halftrackinfo
armor plate => Accessories => Topic started by: 67tank on February 07, 2020, 08:46:46 PM
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I picked up 2 replica flashlight brackets from a guy in Belgium (Nick V) that is reproducing them. Added two replica early WW2 brass flashlights from WPG. I have seen the flashlights mounted under the foot bar on the front jump seat - other than that location, where else were the brackets mounted on a M2/M2A1?? Nick mentioned that a M2 had 3 in the front and four in the rear???? I think two should suffice but just want to mount them in the 'correct' spot.
PK
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Hi Pat,
I picked up four of those brackets myself. So, my opinion on location is that they were an after production add on item. I've seen many halftracks over the years including those that steve0 has and locations, if they had any, very in location on each halftrack. I've seen some that had 4 mounted in the rear, two on each side, tucked under the perimeter rail. I've seen them on the bulkhead next to the front seats, next to the fire extinguisher under the dash, etc. I think when it comes to certain items such as the flashlight holders, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, decontaminator, binocular holder and other items it is up the the crew, unit or mission where these items go.
Here is a photo of an original holder. It has a rubber pad in the lower area.
(http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/500/DSCN3707.JPG)
Looking at your flashlight in your bracket for reference it is upside down and facing the wrong direction. This is a common mistake most people make. the rubber pad is to help protect the lens. Hope this helps.
Steve A.
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Steve,
Is the rubber the same diameter as the lens or is it the same as the bezel for the lens?
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That's a good question. I don't know.
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My M2a1 has one mounted next to the drivers left shoulder on the bulkhead. There are two more mounted over the driver side fuel tank to the perimeter rail.
It also looks like the flashlights mount with the lens in the three prong portion of the holder.
Gary
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Steve,
Is the rubber the same diameter as the lens or is it the same as the bezel for the lens?
That pad is almost the diameter of the lens, it looks to be slightly smaller.
Gary
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Thanks everyone. Very helpful
Gary could you post some photos?
and how thick is the rubber pad?
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For the M3/M3A1/M3A2:
I found one reference pic....check out pg. 343 in Dan Dolan's U.S Halftracks Vol. 1, bottom picture.
It's inboard of the fire extinguisher that is stowed behind the passenger seat on the bulkhead, three prong end down, lens towards the bracket. You can also see the rubber pad in the pic...looks like they used a prop instead of a real flashlight.
I would assume...yep, used that word...that there would be one in a similar location on the drivers side.
-Tom
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Steve,
Is the rubber the same diameter as the lens or is it the same as the bezel for the lens?
Dennis,
If you're on a quest to find a source or make pads, I know I need two. Sounds like a bunch of guys jumped on this opportunity and also bought the brackets so you should be able to shed 'em.
-Tom
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If we know the type of rubber(foam or solid) and it’s thickness and diameter, it should be easy to cut out with tin snips and glue on
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Hers's the pictures of where mine are mounted. They had no rubber pads on them. I have a replacement holder that did have the pad. It was 1 1/2" in diameter. the rubber was to far gone to figure out the thickness.
(http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/500/medium/IMG_53911.JPG) (http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/showphoto.php?photo=274427&title=img-53911&cat=500)
(http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/500/medium/IMG_53932.JPG) (http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/showphoto.php?photo=274428&title=img-53932&cat=500)
Gary
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Wondered why my flashlight didn’t fit in bracket right I had it in upside down
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I just received 2 from Nick as well. Great items. Great to know where they might go too!
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Anyone know where to find these brackets? Needing a couple...
Michael
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Try Appel:
https://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?p=1817488#p1817488
-Tom
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So besides the one bracket next to the fire extinguisher behind the passenger seat on the M3/M3A1, I haven't been able to find any official documentation on the other locations. However, I just ran across these pics on the web, which shows the other two brackets on either side of the rear compartment, over the aft portion of the fuel tanks. No way to confirm if these are the correct locations, but it's something...
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I think accessories like this, first aid kits, later fire extinguishers and de contaminators there is no right or wrong place. There are so many variations that I've seen over the years.
Steve A.