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#1
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Mk1 Universal Carrier found
This little beauty has just been released from "agricultural retirement" and will shortly be the subject of restoration efforts, although probably not in time for Corowa 2008, "Year of the Tracked Vehicle"!
Although the upper armour has been removed, the lower hull is very straight and rust-free (except surface rust!) The front driving compartment is fairly intact, but no steering wheel is included, as it was given away some years ago! Also missing is the whole rear Axle/Diff, can someone confirm if this is a standard Ford Truck unit, or particular to Carriers? |
#2
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The data plate remains, showing WD No T58482 (Nigel Watson, does this number appear in your extensive records? ), and painted on the front lower glacis plate there is what appears to be a 7 digit number, best guesstimate being 4213488 (I've shown this No both dry and wet, but can't read it any better. Any suggestions?)
On the Hull sides inboard of the centre roadwheel are the numerals 348 painted in large red paint. A highly peculiar position, as it would be covered by the metal track guards, the upper track and the roadwheel itself, but it appears to be well laid out professionally (not done with a house brush!), lending credence to it being official. If 348 is supposed to represent the last 3 digits of the number, perhaps it is 421348 painted twice with the lower coat showing through. This number is still a mystery, as although Aust Army Registration Numbers were 6 digits, they were not higher than 2xxxxx. Last edited by Tony Smith; 09-03-08 at 13:40. |
#3
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Also supplied with the Carrier was this gearbox. While the gear selector mechanism is plainly Carrier, I am only familiar with Aust LP carrier boxes and have to ask if the rear bearing retainer is of the correct type for this carrier? Should it have a "Foot" to support the rear of the Eng/G'box assy, and where does the Speedo cable connect to?
There are sufficient suspension units and roadwheels, but the rubber on some are just too shocking to show. The wheels have casting marks of JM1941. Who might this be? |
#4
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Now comes the begging:
How many of these British built Carriers are getting about in Aust? Any pics of a Universal Carrier in Australian service, or known ARN's? Who might have some leads on a rear diff, a running 21 stud 85hp motor, upper armour (Who was doing the CAD drawings of the various armour pieces? Can't find the thread), and an engine cover? |
#5
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Tony,
That is the correct gearbox for the carrier. There is an extension off the rear diff which houses the speedo drive. There is no "Foot" to support it like the Aussie carriers have. You can find reference to the CAD drawings here... http://www.mapleleafup.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9261 A word of caution on these drawings...I had purchased a shutter kit from the same fellow a few years ago only to find out the shutters were not even close to the originals on my mk I. Looked close, but thats where it ended. I suspect you may find the same problem with these drawings. The rear axel/diff is just a standard Ford 3ton split rear diff assy. |
#6
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Hi Tony,
I looked at those stencilled numbers and think the first digit might be a figure 1 and not a 4. If that is so, then it probably is an ARN.
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Richard 1943 Bedford QLD lorry - 1941 BSA WM20 m/cycle - 1943 Daimler Scout Car Mk2 Member of MVT, IMPS, MVG of NSW, KVE and AMVCS KVE President & KVE News Editor |
#7
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Quote:
Does ANYONE have ANY pics showing a carrier of any nation with numbers in this location on the side of the hull behind the tracks? Thinking that these 2 carriers might have probably come back from North Africa, I'd be keen on seeing any pics of English, Indian, South African or Polish carriers with 7 digit serial numbers OTHER than the WD number.
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You can help Keep Mapleleafup Up! See Here how you can help, and why you should! Last edited by Tony Smith; 22-06-08 at 13:23. |
#8
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BIG RED Numbers on the sides of Hull's
Quote:
Brian |
#9
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Quote:
__________________
You can help Keep Mapleleafup Up! See Here how you can help, and why you should! |
#10
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Tony, I can't positively identify it, but the Wolseley contract I think it's from was for 2000, contract 2251, the same contract my carrier is from, plus I've come across (3) other plates/carriers from this contract here in NZ, so I believe it's a Mortar Carrier.
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#11
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T58482
Quote:
Sorry not been on for a while. Working on my MkI* V8!!! T58482 was built by Sentinel Wagon between 17th March 1941 and 19th November 1941. It was built as a Universal Carrier 3" Mortar to contract T2035 of which 360 were built with WD Nos. from T58225-58584. Nice find and I look forward to seeing its rebuild. I note the discussion re large numbers on the lower hulls. I have come across nothing official that identifies what these were for, however I have come across them over here as well. I suspect they may have been hull numbers chalked/painted on in the factories to identify which hull was for which type of carrier, then painted over. I do not think they were anything to do with the actual Hull No., lower or upper, that was stamped on the carriers as these were most likely done after the carrier was assembled in part. I would be fantastic if suddenly we could find a plate/stamping that showed this large number alongside an official one. We live in hope! Hope you all have a guid hogmanay Nigel
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He that blaws in the stour fills his ain e'en 1942 Ford Utility 11YF 1942 10cwt GS Trailer |
#12
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being a sentinel item its a shame it is not back on UK soil as the main gates at Sentinel are still standing and a restored carrier stood at the gates would make for a fantastic cover shot / story in say.....MV magazine
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