My 1/6th MkII Carrier a WIP

[Ron Pier]

Yes I would agree with Ledsel on those comments. That's why I suggest you pick a MK1 configuration, as you are already part way there. Ron

[RichardT10829]

plus you have added the fold down section on the gunners plate mind i have seen Mk1's with the fixed side plate Nigel Watsons carrier for an example...... Mk1 pics are not a problem as i have many for my own research. as for the lighting, as it will show in your carrier book they modified (changed setup) during the war two lamps were not deemed necessary, one was left in situ mounted onto the gunners armour, and the drivers was removed to make space for water cans etc. during this period there was also the addition of the spare road wheel (like you have done) and a pair of prongs similar to that on the rear tool plate, added onto the glacis plate infront of the gunners apperture this was for tow ropes / chains. the wood along the top armour was exchanged for roundbar. I will photo the page to show you. you are not too late to keep the carrier Mk2 as i have seen them with the mesh type cover on the exhaust, i have also seen Mk3's with the same..... but you are neerer to the Mk1 plus it will be easier to replicate the top armour wooden rails

as you have probably gathered carriers were chopped up and modded many times over the years ! buy Nigels books and you wont regret it i promise !

anyroad here are some pics, will also post pics of the Mk2 i have driven.

i hope this does not spark a big debate as this is not my intention.......i am merely trying to help if i can, my experience with carriers is very limited and i myself am brand new, what i do have though is lots and lots of reference shots to assist with what ever mk you go for in the end.

Rich


here is a Mk3 note it still has the mesh cover... the long box and this type of cammo bag was introduced with the facelift mk1 to be precise !, mind just to confuse you even more each carrier although same Mk for instance may be rigged out different pending on the application and sometimes regiment it was being used for......this one has a kick ass stacey towing bracket too ! this is the fully welded hull and has the squares in place for the additional top plates used for "wading"



and here are the Mk1 "facelift"


"Fletch, sorry i have photo'd your book but Harold has already bought it and it is for a good cause, plus i knew you wouldnt mind for this purpose"

"Nige, get on here and sell Harold your books man!!!!"

[RichardT10829]

a Mk2 "Speedo" put into a mk1

same Mk1 from the rear, you get a good look at the radio battery box here plus the tools pannel on the back


this one was up for sale on milweb for 45.000euro !

here is a couple of wartime shots this one is listed as being from a batch of Universal carrier 3" Mortar No.1 Mk2


rear shot Mk1 desert config (i am guessing)




carrier with the wading screens in situ i cant quite read the number so could not give exact Mk but it does have the mesh type cover still.

[RichardT10829]

here is a line drawing of the rear end of a Mk2 (from my service book) best advice i can give you is to keep an open mind (this advice was given to me)



note its designation "medium machine gun carrier" each type would be slightly modded, now i wonder if Ledsels wasp has had full covers put on to protect the propellant tank ? i presume would mount here (away from the crew) Leds you will be able to advise here better than anyone i guess

[RichardT10829]

and just to help with the confusion and to re itterate that there are many spurious alterations / designs per Mk. here is a carrier made in 1944, note a few things that would lend you to think it was a specific Mk. they are all there and all from different Mks this one was Dirks which sold for circa 14.000 a very nice complete example but was out of by budget range... my point being you cant judge a carrier by its cover

you will notice this one has the solid cover as per Ledsels original comment.









one thing i do notice with this one is the large round hole on the center division plate behind the gunner, this looks original (from what i can tell) what could this hole have been used for ? and secondly the hole in the floor in the front cockpit is round rather than oval ? was this introduced post Mk1 ?

[pzrwest]

Well I decided to go with the MkI facelift shown above in the picture posted by Richard. Here is the start of the facelift the headlight on the gunner's side



Next I decided to make a brengun mount for the gunners position and here's how it came out. I temporarily removed the folding bi-pod and sling. Opinons welcomed as I appreciate all the help I've received so far.... Thanks Harold

[Lynn Eades]

I took this photo, just for you