BEF Universal Carrier ?

[David]

Hi
I am trying to work out BEF Universal Carrier ? MK1. or Scout or Bren
Was the  MK2 after France ?
was looking to find the correct model
http://batailles-1939-1940.historyboard.net/t998-vehicules-et-blindes-utilises-par-larmee-britannique
http://www.network54.com/Forum/47208/thread/1144636227/BEF+Universal+Carrier
http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/4859-bef-1940-vehicle-markings/
http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/vehicles/universalcarriers/universalcarriers.htm
http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=303564
the miniatures page has a write up, but not sure if there were more than two types?
Any help would be great
Thanks David

[dice shaker]

Hello,

 afaik the first Carriers come 1936 to the british forces, 1940 their french adventure was done. At this time the british army get 4 diferent models of the carrier for Bren MG, Vickers MMG, Scout (radio), and cavalery carrier (up to 6 soldiers)   . In one book, I found a picture of the captured carrier T 8288 and T 8313 (north africa) all MK 1. The production of the MK. 2 starts afaik 1940.
For 20 mm (1/76 // 1/72) PSC make a nice kit (3 vehicles & crews), sone they bring a Loyd carrier (a box with 2 vehicles ,crews and 2 at-guns). The Loyd Carrier will be another canidat for your troops.  

Hope, this can help you a little bit,   Sebastian

[Cubs]

It's a bit confusing, because the name 'Bren Carrier' and 'Universal Carrier' are often interchanged to denote the same vehicle. The 'Bren Carrier' was envisioned as a way to mount a support weapon in a lightly armoured vehicle, with the crew being the gun team when they dismount. Various MGs and other support weapons were mounted at one time or another.

The 'Bren Carrier' MkI & MkII were both already in service before the war began.

The 'Universal Carrier' was then a development of the 'Bren Carrier' which saw it being used in a much more versatile role including an infantry carrier, towing vehicle and general workhorse.

The 'Universal Carrier' MkI came out in 1940 and the MkII in 1943.

The differences between them are probably best described by someone who knows more about it than me, but basically as time went on the carriers got better hull armour, as well as improvements to the running gear and engine.