tow cable info/dimensions wanted

[Ron Pier]

I have an original tow cable on my MK2, dated 1941. I can tell you that the wire is a sort of grey colour. But I guess you want me to take it of for better scrutiny? Ron

[rob love]

I have been meaning to start a thread on the tow cables for a while now. There are two diameters of cable found. The thicker one is for carriers, and a thinner one for the CMPs. Otherwise both are the same length (8 feet) and construction. I have a few of both. Seems to me the carrier is 5/8 rope, while the CMP is 1/2 inch.

Brian Asbury has the NOS carrier cables, but does not have the chain shackles, chains or hooks.

Derk Derin and I found a pile of the chains at a surplus store in Alberta. I still have enough from that purchase for the 4 or 5 cables that i have spare. All of them are marked DC45 and some have the broad arrow on them.

I only have one shackle (4 are needed for a chain assembly), and it is also marked DC, but this one is 44 dated. I have been keeping an eye for more of the DC marked shackles, but none have surfaced yet.

The large hook seems to be marked with X-1142-2. They are quite recognizable by the very round diameter of the cast hook. I have found a few of them at local farm auctions, so they are out there in the civilian world.

[Mike Cecil]

Darrin,

I have some measurements taken from an original cable. Cannot say if it was the No.2, but it was Aust manufacture. I also made some sketches and took some images (but now cannot locate the images - but at least I stil have the field note book!). I was going to have one manufactured for the Dingo (now long gone).

I'll scan the sketches and post them - remember, they were done freehand and only for my use, so please don't get too dismayed about the lack of drawing expertise!!

Construction: hook-large link - D shackle - chain at each end, 3 feet overall, attached to a 15 foot long 7/16" D galvanised steel cable with tapered swagged ends, measured from pin centre to pin centre. So overall length will be 3+3+15=21 feet overall.

Mike

[Mike Cecil]

From my field note book....

Mike

[B. Harris]

Some Pics that I have. Hope they may help.

Harris