if u go to various shows in the uk w&p headcorn over lord etc the hobby certainly is not dying out complete opposite in fact i only came into hobby in my mid 40,s the Green addiction can hit at any age!
i would have thought with 2 serviceable batts volts should have been nearer 25 volts might be worth taking batts out and say going to a well known motor factors get em to do a load test if ok alternator and or voltage regulator? if u can get her running and check output at alternator
different but similar, wooden fabricated lmg with cover over it is for all intensive purposes a machine gun to members of public, as we are talking about mv mounted deacs /copys not sure what threats you are commenting on?
whilst nosing around at l4a4 on web found canadian company collectors source want 4500 canadian dollars for a deac l4a4!!!!!!!!!!! thats 2600 pounds!!!!!! no wonder in usa a working bar is 40000 dollars!!!!!!!
best compromise for a mk1/2 is a l4a4 lmg fits if u want in l/h internal mount on prop cover and looks good up top downside getting a decent one for less than a grand plus correct mount with box for spent cases are hard to get.