of work to do to get the refurbished 3L engine mounted into a steel carry frame and moved over to the Byfield's factory. We have also been shopping for more engine parts: a 3-core radiator and fan assembly, 4WD seats, air compressor, and a second alternator. Work has certainly picked up over the last few weeks and should continue to do so in the warmer months of Spring and Summer.

Bruce at work on the AutoCad model

1/12 scale physical model under construction