Bren Chest

rwhovey · #1 04-01-06, 01:08

Hello,

I have a Semi Bren with all EIS but no Transit Case. Is there one available?

Cheers
Randy Hovey

Bob Carriere · #2 04-01-06, 04:55

Gud evening Randy

Sounds like you have a single breasted Bren and need a suitcase to transport......

The original Bren gun boxes made of wood did not survive well being stored on skids in the open behind surplus stores....

Maybe a few still floating around......

Stew.... wake up in Arkansass!!! do you recall SAil in Montreal.. did they have some bren gun boxes at the back or were they just the magazine boxes????

If you can find even an old one....even if warped.... if complete they can be rebuilt using all the original hardware.... boxed finger corners are easy to replicate with today's router technology.

Bob

rwhovey · #3 04-01-06, 15:19

Hello Bob,

Thanks for the reply. Once I have a good Chest I'm planning to make repops some time next year.

Cheers
Randy

Stewart Loy · #4 05-01-06, 01:39

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob Carriere

Stew.... wake up in Arkansass!!! do you recall SAil in Montreal.. did they have some bren gun boxes at the back or were they just the magazine boxes????

All is well in Arkansas! I was walking around this afternoon in 75 degree outdoor temperature, and all of those rust-fre cars and old trucks - wow!

I cannot recall seeing any Bren boxes at SAIL, but they did have a trailer full of wooden Enfield rifle boxes - most in pretty tough shape following too many years of exposure.

Stewart

Bob Carriere · #5 06-01-06, 03:34

Just happen to be driving by SAIL Plein Air after a business meeting......

The bad news is they have totally remodeled the store which NO LONGER contains any "army" surplus stuff.

The Good NEWS is... they have spun off a new company a block away... at least 3 times the size of the old...now new ...sail store.

They are calling themselves Pre.Fair..... surplus everything... wholesale and retail... tires trucks trailers uniform etc.... but they are not yet open tot he public as they are setting up.... should be open in the Spring of 06...... according to one of the older sales clerk.... the old guys(owner) has been buying stuff by the container load...... most not even opened yet.... saw the new building and the yard is full of old tractor trailers used ofr external storage...... one more thing to add to the "to do" list ofr the Spring.

Bob

derk derin · #6 06-01-06, 07:02

Hi Randy, There are literally a mountain of old bren transit boxes here in Manitoba at an old army surplus yard that have been rotting away for 30-40 years outside. Most of us collectors over here have sorted through the pile a few times over the years to fill our collections,but most now would fall apart in your hands! If you don't find one from one of the guys on the site here,let me know in the spring if you still need one and when I go out there,I can pick out the best one I can find for you. You can email me at derk_derin@yahoo.ca . Regards,
Derk.

rwhovey · #7 08-01-06, 01:28

Hello Derk,

I'm originally from Winnipeg but have not heard of the Bren Chest site before. It the one out side Portage La Prairie?

If I can’t find a chest I would also be interested in any and all hardware that can be found.

Randy H
Dingo Caretaker

Snowtractor · #8 08-01-06, 22:10

....haven't you guys heard of IMA-USA ? I believe the link is www.ima-usa.com
they used to have them
Sean

Stewart Loy · #9 08-01-06, 22:45

Sean,

How do you spell "IMA" so I can 'google' them?

Also, do you have the number for 9-1-1 in case of an emergency?

Finally, when are you moving down to the 'Peg? You don't want to miss the balmy weather down there.

Stewart

Snowtractor · #10 09-01-06, 02:29

Quote:

Originally posted by Stewart Loy
Sean,

How do you spell "IMA" so I can 'google' them?

no prob.... eye em eh

Also, do you have the number for 9-1-1 in case of an emergency?

sure its 9-1-1 (you were using lower case)

Finally, when are you moving down to the 'Peg? You don't want to miss the balmy weather down there.
I am in Winnipeg today until tues when I go to edmonchk and drivy home and its been 0 to -3 in Fort smith all dec and jan until this week , hard to complain...bt I'll try

Stewart

thanks for the kind thoughts

Sean

ps incidentally the address works

derk derin · #11 09-01-06, 02:31

Quote:

Originally posted by rwhovey
Hello Derk,

I'm originally from Winnipeg but have not heard of the Bren Chest site before. It the one out side Portage La Prairie?

