Universal Carrier

billor · #1 12-04-10, 04:34

Hi Guys, I have nine carriers , this is my first time on the carrier forum.
Last year I bought a Brit Unlversal carrier, The brass plate on the right front mudguard reads
Carrier Universal Mark 1/L/.
W.D.No T14346

What does the "L" mean
Can anyone help with any of the history of this vehicle?
Bill O'Reilly. Australia

Lynn Eades · #2 12-04-10, 09:39

Hi Bill, and welcome to the forum! Your carrier is a Universal Carrier Mk1, built by Sentinal Wagon. Contract No.T7810. The block of serial numbers were from T13678 to T14677 (1000 units)
On the "L" I dont know the answer, and I haven't yet seen a definative answer.
I have asked the question here before, because my local pattern carrier has the same, as do early british built carriers, and gun limbers. A few pics below.
Tell us about your other carriers.

The details on your carrier came from Nigel Watson's Universal Carriers Vol. 1

Tony Smith · #3 12-04-10, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn Eades

On the "L" I dont know the answer, and I haven't yet seen a definative answer.
I have asked the question here before, because my local pattern carrier has the same, as do early british built carriers, and gun limbers.

The /L/ remains an unsolved puzzle, but it is not restricted to vehicles. It is used in the official Nomenclature of other British items where it appears to indicate Land Service. The thread Lynn mentions is HERE

billor · #4 14-04-10, 01:25

Thanks Lyn.Tony.
I have the following Aust pattern carriers
LP1, LP2, LP2a, 2pd A-Tk Carrier, and a 3" Mortar Carrier [under construction from a 2lb hull]
I also have the following Brit Carriers
Arm OP Carrier [missing engine], Universal Carrier And 3 " Mortar Carrier [Incomplete
Regards
Bill

Lynn Eades · #5 14-04-10, 08:12

Is your Armoured O.P. a rivetted one, or a welded one? any pictures?.

Adame · #6 14-04-10, 09:36

Welcome to the MLU.

My understanding is it means Local Pattern, see attached research paper.

http://www.mheaust.com.au/Aust/Resea...%20carrier.htm,

But remember I live in Canada, and have absolutely no idea on how Auzzies come up with the names of things.

Cheers
Adam

Lynn Eades · #7 14-04-10, 12:45

I do believe it is the "/L/" on these plates, that kicked off the "Local" pattern title, rather than a local pattern carrier having the "/L/" added.
The "/L/" was on original British built machinery, long before that machinery was copied in the Colonies.
Tony's "land" is the best, so far. (my opinion)
As stated somewhere else on this forum lately, "Just because it comes from a book, doesnt make it the truth" (or something along those lines)
When it comes to Carriers, as in other areas, there is much in print, in books,that are supposed to be akin to "bibles", that contain a lot of B.S....and the www is a damn sight (pun intended) worse.

Adame · #8 14-04-10, 14:07

welcome to the site... a great bunch of people from around the world...

Cheers
Adam

Alex Blair (RIP) · #9 14-04-10, 15:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adame

Welcome to the MLU.

My understanding is it means Local Pattern, see attached research paper.

http://www.mheaust.com.au/Aust/Resea...%20carrier.htm,

But remember I live in Canada, and have absolutely no idea on how Auzzies come up with the names of things.

Cheers
Adam

Adam...
Here is the answer to your question....
"no idea on how Auzzies come up with the names of things."

They drink a lot....
But not Fosters beer..That is mainly Exported..They drink good stuff..

Adame · #10 14-04-10, 16:13

That explains alot.

But I thought Fosters was Australia's beer.

This is not true? My god thery're lying to us Canadians!!!! How disconcerting!!

Cheers
Adam

Tony Smith · #11 16-04-10, 00:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn Eades

The "/L/" was on original British built machinery, long before that machinery was copied in the Colonies.
Tony's "land" is the best, so far. (my opinion)
As stated somewhere else on this forum lately, "Just because it comes from a book, doesnt make it the truth" (or something along those lines)
When it comes to Carriers, as in other areas, there is much in print, in books,that are supposed to be akin to "bibles", that contain a lot of B.S....and the www is a damn sight (pun intended) worse.

I asked the question elsewhere on the WWW, and THIS was the response.

billor · #12 16-04-10, 01:28

Thanks everyone for your inputs
I think I should mention the "L" in question is on my Brit Universal Carrier.
Lynn, my Arm OP Carrier has a rivetted hull but no nomenclature plate

Lynn Eades · #13 16-04-10, 02:05

Have you and Nigel Ward met? I would guess you already have, but if you're unaware, Nigel also has a riveted O.P.that he is currently rebuilding. (he is on this forum)
Bill is the observers shutter intact on yours? I have no details, other than some poor images. Would you be able to provide some details, on how it locks etc?

billor · #14 16-04-10, 03:58

Hi Lynn, my wife and I are leaving for Melbourne soon [2 hour drive] and will be back on Monday will take some photos early next week. You may have to guide me as to how to attach photos on MLU.
PS I know Nigel
Regards
Bill

cantankrs · #15 16-04-10, 08:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adame

That explains alot.

But I thought Fosters was Australia's beer.

This is not true? My god thery're lying to us Canadians!!!! How disconcerting!!

Cheers
Adam

I don't know anyone who drinks Fosters. Perhaps it's Australia's greatest export,...after the Ugg Boot. Come to think of it, do we own either? Seems to be XXXX and Crown Lager are popular around people I know - both are goat p##s I reckon (not the 2 people I know).

Regards

Alex