 |
|
The notch in the armored windshield is evident in this M3 GMC. This vehicle is fitted with the large fender-mounted headlights, but muzzle blast from the large weapons mounted on American half-tracks forced manufacturers to switch to a set of smaller, demountable headlights. The hood on this half-track is slightly ajar, and its suspension is sagging with age.
 |
The rear of the gun mount M3 is shown here, including stowage for nineteen 75mm rounds below the gun. There is an elevation handwheel on each side of the mount, and the traversing handwheel is facing to the rear on the left side of the mount.
 |
This front view of the gun mount shows the traversing pinion meshing with the traversing rack to the front, and the elevating arc can be seen above the traversing gears, under the gun barrel.
 |
The fuel tanks in the 75mm GMC M3 were relocated from the normal position behind the drivers to the rear corners of the passenger compartment. The subfloor for stowage is visible in this picture as well.
 |
A broader view of the 75mm GMC M3 is shown here. The cab roof is absent, and the armored windshield cover folds down onto the vehicle's hood. This half-track has the double-coil idler wheel and fender-mounted headlights. (Picture from TM 9-710 Basic Half-Track Vehicles (White, Autocar, and Diamond T).)
 |
This rear view shows the stowage boxes mounted to the rear of the half-track. A pioneer tool rack is also mounted below the driver's door. (Picture from TM 9-710 Basic Half-Track Vehicles (White, Autocar, and Diamond T).)
 |
The gun mount M5 found on the 75mm GMC M3A1, which utilized the older gun carriage M2A2, only had one elevation handwheel instead of the two found on the gun mount M3. (Picture from TM 9-306 75-mm Gun M1897A4 Mounted in Combat Vehicles.)
Questions? Comments? Corrections? Email me
© Copyright 2002-07 Chris Conners