Restoration of Hull 731- Carrier, MG (Aust) Mortar Carrying

[Darrin Wright]

Thanks Ian, I have a AWM pic that displays the Buffalo facing to the left.

Last night I installed the remaining 2 rear stowage boxes on the rear shelf.

Over the last week I have studied the reference pics when recovered (prior to restoration) and the official painting guides. What I have discovered is that no guide was followed. They just did their own thing, sort of...

I have used masking tape to give me a rough outline of where the camouflage lines will run.
Tonight is sits with tape all over it.

have done some test samples of light stone and different percentages of UFB to dull it down. Getting there with the matching satin effect.

[Darrin Wright]

Over the last week I have slowly been brush painting the light stone onto the hull, following the original paint scheme where I can and utilising the camouflage guide from WW2 where the pattern had weathered away.

Bit daunting as to whether I was doing the right thing, when you restore a vehicle you try so hard to make sure you do the best job possible. I really put a lot of effort and time into the spray painting, and here I am using a brush to paint the light stone onto the hull of the vehicle.

Once I started painting, due to the light colour, there was no going back as it would have been a big job had I changed my mind to paint it over with green.

I am happy with the pattern and the colour. The light stone is within shades of the Paint Standards guide. It is a bit on the gloss side, but that will fade and dull down with use.

Engine cover is in with the lower panels in place.
What equipment & kit that I have collected over time is being fitted to the vehicle.

Getting close to a track adjustment and possibly a brake adjustment as the shoes are bedding in.
Not sure if I can get away with a quick adjustment on the top adjuster on the brake drums or if I will have to break track and adjust as per the manual.

[Darrin Wright]

After the information posted on MLU, my research and some reference pics and tracings of original numbers, I had a sign shop create the stencils for all the numbers and markings.

It took nearly all weekend to prep, apply, mask up, paint, un-mask & clean up, but I have just over half the markings on the vehicle.

[Darrin Wright]

I also visited the Army Museum at Bandiana and measured & traced their brackets and clips for the web straps that hold the water can and water bottles in place.

After that I started making the hooks & buckles. Will cut up a 37 pattern web strap and have it sewn together to form the correct strap. Will also hand sew in the other straps onto the loops welded onto the water bottle brackets and water can bracket at the rear.

Many years ago I purchased a few water bottle covers (possibly off MLU), these have now been fitted and sewn up on the water bottles that I have collected over the years. Will install into the hull when the straps are completed.

[Howard]

Fascinating, Darrin! Love your work.
H

[Ryan]

Bloody awesome.