steering wheel vrs levers

[David Ellery]

Hi there, going back through all the threads related to carriers I came across a pic of a local pattern carrier in OZ with tiller type steering, from the look of the picture these worked the brakes only for steerage no warping of the track, was this a common practise with OZ built carriers and did any NZ carriers have the same, as my rust bucket which hopefully is coming home this weds has been modified with tiller steering, I can't tell what the original was as the floor and every thing bolted to it has long since fallen away.

[Lynn Eades]

David, Your carrier is an LP2 or 2a. both are very similar. they use a steering wheel. I suspect the one with tiller steering that your talking about, would be an Aussie LP1.
No N.Z. built carrier uses any different system. All firstly shift the cross tube, distorting the track, then a further turning of the wheel applies one brake.(which makes the drive come out the other hub twice as fast)
If you want to phone me you can on (07) 552 5945.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Lynn is correct when he states the OZ LP1 was the only Carrier that had this steering. It was also the only Carrier model that had hydraulic assist on the rear drums to assist with the steering.

Bob

[Lynn Eades]

Bob, don't forget the Loyd uses tiller steering.

[Bryan]

All,

My alligator also has tiller steering running through a controlled differential system.

Bryan

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

Lynn - you are right of course, I was talking only purely Oz Carriers. I don't believe we produced any Loyd configurations, although now somebody will come up and say, yes we did.
Bob

[Lynn Eades]

How many Aussie LP1's were built and how many remain?. Are there any around Melbourne?.

[Bob Moseley (RIP)]

According to Mike Cecil's research 159-160 LP1s were built, all by the Victorian Railways at Newport in 1940. I know of the existence of eight, three of which are restored with two of those being fully operational. Another two of this eight are under restoration. Two of the eight are in Victoria with one of those at the Puckapanyl Museum. I have another two under rumour research.

One LP1, Hull No. 144, probably in 1940, was sent to NZ, more than likely for evaluation purposes and to put you guys on the right track to building real and proper Carriers.

I drove one of these at Corowa this year and believe it is featured on Keefy's brilliant Year of the Carrier DVD.

Bob

[Tony Smith]

Originally posted by Bob Moseley
One LP1, Hull No. 144, probably in 1940, was sent to NZ, more than likely for evaluation purposes and to put you guys on the right track to building real and proper Carriers.

While NZ did build their own LP1s, they are not the same as Aust LP1s, unfortunately. They were virtually a direct copy of the British Carrier, Bren, No2, Mk1, (Steered bz wheel), although fitted with a 95hp, 239ci engine and the body was made from mild steel (ie, not armoured). They were built in contemplation of running up a local production programme and as such share some details that would appear in the later Aust-NZ LP2s, ie 9.5in track from the Vickers light tanks and H section spoked wheels. With a lighter body, more power and larger ground footprint, they would have smartly outperformed the English carriers off-road. Sadly, none are understood to remain in existance.

[Lynn Eades]

Tony, our (N.Z.) LP(1) carriers were not as you describe them. They ran the same track gear as any Eng/Can. Mk1 carrier. The wheels were not H section as are LP2/2a. The difference in the wheels being the rough finish to the casting. I always thought you guys had it sorted having the wide wheels,on your LP1. Ours used the deep Ford commercial headlights,as did yours. The N.Z.LP carrier used a ford instrument cluster as per the LP2.(I have not seen a decent interior photo) It also had a different gear lever gate with no "lock out" at the gate but rather the sprung detent at the gearbox. (Some of this detail stuff about LP1's is probably not known to any other living soul) I posted a photo (assembly line) showing the hydraulic brake rear axle, Thought you might have a comment on that. I own the relic hull of No.6 (of qty 40), the front armour and left side armour having been cut. I have the axle from No6 as well as No29, and have a cast copy of an original I.D plate. I have one original headlight, an original horn,original steering box/column. Of note is that the instrument panel mounts parrellel to, and behind the drivers front armour, not angled in the corner as with the LP2/2a

[Lynn Eades]

Tony, I posted those LP photos in the "AFV profiles" thread in the carrier forum. When I can, I will post more.

[Tony Smith]

Originally posted by Lynn Eades
Tony, our (N.Z.) LP(1) carriers were not as you describe them.

My apologies, Lynn, you are correct. I shot my mouth off without reference books in front of me. Great to see one may be able to be ressurected in the future.