Aerial mast base

nigel ward · #1 26-03-09, 15:38

Hi All,
I have borrowed a TL marked aerial mast base (#2) designed to attach to the upper armour of english/canadian carriers.
I have started the process of making reproductions of what I have. Please see attachments.

Some parts of the complete unit are missing so I am only offering what i can reproduce. If anyone has samples of the "bump stop" , the "chain and spring" of the lower hook section I would like to here from you to discuss.

I am seeking exspressions of interest from those interested in a reproduction if this item.
Based on the response, I will price out a run of units for those interested.

Kind regards

Nigel Ward

shaun · #2 26-03-09, 23:02

Hi Nigel,
I have been trying find one of these bases, for the Bren, so please consider me interested in a repro one.
TTFN
Shaun

nigel ward · #3 27-03-09, 00:43

Hi again

Firstly for those of you who didn't know, expressions is spelt expressions NOT
exspressions as I have spelt it.

Secondly, I ment to write....... the "chain and spring" OR the "lower hook section" not........ 'OF the lower hook section".

Sorry for this but I'm not that smart at the best of times let alone at midnight.

and to finish, thanks for the interest so far.

Kind Regards

Nigel

Mike Kelly · #4 27-03-09, 02:11

hi Nigel,

Hey, we have been looking for the toothed base plate forever ... we , I mean us PU 8 cwt wireless truck owners . I do have the upper section - the brass cup and the mushroom shaped insulator ..these are super rare items . The lower toothed base plate , your pic shows it , has turned up at last ! I'll tell Rory Ballard about this find of yours.

I made some detailed drawings of the cup and insulator ..will try to locate tham and post here .

Would be interested in any drawings or the actual repro toothed base plates

Pics

Mike

cletrac (RIP) · #5 27-03-09, 02:21

Firstly for those of you who didn't know, expressions is spelt expressions NOT
exspressions as I have spelt it.

And spelled not spelt
And meant not ment

But the aerial mount is still interesting.

Mike Kelly · #6 27-03-09, 02:26

The base appears to be a generic fitment as it appears in many contemporary pics , fitted to various vehicles , including the early tanks and armoured cars. For some reason, although being a common bit of kit , virtually none of the bases have survived . The part example I have came via Perth, West Aust. of all places .. we think it may have arrived with the No. 1 sets just pre war , of which a very small quantity were despatched to Aust. and NZ.

Mike

Mike Kelly · #7 27-03-09, 03:06

found the drawings

Mike Kelly · #8 27-03-09, 03:09

................

Tony Smith · #9 27-03-09, 03:13

Is the "Mushroom" Insulator ceramic or Bakelite?

Mike Kelly · #10 27-03-09, 03:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

Is the "Mushroom" Insulator ceramic or Bakelite?

The mushroom isn't ceramic , I just had a peak at it and it looks like bakelite to me . For repro purposes , you could use wood or plastic stock even - if you know a friendly wood turner .

Mike

PS . There may have been two versions of this base . One for the 5/8" rods ( my drawing ) and one for the later thicker 7/8" rods . This is conjecture on my part , but I have seen the two different antenna rods ... its difficult to know for sure , being over 60 years later .

Lynn Eades · #11 27-03-09, 12:58

Has any one got the aerial for this base?

nigel ward · #12 28-03-09, 07:02

Hi All

Lynn- I have "D" section aerial lengths. As far as I am aware, they come in 3,4 and 6 feet sections. If your carrier has #11 radio gear I think you need 2 of the 4 feet sections and 1 of the 6 feet sections. They are about 3/4" in width. A.O.P 's than have a bag of 3 feet areials with ground spike, pegs, ropes and other items. This I have also. Some other carriers may have carried this as well. I do have a spare 6 feet section up for grabs.

There must be an aerial section about 5/8 width because the "mushroom" I have is not for the 7/8 "D" section aerial sections.

And

To answer Tony, I beleive the "mushroom" is made of "Ebonite". To me it looks like masonite underlay material that you see under vinyl floor coverings.
I only know this because Nigel Watson pointed it out to me in "wireless for the Warrior", vol1 when I was last speaking to him.

And

To cletrak- Thanx for pickiling me up on me spellin, how remis if me. I new wot I ment, but others may not off. Spelt is in the dictionery.spose its all in haw ya use it.

