VICKERS MK6B's resto

[colin jones]

Thank goodness for that as I don't want to do the final coat until you have signed off on them and given me the "all clear"

[colin jones]

Thanks to Russ for the measurements, I have been busy making the trays that fit under the gun port. I have no Idea what this part does but it is on all these models.

[colin jones]

it has a opening on the bottom with a handle to empty something.

[colin jones]

Spent shells would be inside the turret so I don't think that is what it's for. The opening at the bottom is quite large for quick empty but for what. Perhaps someone else would have the answer.

[David Dunlop]

Morning, Colin.

The modern German Marder sports a 20mm Machine Cannon, the spent casings from which are ultimately ejected out of the vehicle down, and foreword to the top of the front hull. Not at all sure what happens to the disposable metal links, but they may be captured somehow inside the vehicle.

Ejection/Extraction systems for these kinds of weapons are an art form in themselves. The direction the empty casing goes can be controlled quite well with the design of the mechanism. Earlier in the thread, it was discussed the ammunition feeds for the two guns in the Vickers would have been from bins to the outside of the two guns. It would make sense, therefore, that spent casings, and perhaps links, ejected to the inside of the two guns and very likely downwards.

Is there anything about the turret design that suggests an open channel, or duct of some form exists between and forward of the guns that the casings could be directed through and out the front? There might be additional fittings in this area inside the turret to assist in the flow of empties to the outside that have not been recognized yet.

Anyone familiar with the operation of these two guns feel free to comment. Every little bit will help.

David

[colin jones]

Hi David, I think you are right on target . There is an opening at the front of the turret which I put down to a possible ventilation duct but it does fit in with tray area. Russ Gregg also thought it was for casings too but I also said they were ejected from the inside. It make sense now!! I don't have any drawings or pictures or the inside of that area but with some earlier comments of a casing bag inside under the guns is probably wrong.. It must be a fool proof and complicated system to get them out as a blockage would be very hard to clear. I guess that is one part I won't be making but it is good to know what it's for .
Colin

[colin jones]

Here's a couple of Photos Russ took for me of the one at Borden. I thought the opening was some sort of ventilation area.