Wanted: Sexton Lights

[Colin Alford]

Rob,

Thanks for posting those images from the parts list.

I do have access to a Canadian Master Parts List for Tank Type Vehicles (which is un-illustrated).

Using the headlight part numbers of C-4942 and C-4943 from your Sexton list, the Master List shows that these numbers are correct for Ram I, Ram II, Ram Command/O.P. and Sexton "Up to Veh.#1300 Ser.#S-234801"

With the Sexton that Tom is working on being number 1164 and WD number S234665, I believe that the type of headlight and bracket as illustrated in the Sexton parts list would be the correct type for both Tom's project, and the Shilo Sexton.

I suspect that both vehicles had their headlight mounts modified post-war to suit available types of headlights. While the current mounts on these two vehicles are different from each other, and the early CMP headlights appear to fit well, they seem to sit higher than if they had the original mounts.

While headlights with the two side mounts (UC Mk1*/Valentine/Ram type) are relatively available, it will likely be very difficult to obtain original mounts for them.

Colin

[Colin Alford]

Gents,

I had a mental image of the mounting brackets being relatively complex but apparently I was remembering the Canadian Valentine mounts (pictured).

[Colin Alford]

Here are some images from the Ram I and II parts list. This mount appears much simpler than the Valentine mount and more similar to the mount Rob pictured from the early Sexton parts list. On Ram I and II, the headlight mounting brackets were welded to the 3-piece differential.

The master parts list shows that the Sexton headlight mounts were the same as Ram up to Sexton #84.

Rob,

Does your Sexton parts list detail any changes in the headlight mount after veh 84, and does it give any indication of how the mount attached to the hull? (I realize you may not get back to the parts list until Monday).

Colin

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

"Bulb, R.H. Purple" First time I've seen that. What colour was the left? Was this a tank thing only? I expect early because later on typically there was a single hooded lamp on the left.

[Jordan Baker]

Originally Posted by Bruce Parker

"Bulb, R.H. Purple" First time I've seen that. What colour was the left? Was this a tank thing only? I expect early because later on typically there was a single hooded lamp on the left.

One of the headlamps I got for my old carrier was a Sexton light. It had a brass fitting on the rear for the wires to pass through and a purple light bulb inside.

[Colin Alford]

Bruce,

The “purple” bulb was U.V.

I read an explanation somewhere, but my memory is that it was a short lived Canadian attempt at improving blackout driving where the U.V. Lamp would be used to illuminate white markings on the rear of preceding vehicles.

Attached are images from the May ‘42 Ram I and II instruction book, Apr ‘43 Ram II instruction book, and Jan ‘44 Data book, showing the progression of the Ram lighting arrangements.

The left bulb was clear throughout production, whereas the right bulb started clear, changed to U.V., then reverted to clear.

[Colin Alford]

Tom,

Here is an image showing the difference between a Carrier headlight, and one originally manufactured for a tank type vehicle.

The tank type headlight has the treaded union, whereas the carrier headlight has a bushing ( damaged on this example). It should be easy to convert them if required.

[Colin Alford]

Bruce,

Here is the link to CMHQ file 55/621/T37 - U.V. Lighting in Ram Tanks:
https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/o...eel_c5778/3980

It does not contain much information.

Colin

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Colin Alford

Tom,

Here is an image showing the difference between a Carrier headlight, and one originally manufactured for a tank type vehicle.

And, for the sake of identification, here is the same style light showing the cable connection for a Cab 11/12 CMP. These connections are Left- and Right-Handed (ie 2 versions of light housing for the CMP).