Section 12




NOTES PREPARED BY THE ROYAL ARTILLERY MECHANICAL TRACTION SCHOOL ON M.T. ADMINISTRATION R.A.M.T.S. 6/8 JANUARY. 1945



		Section 12 Page 1
	12.	VEHICLE MARKING AND PAINTING – BRIDGE CLASSIFICATIONS
1557/43		1.	Notifies pamphlet "Vehicle Markings 1943". With Amendments No. 1 and No. 2
361/44		2.	Formation signs
1009/44			(a) On N/S front mudguard or equivalent position
			(b) On rear in a prominent position.
			(c) Not on Motor-cycles.
		3.	Unit signs
			(a) Approximately 9,5 inches high and 8,5 inches wide.
			(b) Vehicles – on front and read, on O/S
			(c) Motor-cycles – front and rear, on O/S.
			(d) Not on trailers.
		4.	Tactical signs
		(a)	Armoured Units.
		(i)	A.F.V.s. – on front, sides and rear of turret.
		(ii)	"A" vehicles without turrets and "B" vehicles – on front, sides and rear
		(b)	Other Units.
			On front and rear, but must not interfere with other signs.
		5.	Commanders and Staff signs
		(a)	On rear O/S of body, 6 inches above rear wing.
		(b)	Aprox. Size 10 ins. X 6 ins. X 4,5 ins.
		(c)	Illuminated window front and rear.
		6.	Speed limit signs
		(a)	On all "B" vehicles except motor-cycles.
		(b)	On rear panel, in red as follows: 20 M.P.H.
			Figures – 4 ins. high, 0,5 inch wide.
			Letters – 2 ins. high, 0,5 inch wide.
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Section 12 Page 2

		7.	Special instruction in Pamphlet for Schools, Establishments, Training Unit, etc.
		8.	Tyre Pressure signs
			(a) On all "B" vehicles.
			(b) White figures, not exceeding 2 inches in height, on edge of each mudguard, or in equivalent position, above the centre of each wheel.
		9.	Left-hand Drive signs
		(a)	On rear of vehicle, in white letters 2 inches high. CAUTION – LEFT HAND DRIVE – "NO SIGNALS".
		(b)	If trafficators fitted, omit "NO SIGNALS".
		10.	Emergency requisition signs
			Temporary markings for new W.D. and/or requisitioned vehicles under issue to formations and/or units during an emergency will be a transfer sign as under:-
		(a)	A broad arrow, approximately 6 ins. high, surmounted by the letters "W.D.", in white. The transfer to be fixed to vehicles on the N/S front mudguard or some similar position on the frnt, and on the N/S of tailboard or some similar position in rear.
		(b)	The transfer to be fixed to vehicles on the N/S front mudguard or some similar position on the front, and on the N/S of tailboard or some similar position in rear.
		(c)	On motor-cycles and combinations the transfer will be fixed on the front and rear mudguards.
		(d)	Transfers issued by Commands as required.
		(e)	Transfers will be removed with spirit when the approved formation and/or unit signs are applied, or when requisitioned civilian vehicles returned to their owners.
		11.	Convoy Lights
		(a)	On all "B" vehicles having rear ales visible.
		(b)	A white patch to be painted on rear axle cover plates facing the rear where it will be illuminated by the convoy light.
		(c)	Unit serial numbers to be painted in black letters on the white patch.
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			Section 12 Page 3
		12.	W.D. Numbers
		(a)	All camouflaged vehicles – W.D. number to be painted in white on O/S of bonnet (or on O/S door of cab if impracticable on bonnet) and on rear. Dimentions of letters and figures:-
			Height: 3,5 inches.
			Overall width: 2 inches.
			Width of every part of each letter or figure: 5/8 inch
		(b)	Motor-cycles – W.D. number to be painted in white on each side of the petrol tank in letters and figures of half dimensions stated above
		(c)	The W.D. number includes the vehicle classification letter and in incomplete without it.
214/43		13.	Abolition of "B" and R.A.S.C. markings inside the cab.
		14.	No signs or markings other than those referred to in pamphlet "Vehicle Markings 1934" are permissible without War Office authority
Pamphlet		15.	Gas Detector Paint
Gas		(a)	Vehicles
Training		(i)	In an irregular pattern covering an area equivalent to about 18 inches by 18 inches
1942		(ii)	Must be visible to driver.
		(ii)	Special tray provided on some vehicles.
		(iv)	4 oz. Of paint per vehicle.
		(b)	Motor-cycles
		(i)	On top surface of headlamp and of the front mudguard forward of the forks.
		(ii)	One 4 oz. Tin of paint per four motor cycles.
		16.	Painting of vehicle
1100/44		(a)	Units are responsible that vehicles and equipment are correctly painted

