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Forums - Research / Post-WW2 |
This Post WW2 forum is intended for asking and discussing reference or historical related issues pertaining to any time after WW2 (1945+) subjects. |
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| Subject: | Re: I am looking for the truck (Tank workshop Kit) |  |
| Date: | Aug 2, 2004 |
| From: | D Bowman | |
Unlike its M123A1C tractor sister the M125 cargo trucks were not used in Vietnam. SP 8" and 175mm guns provided long distance arty coverage, and choppers were able to lift 105 and 155 howitizers to remote FSBs.
M54A1 5 ton cargo trucks were used with the dolly arrangement for towing semi trailers. I've been in touch with a fellow Vietnam veteran/retired Transportaion Corps CWO who was involved with their development. The johnny bar brake valves were pirated from junk M52A1 and A2 5 ton tractors and installed in the cargo trucks to give full braking capability. They were limited use rigs, found in port complexes only. None were ever used in long distance over the road convoys.
The venerable M123A1C 10 ton tractor was used for any heavy haul mission in Vietnam. They had but 3 faults in 1970: they were slow, they were notorius for having power steering pump failures, and the non-synchronized main transmission was a bear to shift because of the Cummins V765 engines trait of not falling on RPM quickly enough to allow easy shifts. That tranny was originally designed for use with the LeRoi V* gas engine found in the first 10 tons. The gas engine's inherent vacuum allow easy shifts. The Army correct the power steering pump problem with a larger pump and reservoir. An exhaust brake valve corrected the shifting problem but at the same time got rid of the infamous dual exhaust set-up that gave the 10 ton its unique sound.
The M123A1C 10 ton tractor was most commonly found in Engineer Units. Each battalion had around 20 of them. Landclearing outfits had more of them than combat and construction battalions. At least one heavy haul Trans. outfit had them as did several S&S units at the major depots.
Dick Bowman
C Co, 815th Engr Bn
Vietnam 1969 and 1970 |
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