A friend of mine has this engine, which is one of the 50 production models. Unfortunately it's missing its head which will have to come from another model that used the same head, although from memory I think he told me that the rocker box would have to be cast? I only have a couple of pics of the Beaulieu 3TW. Ron
The engine differences relate to the positioning of the alternator...One has it on the timing side, the other on the drive side. No doubt the engine with it on the timing side has a more or less standard primary cover I'd have thought.. There are some cycle part differences as well if you study the two photos..
The WB30 also had an alternator in its early form...These were the first alternators used on motorcycles and from what I've seen were not great...The WB30 wiring diagram for this type shows a very low output judging by the bulb ratings and they had no proper way of regulating it...Torch type batteries were used for the brake light and, from memory, the sidelight. I have photographic evidence of early WB30s that have had a standard mag dynamo retro fitted, so it can be assumed the alternator system was a failure first time out...
I should think the postwar 3T and 3T Deluxe would be the most likely source of useable spares if there was any crossover of parts as it was based on the 3TW much as the postwar B31 was based on the WB30....Ian
The pictures of the bikes with the riders wearing the Barbour one piece riding suits were taken at the motorcycle training establishment in the Lake District and clearly show the two differing timing covers used for the varying alternator positions...Ian
Is there just the one surviver,in the late 80s early 90s there were some parts for sale at the auto jumbles that used to be held at stoneleigh (twice yearly on Sundays),the parts may have come from the auction held at Meriden after the factory closed in January 1983,there were a lot of parts in the cellars which had been there since the end of the war (nos 3HW cylinder heads which I have two),the parts for sale at Stoneleigh as far as I can remember included engine parts,rider foot rests,petrol tank ,and other small parts,but no frame.
Steve as far as I'm aware, the 3TW at Beaulieu is the only survivor. I've also heard that there is another well known Triumph collector who has an engine and the engine that I posted pictures of was rescued from a grass mower in deepest Cornwall.
Is there just the one surviver,in the late 80s early 90s there were some parts for sale at the auto jumbles that used to be held at stoneleigh (twice yearly on Sundays),the parts may have come from the auction held at Meriden after the factory closed in January 1983,there were a lot of parts in the cellars which had been there since the end of the war (nos 3HW cylinder heads which I have two),the parts for sale at Stoneleigh as far as I can remember included engine parts,rider foot rests,petrol tank ,and other small parts,but no frame.
Steve,
Would you consider selling one of those 3HW nos cylinder heads of yours?