HC 1/32 N17 gun question

[Copperhead]

I've built one before and used Tom's PE Vickers and lewis guns, ok? but while working on this one (haven't finished the interior) I'm using Mark Miller's pics as reference, I noticed the charging handle hangs down inside the cockpit under the windscreen. Is there a slot in the decking for this? and where does the trigger linkage wire up? TIA John

[Copperhead]

OK. To let you know, the PE instructions put the charging handle in the "up" position. That's how I did it before. It always struck me as odd, having to reach around the windscreen to "charge" (cock for you civilians) the gun. Then I really paid attention to Mark Miller's pics, and the fact that in all my "close-up" pics in the books; I couldn't see a charging handle anywhere! Does it go through a slot in the forward deck? JW

[davecww1]

Hi John,
Not sure if I can find a photo of it but on the French Nieuport 17's with Vickers there is a cocking handle that goes over the top of the windscreen and connects via a rod to the charging lever which definately points up. See attached photo to see how Eduard did it on their N.17 Profipack kit, the cocking handle & lever is one piece of photoetched metal that is glued to the top of the gun, so not sure how accurate the attachment point is or where the charging lever should be positioned.
Hope this helps,
Dave

[Copperhead]

:blush:Now I'm really confused. In Mark Millers virtual pics, it shows the handle coming down inside the cockpit. All the "Tom's", and "Copperstate" guns have the "charging handle" as pointing UP. There is no mention of a wire as shown. But on several line drawings I got from the web, the cable is there, but the actual "handle" is missing. As was said, "this get's curiouster and curioster?" Man what a delemna. I guess I should just forget it.But thanks for the help. The only clear pics I have from WWI are Lufberry's N17, and Thaw's machine. The one of Lufbery is from the side, and no handle or wires visible, Thaw's machine is from about 7 O'clock astern and shows what could be the wood portion of the handle underneath and inside the cockpit. Anybody else know of this? JW

[Rittersbach]

Man what a delemna. I guess I should just forget it.But thanks for the help.

There are worse dilemmas my friend. This one is very attainable, dont give up. Be glad you arent trying to figure out the cowling color of Voss's 103/17
or the color of Udet's DDN turtledeck. :unsure:

[davecww1]

OK I figured it out... The instructions with the Copper State & Tom' guns probably show the British system, the French used a different syncronizing system and gun location, therefore different handles & methods of cocking. Just found a 2 page spread detailing all of this stuff in Windsock mini datafile Vickers Guns. I won't scan & post it here due to copyright issues, but if you PM me your e-mail address I will be able to scan this for your personal use & e-mai it to you. They show a great picture of the cocking handle as shown on my model from a French manual.
Thanks,
Dave

[davecww1]

Hope you are not in a rush since I have to go out now & won't be home until late, but can scan it tomorrow.