M2A1 Halftrack restoration-- dialup beware

[alpaca andy]

Finally after years in the shop shes out for some sunshine







And a short walk around

[Claven2]

Looking great. Virtually all the paint has flashed off the headers huh?

Out of curiosity, on the M2A1, how did troops get in and out of the back? Did they just climb up over the rear bumper and armour, or did they enter through the cab?

[alpaca andy]

both front and over the back. there are grab handles on the rear above the steps

Looking great. Virtually all the paint has flashed off the headers huh?

Out of curiosity, on the M2A1, how did troops get in and out of the back? Did they just climb up over the rear bumper and armour, or did they enter through the cab?

[Gil Boyd]

Really nice job.
The halftracks we have at the Imperial War Museum have all got a door at the rear so there must have been a fixed rear plate version to stop entry. Could this have been an artillery M2A1 rear plate Andy?

[Peter Laidler]

The British devised a high-backed with opening rear door platoon/troop carrier after the war and was used for several years until replaced by the SARACEN in the mid 50's. It was on these TCV's that our REME light recovery half tracks were formulated plus a jib frame over the front. These half track conversions were to replace the wartime 6x4 Austin Gantry recovery vehicles. Alas, the half tracks were replaced in the late 60's/early 70's by the 'Bedford Light'. And light it was! Much used in the Far East where the roads - such as they were - couldn't really take anything heavier.

The strange thing was that even when the last of the old Diamond T's, half tracks, DUKW's and tracked weasles (or were they called buffaloes?) were withdrawn in the late 60's, they didn't belong to us. They were always lend-lease stores and had to be disposed of under special arrangements although I do remember seeing some of the weasels as ENERGA targets on Warcop and Otterburn ranges pluse others on Ashan ranges in Malaya. In Germany/BAOR, this stuff all had to be railroaded down to Wiesbaden(?) for disposal instead of HAMM where the usual vehicle sales/disposals were held

[Bill Hollinger]

Andy, you should think Tower Park next year! Nice work

[alpaca andy]

Well I got some of the seat backs in, I let the wife pick the color. I thought it was a sold color but it turned out to be marbled. The flash makes it look brighter than it really is. Im getting use to it, most that have seen it like it. To me it looks warn and weathered so thats ok lol. Drive shaft is hooked up, and now gas tank covers are bolted on. Drive shaft was rebuilt yesterday. Next is fuel lines, and hopefully a test drive on Friday. Seems fitting for the first drive under her own power on the anniversary of D day

[Peter Laidler]

You are a Maestro Andy. IT really makes my day when I see your progress.

Here's a message for Mrs Alpaca Andy.

Dear Mrs Andy. Please pester your husband to get all of this and the photos down in written pictorial form and take it to a small printer. Ask him to print up and bind 50 little soft-back books that will show off your husbands fantastic workmanship. I guarantee that the first time you take this magnificent beast out, everyone who admires it and asks a question WILL buy the book. And to put my money where my mouth is, I'll have the first TWO books please! Cash up front!

Remember that what separates the men from the boys is the size of their toys. Regards, Peter xxx

[alpaca andy]

Will this do Peter, it is in order from the day it was delivered to now
M2A1 Photos by isleofskyealpacas | Photobucket

You are a Maestro Andy. IT really makes my day when I see your progress.

Here's a message for Mrs Alpaca Andy.

Dear Mrs Andy. Please pester your husband to get all of this and the photos down in written pictorial form and take it to a small printer. Ask him to print up and bind 50 little soft-back books that will show off your husbands fantastic workmanship. I guarantee that the first time you take this magnificent beast out, everyone who admires it and asks a question WILL buy the book. And to put my money where my mouth is, I'll have the first TWO books please! Cash up front!

Remember that what separates the men from the boys is the size of their toys. Regards, Peter xxx

[Gil Boyd]

Andy,
It does look like it came with a door at the back like most were manufactured to that standard or is it the slight and light of the camera angle?
Image attached shows rear door, but there were those that had fixed tail gates when A/A guns or Mortars were fitted inside the compartment or indeed heavier guns