Accessorize a C15TA

[Barry Churcher]

After a considerable time studying photos of C15TA’s I realized how many modifications had been done to these vehicles. Soldiers being an innovative lot made changes to things in order to make their survival more likely and life easier. My aim initially was to make my truck a little different than others. We want our vehicles to be historically correct for the rivet counters and not make absurd changes or additions. I will start with this photo and my uneducated guess. Is #1 an aerial I am not familiar with and is #2 the end of a smoke discharger?
Cheers,
Barry

[Barry Churcher]

Here are two ammo type cans mounted on the front fender that could be for medical supplies.
Barry

[Ed Storey]

You make a valid point that if historical accuracy is the intent, then base any accessories and markings off of a period photograph instead of making them up.

[derk derin]

Looks to me like item #1 in the photo is the side of the top bow for the canvas superstructure.
Derk

[Barry Churcher]

Good eye Derk. Now that you have pointed that out it is very obvious. That knot of canvas or whatever at the curve was what was throwing me off.
Thanks
Barry

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by derk derin

Looks to me like item #1 in the photo is the side of the top bow for the canvas superstructure.

I'll second that. #2 is just part of the canvas rolled up, I reckon.

The most heavily accessorized C15TA I know of, is Aristocrat. Plenty of inspiration for you, Barry - and now there is a reason for you to buy a PIAT


Source: https://www.silverhawkauthor.com/pos...armoured-truck

[Barry Churcher]

Hanno, I think Aristocrat was one of the hardest working trucks in the war. I did once have a minto PIAT complete with the box and extras but unfortunately I sold it. I would love to have it back. A few years ago a guy on HMFV was building one but I don't think the thread was ever completed. I think he was in Poland. Aristocrat has quite a few extras, some of which are:
#1-ammo boxes on windshield covers, #2- Gerry cans on fenders, #3 blanket bags on fenders, #4 ammo can on fender and I still can't figure out exactly how it is mounted, #5-PIAT, #6-roll of canvas, possibly a tent,- #7 tow rope wound around headlamp, #8- lantern.
Cheers
Barry

[David Dunlop]

I wonder if this was a Road Move the Regiment had to do on short notice and they could not wait for their usual transport to help get everything from Point A to Point B in the allotted time available?


David

[Jordan Baker]

I believe the ammunition box #4 is being held in position from a web strap slung through the boxes metal handles.

Here are the rest of the series of pictures taken of Aristocrat. Army Numerical Album # 84

[Jordan Baker]

last one from the series

[maple_leaf_eh]

In the 70s I was in a reserve wheeled recce unit. We had a long list of issue vehicle kit, patrol kit, and sometimes troop kit. Stowage was seldom dictated down to where to put the 2-burner stove in the M38A1 Jeep. Individual crews had different baggage too. I preferred the zippered duffel bag and a single sleeping bag valise for my kit, but not everyone had exactly the same issue. Generally equipment was stored within the confines of the tarp so it wouldn't fall off on a road move.

I would follow Ed's sage advice about relying on photos, but also show a little constructive thoughtfulness when dressing your vehicle.

[Barry Churcher]

Thanks Jordan for the five photos. I don't think I have ever seen #5 before. Here is a photo of another C15TA.
#1 a chore horse mounted on POW rack a little differently
#2 Gerry can strapped on front fender with proper straps
#3 just one of the aerial locations
#4 roof rack

Cheers
Barry

[Barry Churcher]

#1 another example of ammo cans mounted on the fender
#2 chore horse on the fender with a modified "hot rod" exhaust
#3 a shorty roof rack

[Barry Churcher]

ARISTOCRAT sure gets around.

[Barry Churcher]

Here is another photo for all you who are not bored yet.

#1 Aerial mounted on roof. I am not sure how they did that but it could be like
the Command vehicle.
#2 Aerial mounted by the top of the windshield
#3 Spotlight
#4 Winter cover
#5 Number on door
#6 Chains

[Alex van de Wetering]

Originally Posted by Barry Churcher

Here is another photo for all you who are not bored yet.

#1 Aerial mounted on roof. I am not sure how they did that but it could be like
the Command vehicle.
#2 Aerial mounted by the top of the windshield
#3 Spotlight
#4 Winter cover
#5 Number on door
#6 Chains

Barry....just a thought.... I wonder if aerial #2 is mounted in the same position, but mirrored, from position #1 (?).

[Grant Bowker]

I also wondered (without knowledge) whether the #2 antenna could be mounted to the left of the vehicle but further back and appear to be forward on the centerline.

[David Dunlop]

Both those aerials appear to be F-Section whips and the near side one is fitted to a 19-Set rubber cone base. It is possible this C15TA is rigged per specs with a 19-Set HP on the near side and a 52-Set on the far side. That installation would have been built and installed in the field.

David