2 Pdr Traverse Handwheel Knob

[Graeme Stephens]

Hello Brains Trust, could anyone correctly advise Me as to how to mount the Knob on the Handwheel ? I assume a screwed in 'post', a collar inserted in the top of the knob , then the post permanently 'peened' over the collar ?? No sexual intents here !

[Ron Pier]

My British version (BSA) was pretty derelict when I acquired it 25 years ago. It was missing both wheels. I borrowed some originals and got them cast in Bronze. The knobs on the originals do not revolve.(So mine don't) But studying others I can see that there looks like a centre post with a mushroom head.

There were several manufacturers plus Canadian and Australia variants. So lots of detail differences. Ron

[Graeme Stephens]

Thanks Ron, my 1941 GMH from South Aust. has 4 spokes in the handwheel to your 3. There seems to be 2 types of columns over here too - ones like yours with the grease nipple on top while mine has the nipple at the top of the column under the handwheel. The 'English' spare parts diagram shows three parts to the knob, so it's going to spin.
Maybe the grease nipple on top was catching under the wrist.
Also of note , which everyone knows, while I'm learning, the diagram shows only one 'return spring' which in practice was increased to three. The Aussie Foot pedal #4 is just plain and simple, what was the purpose of the 'English flap' ?
Think I'll go ahead drill and tap a post in, supply a collar , and capture it, as per the parts diagram.
Last question did you braze your knobs onto the handwheels ?

[Ron Pier]

What do you mean by "English Flap" Graeme? Ron

[Graeme Stephens]

Parts #1,#2, & #36, I don't think 'we' had them built in here . But I have seen them on UK guns.

[Ron Pier]

No idea? Both my pedals (Which you can see in the picture I posted) have just a fixed upstand on one side of the pedals. I guess to avoid hob nails slipping off.

Every 2 pounder that I've looked at or seen pictures of are different. Ron

[Graeme Stephens]

" Every 2 pounder that I've looked at or seen pictures of are different " - I would agree there, even my round Axle was discarded ( to Me ) as being off a 'Pommy Gun', and then GMH assembly pics surfaced revealing round axles being installed - before 'our square' axles?
- so of course I'm missing one round axle cup holder.
A great restoration challenge, I didn't expect to be ordering tiny 6BA brass screws, but that's the nature of this interesting machine.
- I am surprised there appears to this computer challenged old guy = no 'other' site dedicated to 2 Pdr info and parts?

[Ron Pier]

"no 'other' site dedicated to 2 Pdr info and parts?"

The joys of owning a piece of equipment that is quite rare in private ownership. I have a Morris Commercial and one of my WW2 motorcycles that there is only one other example known of each. It seriously limits any buddies to talk to.

My 1941 BSA 2 pounder has a square axle. Ron

[tankbarrell]

The knobs do or should revolve but are often seized. Greame,your initial assumption about the design is correct.

[tankbarrell]

The flap on the pedal is a safety device. The flap sits against a vertical bar in the pedal box that stops the pedal being depressed unless the foot is first pressed on the flap as in normal use.

It is a mod issued in March 1941 and describes as 'Fitting of lock for traversing change speed pedal'.

It's not clear why it was felt necessary, the return springs are quite strong so inadvertent pedal pressing seems unlikely but it might be to stop the pedal falling down it the springs break or weaken as that would invoke the interlock between the two pedals preventing firing.

[Graeme Stephens]

Thanks Adrian, and Ron - I saw the ' pedal flap ', in the excellent youtube article " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acwQFb3gEZA " Tab Episode 43, it was featured 6min in.

[Ron Pier]

Thanks for the link to that video Graeme. I really enjoyed it. The gun in the B&W films has what I've always known as "Dunlop Easy Clean Wheels" Which are the type I fitted to mine.

Here is my derelict find around 25 years ago. Small upgrades and additions still occur from time to time. Ron

[Ron Pier]

Another photo scan when I acquired it. It had been concreted in the ground outside a museum in South Africa. Ron

[rob love]

Collectors source here in Canada have a decent Australian example listed for sale. I had a chance to purchase it a few years ago and passed as I prefer Canadian equipment. I had just purchased one of the Canadian 2 pounder guns on 6 pounder carriage at that time.
https://collectorssource.ca/2-pounde...-tank-gun.html