MG42 Lafette tripod restoration.

[Grossfuss]

MG42 Lafette

Hi,

A long time ago when I repainted my MG42 Lafette I found different numbers on the inside of the top cradle but matching to themselves.

I assume that when the top cradle was assembled it was individually numbered to identify the parts in that sub assembly and then later when it became part of the Lafette as a whole it was finally stamped with that serial number on the rear cap.

The search and fire mechanism of course has its own serial number.

Regards,

Grossfuss

[me6_130]

I have found nice picture in the net. This is MG34 on Lafette but feeded from right side! Very interesting are also Soviet Russian RGD 33 hand grenades, next to Lafette, ready to use.

That's very easy to do. You only need reversible feed tray and a "right hand feed lever", you turn the feed block around in the top cover and "le voilà" done!

Carles

[pzo]

Hi,

A long time ago when I repainted my MG42 Lafette I found different numbers on the inside of the top cradle but matching to themselves.

I assume that when the top cradle was assembled it was individually numbered to identify the parts in that sub assembly and then later when it became part of the Lafette as a whole it was finally stamped with that serial number on the rear cap.

The search and fire mechanism of course has its own serial number.

Regards,

Grossfuss

Sounds good. It could be the case. Thank You.

[pzo]

That's very easy to do. You only need reversible feed tray and a "right hand feed lever", you turn the feed block around in the top cover and "le voilà" done!

Carles

Yes it was easy with special feed tray. That reversible feed tray is usually connected with MG on fortress mount or in armored vehicles. Less use of it in the field since it lacks "ears" for attaching Gurt Trommel.

[pzo]

I have found more nice and interesting pictures. Do You think first picture is period made or modern reenectment set up? On the second picture we can see bolt box attached to right side of Lafette.

[me6_130]

nice good quality pics. I'd say they are original. The bolt box might have been changed by the gunner.

[fullriede]

Last picture should be discussed in helmet forum for sure...

[pzo]

Last picture should be discussed in helmet forum for sure...

This is what I wanted to do but am waiting for one thing. You still have good eye and taste

[timg]

I personally have no idea about the helmet as I am a confessed "dunce" when it comes to them........it is however an exceptionally good photo for the time and the laffete is the extra adjustable leg type.

I would perhaps suggest that a better frame would be a tragegestelle 43 to carry your zeltbahn around as the laffete is a little heavy for that task

Good pics tho

[me6_130]

I personally have no idea about the helmet as I am a confessed "dunce" when it comes to them........it is however an exceptionally good photo for the time and the laffete is the extra adjustable leg type.

I would perhaps suggest that a better frame would be a tragegestelle 43 to carry your zeltbahn around as the laffete is a little heavy for that task

Good pics tho

Perhaps the Zeltbahn is there to be used as a cushion when transporting the Lafette...

Carles

[timg]

Perhaps the Zeltbahn is there to be used as a cushion when transporting the Lafette...

Carles

Just me having a laugh Carles, we actually used to do the same with our waterproofs, not unusual to see them tucked into radio frame packs etc as you wanted them close to hand.

Ive actually lugged a laffette a fair distance at a show and I am not sure a zeltbahn would help much........they are damned heavy after a while

Regards

Tim

[pzo]

I have a question about backpad, precisely, adjustible one. What is proper shape of base for cushion pad. In my example of Lafette it is slightly "v" shaped. On some pictures I see them looking straight. Maybe early examples were straight and late war "v" shaped? I would like to hear Your thoughts, Gentlemen.

[pzo]

Here is another question concerning picture showing Lafette with Zelbahn. Do You think that back pads on front leg could have been made of artificial leather? I have found nice pictures on Bergflak's site.

[mg42rip]

Yes PZO late war some were made out of vinyl.
Ed M.

[pzo]

I am preparing my newly made pad trays to be spot welded to original parts. I think there should be a half rounded cuts in the middle of upper tray (frame on the 3rd picture). Could You Lafette owners confirm that?