Derk’s new Universal carrier Mk 1*

[David Dunlop]

Rob has a good memory, Derk.

That steering wheel did come from Brian Asbury and was part of the "Carrier Package" when I sold Dave my Mk II* Carrier.

Looks like you and Dawn can now have Carrier Races around the back 40!


David

[derk derin]

Lynn, I have been collecting Canadian Military field equipment for 40 years now. I have wanted everything issued from the toothbrush to a tank. I have found many items over the years but still looking for an original toothbrush and a tank!
The looking never ends!

[derk derin]

Colin, I appreciate the input on the engine. I was busy today but plan on going out to the shop tomorrow and get some closer pictures of the engine. Maybe find a rebuild tag? Would like to find the engine serial number as well.
Dave mentioned to me a few of your observations, the original coil quit so to keep the carrier running he added the round coil. I plan on replacing it with another original style coil. Dave included another coil in the spare parts he gave me. I’m hoping it’s still good and replacing it will get rid of the round one. He also pointed out when his dad bought the carrier surplus that it had the block heaters already installed so more than likely was done by the military at some point.
My excitement in all of the spare parts were the tools. Especially the canvas tool roll. I’ve heard reference on the canvas tool roll but never saw an actual photo of one. There is only a partial stamping in the top right inside of the flap on the canvas that doesn’t make any sense to me. Maybe you know?

[derk derin]

The second tool roll is of the same design but I suspected by the stencilling that it seemed more US issue. Thank you for identifying if for me as a T16 carrier tool roll.

[derk derin]

Dave also gave me a track adjusting snail and suspected it was T-16.
I know I have the original track adjusting snails for the Mark 1* and Mark 2 carriers and they weren’t cast like this one. Can you confirm this one is T-16?

[derk derin]

Yes Alex & Ed, I’m very happy to get such a complete carrier. It’s getting harder to find original parts nowadays and expensive as you all know!
Like I said, my carrier that was dug out of the ground has a great story to it but looking over Dave’s carrier that has no pitted metal retains all of its markings where as my top armour pitting erased the serial number losing that part of its history. And I’m way further ahead of a more complete carrier now.
An interesting development yesterday when I was looking over both carriers is my carriers hull number is 3828, Dave’s carrier is 3819! They were both together on the assembly line 82 years ago! I believe there was a discussion somewhere on hull numbers and serial numbers not necessarily matching up like one would expect. Still interesting they’re only 9 numbers out from one another.

[derk derin]

Rob your right. Dave told me when the top armour was sitting up against a tree on Dave’s farm his dad removed the rear armour and used it to make some plow blades. When Dave restored the carrier he had a fake piece of armour cut and installed it. Then when you & Gord had an original rear armour plate to give Dave he removed the fake piece and installed the original rear armour section and riveted it in place.

Richard, thank you!