If I can’t find a chest I would also be interested in any and all hardware that can be found.

Randy H
Dingo Caretaker

Hi Randy,
Yes, that is the surplus yard I mean, and I won't be out that way till the spring.If anything,the boxes would be good as a pattern and all the hardware is on the box you would need for a restoration or a copy,although I am sure I could still pick one out of the pile you could do minor repairs to and a paint job. Shipping now is a big factor in the price of an object and so you should try and find locally first,the boxes here aren't going anywhere!

Sean,when are you moving to Winnipeg,we could use another Bren gun carrier here to make a carrier platoon!! It's warm enough here now to wear the tropical uniform (short's optional!)
Hope everyone had a Happy New Year,
Derk.

Snowtractor · #12 09-01-06, 02:40

I am certainly trying to Derk. Quite my job and may end up in Medicine hat for 3 years while I get my journeyman' certificate in welding. I passed my first years and have about 800 ours now so I am looking for a job. But the plan is to move here over the next while , but I have to have something to be employed in if you know what I mean...and I can never quite make " do you want fries with that" work for me.
PS I could use a box for my bren too

Also any cadillac 346 engine for the Penguin I got which is due to the ad in the prairie command newsletter btw.
Sean

Stewart Loy · #13 09-01-06, 13:03

Quote:

Originally posted by Snowtractor
Quite my job and may end up in Medicine hat for 3 years while I get my journeyman' certificate in welding.
Sean

Medicine Hat! Even I get there sometimes - I bet you get a lot more visits than up in the NWT.

The next time I get out to blow something up at CFB Suffield I will look you up - keep us informed.

Stewart

rwhovey · #14 09-01-06, 21:51

Hello Guys,
It sounds we have allot in common. I to was in the peg from 79 to 97 and then to Masset BC, Ottawa and then south of the border.

In the Peg I was with FGH for some time before going reg. Med Hat is my old stomping grounds as well.

I did call IMA and they have non in good shape at all. so I'm in a fix here. If there is one available I can have my father pick it up as he still lives is the Peg and we hope to drive up this summer.

Getting the Dingo ready for FIG at the end of Jan. will add some pics.

Randy H

derk derin · #15 10-01-06, 07:00

Randy,
If you are coming to Winnipeg this summer,let me know when and I can take you to the surplus yard and we can go through the pile and you can pick out the one you want.We can even pick out a good one for Sean if he wants? Regards,
Derk.

Snowtractor · #16 10-01-06, 18:30

Howdy,
easterners suck....hmmm , just trying on my Alberta voice

JUST KIDDING FOR THOSE NOT SURE.
Yes Medicine hat would certainly put me on the known world map again that would be nice. GAoing to try the mine first before I accept the job in the Hat though. I just road the plane from Winnipeg to Edmonton with a guy who lives in THunderbay and is working in the mine in the NWT, grrrr. Bloody buddy system.
As for the bren box, Derk, would love one if and when you head out there. There i one more link for boxes I have to try to find again, seems to me they were bragging about having a bunch of good ones. Will let you all know.
Sean

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #17 10-01-06, 19:10

Quote:

Originally posted by Snowtractor
Howdy,
easterners suck....hmmm , just trying on my Alberta voice
JUST KIDDING FOR THOSE NOT SURE.
Yes Medicine hat would certainly put me on the known world map again that would be nice. GAoing to try the mine first before I accept the job in the Hat though. I just road the plane from Winnipeg to Edmonton with a guy who lives in THunderbay and is working in the mine in the NWT, grrrr. Bloody buddy system.
As for the bren box, Derk, would love one if and when you head out there. There i one more link for boxes I have to try to find again, seems to me they were bragging about having a bunch of good ones. Will let you all know.
Sean

If Canada goes Liberal again, would you sponsor me for Albertan citizenship?

