19-Set A-Set Aerial Base Assembly

[David Dunlop]

Thank you all for the feedback, gentlemen. Much appreciated.

It does seem odd not being able to find a plywood/cork Mounting No. 3 painted up in Number 2 Brown. My first thought was that it was too small an item to worry about, but I have the corresponding Aerial Base No. 8 in original Number 2 Brown and there is even less painted surface area on it than on the Mounting No. 3. My now current speculation is that the numbers of Mounting No. 3's produced in brown were dramatically lower in quantity, so proportionally fewer have survived.

I can see the problem with the use of plywood. Paint would not hold up to wear and tear very well and before long the plywood would be exposed to the elements. The animal glues of the day would not hold up and the next thing you know the Mounting would structurally fail. All rubber makes sense as a much better replacement.

Glad you mentioned the white rubber ones, Chris. I saw one on eBay a while back and thought it was a modern silicon fake, so stayed clear of it. I will keep an eye out for a black rubber one now.

Cheers,


David