Hello I've recently imported a Scout carrier back to the UK from Australia. I'm trying to trace it's service history which I think was in North Africa (see thread in theatre section) but I'm also looking for any information about their specific use in service, photos, manuals etc. They were only really used by the BEF and in North Africa before they were replaced by the universal carrier. If any of you have any photos or other details you don't mind sharing I'd be very keen to see them, either on here or via email. Particularly of the stowage or interior. I'm happy to post a couple of pictures of the Scout but I appreciate this isn't a vehicle restoration forum. Thanks in advance Ben
Certainly got a rarity there Ben , please post a pic and good luck with restoration .Don't know wether Scout or not but some recent BEF carrier pics from ebay D- Craig
I'm happy to post a couple of pictures of the Scout but I appreciate this isn't a vehicle restoration forum. Don't let that stop you! Sounds like an unusual project - how many surviving Scouts are there?
Hello I've recently imported a Scout carrier back to the UK from Australia. I'm trying to trace it's service history which I think was in North Africa (see thread in theatre section) but I'm also looking for any information about their specific use in service, photos, manuals etc. They were only really used by the BEF and in North Africa before they were replaced by the universal carrier. If any of you have any photos or other details you don't mind sharing I'd be very keen to see them, either on here or via email. Particularly of the stowage or interior. I'm happy to post a couple of pictures of the Scout but I appreciate this isn't a vehicle restoration forum. Thanks in advance Ben Ben very interesting project please post photos and keep us updated as to your progress. regards Clive
Ben you may like to take a look at this previous thread on restorations. http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/weapons-technology-equipment/43344-restored-bren-carriers.html Regards Tom
Thanks for the photos, yes photos are Scout, Bren, Bren, Scout, too close to tell, Scout (front gunners slot and flat plate above) The more the merrier, BEF photos appear to be reasonably common but North African ones almost non existent. I've attached two shots, one showing the hull just as it arrived and the second showing the original painted reg number. I rubbed the top layers of paint off one at a time to reveal the number underneath. The carrier is very complete and includes many details usually missing. The only parts really missing are the circular holes in the armour cut by the farmer in Australia, the original engine was still with the hull after 75 years. As far as we can tell this is the only surviving Scout. There aren't too many bits missing but early war manuals are very thin on the ground so trying to fill in the gaps is hard work! The photos really help trying to establish whats what. Thanks Ben
Very nice. Have you got the Nigel Watson books? Probably the best written reference yet on carriers of all sorts. Vol.III also comes with a box of assorted facsimile plans to add to those in the main books. I'd have to check what it has specifically on Scouts, but I'd have thought most of it would be generally interesting to restorers. index Anyway - The very best of luck with your vehicle.
The Carrier Forum on MLU [Maple Leaf Up] should help. Universal Carriers and all their variants are at home there. Keith
I thought I'd post a couple of pics now its back from being painted. I managed to keep the original reg number and lacquer over it for protection. So far the DVLA have been very helpful and things look good that I should be able to re register it using the original number. There's a thread in the North Africa section trying to trace its movements with the KRRC at Capuzzo. It would have had a sand scheme in North Africa but this was applied over the KG3 as I have sanded the remaining paint to establish what's happened over its life. The restoration will be done as it left the factory then any future schemes can be applied as they were done in the field. The plan is to have it ready for the W&P show 2014. Ben
Ben, Your Project is looking fantastic and I am really enjoying seeing it come back to life. Not surprising knowing all the Tender Loving Care being lavished on it. Regards Tom
Keith, the first one (T8539) is a Universal Carrier, and the second one (12 on the front and GK on the side) is a Bren (proper Bren) Carrier
http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/13129-new-zealand-built-bren-gun-carrier-universal-carrier/ See my posting #27 & Rick's reply on #28 Ron
Hi Ron, Yes, I concur with Rick, that she looks like a Canadian built MkI*. Great to see you on here keeping up with the technology.
