From: ddoyle9570@aol.com
Date: Mon Sep 23 2002 - 05:37:01 PDT
Scott,
As far as the M-series deuces go, as many on the list now, I am an author in search of a publisher for this project. In the meantime, below is a brief history of the G-742 style trucks.
As far as books go, try Crismon's "US Military Wheeled Vehicles" or the Krause Publication "Standard Catalog of US Military Vehicles." The latter, by the way, I DO have a contract to revise. The new edition (available next year) will be 600 pages, 1000 photos...so if any of you guys want the chance to put your vehicle in a book, email me for info (Don't email me the photos!).
This 6x6 truck series was developed in response to Joint Army Navy Specification JAN-T-712, dated 17 December 1948. Reo completed preliminary work on this series truck by April 1949, and the requirements were finalized in May of the same year. Pre-production pilot models were quickly tested, and by 1950 production of these vehicles, then considered "interim" was in full swing. By the time production ceased in the mid-1980's, the Reo design had been produced under no less than 10 companies, including Reo Motors, Studebaker, Studebaker-Packard, Curtiss-Wright, Kaiser-Jeep and AM General. The truck's style has become so familiar it is considered synonymous for 'US 6x6 military truck'. Ranging from the M35 cargo variant to variants as exotic as nuclear missile launcher, this chassis mounted dozens of different bodies for specialist use.
These vehicles were originally powered by the Reo designed OA-331 inline six cylinder 331 cubic inch gasoline engine. Later models (M35A1 was the cargo form), were powered by a Continental straight six LDS-427-2 Multifuel engine, with 427 cubic inch displacement. These engines are able to burn diesel, jet fuel, kerosene, or gasoline, or any combination of these, without adjustment or modification. The LDS-427-2 was replaced with the LD-465 series of Multifuel engines in the M35A2 series, which are slightly larger (478 cubic inches) and more reliable. These evolved into the LDT-465 series, which are turbosupercharged. All the Multifuel engines are compression ignition engines. The 465 series engines were built by Continental, Hercules and White. A modernization program implemented in the 90's will insure that these trucks will serve well into the new century, now being powered with Caterpillar diesel engines.
All of these trucks can run through water 30 inches deep without modification, and a quickly installed accessory kit will allow the truck to run completely submerged.
I can provide you with a more detailed timeline if you wish.
Regards,
David Doyle
copyright 2001, David Doyle
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