Aiming Post

Rob Beale · #1 23-09-09, 11:53

Handbook for the Vickers ... 1930, supplement no2

Post, zero, M.G., Mark I

"The post is of iron, 3 feet long and 1/2 an inch in diameter. The upper end is formed as a ring 4 inches in diameter, the lower end being pointed."

Sorry my memory didn't get the length right before!

From Darryl's measurement the 4" circle must be measured to the centre of the 1/2" rod.

I made one as above and it fits nicely in the pocket and clip on the side plate.

Don't forget to come up to the North Island too, Ron! Always a welcome for you in Sunny Gisborne.

regards
Rob

ron · #2 23-09-09, 12:02

Hi Rob,
Good on you mate thats exactly what I needed, full steam ahead in the morning,
I will certainly call in and see you when next I am over there been in your neck of the woods before too, was up in the North Island after Rusa deer and chasing the Sika out the back of Taupo, I look forward to seeing your machines, once again thanks for your help
Regards Ron

Jared Archibald · #3 24-09-09, 10:27

G'day everyone,

well, I have learnt a bit from all of this.

I had only ever seen cleaning rods placed in the holder on the side of the early LP2 carrier.
Then when Ron mentioned Aiming Posts I was thinking of the same apparatus as what Rob posted in his picture (which definitely can't fit onto the brackets on the side of an LP2) but I believe are usually stored in one of the rear bins.

I did some research today and found this:-

Posts, Zero, M.G., Mk. I
This post is provided for use in conjuction with machine guns employed for indirect fire. It consists of an iron road ½-in. diameter, bent at one end to form an aiming ring of 4-in. internal diameter and pointed at the other for insertion into the ground. The post, which is painted service colour, is about 38½-in. overall length.
Source:- the Accessories Page - Sighting and Gun Laying window - from http://www.vickersmachinegun.org.uk/
(there is an image here also)

I had not seen or heard of these before - but it is as Rob Beale has uploaded from Vickers MG Handbook.

It would seem that the original LP2/2A Carrrier Manual from 1941 that you have Ron got the name incorrect...

Now I know what to look for (or make).

Jared

ron · #4 24-09-09, 11:41

Hi Jared,
Thanks mate, Whats in a name,? well now we all know what we are talking about, this is what I like about this forum we are all out to help each other,and to share what we know about our chosen hobby,
Regards Ron