Derk’s new Universal carrier Mk 1*

[derk derin]

I would like to know if there was only 2 spare Boyes magazines in the carrier that was equipped with the anti-tank rifle or if all the carriers had Boyes rifle magazines in the magazine pouch of each carrier and if there was any quantity of .55 Boyes ammunition stored in the ammo bins.

[rob love]

I can't see them putting boys mags in carriers with no boys rifle. The manual does mention at least 6 mags being in the carrier being deployed with the rifle.

If you have one of the magazine boxes and one of the boys bandoleers, try them out in the various storage locations. Afraid my carrier is tucked away in a seaman for the winter so I can't try it myself.

[derk derin]

I went out to the shop and tried fitting the Boys rifle magazine box into the ammo bins but no go! Too wide.
If you say 6 spare magazines were stored then the ammo box that holds 8 magazines is out. It is possible that a set of the Bren auxiliary pouches were used to keep 4 spare magazines and placed in the ammo bin that holds a single set separating it from the bin that holds 2 sets of Bren Auxiliary pouches full of Bren magazines. I believe there is room in one pouch for 2 Boys magazines so a set would hold 4 and the other 2 would be stored in the pouch on the front armour.
Any thoughts to this theory?

[derk derin]

More pieces done. My pick axe helve I had to cut down 3 inches for it to fit in the mount. I know, the army wouldn’t have done this but my OCD wouldn’t let me leave the spot empty and I like the looks of a full compliment of tools.
I replicated the convoy light and have to wait for spring to get the proper mounting bolt spacing from Rob’s carrier before I start drilling any holes!
Both rear seat plywood bases are cut and assembled. I wanted to make sure everything fit well before I paint them.
Also installed my 19 set.

[derk derin]

Flare pistol rounds bin wooden inserts are done and painted. I used 12 of the American rounds to fill the one bin as I don’t have enough Canadian rounds for both bins. After 40 years of collecting I’ve only found one illuminating round. Red and green flare rounds seem to show up more.

[rob love]

The axle light gets mounted on the two existing holes for the right hand tow cable bracket. See here: http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...5&postcount=28

[derk derin]

Busy day yesterday at the shop with yet more pieces finished off. After restoring the shovel, pick axe helve and crowbar, the pick axe head looked out of place so it got a good sandblasting, priming and painting!
The hardware on top of the crew locker is now done. Just have to decide to wait until spring and sandblast the crewlocker or take it in now and pay somebody to do it? Wood inserts for the smoke generator box are cut and installed. I’m not too concerned about painting all the items as the whole carrier will need repainting once I’m done restoring and mounting all the items.