17 pdr question

[ericsolo]

Hi

I am building a Bronco Models 17 pdr, and have a question regarding what was attached to the outer side rails.

There are three tubes (one on the gun sight side, two on the other side), it appears to be either gun cleaning rods or pry bars. Can anyone identify them?

Thanks

Eric Solomnson

[Rod Bellars (RIP)]

well you have me a little lost but the tube infront of sight on shield is the telescope holder for direct fire scope when stowed on shield other side of gun is positions for clino, cleaning gear and panoramic sight . cleaning rods and levers are stowed on trials sides
hope that helps
regards

[ericsolo]

Thanks Rod, sorry for the confusion, I was referring to the rods stored on each side of the trail sides. Another source indicated that they were probably pry bars that were used to maneuver the gun.

So they are in fact gun cleaning rods?

Eric

[Gunner]

Hi Eric:

The 17 pounder had a number of tools stored on the trails. The right trail has a shovel and a 'handspike' (what we Gunners call a lever), the left trail has the handspike, the pickhead and handle and two tool boxes.

The handspikes are about 2&1/2 inches in diameter and about four feet long. they were painted the same colour as the gun and fit into sockets on the end of the trails to make it easier to lift and separate or close the trails when coming into or out of action. When the trails were spread and locked the handspikes made it easier to lift the trails and swing the gun in large changes in azimuth.

I haven't purchased the Bronco model yet... what do you think?

Cheers! Mike

[ericsolo]

Thanks Mike! That solves it....

The Bronco kit is a gem. The instructions are the only shortcoming, as usual with Bronco they are parts diagrams, and not really a sequence of instructions. I left off some of the small parts until main components were assembled.

There are 8 shells provided, but only enough decals for 4 shells, and only one lever is provided, and no pickhead/handle.

Eric

[Gunner]

Thanks! I'll put my order in for one at Hobby House, Ottawa.

I'll be putting new tyres on my 17 pounder this weekend... heavy work on the real thing!

Cheers! Mike