Anyone able to help identify a carrier

[James Fritz]

Originally Posted by rob love

I am pretty sure you would be looking for something that does not exist wrt the records. When we were still using paper, we would keep old workorders for 7 years after the equipment was released, then into the dumpster. All that paper was gone by the late 90s, when we finally went to computers, however any records regarding this engine rebuild would have been gone long long before that.

I see the workshop on the tag is listed as 204 base workshop. I have a map here somewhere showing all those shop numbers. Only 202 remains today with that number, all other bases go with their full names now or their Wing or service bn number now. A quick google search shows that workshop to have been at Hagersville ON.

Hello there, this from James in OS

I sent an email to RCEME but have not received a reply as yet and as you have suggested probably will not.

I hope to visit my carrier on Sunday (weather permitting) and will try to get a better photo of the hull number as the division plate has been cut off and so no carrier number identification left on it. I will try to find the actual engine number and take a photo of it as well.

In the mean time I have a question for all of you. I have seen bren gun universal carrier and T-16 universal carrier wheels (straight spokes versus curved spokes) but I have just recently seen a photo a wheel of the same size but 100% solid. Does anyone know what it would be off? My carrier has solid steel top carrier wheels and just recently have seen a photo of rubber covered top carrier wheels. Are the rubber ones off newer BGC models or T-16s? Are they interchangeable?

Also. Were the BG carriers and T-16 engines interchangeable, parts wise?

Thanks in advance.

[Michael R.]

You will likely find most of this information with a read through the archives. If you consider buying Volume I and II of Universal Carriers by Mr. Nigel Watson, you should enjoy that immensely. Mr. Watson writes a good book: as well as being a superb host for wandering Colonials who occasionally venture across the pond. Nigel shares that character with the likes of S. Hindle, S. Garrett, M. van Aalderen and T. Jones. I digress.

In Ontario, a purchase of the carrier manual copies UC-F1 and FUC-03 from Brian Asbury in Acton (BCA on MLU) will provide hours of distraction and cloud your mind with useless trivia.

Straight spoke bogie wheels on T16 to serial number 1900. Offset spokes before solid disc Kelsey Hayes.

All steel return rollers can be found on late MK-I*, as well as the MK-II*, and T16. I have a 1943 MK-I* within a few hundred numbers of yours, it has rubber return rollers. Perhaps you started off with rubber, but at some point in service life they were replaced with the all steel return roller? With your engine being rebuilt in 1952, I wager there was other work completed to service your carrier.

Who knows what has been done after disposal by DND.

T16 engines are not the same as U.C. MK-I* or U.C. MK-II*. However, an interchangeability list does exist in the American produced T16 SNL manual for a small number of engine parts and other bits off the Canadian production MK-I*.

[Hans Mulder]

FYI, I think Volume 2 of Nigel Watson's books is out of print...I've been looking for one.

[Michael R.]

Ask Nigel directly for Volume II?
James may enjoy Volume I as it speaks to the MK-I/MK-I* and has the WD numbers list(s).

[chris vickery]

Another way to raise serial numbers might be to try dye penetrant.
You spray on the dye, let it dry and then spray on the developer.
It is meant for searching for cracks in metal, especially welds but I believe dye penetrant would also show up stampings as the metallurgy is different in the stamped area from the base metal; it was essentially stressed when it was stamped.
I have also heard of acid etching which "raises" the number as well. Google it and there is all kinds of info

[James Fritz]

Thanks Michael for your informative reply, which answered my questions. I didn't realize how much the carrier evolved over time and or which parts superseded which.

I recently ordered Nigel's Vol. 1 but it has not arrived as yet. I have much to learn and will read it when it arrives. I also acquired a copy of an old Universal Workshop Manual which I have started to read through. It is very detailed and the step by step layout will help me once I start working on my carrier.

I guess I was putting the cart ahead of the horse thinking about getting replacement parts before knowing exactly which are required and fit my model.

[James Fritz]

Originally Posted by chris vickery

Another way to raise serial numbers might be to try dye penetrant.
You spray on the dye, let it dry and then spray on the developer.
It is meant for searching for cracks in metal, especially welds but I believe dye penetrant would also show up stampings as the metallurgy is different in the stamped area from the base metal; it was essentially stressed when it was stamped.
I have also heard of acid etching which "raises" the number as well. Google it and there is all kinds of info

Thanks Chris. I will google both to find out where I can acquire either.

[Michael R.]

James it is all good. Your enthusiasm will be rewarded when someone captures that silly grin on your face first time out and about in your carrier. Enjoy the journey. Take care driving down the 10th St. E. hill towards the armoury.