[David Dunlop]

While waiting for replacement nickel electrodes to redo my electroplating solutions, and No. 2 Brown flat paint to finish the Aerial Base for my 52-Set, I have been killing time by taking a closer look at my Switchboards, Charging No. 5C Mk I. A bit of a dangerous move because I start noticing things that do not make sense. And I have, already. Once again.

The reasons why this family of switchboards came into being, are very likely filed in all the wartime design and production documents still store in England, as that is where the original Switchboards, Charging No. 5 came from. RCA Canada merely built the Canadian version of this item long after the developmental efforts were completed in England. My guess about all this was these switchboards were meant to standardize what was probably a very diverse collection of different equipments and processes, that had evolved over time, into a much more manageable system.

A couple of things with the Canadian Switchboards have caught my eye when I consider production line efficiency and how the wooden battens (frames) for them were manufactured. Take a look at the upper and lower row of holes drilled into the plywood backing board. They do not follow the centreline of the battens. A simple row of stops set up on a drill table has been made more complicated, even if you are working with a gang drill. If you have only one drilling station on your line for this work, you have now slowed that worker down because of two drilling standards being created. Your other option is to set up two drilling stations to deal with this variation. That adds more to production costs and adds an additional step to the line. Why?

The other thing I now notice is the 2-1/4 inch long by 3/8-inch wide notch milled dead centre through both battens. Why was this step necessary for production? When the plywood back board is screwed in place, it is interesting to note that a clear pathway is visible from top to bottom at these two notches.

What I am wondering now, is if there was anything in the 1937 Pattern Webbing Kit that could have been easily slipped through these two notches that would have formed a set of pack handles such that the Switchboards, Charging could be carried like a Back Pack? If you have ever taken a close look at all the equipment needed to take a 19-Set, or Heaven forbid, a 52-Set out of a vehicle to operate remotely, that is one. very, heavy, pile of equipment. Even if it is just a short distance to a penthouse tent beside the Signals vehicle, or Wireless Tent nearby, you would want to get everything moved, and set up as quickly and easily as possible. If one person could ‘back pack’ the Switchboard, they have two hands free to assist in the move of other equipment. Batteries are not light. Chorehorses are not light. Every bit of efficiency would help.

I have no idea just how extensive the complete 1937 Pattern webbing system actually was, and it probably evolved as the war progressed, so I am putting the idea out there.

Photos of what I have been nattering about, from Canadian switchboards No. 5C and No. 5C Mk I are attached for reference.


David