canadian carrier mk1 gun rest

[Sam Tremblay]

the serial number 1s only 1790

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Sam Tremblay

the serial number 1s only 1790

That is swell!

The firing support for the gunner apeture remained a rubber/composite material throughout the MK-I* production series where so equipped. For example, the factory production mortar carriers built on MK-I* hulls deleted this firing rest. The thickness changed through the applicable part numbers, TL 13009, TL 13009C and TL 13009B, in that numerical/alpha replacement order.

The two firing rests on the rear protection plate were mounted on the exterior of the plate, facing rearward. (provides clearance for the rear passenger when seated against his backrest).

The two firing rests on the driver side, long protection plate, rear compartment were mounted on the interior of the plate, facing inside the hull.

The image of a 1943 production C01UC MK-I* shows the major portions of eight firing rests. Image credit of Ditsong Museum, Joburg, SA.

CTL 13003D Divisonal plate, Right Hand: 16”
CTL 13004C Divisonal plate, Left Hand: 51”
CTL 13005D Side Plate Front: 14”
CTL 13006C Side Plate Rear: 26.5”
CTL 13008C Engine Cover: 22”
CTL 13009B Gunner Loophole: 5”
CTL 13010C Rear Plate, Right Hand: 11”
CTL 13011C Rear Plate, Left Hand: 10.5”


As mentioned earlier, these measurements are published in the Illustrated Parts Manual, FUC-03.
The firing rest measurements may assist with making the necessary firing rest supports, but you will need detailed measurements of the firing rest support angles, engine support bracket and loophole assembly to produce the entire assemblies.

See also two images showing the gunner loophole rest in the two Canadian produced variations showing the change in the height.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Sam

Now that you see the correct parts, you have a difficult decision to make. Do you work on locating these perishable parts which haven't been made since the 1940s? Do you attempt to make replica parts from modern rubber? Or, my advice would be, make replica parts from hardwood.

You need to keep momentum on your project. Every restoration is a series of compromises. If you can accept a visual simulation of small parts, you can always come back (or a later owner) can come back and continue the restoration to a higher standard.

Bonne chance!

[Michael R.]

If anyone can offer assistance with the dimensions for the MK-I* firing rest over the divisional wall, that is the first priority for Sams’ carrier project. Others with UC NO-2 MK-II*’s have previously assisted Sam with upper protection plate dimensions.

[Sam Tremblay]

terry
I will do it in wood it's easy task for me compare to rubber
it's not "original" anyway
also anytime you by eastern township stop by will be pleasure to show you the project

thank to everybody for the hlep

[Lynn Eades]

I can answer Sams questions on the rubber and the steel it mounts on at the div plate.
What do you need to know Sam?

[RichardT10829]

Also if you go wood, go with sapele ! Cheap, good water resistant properties too.

[Robert Bergeron]

Welcome to the community and good luck with your restoration Sam. Drop by anytime again if you need measurements !