25 Pounder info needed.

[Private_collector]

PM sent, Rick!

[Private_collector]

Changed my mind about filling the heads of the slotted bolts to create a rivet appearance from the front of the shield.
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Decided on using round head bolts, grinding down the characteres on the head and removing most of the square section under the head. I did leave a couple of roughened areas, to catch on the shield metal and prevent the bolt from turning when tightening. I tested this theory, and it does work. Only because the shield is aluminium, so there's another reason for using the lighter metal! Obviously ALL these fake rivets will have nuts on the inside of the shield, but I can live with that. I had been graciously offered real rivets to use, but I'm not talented enough to use this method of fastening. Nor do I have the tools to do so.

So far, I have prepared a total of 40 bolts. 20 small and 20 larger size. Having just counted, I need further 55 of the smaller size, and another 15 of the larger. It took me 2hrs of careful grinding and filing to get the first batch to the condition I wanted. In addition to all those, two brackets will need to be hex head bolts, due to lack of access to rear. I.E: 4x bolts to zero scale block, and 4x bolts to Illuminating Apparatus case mounting bracket (nuts are welded to rear of the bracket itself).

[Private_collector]

It took a surprisingly long time to prepare the shield for etch priming this afternoon. These things are something I only want to do once, so there has been a lot of sanding and some filing to ensure the upper shield doesnt scrape any paint off, once reinstalled.
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The etch went on very smoothly. I was surprised, actually. I have found some etches in past to be a bit fussy with application. Too light, you've made sandpaper. Too heavy a coat, and it all slides down...but not evenly.
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I used a Protec etch that I have only used previously in spray cans, and I'm impressed with it. Having made the effort to actually ask for the MSDS, I left it inside this morning, and was thoroughly grubby and sweaty by the time I remembered it. Rightly or wrongly, I decided to do without it. All I wanted to know was thinning ratio, and I winged it. Still couldn't say what ratio is. Just kept pouring thinners into the pot until it felt 'right'.

Since getting home last night, I haven't had a chance to shop for more bolts to make my fake rivets, so I'll get them while paint dries tomorrow. There is potentially hours in getting the bolts to my specifications, so nothing else will go onto the shield at this stage. I didn't take any photos of the bolts I have put on so far, but will do that tomorrow. Not yet had one that turned while being tightened, though that will surely happen now that I have made this comment! I'm pleased with how they appear from the angry side of the shield. Just look like bolts from the other side.

Tomorrow, it gets greener.

[Private_collector]

Gents,
Took a number of 25 pdr reference photos at Bandiana Military Museum.
The following may be of interest / use to someone.
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More to follow.

[Private_collector]

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[Private_collector]

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[Private_collector]

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That's the lot.

One of the above, is not like the other ones. Do you see which one? It is from a ceremonial carriage which has been used for some of Australias most noted military funerals in past years. There are, in fact, two of these carriages at the museum. They have carried the caskets of: Sir Ernest Edward "Weary" Dunlop AC, CMG, OBE, and our last ANZAC, Mr Alec William Campbell, who died in 2002, aged 103. Rest their souls.

I have some photos of the ceremonial carriages, if anyone is intereted.