LP2a SAR restoration

[Matt Stephenson]

Hi Phillip,

That's a really nice looking LP2A you have there to begin with. It should save you a lot of time try to source parts as it looks relatively complete. I'm intrigued by the cover located on the left side rear compartment. Most LP2A's only had that feature on the drivers side rear as an armoured cover for the No.19 wireless set. Similar arrangements for armour covers we added to the left side on mortar carriers.... I'd love to see more pics of your hull when you have a chance.

Regards.

[Darrin Wright]

Hi Phillip,

that is indeed a BGC 3" Mortar Carrying version (the same as mine) as Matt has indicated.
Can we get some interior pics of the back right interior corner (base plate mounting), fittings on both interior sides rear compartment, any air scoop brackets and anything else that is slightly different.
Any sign of it having handrails in the rear?

A top view pic of the ammunition cover, curious if it is a left or right cover.

Nice and complete vehicle to start with, don't blame you for placing the FGT on the back burner

Regards

[Wayne Henderson]

Very nice, if only you could find a 3"mortar to go with it
I still have a few SAR bits left over if you need something expensive.

[Matt Stephenson]

Hey Wayne,

You have about as much chance of aquiring a 3" mortar as you do of sumbling across a herd of Unicorns. My recommendation would be to take lots of pics and measurements of a real one, and try to replicate as much as you can, in either steel or plastic. If its going to be for display purposes only, then plastic should suffice, and there is little chance of it being operational, which helps keep the authorities happy......especially in this day and age.

Darrin has made an excellent replica of the base plate for the 3" mortar, and under a coat of paint most people would be hard pressed to pick it from an original. The aiming apparatus for the mortars do appear on ebay from time to time too. All together it wouldnt be a insurmountable challange to produce a replica that looks quite convincing without all the hassles of permits and safe storage that would come with owning a genuine one.

Just my 2 cents.....

Regards.

[Phillip]

Whilst the hull is intact and the floor in brilliant condition, it amazing how many parts are not there. Fortunately, I've got a lot of bits on the shelf so I'm only chasing some small stuff, (Wayne - I'll sort through your pile and take it off your bill).

I've spent the last few days sorting through my pile of wiring conduit and ended up with a full set of original conduit where all the joiners match those already in the carrier.

I have to thank Rick Davies for the technique in getting the conduit apart after 70 years - one bottle on MAP gas, a few hours work and here we are (For the observant you'll notice that I have two pipes around the wrong way.) I only have to make two 3/4 pipes out of some of the spare pipe and its complete.

Yes, it is a 3" Mortar Carrier, photos are attached as requested. The cover is the nearside (left) cover as the brackets are spaced differently on the offside (right). No sign of any handrails having been fitted.

Unfortunately no engine cover came with it, so I'd very much appreciate some drawings/ dimensions for the brackets fitted to the cover to secure the mortar.

I'm off to tend to my unicorns.

[Sean Mayo]

Hi Phillip,

very nice and complete carrier, looking forward to seeing your restoration.
Why do I have the feeling next time we visit, there will be a 3in mortar at your place.
Hi Wayne, do I need any of your very expensive parts for my SAR carrier?
Hope you both had a Great Christmas and New years.

regards Sean and Wayne.

[Wayne Henderson]

Hi Sean, Greetings
Not much left now as Phil as been in my shed again.
Heaps of wheels and springy things off a SAR carrier.
Drop by next time you're around this way.

[Paul Dutton]

Originally Posted by Matt Stephenson

Hey Wayne,

You have about as much chance of aquiring a 3" mortar as you do of sumbling across a herd of Unicorns. My recommendation would be to take lots of pics and measurements of a real one, and try to replicate as much as you can, in either steel or plastic. If its going to be for display purposes only, then plastic should suffice, and there is little chance of it being operational, which helps keep the authorities happy......especially in this day and age.

Darrin has made an excellent replica of the base plate for the 3" mortar, and under a coat of paint most people would be hard pressed to pick it from an original. The aiming apparatus for the mortars do appear on ebay from time to time too. All together it wouldnt be a insurmountable challange to produce a replica that looks quite convincing without all the hassles of permits and safe storage that would come with owning a genuine one.

Just my 2 cents.....

Regards.

Funny enough, I happen to be picking up a 3" mortar soon!
Also a 6 pounder and 2' mortar! All go BANG at the correct ends too!

[Matt Stephenson]

Hi Paul,

All I can say is that you're fortunate enough to live somewhere that doesn't have draconian gun laws and restrictions. Most states in Australia wont permit the private ownership of a mortar of any description, even if it is deactivated. Similarly most that were in private ownership have been surrendered to the government and now such things can only be found in museums and a few private owners who are fortunate enough to have been given a special permit or a armouers licence. In NSW you cant own a mortar, anti tank gun, artillery or a anti aircraft gun unless is is completely deactivated, on permanent display to the public, and the authorities have given you a permit to do all the above.
Like I said......draconian.

Don't get me started on the silly requirements for having a plastic, non-firing replica.

So in this part of the world things like 3"mortars tend to be very rare, hence the unicorn analogy.

More importantly, Phillip has a great looking LP2A mortar carrier, which once restored will look great, and would only be enhanced further by the addition of a 3" mortar stowed on/in it.

[Paul Dutton]

And I thought the weapons laws here were bad!
These are all blank firing.
The law is stupid, I've always said it will NEVER stop criminals from obtaining weapons.
I've been collecting firearms for over 20 years, and trust me, been offered some very dodgy scruff.
Take the sten gun, I'm an engineer, I could knock one up in a day or so! Mortar, just a tube with firing pin in base!
12g shotgun out of two pieces of steel tube . . . . Etc
Yep, the laws are crazy, I do feel for you guys.