25 Pounder info needed.

[lynx42]

Hi Tony,

I happen to have a pair of 25pdr wheels put away some where. They are quite heavy and I guess that a freight company would be the way to go to get them to you. I will take a photo in a few days and you can decide.
regards Rick.

Originally Posted by Private_collector

Hello everyone,

I am looking to purchase the following parts for 25 pdr.

2x wheels.
Spare parts box.
Tool box.
Sighting assembly. Need everything except the cone, I have that but nothing to put it on.
Illuminating apparatus case, no. 5.
Miscellaneous hardware for trails. Except the ground anchor cover, I have that.

[Private_collector]

PM sent, Rick!

[Private_collector]

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As I said, the straps shouldn't fall off!

[Private_collector]

In searching for the correct Illuminating Apparatus for my 25 pounder gun, I came across the one shown below. While not what I wanted, I just had to buy one, as they were listed at $40AUD. What I didn't know at time of ordering, they are absolutely beautiful condition, still sealed in their boxes, and have not seen the light of day since mid 1980s when last checked. Manufacture date is 1957!
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More to follow.

[Private_collector]

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I think I'll just keep it in the box, and keep searching for the correct No. 5 case, though i might connect a battery and try it out first. Don't need the innards of the no. 5, only the case.
If anyone has one for sale, please PM me, rather than post to the thread.

[Private_collector]

Received the following book in post this morning. Some interesting photos, and specifications.
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[David Dunlop]

Your Illuminating Apparatus looks a lovely bit of kit. Congratulations on purchasing it. Just wondering if it is essentially the same equipment supplied in different Cases, for different applications over the years?


David

[lynx42]

Here you go Tony. Now you have to arrange freight to you.

JGS and wheels 021a.jpg

JGS and wheels 034a.jpg

JGS and wheels 035a.jpg

Photo one and three are the same wheel.
I am sure you will find something I need for a swap. If not they are yours anyway.

Regards Rick.

Originally Posted by lynx42

Hi Tony,

I happen to have a pair of 25pdr wheels put away some where. They are quite heavy and I guess that a freight company would be the way to go to get them to you. I will take a photo in a few days and you can decide.
regards Rick.

[Private_collector]

PM sent, Rick!

[Private_collector]

Changed my mind about filling the heads of the slotted bolts to create a rivet appearance from the front of the shield.
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Decided on using round head bolts, grinding down the characteres on the head and removing most of the square section under the head. I did leave a couple of roughened areas, to catch on the shield metal and prevent the bolt from turning when tightening. I tested this theory, and it does work. Only because the shield is aluminium, so there's another reason for using the lighter metal! Obviously ALL these fake rivets will have nuts on the inside of the shield, but I can live with that. I had been graciously offered real rivets to use, but I'm not talented enough to use this method of fastening. Nor do I have the tools to do so.

So far, I have prepared a total of 40 bolts. 20 small and 20 larger size. Having just counted, I need further 55 of the smaller size, and another 15 of the larger. It took me 2hrs of careful grinding and filing to get the first batch to the condition I wanted. In addition to all those, two brackets will need to be hex head bolts, due to lack of access to rear. I.E: 4x bolts to zero scale block, and 4x bolts to Illuminating Apparatus case mounting bracket (nuts are welded to rear of the bracket itself).

[Private_collector]

It took a surprisingly long time to prepare the shield for etch priming this afternoon. These things are something I only want to do once, so there has been a lot of sanding and some filing to ensure the upper shield doesnt scrape any paint off, once reinstalled.
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The etch went on very smoothly. I was surprised, actually. I have found some etches in past to be a bit fussy with application. Too light, you've made sandpaper. Too heavy a coat, and it all slides down...but not evenly.
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I used a Protec etch that I have only used previously in spray cans, and I'm impressed with it. Having made the effort to actually ask for the MSDS, I left it inside this morning, and was thoroughly grubby and sweaty by the time I remembered it. Rightly or wrongly, I decided to do without it. All I wanted to know was thinning ratio, and I winged it. Still couldn't say what ratio is. Just kept pouring thinners into the pot until it felt 'right'.

Since getting home last night, I haven't had a chance to shop for more bolts to make my fake rivets, so I'll get them while paint dries tomorrow. There is potentially hours in getting the bolts to my specifications, so nothing else will go onto the shield at this stage. I didn't take any photos of the bolts I have put on so far, but will do that tomorrow. Not yet had one that turned while being tightened, though that will surely happen now that I have made this comment! I'm pleased with how they appear from the angry side of the shield. Just look like bolts from the other side.

Tomorrow, it gets greener.

[Private_collector]

Gents,
Took a number of 25 pdr reference photos at Bandiana Military Museum.
The following may be of interest / use to someone.
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More to follow.

[Private_collector]

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