This is an odd ad!

[Mike Cecil]

Hi Rob,

Looking really nice.

What is the box mounted on the rear of the trail for, please?

I thought both diagonally opposite chains/turnbuckles adjusted the tension of the platform stowage?

Regards

Mike

[rob love]

The box contains the siege lamps. One website indicates this position for stowage, but I did not find any supporting information in the manuals for it. I believe normally the canvas items are stowed there.


From the back of the gun, the right chain has the turnbuckle to adjust the length, The left side is a fixed length. Not sure if this is a Cdn thing. My 1950 parts manual shows both having turnbuckles like you mention. I'll have to check the other two carriages here in the yard, along with some of the half dozen or so guns at work to see if this fixed chain might be a Canadian thing, or someone's quick fix. Unfortunately I do not have a Canadian parts manual for the 25 pounder (yet).

[Mike Cecil]

Hi Rob,

I have one ... I'll check. However, based upon the Australian experience, I think you may have a mix of two periods. The straight chain came first, then the chain and turnbuckle was introduced to compensate for the very problem you have: lack of sufficient tension on the firing platform which allowed the overcentre clamps to open during transit, with consequential damage to trail and platform.

There was also three methods of prevention of the overcentre clamps opening on their own: no restraint which relied on the tension of the overcentre arm itself, a spring-loaded, clip-on restraint, and finally a webbing strap restraint that was held to the trail by two footman loops. All detailed in my new book.

I thought the siege lamps were stowed on the trailer, No.27 Mk.1's tray, and the canvas covers, when stowed, went on that position of the trail. Maybe a Canadian thing?

I gather your 25-pdr is a Sorrel, Quebec, gun?

Interesting link between Canadian and Australian 25-pdr production.

Regards

Mike

[maple_leaf_eh]

Rob, you've made my day! From me spotting the cryptic heads up on a French language FB group and my post on this thread, to your half-way across the country recovery roadtrip, and now the proof of your labours. All great to see. And all the comments from other artillery collectors and builders helping along the way.

MLU at its finest!