FAT Fast 17 pounder recovery

[Rob Fast]

I am missing everything on the inside of shield. Do you know what diameter/length the drag ropes were? Any pics of the hardware on the ropes? Cheers Rob

[Gunner]

Greetings Robs and other 17 pounder aficionados:

The 30 RCA gun is part way through tear down with success achieved last week in pressing out the breech operating cross shaft. Tomorrow night we tackle pushing the breech block out.

The biggest headache is removing the elevating mechanism shaft (number 37 in the parts diagram you posted Rob F). The gear has rusted to the shaft. Any suggestions on removing it without causing more damage?

I'll try to post photos of the gun so far.

Rob Nixon- I notice your breech operating lever is missing the top six inches or so. If you need it copied I can see if my welder chap can make it for you.

Cheers and Ubique! Mike

[rnixartillery]

Hi Mike,

How are things with you ? The elevation shaft that runs through the front of the saddle takes a bit of gentle persuasion . I assume the elevation works so it turns inside the Tube ? I have removed two of these shafts in the past and neither were easy, plenty of heat required !

Thanks for the offer of the hand grip but I have one just not got round to fitting it.

Rob.................rnixartillery.

[Gunner]

Hi Rob: I'm well but up way past my bedtime. I'm hoping to pay another visit soon but cannot decide if I will come for the D Day show or the Market Garden show later on. I have an invitation from Mike either way. We have to get a contingent of you Britons over here to see us Colonials and our toys!

The gear is frozen into the wide spot in the support tube due to an accumulation of sand, rust, pine needles and other grunge. I hope to free it to rotate before trying to pull the shaft. Can't see how to heat the gear evenly in that wide spot unless I can get the beast to rotate. Another little headache is the odd two bolts holding the traverse handwheel box to the gun. These are the two with slots in them and almost no exposed head go get a socket onto. Ahh the joys of rusty old cannon!

Cheers and Ubique! Mike

[rnixartillery]

apologies for interrupting your thread Rob but I guess the more information available publicly is always a good thing for our exclusive club !

Mike ,attached are a few pics of the last one I removed, as you can see the gun had been well looked after by the previous owner.
It would be best to get the shaft turning first and remove the gear box to eliminate any unseen obstructions.

Rob...............rnixartillery.

Ps ,I would love to come over and check out the kit you Guys have ,my only fear is that I wont want to go home !

[Gunner]

Exactly what I needed, Rob, thanks! The photos confirmed what I thought and I should be able to report success after tonight. The previous owner certainly did look after that gun... very nice condition! Cheers! Mike

[Rob Fast]

this thread is all about the guts of the big 17! Cheers Rob