commander

I will be taking the Dodge WC57 Command Car towing a 76mm howitzer cannon

Commander

hopefully yes but waiting for confirmation

Commander

I take it this little baby is still on live fire ticket and what is the calibre Rob ?

Commander

Only if you have been a good boy and you haven't been acting like a dummy

Commander

If any promenades fancy calling in it is a multi period military event so feel free to join in

when you get there just ask for Chris/Commander to pick up a ticket to ride on the train

Commander

Thanks for the info guys much appreciated , as they say you cannot have to much info

Commander

Thanks for the info I would rather ask and be on the safe side

Commander

I have got it back from the shot blasters and while I wait for it to go into the paint shop I have been

sorting out the firing mechanism it is now firing off the primers ok no problem the next step is how do

I sort out what to put in black powder wise and what is the best way to load it not wanting to go down

the suck it and see method so any help tips of what to do or not to do would be very much appreciated

Commander

We have just been informed that if we can get a group interested they are willing to pay for the Ammo

to put a battle on does anybody have any contacts at this short notice

Commander

A few pictures before it went to the bead blasters

please excuse my welding

I know this may sound silly but I do not know the U.S. 75mm brass cases are to small

and also the Russian cases seem to have a bigger flange on than the U.S. cases but until

the time comes when I have one to measure I'm in the dark

Commander

I will post some pictures tomorrow and I do not know of anyone specialising in Russian Artillery

C

Well finally finished freeing everything off it rocks and rolls like it should do. The piece of armour plate

that was missing that had been shot out of the right hand side which I had fabricated to fit in the gap

came today so out with the welder and in it went after a struggle. I am taking it down to be low pressure

glass shot blasted on Thursday apparently it does not damage the metal hardly at all when I was there

they showed me some alloy engine cases they had done it looked very nice all I need now is some shell

cases to load up for blank firing

Commander

Thanks for that

Commander

You wouldn't happen to have any WW2 Russian 76mm brass cases in this sale by any chance

Commander

A quick update on the Russian howitzer I have been working on it all week the rear spade assembly is now freed off and working

and the towing eye bracket is now off and waiting to be straightened out the rear locking assembly is free and working and also

the elevation gears have been cleaned out the barrel was lifted off the carriage last thing tonight after a lot of work with the heat

the pivot unit was rusted solid it has taken all day to free off and remove the 2 locking pins which hold the barrel on the carriage

so in the morning it is out with the air gun with the lapping wheel on and hopefully reassemble watch this space for further news

Commander

A road run is being organised for Saturday afternoon for anybody interested in taking part

calling in at a couple points of local interest plus the obligatory watering holes

Commander

I spent the weekend sorting the Howitzer out and under the crap and paint I found a

stamping on the barrel dating it as a 1939 assembly but the carriage is all dated 1944

after 6 hours I got the breach to close properly and the firing mechanism operating as it

should do there is still lots of stuff to free off yet but it is getting there

Commander

A further update ref the War Wheels Weekend 0n the 16th 17th May at Foxfield Steam Railway. On the Saturday night (16th) they are putting on a Free Jazz/Folk/Blues/rock band for Exhibitors at the Station.

Commander

The Foxfield Steam Railway Blythe Bridge people have been in touch and they say they are putting on a 1940's train set up

including an actual locomotive that went ashore on the Normandy beaches in June 1944

C

I will keep my eye out for that thanks

Commander

I went down and picked the cannon up today so the next job is to strip it down free everything off

and paint it the cannon is a live firer I will get some pictures and post them when it isn't raining

does anybody know what colour it should be

C

If it is just a weekend show then I use the 7x9 tent ample for one two at a push

if it is a longer show I use a 9x9 or a bell tent depending on how many

the 9x9 is ok for two people if any more then use the bell tent and finally if

there is no restriction and four or more people I use a large modern tent

Commander

It's even better it goes bang as well. I can't wait

Commander

Going down to pick up a couple of new toys to join the flock

here a picture of one of the little dears

Commander