Finally got my Scope

[tower06]

Just flew back from Florida this afternoon, and behold...my package from across the pond arrived. I managed to get a No. 32 MkII from ebay a few weeks back. She is less than perfect in appearnace, and has an odd sun shade attached. Not sure what the previous owner had done to it. The turrets are not locked up and have the clicks when turned so I am optimistic that despite its rough appearnce she can be brought back to respectable useable condition. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Information

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[jmoore]

Now, that's going to be an interesting project!

Wondering if the dented rear tube could be reshaped over mandrels. We do that sort of thing with internal air ducts on jet engines, and I helped a friend unflatten and clean up the threads on a WWII vintage suppressor tube as well. (Legally registered, of course!)

[Peter Laidler]

If you think that's bad, think again. Many of the ex Indian Army ones were much, much worse! Like JM says, the dings are easily dollied out over a mandrill PROVIDING THAT THE BELL-END REMAINS EXACTLY PARALLEL TO THE OPTICAL AXIS OF THE BORE. The OG end is simplicity itself even if it needs a new end grafting on. What you need now is a No53 for its spare parts value, read the articles that I've written and you're home and dry. A £50 telescope then becomes a £500 telescope

[tower06]

If you think that's bad, think again. Many of the ex Indian Army ones were much, much worse! Like JM says, the dings are easily dollied out over a mandrill PROVIDING THAT THE BELL-END REMAINS EXACTLY PARALLEL TO THE OPTICAL AXIS OF THE BORE. The OG end is simplicity itself even if it needs a new end grafting on. What you need now is a No53 for its spare parts value, read the articles that I've written and you're home and dry. A £50 telescope then becomes a £500 telescope

Read them several times actually. I have a family friend who is a machinist who has helped me out in the past but this may be a bit more than he is able to do. Looking for a donor 53 now. Saw one on ebay lsst week while I was on vacation but it got away from me.

[jmoore]

Some highly polished hammers of varying sizes, several mandrels, a torch, and lots of patience mixed with a wee bit of mad abandon will be your most important tools. Be sure to have the tube as clean and shiny as possible before the serious work starts.

The art of localized shrinking will probably be a handy skill as well. Mostly it's old timey auto body work on a very small scale.

One of my favorite non-aircraft sheet metal repair books is The Key to Metal Bumping by Frank T. Sargent. Don't know if it's readily available: Mine dates to 1953. Old Fairmount Tools publication. (Wonderful hammers they made!)

[tower06]

Some highly polished hammers of varying sizes, several mandrels, a torch, and lots of patience mixed with a wee bit of mad abandon will be your most important tools. Be sure to have the tube as clean and shiny as possible before the serious work starts.

The art of localized shrinking will probably be a handy skill as well. Mostly it's old timey auto body work on a very small scale.

One of my favorite non-aircraft sheet metal repair books is The Key to Metal Bumping by Frank T. Sargent. Don't know if it's readily available: Mine dates to 1953. Old Fairmount Tools publication. (Wonderful hammers they made!)

Thanks for the info. I think I may have someone a bit more familiar with the scopes do the work for me. I could probably get it done, but would rather not risk it.

[Peter Laidler]

I didn't want to say earlier Tower, but I think that's a wise move. But it does illustrate (or it will afterwards........) what can be done to resurrect a damaged telescope. Why not keep some more before photos and afterwards, show us the after photos too. Good luck

One problem I can see is if the threaded portion at the OG end is missing. A problem of sorts but not if a new end is sleeved in place

[tower06]

I didn't want to say earlier Tower, but I think that's a wise move. But it does illustrate (or it will afterwards........) what can be done to resurrect a damaged telescope. Why not keep some more before photos and afterwards, show us the after photos too. Good luck

One problem I can see is if the threaded portion at the OG end is missing. A problem of sorts but not if a new end is sleeved in place

I know when to defer to the experts Peter. I will probably locate a donor 42/53 then send off for repair. Anyone on this side of the Atlantic you would recommend or should I start begging you now for help in this endeavor?

[gsimmons]

Contact Brian Dick at BDL Ltd. He'll be able to steer you in the right direction.

[tower06]

Contact Brian Dick at BDL Ltd. He'll be able to steer you in the right direction.

Thanks...that was my next move.