Lynx II, hull # 4225

[Peter Duggan]

Darryl,

I will attempt to describe the work that Gerald did, any errors are all mine. Neither the frame or hull were sandblasted prior to the welding. The areas were well cleaned with the aid of angle grinders and wire wheels.

Gerald decided that the frame should be done first to aid in determining the hull fit. He also decided to use "Bohler E 7018-1 1/8"rod since he didn't want to put too much heat into the hull or frame and introduce cracking.

Once the frame was square and true and welded up, we placed the frame underneath the hull and loosely bolted them together using the mounting points.

Using "come alongs" and spreader bars the two halves were aligned and tacked together. Then using wedges, shims, some welded oversize nuts, with smaller bolts the fine tuning was done until everything squared up.

We were very fortunate that when the hull was cut in half that they opened up the escape hatches first and we were able to use the doors as a further reference.

Backing plates were used and the sides of the old cuts were bevelled and then welded up in successive layers.

I am extremely pleased at his workmanship and how well it looks. The hull floor still requires work but that is for another day.

I just wish that I had taken more pictures of his work when it was taking place.

Peter

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[lynx42]

Peter, I am amazed at how many changes there were between the Lynx III, III* (Lynx I) and your Lynx II.

The photo of the inside of the escape hatch door is just one example. Here is a similar photo of my door.

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It does not have the footman loops and has a different latch arrangement as well. Even the latch handle is different.

The wiring system and location is another.

It is good to see proof that the escape hatch doors were painted the same colours as the outside of the vehicle. If it was painted white like the interior, it would stand out like dogs b@#ls when open and give the vehicle location away. What is stenciled on the door?

Regards Rick.

[Big D]

Hi Peter

Thanks for that. That explains things nicely and very interesting how it all came together.

[Peter Duggan]

Rick,

I have deliberately avoided sandblasting the hull until I can learn and document as much as possible about the markings and colours.

Despite the heavy rust in spots, there are significant amounts of stencils and successive levels of paint. The drivers door has "----ERS ----SHIELD", which I have interpreted to read "DRIVERS WINDSHIELD". I think the footman loops held it in place with webbing straps. Above the drivers escape hatch are stencils for POUCHES and EARPHONES.

On the observers/gunners side there are stencils for POUCHES, EARPHONES, SPARE BARREL, MAP CASE and HAVERSACK.

My latches were partially dismantled on the picture that you refer to. I think our latches are quite similar.

I agree with your deduction of the interior colour for the escape hatches. When it comes to paint, it will be the same as the exterior, for the same logic that you used.

Looking forward to hearing of your progress and eagerly await more of your updates, Peter

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[Mike Cecil]

The interior surfaces that were exposed to the outside at various times were commonly painted camouflage, rather than white. Rick will discover (if he hasn't already) that his Aussie MH-Dingo has a side door with the inside face painted cammo, as well as the MG port in the front armour, and the inside of the front vision ports, as well as the entire floor forward of the step, as that area could be seen through the large roof hatch when open.

The rear hatch, however, was white on the inside (as far as I can remember), as it only opened to a horizontal position.

Nice job, Peter, and great to closely document the layers so well prior to stripping.

Mike

[David Dunlop]

Mike. I was just wondering about that. I recall seeing the 2 Lynx Bill Gregg obtained from Europe back in the 1980's and their interiors were the same colour as the outside of the vehicle. One could clealy see stowage stencils in white on the various interior walls, as well as on the front fenders (Camouflage Net) was one that comes to mind. The Lynx has a very open crew compartment, not unlike a carrier and I suspect they came from the factory with non white interiors during the war. In post war service, probably anything became possible, white and silver being very likely candidates. Anyone have any good wartime interior photos for any of the Lynx line?

David

[Peter Duggan]

Folks,

After some more sanding in different locations, it appears as if the crew compartment was first painted in the off white/cream colour, then the olive drab with white stenciling. There was an additional layer of the light silver colour which I associate with British AFVs, and which I am assuming was applied some time post war. The interior of the escape hatches were originally painted desert sand then the olive drab, with no signs of the off white/cream colour.
My question is - does anyone have any definitive information as to which colour was in use during the war time period?

I would welcome any and all comments, Peter

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