Can the water-cooled MG-15 be converted back to the Luftwaffe version?

[WWIIBuff]

I would like to purchase a deactivated Luftwaffe MG-15 for my collection at some point in the near future. I have not found any available recently, which make me wonder, can the modified water-cooled versions that are currently available be restored back to the original Luftwaffe configuration?

If so, is it just a matter of removing the water reservoir and replacing it with an original ventilated barrel shroud? And removing the post-war handle.

[WWIIBuff]

Ultimately my goal is to create a display with the MG15 and the gunner shield I have with the same setup that was on the HE111.

[bmg17a1]

You are correct. Find the MG15 aircraft parts and assemble them to the receiver.

[gurtsack]

hello,
water-cooled versions of MG15 are export models sold to Romania.
Normally these are ST-61 and not MG15.

I do not think there is any problem to set an air cooling on this machine, but I think it will change the barrel because it has been machined to ensure the water tightness.

[WWIIBuff]

Thanks for the information guys. To play it safe, I should probably just be patient and wait for an air-cooled Luftwaffe version to turn up someday.