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  1. historyfanatics

    Guntruck gathering xii(12)

    Would you fellows allow a non-Transportation gun truck to join your merry band? I built The Widow Maker, a quad fifty gun truck which served with G Battery, 65th Artillery, in the I Corps area of Vietnam from 1865 to 1972. She was one of the first trucks into Khe Sahn to break the siege. I...
  2. historyfanatics

    Anyone mounted an A&K (airsoft) M60 on an M142 cradle?

    I use the A&K airsoft M60 in my displays as well as on my gun truck. In fact, we just installed a mount to better display the gun on the truck. I'll have to take some photos to post on here.
  3. historyfanatics

    Visitors onboard Gun Trucks

    Yes, theft has become a big issue. I did a display with The Widow Maker in April. We had several 40mm grenades (pulled out of my bandolier and a friend's grenade vest) plus the end caps for a rocket launcher walk off. And, at a more recent display for the Armed Forces Ball, we had a lady try...
  4. historyfanatics

    Quad 50 Gun Trucks

    Each of the gun trucks, whether transportation units or artillery units, contributed to the job. Each had different functions in the convoys and perimeter security. But, it's everybody working together that achieves the common goal. That's what I appreciate about everybody on here who are...
  5. historyfanatics

    Quad 50 Gun Trucks

    From what I have learned, when they first got to Vietnam, everybody had the wheels, etc. Those were "lost" or "misplaced" during rebuilds. That's also when armor started getting added on. The bat-wing armor protected the loaders, but made movement in the truck bed difficult. The 5-tons had more...
  6. historyfanatics

    Quad 50 Gun Trucks

    From what I have learned, when they first got to Vietnam, everybody had the wheels, etc. Those were "lost" or "misplaced" during rebuilds. That's also when armor started getting added on. The bat-wing armor protected the loaders, but made movement in the truck bed difficult. The 5-tons had...
  7. historyfanatics

    Hooking up a VIC-1 WITHOUT a radio

    I did a couple of searches to see if this has been answered already, and didn't find anything. So, I'm asking the folks who know about these things if they have any ideas on how to hook up a VIC-1 without running it through the PRC or radio mount. Here's the set-up: The PRC-77 is in the back...
  8. historyfanatics

    Quad 50 Gun Trucks

    My info came from the unit S2 and from some of the Air Defense guys that actually put everything together before it was shipped out. The trucks with all components were "assembled" at Fort Bliss (actually Orogrande Range) before being shipped over to Vietnam as a unit. Once they got to...
  9. historyfanatics

    Quad 50 Gun Trucks

    I just got the newsletter for the NDQSA (National Dusters, Quads, Searchlights Association), and they are planning on having their reunion this year in Oklahoma City with a side trip to Fort Sill. The Widow Maker will be at the reunion. I also am planning on it being at Sgt. Grit's in OK City...
  10. historyfanatics

    Quad 50 Gun Trucks

    Ok, I know who you're talking about now. That's Jim and his son. It didn't click with the kid's name. While they are not part of this project, they have given moral support. And, they did pick up the M332 for me. As soon as I feel up to it, I'll get to work on it as well.
  11. historyfanatics

    Visitors onboard Gun Trucks

    The Widow Maker will have her first show appearance in April. I have basically decided that nobody is getting in the bed of the truck, except the crew and former crewmembers. It's easier on my nerves and my insurance. I installed locking door handles from Vintage Power Wagon on my cab doors...
  12. historyfanatics

    Quad 50 Gun Trucks

    Nope. Don't know them. I have a couple of Charleys, and the rest of the gand from the National US Armed Forces Museum, formerly known as Military Museum of Texas.
  13. historyfanatics

    Gun Truck Brutus.

    Cool! I'm glad that others are as interested in preserving history as I am.
  14. historyfanatics

    The Untouchable

    If you get the urge to get rid of the Mutt, I know some fellows over your way that are looking for one to mount a searchlight in. They are Vietnam vets, and are members of the National Dusters, Quads, Searchlights Association. You might remember them as the guys on the Dusters and Quad 50...
  15. historyfanatics

    Quad 50 Gun Trucks

    This week-end, the plan is to secure the quad mount to the truck bed. Also, the "new" ammo can mounts are in. They'll get sandblasted, primed, and installed on the mount. The Vietnam trucks didn't use the tombstone cans, so I'll put those in storage. Also, I have a VIC-1 intercom system...
  16. historyfanatics

    Quad 50 Gun Trucks

    Well, it's been long in coming, but we finally got the quad mounted in the back of the deuce. Many thanks to the the guys at the National U.S. Armed Forces Museum in Houston. They lent support - both moral and physical. The truck is parked there right now. My website...
  17. historyfanatics

    Quad 50 Gun Trucks

    The last photo in the above post shows My M35 from approximately the same angle as from when it was first acquired. This photo was taken before the new top was acquired.
  18. historyfanatics

    Quad 50 Gun Trucks

    Updates to The Widow Maker The first photo shows my M35 when I got it. Not a bad looking truck. It just needs some work. The second photo shows the truck as restored. That's two years of sweat, cursing, blood, more sweat, paint dust, grease, etc. The top has been changed out, new mirrors...
  19. historyfanatics

    Quad 50 Gun Trucks

    Sorry about taking so long in getting this posted. Lots of other stuff going on. Anyways, here is an update to the progress being made on The Widow Maker: The truck is fairly complete. Just a few small items (like re-routing the exhaust) to contend with. She's painted, and has been...
  20. historyfanatics

    Any old M113A1 mechanics out there? Just curious about a bus engine that might fit..

    If I remember right, the power pack in the M113 diesel series is the 6V-53. Essentially, a bus/heavy truck engine. It's also a pretty standard power plant for everything else - boats, gen-sets, etc. Heck, even the PBR's used the same engine, with modifications for cooling. So, yes, the...
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