The 'B' Box arrived...

[1812we1]

Finally got to sorting through the contents [ will spare you the pics Peter]. Lots of stuff,not exactly 'as issued',a lot of bits are recycled but a fair bit looks to be un-issued in cosmo including rear sights, gas regulators, pistons[2], Mk2 butts[2,complete] and a whack of stuff yet to identified [awaiting Peter's book]. Most of it is JI.
Have a few questions as well. box included 1/2 doz. recoil springs. All the same size. Our Mk 2 has the correct double springs but the Mk 1m has a single. Assuming the Mk1m was fitted with the Mk 3 gas cylinder and regulator and going by a pic in Dugelby's book. the 1m should, I assume, have a double spring as well. I take it the III marked on the regulators indicates they are for the Mk3 gas cylinder. [box included one well used reg. marked II and one marked 7.92].
Anyone have a source for the double springs??...got lots of bits to trade.
Also on the subject of 'boxes' we just received a transit chest [empty but complete mit internals and lots of horsehair] . the only external markings are stamped on one end ,the year 1941 preceded by what looks to be ' DANBRIDGE'. I t appears to be somewhat different than the one Doug posted, no rub rail on the side. [will try for pics soon]. Regards, Steve K.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Peter Laidler]

ALL guns should be modified to double return springs. Mk1M guns fitted with Mk1 gas cylinders (is yours a Canadian Mk1M or a later UK Mk1 that people, including the 'experts' call a Mk1M). Mk3 regulators are the same as the Mk1 but narrower and lighter and are the standard replacement.

PLEASE take with a pinch of salt anything you read in the Dugelby book. It isd a load of, er......., has been known to include one or two (hundred) glaring errors.

Double return springs were introduced to try to cushion the piston extension from causing the piston post to knock seven bells out of the breech block while unlockin g the gun - and breaking the piston post spring at the same time. The double springs were also to cushion the complete working parts from knocking even more bells out of the body buffer. It didn't and smashed piston post springs were a most common event. That's why the spare parts tin carries a spare. The body buffers also suffered from the constant battering by becoming heavily hammered and cracking or breaking around the recoil buffer opening.

Next question.....

[1812we1]

Thanks for the info Peter. The 1m is an Inglis,1943. The next and most important question is when is "the book" coming out. I'm sure it would spare you from a lot of questions about piston post springs and body buffers...etc.,etc. cheers, SK .

[tankhunter]

With regards to the question of 'When is Peter's new book Coming out'?.......

I would stick my neck out & say, that has got to be one of the most difficult Questions he will ever be asked!

WHY?..Because he is in the hands of others in the 'Chain of Production'. Peter has a reputation of a 'Doer', or Getting Results.

When he is reliant on others on a project of this size & Magnitude. It is MOSTLY out of his sphere of influence! It will be most frustrating for him, in the fact that he is limited to what he can actually do HIMSELF. To speed the process along.

The hard work has already been done. IE: Gathering of Info/Photo's. Checking & rechecking, Tweaking by Peter Himself. Submission to Publishers. 'trimming of content', Readjustments Etc Etc. Then it waits in the hands of others for quite a long time. As we are all aware!

Personaly, I am Impatient as I know a lot of others are also. For the release of this New Book on
'The Magnificent Bren'..............

Peter, am I right, or am I right!

[Peter Laidler]

Not only are you right Tankie, you're DEAD right!

[LesterH]

Peter, please reserve me a copy of your book.Took me a long time to find "The Guns of Dagenham"! ( I live in Romford).
Happy new year every one. Lester