Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Tremblay
the serial number 1s only 1790
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That is swell!
The firing support for the gunner apeture remained a rubber/composite material throughout the MK-I* production series where so equipped. For example, the factory production mortar carriers built on MK-I* hulls deleted this firing rest. The thickness changed through the applicable part numbers, TL 13009, TL 13009C and TL 13009B, in that numerical/alpha replacement order.
The two firing rests on the rear protection plate were mounted on the exterior of the plate, facing rearward. (provides clearance for the rear passenger when seated against his backrest).
The two firing rests on the driver side, long protection plate, rear compartment were mounted on the interior of the plate, facing inside the hull.
The image of a 1943 production C01UC MK-I* shows the major portions of eight firing rests. Image credit of Ditsong Museum, Joburg, SA.
CTL 13003D Divisonal plate, Right Hand: 16”
CTL 13004C Divisonal plate, Left Hand: 51”
CTL 13005D Side Plate Front: 14”
CTL 13006C Side Plate Rear: 26.5”
CTL 13008C Engine Cover: 22”
CTL 13009B Gunner Loophole: 5”
CTL 13010C Rear Plate, Right Hand: 11”
CTL 13011C Rear Plate, Left Hand: 10.5”
As mentioned earlier, these measurements are published in the Illustrated Parts Manual, FUC-03.
The firing rest measurements may assist with making the necessary firing rest supports, but you will need detailed measurements of the firing rest support angles, engine support bracket and loophole assembly to produce the entire assemblies.
See also two images showing the gunner loophole rest in the two Canadian produced variations showing the change in the height.