New UCW project

[Petr Brezina]

Again - welding, welding, welding
Still not finished, but getting there

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Petr,

Great work, I like how you preserve as much of the original metal as possible

Hanno

[Petr Brezina]

Thanks Hanno, yes, that was the goal. Kind of 1:1 scale modeling

[Petr Brezina]

Not much done for today, but few small parts fitted.

[David Dunlop]

Hello Petr.

You are doing wonderful work on this Mk. III.

I am not very familiar with this all welded version of the UCW, but I have noticed a number of similarities and some subtle variations between it and the earlier Mk II* with the riveted hull.

I am a bit curious about the rolled tube guards welded to the top of the armour on the Mk. III. They are also present on the Mk II* but at the two rear corners, they actually intersect at a 45 degree angle and the joint is welded in and ground down, The open ends of these tubes were sealed from the weather by the simple insertion of an appropriately sized engine block frost plug.

Did they simplify things with these tubes on the Mk III and not bother with the fancy corner welds?

Keep up the great work! I like your approach to saving everything you can that is in good shape and original. A lot more time consuming perhaps, but I am sure it is very rewarding in the end.

Cheers,


David

[Petr Brezina]

Hi David, thanks for your kind words
Yes, you can find many parts on Mk.IIIs which have simplified design.
Mine carrier is on of the last produced (T340xxx).
Attached is pic of genuine MkIII hull with these tube guards attached.

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by David Dunlop

Hello Petr.

I am a bit curious about the rolled tube guards welded to the top of the armour on the Mk. III. They are also present on the Mk II* but at the two rear corners, they actually intersect at a 45 degree angle and the joint is welded in and ground down, The open ends of these tubes were sealed from the weather by the simple insertion of an appropriately sized engine block frost plug.

Did they simplify things with these tubes on the Mk III and not bother with the fancy corner welds?

David

(Paraphrased)

The open end firing rests can be observed with differences between British and Canadian production. See also the modified Canadian (MK-I*) to MK-II (British) standards.

[Petr Brezina]

This weekend just made some drilling on the front cover and started work on the steps.

[Petr Brezina]

After the holiday - back in the business
Welding of the hul finished, now must drill few more holes etc. and we will be ready for the sandblasting!

[Paul Dutton]

Great work there, can't wait to start mine!
My hulls are riveted, so maybe a bit more work!!

[RichardT10829]

Nowt to it Paul !

Keep going Petr you doing great !!

God I miss my carrier like crazy now !!

[Lynn Eades]

Yes Petr, you're doing great!
Richard, I hope you're looking for another?

[Petr Brezina]

Thanks guys! Good luck with your project, Paul!

[RichardT10829]

Yes Lynn, looking at a syndicate carrier with someone else... The carrier would not live at home.

Petr have you decided what colour scheme you are going to go with yet ?

[Petr Brezina]

Richard, late war colour scheme (SCC 15 Olive Drab) as used on the Czechoslovak Independent Armoured Brigade Group carriers in NW Europe 44-45.

[RichardT10829]

Great stuff, you have made a fine job of it so far ! Keep going

[Petr Brezina]

Hurrah, ready for blasting and painting!
Also finished the front cover.

[Lynn Eades]

Petr, I hope you intend to strip the diff after blasting, because the sand will probably get into it.
Blast and paint is a big step forward. You will be pleased.

[Petr Brezina]

I'm aware of that Lynn, thanks. Will do my best to avoid any contamination.
Not much done today, just finished the steps. Another part done

[Petr Brezina]

Just started work on the top plate. Carrier should go to the blaster this week.

[Lynn Eades]

Petr, it is interesting to see the changes made in the later carriers, as they moved to simplify construction. Do the division plate wiring holes have rubber grommets in them or are those rounded steel rings?

[Petr Brezina]

Actually there are copper rings, same style as used on the tents, I guess.

[Petr Brezina]

Finally on the way to the blaster
Also top plate almost finished

[Petr Brezina]

And top plate assy

[Petr Brezina]

And unloading today morning

[David Dunlop]

Not sure I like that chain placement, Petr. Hope everything worked out OK.

David

[Petr Brezina]

Short chains, I know David. But its just empty hull, she can take it for once

[Petr Brezina]

Blasted! She's looking sooo nice now

[Lynn Eades]

Looking great Petr! You photos reveal more about the MkIII U.C.
What is the purpose of the two big holes at the bottom of the Division plate?
I think I have a NOS door for the centre hole?
When you know what the notches in the right hand engine bed rail are for, please let me know.

Petr, have a look at the photo in this thread:
Whose carrier uses one of these. date 04-03-12

Can you post a good picture of the front hull drain plug please?

[Petr Brezina]

Hi Lynn, I have no idea what are these holes for. Maybe some wise guy on the forum can help us?
Primed today. 8 hours of dirty job.