MKII Carrier, 4" Smoke Discharger Info

[B. Harris]

Does anyone have good information and/or pictures on the trigger mech.
From what I can find the MKII does NOT use the "Bowden" cable attached to the trigger of the cut down Ross action. Can some one add to this??
Again this is for the MKII Carrier.
Thanks and cheers, Bruce

[Adame]

HI Bruce

most if not all MKII had the 2" mortars. The 4.5 inch was a MK1 carrier item.

The factory pics you see are not what was in the carriers, If you read Nigels book, it is very true.

Cheer
Adam

[derk derin]

Hi Bruce,
The Mk 1 carrier has the smoke discharger mounted on the right outside hull plate that meant to fire it frome safely inside the carrier,they had the remote cable system so as not to expose the soldier.
The Mk II carrier has the discharger mounted inside the hull to the left of the commander/gunner so you could just simply pull the trigger when ready to discharge without exposing yourself.
I used a Ross action for my discharger but does anybody know if they continued using them in the Mk II carriers?
Derk.

[derk derin]

Bruce,
I came across this MK 2 layout that shows the mounting of the smoke discharger and the fact that you can also mount a 2'' mortar in it's place.

Derk.

[Ron Pier]

Bruce here is the smoke discharger on my MK2. The trigger mechanism is an old deact SMLE that I cut down and discarded the butt. The barrel stub was threaded to screw into the can and a large back nut was made. The can is an original and everything else was copied from an original at the Tank Museum. Let me know if you want me to send you a more detailed picture. Ron

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Bruce, are you looking for the difference between a trigger fired and a cable fired Ross discharger? I have both models and can send pics. There were a number of modifications and removals (most significantly the safety) done to standard Model 10 Ross's. SMLE dischargers were also modified by having the safety replaced with a 'non-safety', the mag catch removed, the trigger replaced with one to take a cable and, of course, the barrel cut off and threaded to take the 4" cup and the nut.

Originally Posted by B. Harris

Does anyone have good information and/or pictures on the trigger mech.
From what I can find the MKII does NOT use the "Bowden" cable attached to the trigger of the cut down Ross action. Can some one add to this??
Again this is for the MKII Carrier.
Thanks and cheers, Bruce

[kevin powles]

Here is one fitted to a local Mk2 Canadian carrier with british front armour put on. If you need a bigger picture send us your e-mail address and i will send you direct.

kevin.

[martyn]

i took these at overloom museum in holland when we were doing the arnhem trip last year maybe of some help to you?

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Here's a picture of the Canadian Ross and British SMLE dischargers. Note the 'NO SAFETY' safety on the left side of the SMLE. The idea was to use a modified rifle safety to keep the bolt in, but not stop the action from firing. The real safety was a cotter pin at the other end of the cable inside the vehicle.

[B. Harris]

Gents,
what a great response so far to this thread. I would encourage everyone to "put their two cents" in here. The whole idea of starting this thread was to get specific details for the mounting, firing, location, rifle action type(s), and accessories as it applies to the MKII Carrier


Adame , the two inch mortar did seem more prevelant than the 4" smoke discharger, however there are a number of period photos that clearly shows a discharger mounted. It also appears that dischargers were an option for some time. Have a look at the two attachments from two different MKII's and the stencil on the stow bin. Also, as any other topic one mans book(s) does not make a bible on any subject. But I will gladly trade you a 4" discharger for a 2" mortar :-) !!!
BTW..Comments on the stencils welcome from all.



Derk, thanks for the photo and the stow diagram as it pertains to the location of the discharger. I believe this drawing was dated July 1943. I am also own a MKII and I looking to expose as much info as I can as it applies to the MKII. There seems to be less information on these marks in general.

Ron, lovely pic of your carrier and the SMLE type discharger. It seems there is a number of people who have modified an action of sorts to build what they need. Thanks verra much for the offer of addition photos. I will drop you a note if required.

Bruce, thanks from the forum for posting your pics. Both excellent examples for others to study and learn. My quest is to have the correct rifle action (with proper trigger/safety mods), tube, and "Bowden" cable mech if necessary. Any further details for the Ross M10 action and subsequent mods necessary as they apply to the MKII carrier application would be most helpfull.
Also, perhaps other members whos are following could provide any pictures for the launching rounds, smoke rounds and the muzzle covers would be great.

Kevin, thanks for your input. There seems to be a large number of dischargers put on members machines.

Martyn, Now thats a different type of launcher altogether. I thought only the British could make someting more complex and dangerous to operate, but this one seems like some sort of whale harpoon launching device!! As everything else in this hobby, variations abound!! Please keep up the good work.

Again thanks to all for your input and photos, please keep it all coming.
Cheers Bruce

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Just to be clear and say it....these dischargers are cut down rifles and are very prohibited and illegal in Canada. They must be deactivated to the firearms guidelines and pinned and welded as mine are.

Originally Posted by Bruce Parker

Here's a picture of the Canadian Ross and British SMLE dischargers. Note the 'NO SAFETY' safety on the left side of the SMLE. The idea was to use a modified rifle safety to keep the bolt in, but not stop the action from firing. The real safety was a cotter pin at the other end of the cable inside the vehicle.