Huntsville Legion Carrier Update

RichCam · #1 19-03-13, 19:36

Guys,

I finally got around to putting together a short YouTube video summarizing the 2nd half of our restoration of the Huntsville Royal Canadian Legion MkII 1944 Carrier. We are still working on replacing the "plywood" frontal armour pieces. Hopefully, we will have it "finished" - a relative term when it comes to carriers - sometime this summer. It is kind of nice to look at on a snowy, still wintry day here in central Ontario.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0i3RfxyPVw

Enjoy!
Richard Hatkoski

eddy8men · #2 19-03-13, 21:06

nice job guys, that engine sounds great

Ian Johns · #3 19-03-13, 23:06

She looks great guys

maple_leaf_eh · #4 20-03-13, 00:26

Call the authorities! Putting a 12 yr old boy to work with a grinder!

Bob Carriere · #5 20-03-13, 04:06

..... it's a midget.

Nice to see a young lad getting inducted into the hobby.....

Fantastic job on the UC.......

Bob C

RichardT10829 · #6 20-03-13, 11:07

Excellent job guys another one brought back from a rusty grave ! How does she drive, have you had any issues with the track ? I only ask as my carriers track leans like yours does and I was worried about running problems.

RichCam · #7 20-03-13, 14:51

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all of the "high 5's". To answer Richard's question, we needed to make sure that the tracks were tensioned properly and that the linkages were snug. Otherwise, the carrier drives like a charm and the suspension is wonderful. We are always mindful to keep listening for a broken track pin and we don't have any plans for taking it "airborne". As well, with the track tensioned, we aren't noticing "checking" of the rear drive tires either.

With regards to Iain, he and his friends are the future generation of restorers. They need to get bitten by the restoring bug now. They are the individuals (that are not only going to be lifting us in and out of the carrier when we are 85 or 90) that will be caring for the restored "beasts" long after we are gone.

Cheers, Richard Hatkoski

RichCam · #8 10-11-15, 15:52

Hello,
I have taken over the caretaker responsibilities for the Huntsville Legion MK-II* Bren Carrier and I thought I would post an update.
I have been able to "correct" the Gunner front Lower plate position - we mounted it backwards. It now properly provides a fit for the MK-II* swing plate and completes the frontal look of the carrier.
The previous caretaker had liberally added WWII items that didn't make any sense so I have removed them. The replica Bren Gun was made by a Legion member so it has to stay with the carrier. I've tried to place it where it is visible but where it doesn't interfere with entry/exit to the gunner's seat.
Smaller items like adding a marine gas line squeeze bulb, replacing a 6V battery and plugs and tuning the carburetor have made it easier to start. I will have to do a full lubrication, greasing and fluid change in the spring.
All going well, it will be part of the Legion Remembrance Day Parade, tomorrow at 12:30pm in downtown Huntsville.
That's it for this year.

RichardT10829 · #9 10-11-15, 17:58

Looking good Rich.

Robert Bergeron · #10 11-11-15, 02:11

Very nice Richard. Keep up the good work.

I will be on the road a little bit earlier with my local Legion's brothers in arms.

Thank you for caring for our Vets.

I will have a kind and thankfull tought for your grandfather and his great Regiment, the Lincoln and Welland.

Robert

RichCam · #11 13-11-15, 17:52

The rain held off, we had a great turnout of people at the Cenotaph and a nice little march down the main street. Next year, I will try and get more vehicles out for the parade.

http://www.muskokaregion.com/communi...lle-remembers/

eddy8men · #12 13-11-15, 18:56

good for you mate, it's something I've always wanted to do but never seem to get round to it.

well done

Peter Duggan · #13 14-11-15, 01:40

Richard,

WELL DONE.

Peter

RichCam · #14 15-11-15, 23:03

Rick and Peter,

Thanks for the compliments. It doesn't take much to parade a vehicle. If it is a local Legion event, their Parade insurance can cover the parade vehicles but it is worth looking into the details beforehand. The local police are generally cooperative, I don't think they get excited about big parades but quick little ones seem to work. You might hear lot's of nay sayers, but if you had listened to them in the beginning, you wouldn't be restoring WWII vehicles.
As for the vehicles themselves, people love them. There are always people crowded around the Legion MK-II* carrier when I get it out from it's shelter. I made sure that I was able to park it front row, centre, on the pathway to the Cenotaph. The nay sayers said that it would dig up the grass and mark up the pavement. I just smiled and told them that I'm not doing any donuts.
History has to be interactive in order to be relevant. Our work to keep these vehicles mobile preserves the experience for current and future generations. If it weren't for us, they would probably be recycled, Chinese steel. Keep up the good work!
Cheers to yourselves!