[Milsurplus] MRC-20

[David Stinson]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <WA5CAB at cs.com>
Subject: Re: [Milsurplus] MRC-20


> Ben,
>
> In the actual AN/VRC-1 the BC-191 was on the passember side facing 
> forward...

These "Mosquito" jeeps are an excellent example of how we
restorers might get stuck on "by the book," when,
in many cases, systems were cobbled-together from what was available.
"Pristine" installations often lasted only as long as the first break-down
in the field, or until it was blown up, which ever came first.

Several years ago, I tried to help a group that was outfitting an early 
B-29.
They were stuck on finding a BC-375 "C" model.
The "C" is very scarce; maybe even rare, and had been superceded
by the "E" model by 1942.   It's a good bet that no line-service B-29
ever sported a "C" model, and SCR-287 installations were soon
upgraded to proto-AN/ARC-8 in any event.
The specs were written during the development phase,
and can't be expected to "foresee the future."
That's why they issue updates.
 I've had the same thing happen with a group that was
rebuilding a Marine Corps Shore Patrol jeep;
they insisted on a TCS "9" model- no other would do-
because that's what their copy of the installation manual said.
The only reason the manual says "9" model,
 is that the guy writing that spec had a "9" manual on his desk.

IMHO, the manuals and specs should be consulted,
but documented "custom" installations of the time (
such as the Mosquito jeep) should be considered "correct."
And, frankly, I find them more interesting and innovative
than the "by the book" installations.

73 Dave S.