Thanks, Rob.
I went to get some more information and measurements from my local 25pdr, this morning.
Because I can't easily put my shield in proper alignment with the axle, I need to be very sure the spare parts carrier frame won't be put in a location to foul the tyre when the two are finally joined. I want mine to be about 20-30mm up from the bottom of the shield edge. It will be going onto the shield while shield still sitting on the support frame I made to wheel it around on, and if placed 100% correctly, flush with bottom edge, the lower part of my support frame would prevent putting it on. If I raise the box carrier too much, it could be difficult to get the box out, because of the stiffening cross-brace on the shield (runs across, below the hole that barrel/tube goes through). You can see the original one, going across top of my photo. The more observant or knowledgeable folks would have noticed my version of that cross-brace has the horizontal section of the brace upside down. Original has it's horizontal part at the bottom, when in place. Mine has the horizontal portion at the top. If mine exactly copied the original, I wouldn't have had the breathing space to raise the box up by that extra height. Now you know
why I did it that way!
I have another important part arriving shortly, and needed some more detailed photos of certain things. While getting those photos, I became aware of something I had not noticed before. The rectangular plate in the above two photos has me perplexed. I don't recall seeing this in any of my reference books. What is it for? I gather something is clipped in place, but have no idea what that is! Guess that means I have yet another part to acquire or make. I prefer to acquire, to be honest.
Speaking of acquisition, I am still desperately needing a pair of the brackets that hold the shield to carriage and trails. If you have a pair to sell, please let me know. I want to attach those brackets onto the shield before I set my guy to do the welding of the trails.
In paying closer attention to the detail on my local gun today, I am now aware that it is deteriorating rapidly. Both tyres are splitting and literally coming apart. The areas that weren't lucky enough to get sufficient (sometimes any) paint, are rusting at an accelerated pace, and the lower portion of the sight carrier body is crumbling into oblivion.
At some point I dare say the gun will receive more attention and another paintjob, but I can clearly see that this process in the past has not proven succeed in achieving anything longterm. One thing I have real problems with, is watching things deteriorate. Everything does wear down/out, of course, whether it's an outdorrs stored 25pdr, new cars, house,....or me! Pity everything can't stay pristine.