LP2a SAR restoration

[Phillip]

I've been collecting carrier parts and hulls for a few years with the intention of starting a restoration once the FGT was finished. Unfortunately for the FGT project, this hull turned up courtesy of an old friend and the opportunity for a very complete and original project was too tempting for me to let pass by.

I'm not sure of the actual numbers produced by SAR but I am guessing that the hull is late production with the tool rack on the back and the serial number being in the early 4'000's.

[Matt Stephenson]

Hi Phillip,

That's a really nice looking LP2A you have there to begin with. It should save you a lot of time try to source parts as it looks relatively complete. I'm intrigued by the cover located on the left side rear compartment. Most LP2A's only had that feature on the drivers side rear as an armoured cover for the No.19 wireless set. Similar arrangements for armour covers we added to the left side on mortar carriers.... I'd love to see more pics of your hull when you have a chance.

Regards.

[Darrin Wright]

Hi Phillip,

that is indeed a BGC 3" Mortar Carrying version (the same as mine) as Matt has indicated.
Can we get some interior pics of the back right interior corner (base plate mounting), fittings on both interior sides rear compartment, any air scoop brackets and anything else that is slightly different.
Any sign of it having handrails in the rear?

A top view pic of the ammunition cover, curious if it is a left or right cover.

Nice and complete vehicle to start with, don't blame you for placing the FGT on the back burner

Regards

[Wayne Henderson]

Very nice, if only you could find a 3"mortar to go with it
I still have a few SAR bits left over if you need something expensive.

[Matt Stephenson]

Hey Wayne,

You have about as much chance of aquiring a 3" mortar as you do of sumbling across a herd of Unicorns. My recommendation would be to take lots of pics and measurements of a real one, and try to replicate as much as you can, in either steel or plastic. If its going to be for display purposes only, then plastic should suffice, and there is little chance of it being operational, which helps keep the authorities happy......especially in this day and age.

Darrin has made an excellent replica of the base plate for the 3" mortar, and under a coat of paint most people would be hard pressed to pick it from an original. The aiming apparatus for the mortars do appear on ebay from time to time too. All together it wouldnt be a insurmountable challange to produce a replica that looks quite convincing without all the hassles of permits and safe storage that would come with owning a genuine one.

Just my 2 cents.....

Regards.

[Phillip]

Whilst the hull is intact and the floor in brilliant condition, it amazing how many parts are not there. Fortunately, I've got a lot of bits on the shelf so I'm only chasing some small stuff, (Wayne - I'll sort through your pile and take it off your bill).

I've spent the last few days sorting through my pile of wiring conduit and ended up with a full set of original conduit where all the joiners match those already in the carrier.

I have to thank Rick Davies for the technique in getting the conduit apart after 70 years - one bottle on MAP gas, a few hours work and here we are (For the observant you'll notice that I have two pipes around the wrong way.) I only have to make two 3/4 pipes out of some of the spare pipe and its complete.

Yes, it is a 3" Mortar Carrier, photos are attached as requested. The cover is the nearside (left) cover as the brackets are spaced differently on the offside (right). No sign of any handrails having been fitted.

Unfortunately no engine cover came with it, so I'd very much appreciate some drawings/ dimensions for the brackets fitted to the cover to secure the mortar.

I'm off to tend to my unicorns.

[Paul Dutton]

Originally Posted by Matt Stephenson

Hey Wayne,

You have about as much chance of aquiring a 3" mortar as you do of sumbling across a herd of Unicorns. My recommendation would be to take lots of pics and measurements of a real one, and try to replicate as much as you can, in either steel or plastic. If its going to be for display purposes only, then plastic should suffice, and there is little chance of it being operational, which helps keep the authorities happy......especially in this day and age.

Darrin has made an excellent replica of the base plate for the 3" mortar, and under a coat of paint most people would be hard pressed to pick it from an original. The aiming apparatus for the mortars do appear on ebay from time to time too. All together it wouldnt be a insurmountable challange to produce a replica that looks quite convincing without all the hassles of permits and safe storage that would come with owning a genuine one.

Just my 2 cents.....

Regards.

Funny enough, I happen to be picking up a 3" mortar soon!
Also a 6 pounder and 2' mortar! All go BANG at the correct ends too!