Snowtractor · #18 10-01-06, 20:16

Quote:

Originally posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball
If Canada goes Liberal again, would you sponsor me for Albertan citizenship?

a couple of questions first

Can you ride a horse...or lie about being able to ride one?

do you know what prairie oysters are?

do you own a cowboy hat and boots?

does your car go faster than 130kph?

what colour are stop signs?

can you talk with a Texas drawl even though you hae never been there?

Do you have a copy of "Alberta bound" country song?

do you have lots of money and think poor people are lazy bums?

If so, "COME ON IN PARDNER, YEE HA" :dh:

Alex Blair (RIP) · #19 10-01-06, 20:39

Quote:

Originally posted by Snowtractor
a couple of questions first

Can you ride a horse...or lie about being able to ride one?

do you know what prairie oysters are?

do you own a cowboy hat and boots?

does your car go faster than 130kph?

what colour are stop signs?

can you talk with a Texas drawl even though you hae never been there?

Do you have a copy of "Alberta bound" country song?

do you have lots of money and think poor people are lazy bums?

Sean....
Things must have changed since I lived in Alberta...

The Alberta anthem was the Rodeo Song...
or was that a seniors moment you were having when you posted...

Here it is for Geof to learn...

GARY LEE AND THE SHOWDOWN lyrics - "The Rodeo Song"

www.OldieLyrics.com

Well it's 40 below and I don't give a ****
Got a heater in my truck and I'm off to the rodeo
And it's Alabam left Alabam right
Come on ya ****in' dummy get your right step right
Get off the stage ya god damn goof ya know

Piss me off ya ****in' jerk get on my nerves

Well here comes Johnny with his pecker in his hand
He's a one ball man and he's off to the rodeo
And it's Alabam left and Alabam right
Come on ya ****in' dummy get your right step right
Get off the stage god damn goof ya know

Piss me off ya ****in' jerk get on my nerves

Well it's 40 below and I don't give a ****
Got a heater in my truck and I'm off to the rodeo
And it's Alabam left Alabam right
Come on ya ****in' dummy get your right step right
Get off the stage ya god damn goof ya know

Piss me off ya ****in' jerk get on my nerves

If so, "COME ON IN PARDNER, YEE HA" :dh:

Showdown bio here...
http://www.canadianbands.com/Showdown.html

(I got the band to autograph a copy of their album when they lived next door to my brother in law in Leduc,AB in '80.....)

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #20 10-01-06, 20:41

Quote:

Originally posted by Snowtractor
a couple of questions first

Can you ride a horse...or lie about being able to ride one? Yep, although they usually chuck me off the back...

do you know what prairie oysters are? The drink or the band?

do you own a cowboy hat and boots? No for the former but yes for the latter. Unlike most here, they've actually been in stirrups.

does your car go faster than 130kph? Yep

what colour are stop signs? Dunno, what are these?

can you talk with a Texas drawl even though you hae never been there? Sure thang, y'all.

Do you have a copy of "Alberta bound" country song? Nope, but I kin download it.

do you have lots of money and think poor people are lazy bums? No and yes. Does that help?

Alex Blair (RIP) · #21 10-01-06, 20:46

Jif...
You ain't lived til you attended a few of these...

Prairie Oysters

Prairie Oysters or Rocky Mountain Oysters, a term common in the western U.S., refers to sheep's, bull's, boar's or prairie dog's testicles used for food. Usually breaded and deep fried, they can also be sauteed, braised or poached. Clinton, Montana has an annual Testicle Festival each year.

sapper740 · #22 10-01-06, 20:48

Quote:

Originally posted by Snowtractor
a couple of questions first

Can you ride a horse...or lie about being able to ride one?

do you know what prairie oysters are?

do you own a cowboy hat and boots?

does your car go faster than 130kph?

what colour are stop signs?

can you talk with a Texas drawl even though you hae never been there?

Do you have a copy of "Alberta bound" country song?

do you have lots of money and think poor people are lazy bums?

If so, "COME ON IN PARDNER, YEE HA" :dh:

Dang Geoff, I thought you were moving down here, already sent the paper work in, now all you have to do is move to Mexico, get a tan and you're in!

