Mk1 UC-1* Addition

[RichCam]

Hi Guys,

Winter is coming and I needed to retrieve what I could and get it stowed away before the snow starts falling. I was lucky enough to pick up this Mk1 UC-1* Hull #12745 this week. It came with most of the missing front pieces of armour. As well, my donor Mk1 Hull#16720 has a number of pieces that are missing from #12745. Attached are some pics of the move.

[RichCam]

I've now got both carrier side by side and on a concrete pad such that I can clean them up and salvage the larger components. We will take advantage of the weather now before I move them inside.

[RichCam]

Guys,

I need to solicit comments from the MLU experts regarding my UC-1*. Just behind the commander's division plate, there appears to be the battery bracket, a muzzle support, a clip and a bracket. I've had some feedback already on what these items would have been for but if others have pictures or more information, I'm all ears. As well, behind the driver's division plate, there is a switch with 2 terminals on it. To activate the switch, the driver has to reach down into the rad intake to twist it left or right. Any ideas on what this was for? Thanks in advance!

[Jordan Baker]

Nice looking find.

As for your question. L-R the two small clips are for your jacking bar. The round item mount low on the division plate is for the muzzle brake of the Boys ATR. The battery tray hold down is below that clip. There should be a tray that is bolted to the division plate. Lastly the sheet metal rectanglular item is for the engine cleaning brush. And those engine cleaning brushes are still made by the company in Hamilton, ON.

[RichardT10829]

Looks like an after war mod that someone has put on.... That's a real nice easy resto you got there, just need to weld the slits up the back from where some utter clown has plasma cut it... Or what ever.

The engine deck from the other carrier should go straight on... A nice find if I do say so myself.......which I do..


The clips on the track guard behind the gunner are for the jacking bar which goes into the centre axle when you want to jack up the carrier. Mine were rotted out on my carrier.

The round tube I believe is for the muzzle of the boys AT rifle... The rifle was stowed on the hull wall.

And the bracket on the engine cover I think is for the fuel dip stick.

[RichardT10829]

Jordan beat me :-)

[RichCam]

Jordan and Richard,

Thanks for your comments. The jack clip makes sense, there is a jack holder bracket still intact on the rear deck. There is an intact battery cable conduit that runs under the fan and rad to the battery tray. What is the name of the company that makes the engine brush? I guess I need to find a Boys AT Rifle now!

I am wondering if someone used the switch as a starter switch? It would be kind of a sneaky place to hide it. Anyways, it is coming off. We are rebuilding an instrument panel - thanks to some components picked up from Brian Ashbury.

[RichardT10829]

The one on the rear is for the crank handle I believe

[eddy8men]

an excellent project you have there rich, when it's done you will have a very complete and very original carrier.

good luck with the resto

rick

[RichCam]

Guys,

Thanks for the tips and comments so far. I'll switch to the Restoration Forum from here on out. I'll do this UC-1* up in honour of my grandfather, who served as a driver/mechanic/infantry with the Lincoln & Welland Regiment, 4th Canadian Division in Holland - Spring of 1945. If anyone has any pictures of L&W Mk1's in action, I'd greatly appreciate a copy.

Cheers!

[RichardT10829]

Rich. Looking at the front armour, looks like you might need ...cough....some rivet snaps....cough cough..... I know a bloke that machines them and sells them cough....

[RichCam]

RichardT - you bet I'm going to need some rivet snaps - as well as some directions. Let me know where I can purchase some via email or PM!
Thanks!

[RichardT10829]

Pm sent mate.