SHOUT NOTES ON PROFESSIONAL SUBJECTS. 
175 
40-pr. M.L.R. Gun-Carriage. 
This carriage is constructed in the same manner as the 9-pr. M.L.E. carriage 
Mark II. (described in a previous “Short Note;”) that is to say, the brackets 
have the plate—which is lightened out—on the inner side of the angle-iron frame, 
the axletree-bed is of wrought-iron, and the trail-piece fits between the points of 
the brackets instead of lapping over them. 
The transoms—of which there are two—are each formed of plate, riveted to a 
three-sided frame of angle-iron. They are riveted to the brackets, the connection 
of the second transom to the latter being strengthened by small bracket stays, 
while the front transom is riveted to the bed. A bracket stay is also riveted to the 
front, and another to the rear, of the axletree-bed, and to each bracket, in order to 
unite the bed more firmly to the brackets. 
The wheels are the Madras pattern, 1st class, 5 ft. high, shod with ring tires 
6 ins. wide; the flanges of the nave do not project beyond the pipe-box; their 
track is 5 ft. 2 ins. 
The trunnion-holes—as in the wooden siege gun-carriages—are “ firing ” and 
“ travelling,” the height from the ground to their axis being 4 ft. 5 ins. 
The gun is elevated or depressed by means of an elevating arc attached to it, 
which passes between a pinion and a friction wheel upon the inside of the right 
bracket. The pinion is turned as required by means of a worm-wheel and worm- 
shaft with hand-wheel. 
The carriage is fitted with two trail handles, an iron box for a spanner, and 
rests in which to carry the elevating arc when the gun is in the travelling trunnion- 
holes. The fittings for the drag-shoe and chain are upon the left of the carriage. 
64 -pr, M.L.R. Gun-Carriage. 
This carriage is similar to that for the 40-pr., and has the same height of axis of 
the trunnion-holes. 
* 
8 -in. M.L.R. Howitzer-Carriage. 
The carriage proposed for the 8-in. howitzer differs from the two preceding in 
having brackets of double-plate construction with wrought-iron frames, and in the 
axletree and its bed, which is formed merely by a piece of angle-iron riveted along 
each side of the axletree, passing through instead of lying beneath the brackets, 
while a bottom plate is added, extending from the rear transom to the breast of the 
brackets. This construction is rendered necessary, as it is intended that the 
howitzer should be fired from the carriage with the wheels off as well as on. 
The lower parts of the brackets are extended to the front, to prevent the carriage 
tipping when the howitzer is fired, the wheels not being on; and the bottom plate 
is rounded in rear, to prevent it injuring the ground platform. 
The rear transom has angle-iron riveted across the top in rear, which is also 
riveted to the brackets, and both transoms are secured by double angle-iron. 
The elevating gear is similar to that for the 40-pr. and 64-pr.; but, while 
attached to the right side, it is worked at the left. 
Siege Limber. 
The siege limber is constructed in the same manner as the field limber Mark II. 
(described in a previous “ Short Note.”) In addition to being riveted into the 
bed, the axletree is further secured by a clip near each shoulder. 
The wheels are the heavy field wheels, Madras pattern ( i.e ., the same as for 
16-pr. M.L.E. limber). 
The splinter-bar is fitted for four-horse draught, in the same manner as the 
wooden siege limber. 