While you're tanning, here's a Texas thesaurus:

'ite! > All right!
'chunder > out yonder
catty corner > across the intersection diagonally
'cue > barbeque
Friday next > 1 week after next friday
foy-yer > foy-yay
toboggan > toque
chunk > throw away
messican > Mexican
coyote > someone who smuggles messicans
calf fries > prairie oysters
Damnyankee (one word) > unwelcome North Easterner
Hell > California
mess > a lot of something
fixin' to > I'm going to get around to doing something
y'all > you
all y'all > everybody

Now repeat after me,

"I'm fixin' to 'cue all y'all a mess of calf fries 'chunder Friday next so don't chunk 'em else the messicans will git 'em, ite?!

Just doing my bit to aid in International understanding!

Tony Smith · #23 16-01-06, 12:09

Quote:

Originally posted by rwhovey
Hello Bob,

Thanks for the reply. Once I have a good Chest I'm planning to make repops some time next year.

Cheers
Randy

Note that there were different size (length) chests for various marks of Brens to account for variations in different Barrel and Butt lengths. I've seen about three different lengthed chests but only have two to measure.

rwhovey · #24 17-01-06, 01:35

Hello Tony,

Thanks for the info. I was under the impression that one size fits all. I have to measure my Bren before I go up hunting.

Randy

Stewart Loy · #25 17-01-06, 14:56

Quote:

Originally posted by Alex Blair

prairie dog's testicles

Alex,

How many prarie dog testicles does one need to put on a bun? The last one of these harmless little varmits I saw by the road in Saskatchewan did not look like he would have made much of a meal.

Between this and the Tim Tams - we better schedule a bus trip out to the promised land ...

Now is the right time for me to pull out my Manitoba birth certificate I think ...

Stewart
you can take the boy out of Winnipeg ...

Alex Blair (RIP) · #26 17-01-06, 15:41

Quote:

Originally posted by Stewart Loy
Alex,

How many prarie dog testicles does one need to put on a bun? The last one of these harmless little varmits I saw by the road in Saskatchewan did not look like he would have made much of a meal.

Between this and the Tim Tams - we better schedule a bus trip out to the promised land ...

Now is the right time for me to pull out my Manitoba birth certificate I think ...

Stewart
you can take the boy out of Winnipeg ...

Jeez Stew...

I never seen any" prarie" dog testicles laying on the road..I wonder how they come off the "dawg"....??
Them prarie dogs must be some size or you got damned good eyes....
I seen some "Prairie" dog nuts one time ...through the scope on my .22...
They were pretty small...
Take a few of them to make a sa'mich....
Any time you want to take a trip to the promised land..gimme a call..I'm in as co-pilot and radio operator/navigator...

Snowtractor · #27 17-01-06, 17:47

Quote:

Originally posted by Alex Blair
Jeez Stew...
Any time you want to take a trip to the promised land..gimme a call..I'm in as co-pilot and radio operator/navigator...

You sure you easterners don't need to call out the army to guide you...

hahahaha

Sean

mrclark · #28 19-01-06, 05:28

Hey folks, I also would love a case. I have two brens and have looked everywhere for these things.

That site in Peg sounds very interesting. Could someone grab one for me and if so how much.

Also I would be interested in the repro case as well what do you think you asking price will be.

heres my site http://www.pbase.com/mrclark/root with some pics of my brens

thanks

clark

Jon Skagfeld · #29 19-01-06, 06:40

Quote:

Originally posted by Tony Smith
Note that there were different size (length) chests for various marks of Brens to account for variations in different Barrel and Butt lengths. I've seen about three different lengthed chests but only have two to measure.

Tony:

My Mk 2/1 Inglis Bren has a butt strap which must be removed in order to fit it into the (as stencilled) Chest, Bren Gun, 303 in, Mk II.

Tony Smith · #30 19-01-06, 10:07

There was an official amendment to equipment list that authorised a change to the chest for Mk !! butts. A notch was cut in the top edge of the chest, and a hole bored in the muzzle end of the box and an external extension added on the exterior of the chest: