Early Mk.I* "TL13F", CB180

[Nech]

Great info Lynn! Hope someone will put some light into this..

I was trying to do some research in the older threads over here, but without success.

Regarding my carrier - I have only the serial No. from the dataplate "TL 13 F" ( I am curious what this number really means), the month of manufacture 3/1941 and the hull number CB180. The front armour is sadly not original, but is the later 1942 Mk.I* replacement.

[Michael R.]

Tank, Light, Serial number 13, Ford
Canadian Built, upper hull serial number 180

[eddy8men]

unfortunately i can't up load my pic of the dash, maybe the file is too big. i will try again tomorrow

[Nech]

Thanks Rick! That would be fine! Yours hull No. is close. Anyway, can anyone helpe me with this particular contract of my carrier please?
Sadly I am still missing the Nigels books.

Cheers!

[Lynn Eades]

So, Michael R, this is a British contract carrier? First 1100 or so units? Correct!

[rob love]

I have seen a small number of the early TL carriers around....if they were British contract, some certainly remained back here.

I used to have one of the remnants of a British speedometer from an early Cdn carrier that was somewhere in the 400-500 hull numbers range. Not sure where it ended up, or if it is hiding in one of the many many tupperware containers out in the shed.

[Michael R.]

A portion of the first series of MK-I* carriers produced at Ford Canada were fitted with a selection of British made parts. As Rob L. indicates, it is not uncommon to see these early carriers in Canada. The carrier Nech has, TL13F, was one such carrier, sold from an MLU member and shipped to Europe. Another three digit serial number MK-I* shipped from Canada in 2016.

As for the dash instruments and most gauges, the changes appeared at serial #2083 for the oil gauge, and serial #2143 for the Canadian switchboard assembly. However, the British CAV - Bosch 47-51 switchboard continued in use as spares until stocks were depleted.

If you look at the carrier serial number list in Nigel W., 'Universal Carriers, Volume 1', there is a list showing hundreds of the three digit serial number carriers issued to Canadian units. Nigel also details the supply of British parts by type, manufacturer and quantity to support production until Ford Canada was able to get local supply up to speed. I suppose an initial order of 600 carriers being increased to eventually cover some 28,988 units plus spares allowed for full local production support.

[Nech]

Thank you everyone gentleman for your information. You gave me the right direction, I am getting the answers to my questions.
The SE-83-44 parts catalogue says:


SPEEDOMETER - U.K. design manufactured by Smiths 0-40mph
SWITCHBOARD - CAV-BOSCH 47-51 (when depleted, replaced by..) manufactured by C.A.V.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE - U.K. No.20894/5 (when depleted, replaced by..) manufactured by Smiths 0-100 lbs
THERMOMETER - Dash unit U.K. No. AQ/TCL/181/108 manufactured by A.R.I.C. 120-240F
AMMETER - U.K. No. CB/5289/25A manufactured by C.A.V. 0-25A
DASH LAMP - U.K. design
HORN - PUSH - U.K. No.LV/HP19L (when depleted, not replaced)
SWITCH STARTER - U.K. No. LV/764361
SOCKET INSPECTION LAMP - U.K. No. LV/L1502/5

I suppose I can apply those data to my early machine.