Odd Australian Carrier MG Mount

[Ian Patrick]

This carrier MG mount was recently acquired with a few other carrier parts and is different to the more typical MG mounts like the one fitted to Dale's carrier (photo below).

This whole mount is cast in bronze with "F235" cast in it. The other more typcial mount is cast steel with bronze bushes.

The bolt hole pattern aligns with the plate in front of the gunners compartment in an LP2/2A carrier.

Does anyone know if this is just a different version (possibily different manufacturer?) of the same mount or is it for a different MG or different carrier?


Ian

[Matt Stephenson]

Hi Ian,

I believe its a mg mount from a LP1 hull. I have seen one just like this before in a LP1 hull, so Im feeling fairly confident with the id of this one. I am however prepared and will not at all be surprised to be found wrong as per other attempts at id-ing items.....

I would also like to see what other bits came with the mg mount.....possibly more LP1 parts etc???

Regards,

[Ian Patrick]

Hi Matt,
The other carrier parts were three road wheels and the suspension swingarms attached to each wheel.

Someone had made a three wheeled trolley out of these bits and used the MG mount as the steering pivot for the front wheel. The pivot part that attaches to the MG and fits into the MG mount was also with the bits but has been cut and welded to the swingarms on the trolley front wheel. Is there a way to tell the difference between LP1 wheels and LP2/2A wheels?

I also thought it may have been from an LP1 carrier but had an unsuccessful search on the internet to find any interior photos of an LP1 carrier let alone a photo of the MG mount so was unable to confirm.

Thanks for you response, you are probably correct.

Ian

[Matt Stephenson]

Ian,

LP1 wheels dont have the rectangular lightening holes/mud clearing holes at the rim end of the spokes. That's the only difference that I know of. The swing arms are quite different on LP1 so if you have any pics of what you have we may be able to identify those for you too.

Regards,

[Darrin Wright]

The F part number denotes LP1 part & that is the gun mount for a LP1.
Matt is correct concerning the Mount & wheel ID
Regards

[nigel ward]

I send you a personal message but I'm interested in the gun mount.
It would look good on my LP1

Nigel Ward

[Ian Patrick]

Thanks for the information everyone, that pretty much confirms it.

Would still be interested in seeing a period picture of the mount fitted in an LP1 if anyone has a photo...

One or two of the wheels don't appear to have the rectangular holes near the ends of the spokes so are possibly LP1 wheels. The third wheel does have the rectangular holes. I'll see if I can get some photos of the wheels and swing arms.

Ian

[Matt Stephenson]

Hi Ian,

Happy to help out, even happier that Im on the money and got the ID right this time! I'll have a look to see if I have any period pics of the mg mount in the LP1, however I think that any pics of LP1's are reasonably rare..... A few pics of the wheels and swing arms would be great to see. As already mentioned the wheels only have the minor difference in the rectangular slot/hole in the spokes, however the swing arms from the LP1 were somewhat different to the LP2 so we may (collectively) be able to try and ID those as well.

Looking forward to some more pics.

Regards,

[Darrin Wright]

I have attached a pic of the LP1 wheel which shows the spokes with no hole. Interestingly, this wheel has the later 1942 grease nipple modification. About this time LP1 were considered obsolete; therefore no/reduce maintenance etc. Some Lp1 wheels were utilised for LP1 repairs.

The gun mount pic is from my hull, I doubt there are any period pictures showing this. Even the manual does not show it. Anyone have a manual?

Ian, any pics of the wheels and rubber condition, also what is left of the suspension? LP1 suspension has a raised "S" cast into it with dates of 1939 & 1940. I do need wheels...

[Ian Patrick]

Attached are the photos of the carrier wheels and swing-arms that came with the MG mount. All the wheels have the rectangular cut out near the ends of the spokes so they look to be LP2/2A wheels.

Ian