2. Framework and Mechanism. ([Fig. 53]).—The Mark I Target consists of a framework containing two tiers 10 feet long—Tier A (higher), and Tier B (lower). Tier A is fitted with crossing target mechanism, operating two target carriers from opposite ends of the Tier, and clips for disappearing targets arranged in two separate sections which can be operated simultaneously or separately. Tier B is fitted with falling target clips, which allow targets to fall when hit. Falling clips can be raised and lowered from the firing-point, like the disappearing clips on Tier A. The former can be shifted to right and left, and the latter linked together with coupling clips to facilitate any desired arrangement of targets or figures. All mechanism can be operated from the firing-point by means of cords labelled to show the particular mechanism they operate ([Fig. 54]).
3. Scenery.—There are two types of scenery—A and C—consisting of backgrounds which will serve to represent foreground, middle distance, and distance of almost any kind of country in any part of the world. The scenery is pasted on frames, and can be placed in position on the target in a moment (Figs. 55 and 56). Patching pieces are provided to repair shot-holes which are not visible from the firing-point to the naked eye.
4. Scenic Accessories.—The details of a landscape can be arranged on the target by placing the various scenic accessories, consisting of colour-printed representations of various natural and other features, mounted on stiff card, in any desired position on either tier by fixing them in grooves made for this purpose either behind targets or in front to represent cover. The scenic accessories are coloured and scaled for different ranges, the range being printed on each. They may be used to represent the following features:
Wooded hills.
Flat-topped hills or kopjes.
Conical hills.
Woods.
Fir-wood.
Group of houses with church.
Group of cottages.
House.
Cottage.
Oak-tree.
Elm-tree.
Fir-tree.
Palm-tree.
Hedgerow.
Thick hedge or bush.
Bushes.
Stone wall.
Undergrowth.
Folds of ground.
Low banks.
Indian hill fort.
Sangar.
Rocks.
5. Solano Figures.—The Solano figures are all scaled to size for various distances, and consist of the following brown, grey, or colour-printed figures. Each figure is provided with a base equal in depth to the clips which hold them in position.
| Reference Number. | Description. | Distance (Yards). |
|---|---|---|
| 42 | Infantryman in kneeling position | 200 |
| 1 | Infantryman in standing position | 400 |
| 2 | Infantryman in prone position or firing from open trench | 400 |
| 3 | Infantryman firing from behind sand-bag | 400 |
| 4 | Infantryman firing from loophole in head cover | 400 |
| 5 | Infantryman in standing position | 600 |
| 6 | Infantryman in standing position | 800 |
| 7 | Infantryman in kneeling position | 800 |
| 8 | Infantryman in lying position | 800 |
| 9 | Mounted cavalryman | 800 |
| 19 | Machine-gun in action | 800 |
| 25 | Infantry line in extended order | 1,000 |
| 26 | Infantry line in extended order | 1,200 |
| 27 | Infantry line in extended order | 1,400 |
| 29 | Machine-gun in action | 1,400 |
| 30 | Infantry line in extended order | 1,600 |
| 31 | Infantry line in extended order | 1,800 |
| 32 | Company of infantry in fours | 2,000 |
| 33 | Infantry line in extended order | 2,000 |
| 34 | Field-gun in action | 2,000 |
| 35 | Crossing-targets Convoy waggon facing firer’s right | 2,000 |
| 35a | Crossing-targets Convoy waggon facing firer’s left | 2,000 |
| 37 | Crossing-targets Squadron of cavalry facing firer’s right | 2,000 |
| 37a | Crossing-targets Squadron of cavalry facing firer’s left | 2,000 |
| 38 | Company of infantry in fours | 2,500 |
| 39 | Company of infantry in column | 2,800 |
6. Observation Practices.—Observation practices may be carried out by heaping a bank of sawdust at the foot of the apparatus below Tier B, with its surface sloping at the same angle as the end-frames. To fix targets in the sawdust, attach to Observation Practice Holders consisting of iron pins grooved at the top to hold targets. Care must be taken to remove all sawdust and grit displaced by bullets from the falling target clips and other mechanism, or their action may be clogged. A brush should be used to clean the mechanism after observation practices.
7. Landscape Targets.—The official handbook above referred to contains information as to fixing landscape targets to the framework of the Solano Target in position for instruction in firing ([Fig. 57]).
VIII. SOLANO ELEMENTARY AND INSTRUCTIONAL TARGETS.[34]
1. In Musketry Regulations, para. 361, it is laid down that in carrying out training on miniature ranges due regard must be paid to the visibility of service targets, and bull’s-eye targets must be used for the first few rounds only. In para. 206 (iii) of Musketry Regulations (see Sec. 17, para. 4 of this book) focussing the eye on the fore-sight of the rifle instead of on the object is indicated as a common fault which instructors must guard against in elementary stages of training. This error is common when bull’s-eye targets are used, and unless remedied will adversely affect shooting at service Targets, on which the eye must be focussed, and which must be watched closely when firing.