Tail Light Assembly

[BSM]

The attached image is of a gun, tail light assembly which is part of the CES of a CMP Artillery Tractor. Keen to either obtain an actual example or to get access to one to replicate. Has any member come across same in their travels and can assist please. Rod

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by BSM

The attached image is of a gun, tail light assembly which is part of the CES of a CMP Artillery Tractor. Keen to either obtain an actual example or to get access to one to replicate. Has any member come across same in their travels and can assist please. Rod

I had a NOS one years ago, still in its box, it was a British one, as is your illustration. They still turn up from time to time. Sold mine to a 25pdr owner I think.

[Mike Cecil]

Rod,

As far as I can see, the gun tail lamp assembly was not part of the Aust-issued CES for any of the three Aust CMP tractors (Nos 6, 8, 9).

There was a similar item (ie did the same job) in the CES for the 105 mm No.1 Mk.1 Howitzer (ie 'M2A2') but the lamp was a modern large lamp and the cable had a standard NATO trailer connector plug.

Mike

[BSM]

Thanks Richard and Mike. Yes I would agree to a point. Strickly speaking not part of the CES per Field Specification however it was part of the Bofors CES or tools etc. which were carried in the No.6. per the relevant documents I have here so not to split hairs I would still like to have one for our gun which is a registered on the road display piece. As you have both intimated, similar or the same were used on other Arty. examples which may well assist the search etc. and on the other hand it is not a do or die item on the shopping list. Regards.... Rod

[Dave Mills]

Hello BSM, from my Arty days, 1970's to the early 90's on the gun lines the M2A2 had a small strap on taillight assembly for travelling on public roads with the plug attached. It was one that resembled the tail light assemblies of the time. This was strapped onto the muzzle and then the cable clipped into the aiming post clamps, wound around the lunette and attached to the Gun Tractor. As described in an earlier thread. The regiments converted to a large white and red striped "On Tow" board with standard off the shelf tail/ brake light assemblies in the 90's the same as any civvy trailer. These attached to the muzzle by a ratchet strap, hard wired and secured along the trails the same way and into the plug of the Gun Tractor.

Will go through my old photos and see if I can find any "out of action" shots of the battery ready for the road trip back from the ranges.

Plenty of shots of being "in action" but by this time the tail light assembly had been long buried in the Gun Tractor.

Cheers,

Dave.

[motto]

I seem to recall that the canvas cover for the 25 pdr which incorporated a sleeve to go over the barrel had a large reflector on the muzzle end. No provision was made for lighting.

David

[Blackpowder44 (RIP)]

Originally Posted by BSM

The attached image is of a gun, tail light assembly which is part of the CES of a CMP Artillery Tractor. Keen to either obtain an actual example or to get access to one to replicate. Has any member come across same in their travels and can assist please. Rod

if you cannot find one from elswhere I have one that i have never had a use for, john.

[BSM]

Many thanks for the informative and helpful responses. Will get to them one by one. For those interested there are a number of pages of Bofors Accessories. I cut the previous light image from one of them and will attach the full page with description in this post. I am not attempting to get a complete set of accessories but it is good to add a few key items to any restoration project to present a more complete picture before it all disappears.

Dave (1) thanks for the M2A2 description. Whilst not a member of the RAA I also noted a few muzzle covers here and in Vietnam over the years but still interested to see your pics.

Dave (2) ...Seen same as well for the 25pdr. however the bofors did have one without a reflector. Our example came back from Corowa with one of my members last year and now resides on the gun.

Mike K...many thanks for your generous offer and I hope you can find same. Will of course recompense you any out of pocket expenses. Had another offer from the UK as you can see above in the thread so that will make a good fallback position. That GMH plotting board cover sounds interesting as well but don't know if it is applicable to this gun!

Mike C...thanks for the additional input.

John (Blackpowder)....mate thanks also for your offer and I would like to continue this chat re your item if Mike is unable to locate his example.
Regards....Rod

[BSM]

The light and other small bits are required for the bofors in the attached.
First image is about mid restoration and the second is where it is now.
Rod

[Paul Viner]

would this be of any help

20141215_114358.jpg

[Paul Viner]

The 2 long bits are spring steel. Its' only missing the web strap.