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Modeling in General
General discussions about modeling topics.
Question for the arty boys
Lawyer1
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South Africa
Member Since: July 22, 2015
entire network: 72 Posts
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Posted: Tuesday, March 01, 2016 - 01:59 PM UTC
Would it at all be plausible for a standard GMC to be seen towing an M2 105 Howitzer?

I have come across images of a short wheel base "Jimmy" towing the 105 but I am rather reluctant to modify my Tamiya GMC to the short wheel base.

I've searched the net but most of the images are of the short wheel base GMC towing 105's.
GazzaS
#424
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Queensland, Australia
Member Since: April 23, 2015
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Posted: Tuesday, March 01, 2016 - 02:16 PM UTC
My battery had both m-198 and m-2 in the 80's and early nineties. Our battery had no pickup trucks. Battalion HQ had pickup trucks but they never towed artillery.

When we went out with the 105's they were towed behind our 5-tons. Remember, you have to carry a crew and it's gear as well as the gun's gear. The only time a pickup was on the gunline was when the mech's from battalion Hq came to work on either a battery piece of gear.

Jeeps, Hummvee's, and 5-ton trucks in your TO&E make pickup trucks redundant.

Best wishes,

Gary
Lawyer1
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South Africa
Member Since: July 22, 2015
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Posted: Tuesday, March 01, 2016 - 02:49 PM UTC
Thanks for the reply, Gary.

My intention is to place a 105 behind a standard GMC (not the short wheel base version) in an Ardennes/BOB setting - plausible???
HeavyArty
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Florida, United States
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Posted: Tuesday, March 01, 2016 - 05:48 PM UTC
In WWII, GMC 2 1/2 ton CCKWs (a.k.a. "Jimmy") were the standard prime mover for the M2A1 105mm howitzer. It could either be a short or long wheelbase CCKW, but it was the 2 1/2 ton CCKW, not a 5 ton or higher. The larger trucks pulled larger guns (155mm and 203mm).
Lawyer1
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South Africa
Member Since: July 22, 2015
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Posted: Wednesday, March 02, 2016 - 11:50 AM UTC
Exactly what I needed to know - thanks Gino.
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