Canadian Carden- Lloyd question

Jason Ginn · #1 04-09-06, 03:14

Last night I was flipping through Bill Greg's "Blueprint For Victory" and noticed his mention of the Canadian army's fitting of Ford V-8 engines into our Carden-Lloyd carriers. (pg. 15)

Does anybody know if all 12 of our carriers were upgraded in this way or of it was a "one-off" thing for test purposes?

The reason that I ask is that on pg. 171 of the same book there is another Carden-Lloyd pic that shows a Canadian MkVIb with an oversized differental cover, and what appears to be axle ends similar to a later Bren Carrier. If you compare this pic to the one on pg. 15 the difference in the "hub" is apparent.

I have never noticed these differences before, does anybody have any thoughts on this? It would be interesting to know what was involved in this upgrade.

This is the pic published on pg. 15 of the book as a carrier that was identified as receiving the engine upgrade.

Jason Ginn · #2 04-09-06, 03:16

Here is the pic published on pg. 171 showing the oversize final drive cover and hubs.

I apoligize for not knowing the origin of the pics. other than "Blueprint"

Jason Ginn · #3 04-09-06, 03:24

This Pic was on the RCR's website" http://thercr.ca/history/1919-1939/c...loyd_1930s.htm "

It was taken during 1935 and clearly shows much smaller final drive covers.
I am of the understanding that Canada purchased 12 carriers in two seperate orders of 6 during 1930 and 1931 but all of the "official" British and Canadian pics of the MkVIb (exept the one above) show the standard configuration of the final drive.

Jason Ginn · #4 04-09-06, 03:33

Here's one more pic from the IWM showing the standard final drive cover.

Thanks

J

Jordan Baker · #5 07-09-06, 16:02

Hi Jason

Here are two pictures that I had found on ebay. I would have bid on them but the seller wanted (at least to me) a rather high price.

Jordan Baker · #6 07-09-06, 16:03

Second picture. Both show the oversize final drive cover and hubs.

Jason Ginn · #7 08-09-06, 02:11

Wow!

The pics really show the details well.

I like the CMP mirror mounted on the carrier (or should I say tractor) in the first picture. I guess it's for keeping an eye on the skiers.

I hope that there may be more pics out there confirming some of the unique Canadian mods to these little beasts.

I think Roger Lucy has a Early Canadian Armour book in the works. Hopefully he will be able to work his majic and uncover more forgotten jewels in the national achives. I would love to see something on the US 6 ton, Vickers, and Carden-Lloyd in Canadian service.

Oh BTW Your P Brake lever will be in tomorrows mail. ( I forgot it at home a couple of day's this week. It's my first week at the new job so it slipped my mind )

Thanks

J