Geoff wrote:
>If you're referring to the WW2-vintage T-16 universal-type carrier, the basic
>facts are these: it was an American-manufactured light armoured vehicle built
>according to a rough British/Canadian specification fopr a U.S. equivalent of
>the famous 'Universal', or 'Bren Gun' Carrier.
>
>..........As Jim Gilmore will happily cite, the American T-16 was also
>marginally
>amphibious, unlike British and Canadian carriers.........
Humm.......Marginally? When talking about an amphibious vehicle
they either float or they don't. If they don't, then they are not
amphibious.
The Ford GAU (G-166/T-16) carriers floated. If fact they not only
floated but could move quickly enough in the water to create a "bow wake"
in addition to the "stern wake" from the tracks propelling it. I have
copies of a series of photos (Ford Archives) in my hands that show the unit
during testing by Ford engineers on 8/17/42. The GAU is shown entering the
water and then swimming in the middle of the ship channel (deep water!) in
the Detroit River. In the photos you can see markings for the displacement
of the vehicle with driver only (36") and with driver and crew of two
(44"). There was little freeboard with three people aboard but the unit
was designed only to cross rivers and the like and not heavy surf.
(Geoff, copies of these photos are in the mail to you so that you will
become a "believer" in the GAU's ability to swim)
>.........It was powered by a Ford
>Mercury 239ci flahead V8 engine, developing 95hp...............
While the basic motor was the Mercury, the block and crankshaft were
specific to this unit. Ford data also lists the HP of this motor as 100HP.
>.........In addition, you should be aware that there is little to no NOS
>track remaining,
>so a carrier owner must be careful in his usage of same. Track salvaged from
>other carriers can be used, but with caution - on carriers, track and
>sprockets
>were mated over time (as chains and sprockets are with motorcycles to this
>day),
>and a mismatch CAN lead to problems if overextended.........
It should be noted that the track of the T-16 is not the same as
the Universal Carrier of the Commonwealth type. The T-16 track is
slightly narrower and the track pins will not work on the U/C tracks as
they are too short. In fact, according to the T-16 ORD-9 parts book, the
tracks are not interchangeable although the sprockets are. (yes, I'm sure
someone out there is using T-16 tracks on their MK-1 carrier but they
must be used as a set)
BTW ....... If anyone out there on the list knows of a good source
for parts for my Mk-1 CO1UC please let me know.........
Jim Gilmore MVPA # 5843
Member Ist Michigan AOD Chapter MVPA
Great Lakes Chapter MVPA
Ohio Motor Pool Chapter MVPA
Red Ball Chapter MVPA
Ontario Military Vehicle Association
Midwest Military Vehicle Assocation
-------------------------------------------------------------------
2565 Wiethoff, Inkster, Mi. 48141
313-561-8826 voice 313-730-1652 fax
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Mon Aug 07 2000 - 22:16:01 PDT