Kindest Regards and fondest memories

Nigel

Philliphastings · #13 28-03-09, 10:57

Hello Nigel,

Yes, I would be interested in at least one reproduction of the Ant base. for the No11 set equipped Scout Carrier.

The only original one I have ever come across was passed onto Mike K (Hello Mike) some years ago.

I have located the brass cunductor/base insert assembly, which was found in an ash pit with some other small carrier parts. Whatever ébonite'was certainly seems to have been flammable as there is no trace of the material left whatsoever. The brass hardware is in good condition happily.

The same base, but without the toothed section was also used on a ground spike for ground radio use so there may be a small niche market for a few bases amongst serous collectors. I know a few collectors with No11 wireless sets in vehicle or ground mountings whom may also be interested

Good luck with the production and please keep us informed.

Cheers

Phill

Lynn Eades · #14 28-03-09, 13:46

I have one of these bases. It is however in storage, and probably wont see the light of day for six months.
I am keen on the spare section (or any others)you have. My base has the 7/8 hole. is the spare section correct for that?
Where are you?

Mike Kelly · #15 29-03-09, 04:16

Let us not get confused ...

There is a later WW2 era and post war generic ground antenna kit that was in the form of a canvas bag , somewhat like an old golf club bag .. these typically have 7/8" rods - 3 foot long screw together sections and a top whip section ... these are for the 22 - 122 - 62 set . This kit has a ground spike for use with with the EBONITE type 'B' base , guy ropes and pegs are in the kit . Instead of the top whip , some of these kits ( earlier ) had a capacity top hat spider . Tooles disposals had these kits NOS in the early 80's ..marked 1952 on the bag, identical to the WW2 version and probably during the Korean conflict, these were manufactured to supplement the old worn out WW2 stocks . I bought 2 of them at the time.

The earlier ground kit ( 5/8" rods) has the upper base as per my drawings , also on a spike . My theory is :as it is detachable, the upper section can be used in either the toothed vehicle base mode or the spike base mode...it would make sense for them to design it as so. The mushroom insulator in this kit , is not interchangeable with the later EBONITE insulator .

There are also peculiar bases made in Aust. e.g., for the Aust . pattern wireless vehicles, LP carriers and such ..these bases are for the 11 set Aust., and the AWA 101 set and they have nothing to do with the British type base - these have a spring and ceramic insulator setup.

Hi Phil ! Perth is treating you well i hope

Mike

nigel ward · #16 29-03-09, 08:11

Hi Again

I have a 5/8 ebonite ground spike unit but not a 7/8 one. The 7/8 unit with the teeth type base is the one required to copy for the Aerial base I have.

Sorry. got to go
back soon

Nigel

Philliphastings · #17 30-03-09, 10:02

Hi Mike, Hi all,

I haven't checked the brass insert against the later ebonite base which I also have. Hopefully I've got one of each size as a reference.

I would still be interested if they are being reproduced...

Cheers

Phill

nigel ward · #18 30-03-09, 15:19

Me again

I have just received from my lathe man enough of the special hinging bolts and locking bolts to make 10 aerial bases. The laser cutters are dragging there feet and are holding things up.

I have noted those of you who have shown interest in aquiring a repro. I will be in touch when ready.

I am looking for a couple of items that are hard to find in Australia as our metric ways can be painful when doing these types of things.

I am needing a supply of 1/4 BSF bolts with a recessed, slotted screwdriver head with a total length of 3/4 inch.

The other item I"m looking for is a supply of 3/8 BSF tecalemit greese nipples.
The same you see on English ( and I assume Canadian) wheels etc
Thers are 2 of these per base that screw into the special hinging bolts.
They really went overboard when it came to making a aerial mount for carriers. If anyone can help me with these items please let me know.

Nigel

Jordan Baker · #19 30-03-09, 22:24

I'd be interested in getting one but there is a few bits I wouldn't need on mine as I have already picked them up.

What do you figure the price to be on it? I know it can be hard to have a price so early on but jsut asking.

nigel ward · #20 30-03-09, 22:41

Hi Jordon

I currently do not have enough of the bits made to have costings. Please let me know what you require and I will get back to you.

You have hit upon a a interesting point. Some people may not have all the bits. I"m happy to help out if possible.

Nigel

P.S. Don't forget the bolts and greese nipples I require for the project. Can anyone help.
n

Jordan Baker · #21 30-03-09, 22:48

Just curious.

What about if you could have those parts laser cut out but then mail the various parts. At least for someone like me on the other side of the world it would be a much smaller pkg and then I could have the fun of assembling it.

