New Unit: Universal (Bren Gun) Carrier

ripptide

Lost in the wastelands
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Dec 29, 2002
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Ripptide, i have a question for you. If this is supposed to be a universal, i am assuming means everyone, wouldn't it be better to remove the US markings? Also IIRC the US never used the Bren Gun Carrier. If you have any info to the contrary please direct me to that information.



Cheers Thorgrimm
 
Its a tad too large considering the scale employed in your half-tracks but quite neat, featuring those cute little GIs :)

edit: I revised it: If you downsize it to exactly 90% of its present size it will be properly scaled to the other vehicles out there.
 
Thanks much all. Thor, the term "Universal" was part of it's name, not a ref to what countries used it. The US did in fact use both the Mk 1 and 2 (although it may have been briefly) until they designed the T-16 which was basically a Universal beefed up. As to the star, don't ask me why but even Canadian carriers had the star on them. The site I used for the texture map is located here, has a bunch of good detail shots.
 
ripptide said:
As to the star, don't ask me why but even Canadian carriers had the star on them.
I think it has to do with Operation Overlord... All the allied vehicles had the star on them because it made recognition easier or something like that...
 
two weeks ago i dive the thislegorm, an english vessel in the red sea, sunken
by german boms from an heinkel 111. besides other stuff, it had loaded 2
brens for the british troops in north africa. you can still see them on the decks of the thislegorm.
 
P.S.Y.C.H.O. said:
I think it has to do with Operation Overlord... All the allied vehicles had the star on them because it made recognition easier or something like that...
Free French vehicles also bore the US star ...

Thislegorm... na das is mal n' Name.... :crazyeye:
 
I love these things so here is some info:
3 "main" types Universal (most common (MK1 and 2)), T16 (American), Loyd (early war), Windsor(Late war type). I have also seen ones for Canada that had a 2pd gun but were very rare. Many of these were sold to farmers in Canada after the army no longer needed them and now cost about $700 and up depending on condition. However I have found that the T16 seems to be quite rare but it may be because that I live in Canada.


"The ubiquitous Universal, or 'Bren Gun' Carrier, is a well-known hallmark of British and Commonwealth troops in World War 2. Manufactured in Britain, Canada and Australia, the carrier served on every front, in every formation, and in a variety of roles ranging from infantry support to gun tractor to logistics and communications.
Specific roles included Medium Machine Gun (with Vickers mounted on the engine deck), 3" / 4.2" Mortar (the mortars dismounted for firing), and Wasp flame thrower. Models produced include the MkI and variants, the MkII and variants, the U.S. T-16, and the Canadian Windsor carrier.
Ford of Canada produced almost 29,000 universal carriers in WW2, along with 5,000 Windsor carriers. The Universals were powered by an 85hp 221 ci flathead V8, while the Windsors and their American cousins, the T-16s, used the same basic 95hp 239 ci engine as Ford CMP trucks. Weighing in at approximately 5 tons, the top speed on their all-steel 'dead' track was about 30mph.
Armour thickness varied from approximately 3/8" in the front hull, to 1/4" sides. The floor of the carrier was a weak point, having only 1/8" of mild steel, which made the powerplant, gas tanks and crew extremely susceptible to mine damage. Vehicle equipment stowage and crew depended on its allotted role." - Maple Leaf Up
 
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