Since my last post, I have been given much better, much larger, much clearer copies of AP 1224 sheets 1 & 2.
This has meant that I have a better idea of the spacing & size of the cutouts in the side bars. I must send you a copy, Walter.
In addition, I have been improving my techniques particularly with filleted edges of solid shapes. I feel that with the reflection of light on these edges the parts come to life in a big way. Of, course, thrilled with this effect, I may have over-done it.
Here is the side bar re-done with the aid of the new AP 1224’s. Its dimensions now are very close to the prototype. I can’t say exact as I do not have the engineering drawings.
Here is the new retaining pawl. Its tail is substantially longer and is curved as well.
Here are two views of nearly all the parts required at this stage. The front cartridge stop is shown but it requires quite a bit of work still as well as the swiveling bracket whose groove is now shown. This bracket is used to lock the front stop in place.
Mike
Side bars in progress
This shows the starboard bar without its components. A groove for the swiveling bracket of the front cartridge stop still needs to be added.
This shows the bar with its components. There is still work to be done on the retaining pawl. The pawl is shown on the same side as the rear cartridge stop for convenience. It should be on the opposite bar.
The interior view
This shows the filling piece which goes on same side as the rear cartridge stop
Clockwise from the top left, this shows the components:
retaing pawl
rear cartridge stop
two ammunition box lugs
locking pin without wire safeties
filling piece
mike
Side bars in progress
Started side bars. They will help to determine the front part of the cartridge stop.
Mike
Front cartridge stop in progress
Here’s the front cartridge stop in progress. Bluntly it has been a nightmare.
There is no way I can claim precision to the original. Mine does no more than suggest functionality.
The work has advanced considerably my techniques, particularly with two dimensional fillets.
But I did not have the courage to tackle tapering the inner edges of the wings to their ends in rear elevation.
The forward elevation which will show the swiveling T bracket will be no more than intelligent guess work when it’s done.
Mike
Front cartridge & bullet nose stop
I’ve been having some trouble understanding these. I can see some light now, but will need a day or too to produce drawings that explain the thing. So here is the complete stock of images and photos I have had to work on the problem. Most, if not all, come from Walter for which many thanks.
No 1. shows the front cartridge stop. My head ached to see which part of this was the bullet nose stop. I have finally come to the conclusion that they are separate parts. See images 8 and 9 below.
No 2. This is an image from AP 1641 C which discusses the RAF Browning in detail. This image shows how the T bracket swivels. While there may be also a key slot, this bracket, swiveling to either side, fixes the cartridge stop to the trunnion via one of the retaining pawl pins. See image 4 below,
No. 3. This shows the front cartridge stop in position on the trunnion bed. Using the swiveling T bracket, it can be placed to either side depending whether the ammunition feed is on the left or the right. In this photo, judging by the active retaining pawl and the rear cartridge stop, the front stop is on the wrong side. I’ll explain why I believe this to be so with drawings in a couple of days.
No. 4. This show how the swiveling T bracket locks onto one of the retaining pawl pins.
No. 5, 6, 7. I have to try to determine the plan and side elevations of the front cartridge stop from this and the following two images.
No. 8. I’ve used this section from AD 1224/2 to determine the overall proportions of the front cartridge stop and the the bullet nose stop. I agonised for hours trying to find a way in which both these two could be part of the same component.
No. 9. I extracted these line drawings from AD 1224/2. For me, taking account of Nos 5,6,7 above, it is clear that the front cartridge stop & the bullet nose stop are separate components.
I need to make my case with aid of some drawings in the next couple of days.
Mike
Back at work after the hols(????)
Here’s what the gun looks like now.
I have to get the feed sorted out next.
Mike
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