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Section 12 Page4

533/44		(b)	Olive drab is the basic camouflage colour for vehicles and hoods. Dark patterning will be discontinued when olive drab is used.
		(c)	Stocks of No. 2 paint (brown) will be used till exhausted. When brown paint is used dark patterning will be continued.
		17.	Bridge Classification Signs
		(a)	Every bridge will be marked with a number which represents the maximum "class" of vehicle that may safely cross the bridge concerned.
			The numbers are as follow :-
			5, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70.
		(b)	Vehicles will be classified and marked according to the equivalent loads which they impose on a bridge. The classes are in multiples of 1 ton, from 1 ton upwards, and are calculated from date which includes the load capacity, number of wheel, laden axle-weights, axle spacing, tyre size, etc.
		(c)	Every vehicle will be marked with its classification number on a painted disc as follows:-
		(i)	Black figures on a yellow background, legible at 50 feet by day.
		(ii)	On O/S, between radiator and outer edge of mudguard, or equivalent position.
		(iii)	Not on motor-cycles.
		(d)	A vehicle may cross only those bridges bearing classification numbers that are the same as, or greater than, itts own classification number, e.g., a vehicle of class 12 may cross any bridge marked 12 or over, but it must not cross one marked 5 or 9.
		(e)	It is essential that vehicles should not be loaded beyond their rated capacities and that they should not close to less than the authorized spacing when crossing bridges.

