Universal carrier pulling a 17pdr.....HOW? Arnhem

[Alex van de Wetering]

Niels, Shaun, Petr,

Thanks for your comments and ideas. Very much appreciated!
We did indeed speak about the lifting eyes...I just wasn't sure they were beefy enough to take the weight of the 17pdr.

Yes, The 17pdr is a heavy gun , but very well balanced.infact the 6pdr is far heavier on the hitch than a 17pdr ( I have both )

That's interesting Shaun....so that would mean the Carrier would stay pretty level with the 17pdr hooked up(?)....or would it still climb with the nose, when the crew started actually pulling?

Alex

[Jim Burrill]

Holland is Flat!

[Tim Bell]

Originally Posted by Jim Burrill

Holland is Flat!

Not so much around Nijmegen... and there are bits around Oosterbeek which are a bit hilly.

[charlie fitton]

...and the carrier may well sit level enough, but when you pull off...

[shaun]

If you look at WW2 photos of carriers loaded hi with kit the sprocket is near on the floor . Carriers pull 17pdrs easily ..... I. At get the carrier out and hang the gun on and post a little video

[Ben]

We towed a 17pdr with a T16 earlier this year, obviously slightly different to a MK2 but it was no problem at all. It's a relatively heavy gun but very easy to move as it's well balanced.

[Alex van de Wetering]

Guys,

Thanks for all your comments, thoughts and ideas.....very much appreciated!
Tim is correct that even though Holland is pretty flat, certain areas do show some hills....and also the soil in certain regions is quite soggy, which was a big problem with tanks in 1944/45. I presume soggy ground and heavy 17pounders is not an ideal combo either.

I. At get the carrier out and hang the gun on and post a little video

Shaun....that would be awesome!


By the way....just out of interest....is there anyone who has a restored carrier configured to Airborne specs? I don't think I have seen any in Nigels books. I do know I have seen one or two in airborne markings at the Arnhem Remembrance, but I don't think those had the airborne modifications (or omissions).

regards,

Alex