Carrier kid

[RichardT10829]

Nice work Simon. Did you fabricate the steps and shovel handle bracket from Patterns ? I only ask as you may need to add a plate onto the bottom of the "gunners side" step to stop the pry bar coming out. Also (and I stand to be corrected) you may need to trim the shovel handle bracket as the sides look too long.

looking great though

I like the Mk2 engine deck rifle rest !

keep it up.

Richie

[Simon Delaney]

Hi Richie. The photo just shows some bits not all. Yes I've made the crow bar holder on drivers side. Its just not in the photo. All parts made from original examples. Several original shovel holders I studied are that length and photos show it to be correct.Theres a good shot I have showing the King inspecting a troop and you can see it clearly Earlier Scout versions look shorter though. The rifle rests have been popular! The steps are formed in a hefty press to make the exact curve.

[Lynn Eades]

I'm with Richard. I do stand to be corrected, but never seen the adjustable shovel bracket in any different height.

He is also talking about the "dropped" side of the left step, as far as the crow bar goes.

Scout, Bren and Mk I U.C. are the same with regards the adj. shovel bkt. IMHO.

Michael R., is there a difference between a MkI* and a MkII*?
Does the Stacey tow hitch require a change in the shovel bkt.

As far as I know the Brit. MkIIIw has the same set up as a MkI* U.C.

[kosbie]

I would beg to differ about the shovel handle holder. I think there is a reason for the larger variant. If you look very carefully at the 3rd and 4th photo down on page 25 of Nigel Watson's Volume 2 on universal carriers I think you will see it is carrying two shovels in this position, hence the larger piece for the spade handle. Similarly the photo on page 72 of Volume 1 appears to show the bigger version. I am also pretty sure the one on Shaun Hindle's carrier 'puddle jumper' is the larger version - perhaps Shaun could confirm if this so and it is an original one? Or I will have another look the next time I am over at the airfield. I also have a feeling the carrier at IWM Duxford has the bigger version. Happy to be corrected but I wouldn't write the bigger one off just because we have all seen more of the shorter ones.
cheers
Rick

[Simon Delaney]

Sorry ritchie apologies misread your post. The two steps are both the drivers side which I chucked on there in a hurry. I can't see the point of the longer shovel head bracket for sure but sean's has one as Rick says and that mk1 in the musem in S Africa has one too. Weird. I can make either which is the good news!

[Lynn Eades]

Hi Rick, Quote: "The greatest cause of non-observation, is preconceived opinion" Of this, I am guilty.
That photo on page 72 is exactly what my other carrier is, so maybe I should have one of these deeper brackets?
I have not yet found reference to a corresponding strap to hold in two shovels.

I do have in hand an original photo (stamped on the back "Royal Canadian Air Force Official photo) of the one you mentioned (in Nigel's book)(Is this a Windsor carrier?)and it shows clearly, two shovels, a long strap, and a deep adjustable right side bracket.
This is in conjunction with the Stacey towing attachment and the pick head mounted under the crow bar
I have looked at photo copies from Bovington's Chilwell 63/76 and there is nothing obvious there?
I have a stowage diagram for a "Carrier Universal No2 MarkII* and it states Shovel G.S. MkII (Qty) 1.
(BTW. The locker with the crews packs at the rear is deeper than the one on the track guard of a U.C.MkI*)

Thanks for the "heads up" guys.

Here are a couple of observations of mine;
1.The pick head often does not fully fit on the cast mounting bracket so that some file work is required to be able to get the retaining plate and wing nut on.
2. That the reason why you nearly never see carrier photos (in service) with the full compliment of tools fitted is because the brackets and straps were almost impossible to do up / undo.

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Simon Delaney

paraphrased. . . I can't see the point of the longer shovel head bracket for sure but sean's has one as Rick says and that mk1 in the musem in S Africa has one too. Weird. I can make either which is the good news!

"I can make either which is the good news!"
Exactly. Good attitude. Pictures can be deceiving though. The shovel handle bracket on the 1943 C01UC MK-I* in the Ditsong Museum, J'Burg, SA is a standard handle depth. Perhaps someone has a copy of a DME circular showing the change?

A few of the factory images from Ford, Canada appear to show the "two-shovel" modification. Have they added a second retaining strap for the second shovel? Note this is for the seldom seen "tool plate mounted" towing bracket, with the pickaxe head relocated to the bottom of the tool plate.

Photo credits:
S Tegner, S.A. ,
Ford Canada Archives through "The Factory Photos", Clive Law, Service Publications.

[Lynn Eades]

Simon, Can you tell us please, the full depth (front to back) of the deeper bracket assy?
Thanks for the pictures, Michael R.