Also Bruce Parker has done some very detailed drawings of the entier mount. Ive got a set from him. I just haven't bothered to make the damn thing yet in the hopes of finding an orignal.

As for what I have. I have the long arm and the grease nipples. At the very least if it falls through I'd be interested in a set of the the parts your lathe man made up. And I don't need any of the bits for the WS#11 set. Mine is going to be only for the WS19

kevin powles · #22 31-03-09, 01:11

Hi, Nigel have you got a picture you can post of the bolts you need, I may be able to help. Those grease nipples exactly the same as the ones for the wheels ?. If so may be able to help again.

Thanks kevin.

Bruce Parker (RIP) · #23 31-03-09, 02:56

Also, I have measurements/details to make up the 11 set wireless base that was factory mounted on the right-rear running board of all Mk.1 carrriers (Canadian ones at least). They were either removed or replaced with a 19 set base, but one would still fill the hole whether you put in an 11 set or not. Would there be interest in making up a batch? One day, I 'd love to install an 11 set in my carrier to see what it looks like.

Mike Kelly · #24 31-03-09, 06:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by nigel ward

Nigel

P.S. Don't forget the bolts and greese nipples I require for the project. Can anyone help.
n

Nigel

Have you tried 'Classic Fasteners' in South Australia ..very easy to find via a google search... they do a good range of BSF bolts etc in various sizes - and BA screws too .

Mike

PS for those interested . The No. 11 set (Aust.): although externally it resembles its British counterpart to some degree , it is a totally different set in terms of internal components and it was a poor radio in many respects. The Aust. made version is relatively common , the British set is rare as hens teeth , seemingly, most of them being lost during the BEF retreat . A very few British 11 sets have turned up here , maybe scavenged from the M.E. I'm lucky to own a good example of one.

For the pedants out there , seeing a 11 set Aust. in the UK, mounted in a vehicle, is not historically correct . Other locally made sets such as the 101, 109 and FS6 did see overseas use as the archives have recorded and shown us.

Mike Kelly · #25 31-03-09, 07:30

Looking at the manuals , they refer to the vehicle mast D rods as being made from DURALIUM , but , the static 3 feet 7/8" D rods in the ground kits are steel , plated with a rust inhibiting coat of copper or similar . This makes sense as 7/8" steel rods would be too heavy on a mobile setup such as a carrier or armoured car , too much weight and stress on the base . I think DURALIUM is a form of aluminium ?

Any comments ?

Mike

Hanno Spoelstra · #26 31-03-09, 10:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Kelly

I think DURALIUM is a form of aluminium ?

Any comments ?

Mike,

AFAIK, duralium is the same as duralumin: "an alloy of aluminum (over 90%) with copper (about 4%), magnesium (0.5%–1%), and manganese (less than 1%). Before a final heat treatment the alloy is ductile and malleable; after heat treatment a reaction between the aluminum and magnesium produces increased hardness and tensile strength. Because of its lightness and other desirable physical properties, duralumin is widely used in the aircraft industry."

HTH,
Hanno

nigel ward · #27 31-03-09, 15:40

HI all
I have just spent the last hour replying to all who have made comment since my last input to this thread and than managed to stuff it all up with the press of the wrong button.

I acknowledge you all and thank you for your input.

Please find photo of original and repro hinge bolts and locking bolt for arm. The top ones of each item are the original the others are repro.

The grease nipple shown is what is required for the hinge bolts.

I will be at the d-day events this year. Looking forward to meeting some other carrier owners

Nigel

Adame · #28 31-03-09, 16:14

Hi Nigel

I would like to buy one if you make some.

Thanks
Adame

nigel ward · #29 31-03-09, 22:25

Ok Adam
Your on the list.
Nigel

nigel ward · #30 03-04-09, 14:57

Hi All
Please find photo attached of the first aerial base mount as it has come off the laser cutter. I intend folding this one into shape, welding and riviting where required.
Once this is done, it will be checked against original, adjustments made where required and than I will do a estimate costing.

The costing will be posted for all to....
1. die in fright
2. think I'm mad
3. think its a bargin

The indication so far is that I have to be nuts. But the whole idea is to devide "nuts" by 10 or more units and all will be good. The good news is that I'm mad enough to do it anyway.

Now......Jordon, is this the stage at which you would like to purchase?

Till next time
Nigel