Bren Carrier- Supreme Court of Canada decision

[RichardT10829]

Perhaps some quick tips for Robert before he goes out again gents...

My two penneth would be

1) drive no faster than walking pace until you have a full understanding of the handling characteristics of the carrier over a variety of surfaces and weather conditions.

2) your observations and decision making needs to be done WELL in advance, plan your journey then drive to the plan.

3) thumbs out !! Do not be tempted to hook your thumbs under the rim of the wheel... You get into a slide the carriers body shifts the weight over the centre axle thus spinning the steering wheel violently through your hands (unless you are Zeus you won't be able to prevent this) broken thumbs suck !

4) all tight turns are made in 1st or 2nd gear, no higher (from a ww2 vet) best to roll up to the junction, make a slight pause, gear change then turn.

The smooth gear changes come later ! But driving a carrier is a kin to driving a bus over steel ball bearings.... They are lots of fun, but caution is needed.

I am in comparison to most here, a mere learner myself, only covering 1000miles in my carrier over the last year and a half.

[Robert Bergeron]

Thanks gentlemen for the sound advice.

I am all taking it in and will try again tomorrow but slower.

Especially the stopping , changing gear and turning at junctions.

I went off the road into the ditch like i was a passenger and had no control.

Too bad there is not a Carrier driving school around.

Speaking of snow / ice scrappers, where would i get them ?

My tracks were getting packed with snow and it was slowing me down quite a bit.

Thanks. Keep it coming.

[eddy8men]

hi Robert

I have just bought a carrier in Canada fitted with what I would call track grousers, whether they were intended for snow and ice or just general off road grip I couldn't say. they look to be a civvy modification and will be removed by myself once the carrier is over this side of the pond. I would be happy to swap the track with you if you want but that would mean you would not be able to drive your carrier on the roads after the ice has thawed !

[rob love]

The grousers as shown are a fairly standard farm modification. They are actually a testament to the farmers abilities, as normally it can be difficult attaching regular steel to cast steel.

[Robert Bergeron]

Thank-you very much for your most gracious offer Rick.

I will keep mine and slow down in the curves and at intersections.

I will also put on ice / scrappers if i can find the dimensions to make them .

Anyone here has a pair they would like to photograph andgive me dimensions please . Also bolt size would be convenient.

Many thanks to all.

[RichardT10829]

Unfortunately I cannot help on the scraper front.

Rick glad to see another carrier saved buddy !! Done in time for Normandy ?

[eddy8men]

no problem rob, it would have saved me a ton of work

rich might be getting a few more carriers but only the Canadian one is a definite as yet

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Robert Bergeron

(paraphrased) Thank-you very much. . .
I will also put on ice / scrappers if I can find the dimensions to make them .
Anyone here has a pair they would like to photograph and give me dimensions please . Also bolt size would be convenient.

Ice scrapers, or finger removers . . . there is likely an excellent reason they have not been installed. Your carrier has the mounting bracket, you need three 3/8" bolts with lock washer and nut to mount one bracket per side. The brackets are handed, requiring a left and right.

However fortunate you are in that you have the 'F' series sprockets installed, it means you cannot mount original issue finger removers without modifying them to fit. Are you certain the scrapers are not in the tool box or engine spares box?

[rob love]

I remember installing the hub and giving it a spin after adjusting the bearings. My finger got caught in between the sprocket teeth and the go*-^#** ice scraper. The momentum of the heavy drum is not easily overcome by a mere finger.

It resulted in one of those moments when you dance and swear and swear and dance. In manspeak, this is known as a teaching/learning moment. Of course, I had read the chapter with the warning on the ice scrapers, but it really doesn't sink in until you have cause your finger great anguish.

It has been added to my repertoire of things I will never do twice. These include:
1: moving a FN C2A1 by grabbing the hot barrel
2: wiggling a 100 pound flywheel off a crank with the fingers of one hand underneath to catch it
3: testing a 220 volt circuit by holding a wooden handled cooking utensil across two contacts, neglecting the steel rivets through the handle.
4: trying to get vision through an optical sight while still flying towards the ground during "pairs live" section attack.
5: Having never seen a train at a certain crossing, becoming complacent that there never would be.

These are my words of experience and wisdom. Heed them if you like.