The raised surfaces of letters and rims of direction and name-plates are to be kept clean and bright; the background of these plates will be painted the same color as the carriage.
Name-plates shall never be removed in painting the carriage. This is prohibited by orders.
Q. How is old paint removed?
A. Dissolve one pound of concentrated lye, powdered form, in six pints of hot water, and slake in enough lime to give the solution the consistency of paint. Use the solution freely mixed, and apply to the parts where paint is to be removed, with a brush preferably, or with waste tied on the end of a stick. When the solution begins to dry on the surface use a scraper to remove the old paint, and complete the cleaning of the surface with a mop and water. If one application is not sufficient to loosen the paint, apply a second coat. Before applying the new coat of paint wash the surface with liquid made by dissolving one half pound of washing-soda in eight quarts of water, and wipe dry. Let stand a sufficient length of time to have all parts thoroughly dry before painting.
Q. Should oil or grease ever be applied to the surfaces of electrical contacts on a gun or carriage?
A. No. Grease or oil acts as an insulator and prevents the current from passing the contacts.
Q. Point out or describe the following parts of a battery: Emplacement, parapet, traverse, parados, exterior slope, interior crest, interior slope, superior slope, interior wall, gun-platform, truck-platform, loading-platform.
A. See Fig. 14.
Q. Explain how to adjust the firing mechanism.