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			Section 12 Page 5
		(f)	Details of vehicle classification numbers are found in:-
		(i)	"B" Vehicles
			Military Training Pamphlet No.74. Part 4.
		(ii)	"A" Vehicles
			Supplement to M.T. Pamphlet No. 74, Part 4. This document is secret and is issued only to certain specified person.
		(g)	Towing and towed vehicles, such as tractor with its gun, or a lorry/truck with its towed trailer (but excepting tank transporters) will be classified as follows:-
		(i)	Towing Vehicles
			Towing vehicles will be given a double classification, e.g. 9/7.
			The upper number indicates the class of the complete train and the lower the class of the towing vehicle alone.
		(ii)	Trailers
			Trailers will also be given a double classification, e.g. 2/5
			The upper number indicates the increase to the load class of the normal towing vehicle which the loaded trailer will cause when in tow. This number must be added to the lower number of the towing vehicle to determine the classification of the complete train.
			The lower number on the trailer is the classification of the trailer alone, in case it is required to manoevre the trailer across a bridge by hand or by winching.
		(h)	When a vehicle tows another in an emergency the classifications of the train will be the SUM of the individual classifications of the separate vehicles. Thus a class 9 vehicle towing a similar vehicle will have a net classification of 18 and may cross any bridge of class 18 or above.
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Section 13 Page 1
	13.		VEHICLE LIGHTING
		1.	Notifies "Instruction dealing with lights on Army Vehicles". With Amendments Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
		2.	"B" Vehicles
		(a)	Headlamps
		(i)	O/S headlamps to be removed and cable ends made safe.
		(ii)	If set into wing, bulb will be removed, cable disconnected and ends made safe.
		(iii)	O/S headlamps not being fitted to new vehicles.
		(iv)	Masks issued for N/S headlamp.
		(v)	If mask not available, light exit 2 inch diameter semi-circular hole in opaque material fitted behind the glass. Base of hole on centre line of lamp and circumference below it. Lower half of reflector painted matt black up to 1/2 inch above centre line.
		(vi)	36 watt bulb in N/S headlamp.
		(vii)	Headlamps and masks must be so adjusted that, when the vehicle is on level ground, no direct ray from the headlight is visible above the horizontal of the light exit.
		(b)	Side Lamps
		(i)	6 watt bulbs.
		(ii)	Light exit 1/8 inch diameter hole centrally in the opaque disc. Hole to be covered with paper to be visible at 30 yds. but invisible at 300 yds.
		(ii)	If circle of pin holes fitted by manufacturere, see D.M. B.564 for modification.
		(iv)	Coloured glasses painted matt black on inside.
		(c)	Combined head and Side Lamps
		(i)	O/S - headlight bulb removed - 6 watt bulb in side light. Action then as in para. 2 (b) (ii) above.
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			Section 13 Page 2
		(ii)	N/S - 36 watt bulb in headlight - 6 watt bulb in side light. Action as in para. 2 (a) (iv) or (v) above.
		(d)	Tail lamps
		(i)	6 watt bulb.
		(ii)	light exit 1/4 inch hole in opaque material fitted behind red glass.
		(iii)	No number plate illumination.
		(e)	Stop Lamps
			These will not be used. The bulbs will be removed, the cable disconnected and the ends made safe.
		(f)	Dash Lamps
			Use regulated by unit standing orders.
		(g)	Trafficators
		(i)	Light exit 1/8 inch wide strip lengthways parallel to axis of bulb. Remainder painted matt black.
		(ii)	When unserviceable, will not be replaced.
		(iii)	No repairs needing spare parts will be made except to those fitted to motor cars.
		(h)	Rear Axle Lighting
		(i)	In order that M.T. vehicles may be driven in convoy during the hours of darkness without exposing illumination to hostile aircraft, provision will be made for all "B" vehicles whereby they can show either a red light to the rear or a white light shining on to the differential casing or on the ground.
		(ii)	Rear axle lighting may be used only when vehicles are traveling in convoy, and then only when it is operationally desirable or during tactical or driving exercises. When so used the leading vehicle or the convoy will show side lights, red tail lights not being required except on the last vehicle in the convoy.
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Section 13 page 3
		3.	Motor cycles
		(a)	Headlamps
		(i)	High power circuit 24-watt bulb. Low power circuit 3-watt bulb.
		(ii)	W.D. pattern masks will be fitted.
		(iii)	If masks not available, action as in para. 2 (a) (v) above.
		(b)	Tail lamps
			As in para. 2(d) above.
		4.	"A" Vehicles
			"A" vehicles will comply with the instructions given for
			"B" vehicles as nearly as the lamps with which they are fitted allow.
469/43		5.	Adjustment and maintenance
			Lamps to be inspected weekly for
		(i)	Correct adjustment of masks.
		(ii)	Cleanliness of glass.
		(iii)	Correct wattage of bulbs.
		(iv)	Correct size of light apertures.






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Section 22
page 16
S/Sec. 4(D)
		(d)	Motor Cycles.
1281/40			Reduced scales of tools and equipment for "B" vehicles.
2160/41			Pillion Seats and Pannier Bags for motor-cycles.
2424/41			Special workshop tools for Norton motor-cycles.
545/42			Crash Helmets for Despatch Riders.
228/43
a/b 1133/43
a/b 466/44
905/42			Replacement of Motor Cycles Combinations by Cars, 5-cwt., F.W.D.
2166/42			Fitting of motor-cycle footrests, handle bar and knee grips.
170/43			Issue of lubricating guns and oil cans for Indian Motor-cycles.
228/43			Protective clothing when riding motor-cycles or side-car
a/b 866/43			combinations.
373/43			Spare sparking plugs for motor-cycles - scale of issue and method of carriage.
1727/43			Modification of Bags, letter, Despatch Rider.
733/44			Removal of plats, reinforcing, from boots, motor-cyclists.
1435/44			Isue of tyre pressure gauges for motor-cycles.
1481/44			Economy in the use of motor-cycle control cables.



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