25 Pounder info needed.

[Private_collector]

Tony V, and Rob,

I would be hesitant to tow something as heavy (and unsprung) as a 25pr any real distance beyond my place and town, a trip of 40km, which is about the extent I would dare drag one. Even that distance would be 80km/h and half the time I'd be on sealed backroads, to minimise irritation to drivers intent on breaking Sir Donald Campbells speed record. Bastards!

[Phillip]

I read this with some interest and a little trepidation - 80km/h? Max 'cruising speed' according to the manual is 25mph (40kph).

They bounce alot at 40km/h - I would not fancy any axle/ bearing issues with an unbraked - 1 1/2 tonnes at twice this recommended speed.

You are right for long trips - put it on something more modern (truck or trailer) but when towing short distances, be aware of the 25pdrs limitations. Also stop and check your bearings regularly on every trip.

[jack neville]

Good tyres and bearings and good roads and I have had no problems travelling at 80kph behind the Marmy. With the limber included it obviously slows you down of course. My Wiles Junior Cooker has leaf springs and the sign on the back of it says 25 mph too.

[Private_collector]

Well it's all academic at this stage, anyway. I do appreciate the contributions, and it will help to reinforce need to slow down when towing my gun. That's assuming we haven't changed to flying vehicles by that time. At least I can vouch for the bearings on my present axle.

And Tim, if you're out there, you REALLY need to look at an email I sent you. Interested in what reply you may have.

[David Dunlop]

If I read your question as being related to a freight shipping issue regarding costs and/or reliability, I can assure you I have had no direct dealings with such in Australia, but can offer some insights into a bit of the operation here in Canada.

For the most part, if you are moving something 'specialized' like a 25-pdr from a Point A to a Point B, both of which are high traffic areas for freight companies, prices are pretty fixed. There is lots of business available and nobody is going to go broke if they say they are not interested. There is lots of work available. That holds pretty true for both the major players and the smaller independent operators.

If either of your Point A or Point B are in lower freight traffic areas, you might find a good deal with a smaller independent who may be in a situation of hauling a full load out but not have enough business to bring back in. It's not in their best interests to be moving an empty, or near empty rig anywhere.

It's a crap shoot in a way finding a shipper that it will work for, but definitely worth the time to look into. A bit like the car rental business. They will rent you a vehicle for a one way trip, but don't like to because it costs them money to send somebody out to bring the vehicle back to their location. If you are planning a long road trip here by rental, it sometimes pays to see if anyone here has a vehicle needing to be returned to where you are going. It becomes a plus situation for them rather than a negative. And you can usually find another stranded vehicle at the other end, you can use to get home.

My inflation riddled two cents.


David

[David Dunlop]

Are you thinking of selling those, Tony?

If you use a photo of them next to a pair of Wellies, you might be able to run the price up a bit.

Think about it. Then go shake your head.


Cheers,


David

[Private_collector]

Originally Posted by David Dunlop

Are you thinking of selling those, Tony?

If you use a photo of them next to a pair of Wellies, you might be able to run the price up a bit.

Think about it. Then go shake your head.


Cheers,


David

No David, not selling those levelling things. In fact the opposite. If they are worth buying, I might get them, BUT only if they are worth spending money for.

Re Transport: Your observations are how I found things here also. To bring me those 25pr trails parts, I settled on a fellow who knows the seller. Seller is in very rural area, so nobody wanted to go get the parts without huge expense. Also, size of main piece is larger than standard pallet, so up goes the price again. Then, because it's fairly weighty, up goes the price further. The sellers contact is travelling out to see him in near future, so he will retrieve parts at that time, and isn't charging for that service because he's there anyway. The total cost is very reasonable. I do need to be patient in waiting for that visit out there though. It'll be good therapy for me!

I've checked over the recently acquired firing platform closely today. I don't think it will need as much work as I was mentally preparing for. Sure there's a number of stress cracks and some corrosion, but i have a near neighbour (read as my soon best friend) who could weld two cat turds together. I'm sure I can induct him.

Incidentally, if anyone is going to be in Brisbane at time of ANZAC Day parade, come say hello.
I'll be wearing this shirt!
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Will be wearing my suit for Dawn Service, of course!