M25 tank transporter
Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
The M25 tank transporter (G160) was a combination 6x6 M26 armored heavy tank transporter/tank recovery tractor and companion 40-ton M15 trailer introduced into US Army service in Europe in 1944–45. Manufactured by Pacific Car & Foundry Co., it was a substantial upgrade over the Diamond T M19 transporter/trailer duo introduced in 1940.
Nicknamed the Dragon Wagon, it was replaced by the 10 ton 6x6 M123 semi-tractor beginning in 1955.[1]
Development
In 1942 a new 40 ton semi-trailer tank transporter was needed with better off-road performance than the M9 24 small-wheel trailer, and greater capacity than the 30 ton 8 large-wheel Shelvoke and Drewry semi-trailers used by the Diamond T tractor unit. Designed by the Fruehauf Trailer Company of Detroit, Michigan,[2] it was heavier than the Diamond T could manage. A companion M26 tractor was designed by the San Francisco-based Knuckey Truck Company. When it could not keep up with the Army's demands, production was awarded to the Pacific Car & Foundry Co. of Seattle, Washington.
Designated TR-1 by Pacific Car, the chain-driven 12-ton 6x6 M26 tractor was powered by a Hall-Scott 440 Script error: No such module "convert". 6-cylinder gasoline engine developing Script error: No such module "convert". at 2000 rpm and Script error: No such module "convert". at 1200 rpm. Developed for the M26, it was used to uprate the Diamond T. Some 2,100 Type 440s were built. Baxter notes "over 1,300" M26 and M26A1 being built.[2]
Unusually, the tractor unit was fitted with both an armored cab and two winches with a combined pull of 60 tons,[2] allowing it to do light battlefield recovery work.
A later unarmored version of the M26 tractor was designated the M26A1. An experimental ballast tractor conversion was evaluated by the British Fighting Vehicle Proving Establishment[2]
After the war, some of them (both armored and unarmored) were bought as surplus and used to carry oversize loads such as transformers, locomotives and heavy equipment.[3]
Gallery
-
M25 with M26 armored semi-tractor
-
Display of M25 with M26 armored semi-tractor
-
Display of M25 with M26A1 unarmored semi-tractor
-
M26 semi-tractor (LR view)
-
M26 semi-tractor showing rear wheel drive by chains
Specifications
- Crew 7
- Armament 1 .50 cal. machine gun
- Armor, front 3/4 inch, sides and rear, 1/4 inch.
- Top speed 26 MPH
- Fuel capacity 120 gallons
Users
- Script error: No such module "flag".: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
- Script error: No such module "flag".: British Army[2]
- Script error: No such module "flag".: United States Army
- Script error: No such module "flag".: Yugoslav People's Army[4]
See also
- Diamond T tank transporter
- G160, "G" designation
- List of U.S. military vehicles by model number#Pre-consecutive trucks
- Pacific Car & Foundry Co.
- Scammell Pioneer Semi-trailer
Notes
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
References
- TM 9-1767A
- TM 9-1767B Power Train for Tractor Truck M26
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Further reading
- Military Vehicle Journal #8 (Photos of the M26 and M26A1)
External links
- Short story of the M26 and pictures of a restored vehicle in 2004
- Article and photo at milweb.net
- Scratchbuilt M25 model step-by-step, with pictures and references used
- https://web.archive.org/web/20090204121541/http://realmilitaryflix.com/public/378.cfm training film
- http://www.forum-auto.com/automobile-pratique/modelisme-modeles-reduits/sujet7051-5495.htm pictures of M26 used as oversize loads tractors