693 7.2 Howitzer (195867)

Cataloguing my newly added Howitzer, a later example in paler yellow box, and comparing it with my already present Howitzer, I noticed two differences. 1. The tiny spring keeping the barrel in elevation was replaced by a solid ring in between. 2. The later colour is 'greener', less drab. See pictures attached (and never mind the dust on the early one). Kind regards, Jan

Jan, Mine are the same except that the tyres on the earlier one are different. Chris.

Thank you, Chris, for taking the trouble. Good to see that your model with spring is fitted with the early tyres, which confirms that the spring solution belongs to the earlier models and precedes the little ring, a replacement which must be found in combination with the later heavy tread herringbone tyres only. Kind regards, Jan

Jacques, as far as I can observe it's a separate part. See the more detailed image below. Kind regards, Jan

I did not notice this variation of the spring. Jan W you write that the spring has been replaced by a washer which is rather a spacer. By looking at some pictures, it seems that this spacer is cast with the gun's carriage and becomes a boss. Am I right ? This boss probably hides a delta washer which has the same use as the helicoidal spring which was fitted previously. If you feel a friction when you move the barel in elevation then there must be some kind of friction component inside. There is a variation which has not been described here yet. The elevation setting wheel is first diecast and it has four spokes, later is was replaced by a plastic three spokes wheel, the same steering wheel has been fitted on the Austin Champ. When was this change done ? A delta washer is slightly conical and it is springy.We discussed the way in which these agricultural tyres should be fitted. As they are not fitted to driving wheels I think that they can be fitted either way but both tyres must be fitted the same way.Could there be any more variation for this seemingly simple model ?

Jan, Thank you for this picture, it solves a point. Jacques

There are 3 versions of the 7.2 Howitzer - 1) With ordinary treaded tyres and a metal elevating wheel with 4 spokes painted the same colour as the gun. 2) With 'Tractor type' treaded tyres and a metal elevating wheel with 4 spokes painted the same colour as the gun. 3) With 'Tractor type' treaded tyres and a black plastic elevating wheel with 4 spokes. I have only just received this 3rd one so am pleased to be able to add it to the list. Chris.