Half-track Car M2

Half-track Car M2 in Fort Riley, Kansas.

This M2 features the early, large fender-mounted headlights and anti-ditching roller. The fenders on this vehicle are thick in cross-section, and the ammunition stowage compartments are visible behind the cab, under the crossed sabres of the Cavalry emblem. (Picture taken 18 Dec 1941; available from the 9th Engineer Battalion homepage.)

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Half-track Car M2.

All stowage bins are opened in this half-track. The seat cushions could be swung upwards, the top shelves of the ammunition stowage compartments are visible, and floor stowage was available as well. This vehicle has the smaller, later headlights and is equipped with a winch. Mine racks are also present on the sides of the passenger compartment. The right-angled corners of the fighting compartment are apparent, and the skate rails for the two machine guns can be seen inside the passenger compartment. The vehicle's fuel tanks can be seen in the rear corners of the passenger compartment. (Picture from TM 9-710 Basic Half-Track Vehicles (White, Autocar, and Diamond T).)

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Half-track Car M2.

The front suspension consisted of semi-elliptical leaf springs, and each wheel also was connected to a shock absorber. (Picture from TM 9-710 Basic Half-Track Vehicles (White, Autocar, and Diamond T).)

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Half-track Car M2.

The White 160AC was an L-head type engine with a 386in³ (6330cc) displacement. Cylinder bore was 4" (10cm), stroke was 5.125" (13.02cm), and compression ratio was 6.44:1. (Picture from TM 9-710 Basic Half-Track Vehicles (White, Autocar, and Diamond T).)

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Half-track Car M2A1.

The shorter body of the half-track car M2A1 (compared to its personnel carrier M3 cousin) can be seen in this rear view. The machine gun skate rail has been replaced by the .50cal ring mount on the front, and three pintle mounts in the passenger compartment could mount the .30cal MG. A towing pintle hook can be seen on the vehicle's rear, and tripods for the .50cal and .30cal machine guns were usually stowed on the rear of the half-track along with bows for the passenger compartment cover. This half-track is fitted with the early, larger headlights. (Picture from TM 9-710 Basic Half-Track Vehicles (White, Autocar, and Diamond T).)

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Last updated 16 Dec 2006.

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