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Re: Interesting B30 detail...

Ian Wright
Looking at the B30 production records engine number WB30.535 was supplied directly to AMC to be fitted into a Matchless frame as part of the production rationalisation process that was planned around 1940-41...As far as I'm aware none of these 'hybrid' motorcycles still exist and I assumed they were broken up when the project was shelved...
It seems that may have been the case as the REME sectioned B30 engine that I have is that very engine...WB30.535...Ian
Hi Ian, one of the hybrids has survived, I have XG15685 the Matchless engined Ariel. It is documented in the second edition of BFM. Steve Madden and I have had many lengthy discussions about how it managed to survive being broken up. It does still have its 1942 Bristol registration number so we can surmise testing had finished and it managed to escape by then. The contract plate was still on the rear guard. Under the chassis contract no. its stamped TT2/DDS/1752 which Steve deciphered as a WVEE demand number. Under the catalogue ref no. its stamped 8X.
When I acquired it a G3L engine with an "LAC" engine number. I wonder if there is any mention of it in the MWEE ledgers.
Cheers, Mick.

email (option): 1963mickholmes@gmail.com

Re: Interesting B30 detail...

Mick, This is the summary / index page from the MWEE ledger.

PC270678

Unfortunately, a chopped-off page top on the actual entry. No engine number stated. It went to Glasgow, to the "Home Grown Timber Dept." of the Ministry of Supply on 10/4/1943. Their HQ prior to 1943 was in the Elmdale Hotel, Bristol !

IMG-0411

Re: Interesting B30 detail...

Thank you so much Rik, another snippet to add to the history. The bike was found in Aberdeen so it didn't travel too far.
Cheers, Mick.

email (option): 1963mickholmes@gmail.com

Re: Interesting B30 detail...

Mick,

Could you please share some photos of your bike here on the forum? I will check my photos of the Kew files, I think I have a photo of the complete page with that Ariel/Matchless combination.

Regards,
Bastiaan

email (option): wdmotorcycles@gmail.com

Re: Interesting B30 detail...

The Disposals of the Matchless-engined hybrids are interesting. Rather than returned to makers in April 1943, they seem to have gone to Ministry of Supply subsidiary organisations who probably already had a variety of civilian models to look after.

The Enfield/ Matchless went to H.G.T.P. again (at Aberdeen) 9th April.

The Norton/Matchless was handed over to A.O.R.G. Roehampton on 9th April. (The Army Operational Research Group) as was the Matchless /BSA.

The BSA-Matchless went to H.T.P.D. (Home Timber Production Department) at what looks like Perth. 11th June 1943. The frame had an EX prefix.

It's unclear if HGTP and HTPD were actually one and the same...it looks like it from the N.A. records.

Re: Interesting B30 detail...

Bastiaan
Mick,

Could you please share some photos of your bike here on the forum? I will check my photos of the Kew files, I think I have a photo of the complete page with that Ariel/Matchless combination.

Regards,
Bastiaan
Here it is, no additional information at the top of the page compared to the photo of Rik.

IMG-7787

email (option): wdmotorcycles@gmail.com

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