Derk’s new Universal carrier Mk 1*

[derk derin]

I was at an old department store in downtown Winnipeg last week where they used to handle some military surplus back in the day. I like to stop in once in awhile for certain items. This time we’re the Bren Auxiliary shoulder straps. They have boxes of them and I realized they’re the proper width to make up the straps for the 19 set hold down straps. I can cut and sew them together to make the length I need as it’s impossible to find the proper material to make these straps up.
While I was there I spotted a pile of green material that looked exactly like the material on Carrier seats. They’re British military bedding stowage bags (whatever they’re used for?) and they were $5.00 each.

[derk derin]

I have been busy sewing up the seat cushions and they have the look of proper waterproof material the carrier seats were made of so I’m happy with it.
Of course while I was looking around the vast amount of stuff still in this old store I always find more than I bargain for. 1943 dated brushes, 1951 pattern L straps, a roll of 1950’s tie material which I always give away ties to whoever needs one for their battledress uniform, and various other items I think I will one day need!

[derk derin]

Finished sewing up my seat cushions tonight. Turned out not bad for limited sewing ability.
Still have to find some more seat foam to finish filling a pair of seat bottoms and a seat back as well as order some lift the dot fasteners and studs to complete the seat cushions.

[derk derin]

I finished off both sets of seat cushions for both carriers today and installed them. I was able to salvage enough lift the dot fasteners to use on my rear seat cushions and both wireless operators rear seat cushions but will have to order 34 more to do the front seat cushion backs on the other carrier.
They’re impossible to find locally so will have to order them from the internet.
I also finished cleaning up and painting the shovel and had a friend lathe me the crowbar for the back tool storage area. Have the paint drying on the pick axe helve and it will be ready to go in its spot as well.

[derk derin]

I managed to piece together enough items to complete a 19 set for my carrier after a lot of help from Prairie Command members who all had items to sell or give me. I have the B set antenna lower mount but have to pick it up yet. I will build a mounting bracket for it and install it on the carrier when the warm weather returns.
Also need to build the variometer mounting bracket which shouldn’t be too difficult. Too cold right now to work out in the shop. Lots of small items to keep me busy inside for the rest of the winter!

[derk derin]

Todays project was the inserts for the flare pistol rounds bin. It wasn’t as easy as I thought it was going to be but I think what I built will work.
I will have to finish the top wood insert for the second bin on a warmer day. Too cold to work in the garage right now.

[derk derin]

As I was working on the flare rounds bin, Dave came over with a box of stuff that went with the carrier. Another exciting day for me! He had the FUC-01 manual with the waterproof cover and both inserts still there, the FUC-02 Illustrated parts manual, a spare carrier carburetor, a carrier trouble light, brass 1 inch flare pistol with 4 empty flare rounds that were fired off and a pile of American 1 inch flare rounds that were March,April & May 1945 dated.
The brass flare pistol was an exciting gift as in all my years of collecting I never owned the brass flare pistol.
The most exciting was the proper Mark 1* carrier manual with the waterproof cover. That was on my want list but wasn’t hopeful of ever finding one as I’ve never seen one before. Just a few images online.