M-5 Bomb Trailer Restoration

[Second Air Force]

As far as the USN, I suppose the tug would be grey but that is just speculation.

Here is probably the best description of Army markings for vehicles: http://www.lonesentry.com/panzer/jeep-markings.html

I'd guess that your tug would have had the light blue equipment number stenciled on the hood from the factory, but other than that I just don't know.

Scott

[Osgood]

Since this has had some discussion on other items, I have a question.

Does anyone have any information on how a typical Clark "Clarkat B" tug might have been painted during WWII?

I have one which has been painted in USAAF livery with O.D., but all markings are 'as I recently acquired it' and definitely not authentic to the period! Having said that it works well in promoting awareness of the 8th AAF. If I can work out how to attach an image I'll post a picture or two.

I know they were used on aircraft carriers as plane tugs, but so far I've not found any period images of them in use on 8th AAF bases in England. Certainly would have been suited only to hard surfaces, hangars etc. The Clarktor 4 wheel pneumatic tyred tug was widely used.

This thread is great inspiration for my own M5 project - if only there were 48 hours in a day...

Cheers,
Tony

[Second Air Force]

Here's a photo of the finished 1/48 trailer. Since I was on a roll I scratched together a bomb stand and three-wheeled M-1 bomb cart also.


Perhaps the real one will look something like this in a year or so.........

[cco23i]

Looks good! Hey Taigh we need that rolling piece for your M5 so we just roll the bombs onto the dollies.

Scott

[RAMC181]

Shameless repost...



All the best,
PB

[Second Air Force]

Looks good! Hey Taigh we need that rolling piece for your M5 so we just roll the bombs onto the dollies.

Scott

Yup, just like the picture Paul posted! There was also a little stand that you could set the end of the ramp on rather than putting it directly on the cradle, if I recall.

I broke down and bought a Tamiya GMC CCKW truck to convert to the little Chevy bomb truck. I just couldn't resist, even though they're kind of expensive.

[cco23i]

We have a bunch of the stands, so all we do now is get the ramp!

Scott

[the330thbg]

Next project Scott!



Which kit has the 1:48 Cleveland? Is it the B-24?

Last edited by the330thbg on Fri Mar 18, 2011 8:08 am, edited 1 time in total.

[the330thbg]

Hey Scott.., where are the canvas straps?



Just ribbing you of course.., your trailer looks absolutely amazing! Right down to the shocks!

Thanks!

[Second Air Force]

What Cletrac?


This comes in the B-24 kit. I thought it was a little better detailed but it is what it is. I'll be able to use most of the parts in some shape or fashion.

One odd thing is that the track looks pretty close to the real thing, which is basically a huge rubber band of sorts. The tracks are VERY rare in real life and have kept several Cletracs that run from being driven. I'd been interested in restoring a 1/1 Cletrac for years but the cost of manufacturing the tracks is pretty much out of my league.

As I recall, the tug you posted was their propeller removal boom, correct?

I can't say I've ever seen those tie-down straps before. Perhaps the road from the bomb dump was rough enough that they strapped them down for safe-keeping. That photo also shows the little support stand in the middle of the ramp between the trailer and the bomb stand. Very nice picture!

[davidbray]

Interesting. Those tracks do look very unique. Ever since I first saw a picture of the M2 Cletrac tug they have fascinated me.

The tracks appear to be rubber that has been impregnated in areas with steel, correct?

[Second Air Force]

I'm no expert on the tracks, David, but from what I gather your description is essentially correct. From my understanding there are wire rope bands and the rubber is vulcanized around them, something on the order of the steel belts in a radial tire. There have been discussions on several MV and crawler forums about the tracks.

[davidbray]

Yeah after I posted I did some searching (Cletrac really had some odd track configurations.) The tracks are definitely rubber around steel. I can really see where the issue would be keeping those healthy after 70 years. The other thing I noticed was that there is rubber on the face of each cleat as well. I've had some very limited experience with crawler tractors, both rubber and steel tracked, and I don't miss them. But I would for sure jump at the chance to work on one of these (and that means something since tugs have turned into my mortal enemy.)

[Second Air Force]

Yes, it's an interesting design. I've talked to two individuals that would love to run their tugs but are petrified that they will ruin a track if they do. On the other hand, I saw a Youtube video the other day of a young fellow tearing around in a field with total abandon--I guess nobody told his dad that the tracks are made of unobtainium! I did read that someone in England was negotiating with a tire/rubber company in hopes of finding a relatively affordable solution to the problem.

[G_Mendes]

Any more news on the bomb trailer and cletrac?

G_Mendes