M2A1 Halftrack restoration-- dialup beware

[Peter Laidler]

Brilliant and I echo Bills enthusiasm following your updates

[alpaca andy]

[Claven2]

Looking good Andy! What are the hollow boxes in back? Fuel tank armor?

[alpaca andy]

The boxes behind the doors are storage compartments accessible from both outside and inside. All M2s had them, M3s didnt hence more seating for troops. M2s were artillery movers, m3s were more troop oriented. I had a setback, as i bolted up rear armor, parts didnt want to bolt up. Some of the original armor i knew was a bit off, but figured it would pull in once i started to bolt new armor on, i was wrong. So I am waiting from some replacement armor and angle brackets at the front of the track area. I did purchase all the bearings NOS + 2 extra for the bogie and upper rollers. Just over $300 Canadian for 22. Not bad considering list price on the only ones avail was $95 each, and not stocked anywhere lol

[Claven2]

Glad you got the bearing issue sorted, should let you mount the track assemblies. Odd that the original armour needs to be replaced for repro parts? If anything, I'd have thought the original stuff would be more accurately made to drawing than modern repro stuff. In what way is it "out"?

[WarPig1976]

How does the steering work on vehicles like this?

[Claven2]

The V-shaped tracks provide a small bearing surface for the tracks, which I believe allows the vehicle to be steered using conventional rack and pinion front wheels. The front wheels could be locked like in a modern 4X4 to improve offroad performance.

[Peter Laidler]

Just seen a short 'Pathe News' of some British Army half tracks in 1950/early 60's post war Rhine Army. Also shows a mixture of Dingo's and Ferrets. I'll get son to do what you have to do to link forum up with it.

Good question War Pig. We had them until the late 60's but never gave steering one any thought. Incidentally, I took my tracked vehicle driving licence test on a half-track in 1967

Here's a question Alpaca....... What colours are you going to finish it in? Canadian Army wartime, Peacetime, US Army? Canadian Army post war Germany would look good. It's like the zillions of Jeeps in England........ All or certainly 99.99999% are all US marked when it is said that 90% of them are demobbed ex UK Military jeeps

[Claven2]

I vote for Canadian Army wartime. It's in Canada, and with a name like Collene, it was probably sold out of Canadian service. Maybe the 22nd "vandoo" regiment given the french-Canadian name.

[alpaca andy]

Sorry guys been busy with life.
All the bearings i need came in. I have stripped , blasted and painted the bogie wheel hubs. Working on rear idler sprockets. One is painted and installed, other I have to drill and tap a stud or 2. I was into the machine shop yesterday and they were working on the rear crab assembly trying to press out the pivot shaft. That part is the first to be installed before the bogie wheels. I will post pictures next week when it looks like I have done something. Spending alot of time on her, but doesn't feel like im getting far.

Steering, tracks turn equally, steering is done with non power steering box at front wheels, just like a regular pre 70s automobile.

Paint, well when it comes to US armor, lots of choices as long as you like green. There are basically 2 greens, 1940-43 and 44-45. I went for the 44-45

The Canadians used m5s and m9s. They look the same but are welded armor (and more rounded in rear, with a door at back) not bolted armor like US, and fenders are different. Different manufacturers.

At this time I have confirmed my Italian heritage, as last summer my birth family found me, and boy i have alot. My mother and father married after giving me up and went on to have 4 girls and another boy, great thing is now i have a huge stockpile of body parts locally if i need any parts lol

So im doing the African-Italy campaign. The family was still there until the late 50s

Andy