Hey guys Im gathering info to scratch build the 5 ton M-386. I have gathered quite a bit of specs and a few pics but Im needing a few close ups of the componets on the rear of the truck. Any info will help. From what I gather the 5 Ton M- 386 was a modified M-139 long wheel base truck with 14.00 x 20 tires it had a 115v generator set for heating the rocket ( some photos of this would be nice). Length 389in,width114in, height 164in with a wheel base of 215in. I plan to use RealModles 5 ton cab conversion for the AFV Club M35 and the Italeri 5 ton truck and a set of Tank Work Shop M123A1 wheels if I can get them. Everything else will be all scratch. Would there be much size difference in 1/35 in a 14.00x20 and 14.00x24 tire. Thanx

I wonder if their is a tech manual for the truck anywhere

Looking at the truck, it's not a 5 ton. Looks more like the old 10 ton wrecker chassis

have you seen the one at the 45th infantry museum in Oklahoma City

The RSA monograph is a good overall history but there's really only a few useful points in it. The main thing was that there were really three launcher configurations: XM289, M289, and M386. If you have the old 1/40 Adams/Life-Like kit, it's the XM289 which was the configuration of the first 28 launchers or so. The XM289 used the M139C, the M289 the M139D, and the M386 the M139F. When looking at photos and stuff you need to keep the XM289 and M289 separate. The easiest ID point is the bumper mounted launcher support. The XM289 support is shorter and the M289 support has bolted joint in the middle.

Thanks for the pics and links Frenchy and Joe yall have been very helpfull.

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Looking at the truck, it's not a 5 ton. Looks more like the old 10 ton wrecker chassis

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Reading through the PDF file link that Frenchy posted I found that M-386 was a 5 ton M-139 type truck still not sure of the modifications except that it bigger wheels and a 115v generator.

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have you seen the one at the 45th infantry museum in Oklahoma City

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I have some pics of that one but cant seem to find them they have a nice collection of AFV's and armour.

there's a 5 ton parked near that Honest John truck, and the first thing I noticed was how much heavier it looked. Also a 5 ton uses 10 x 20 tires while the honest john used 14 x 20 tires. Maybe it's just a beefed up 5 ton. A ten ton wrecker looks a lot like a five ton till you get the two beside each other. The ten ton is built much heavier all the way thru. Yet the cab and front end look identical.
gary

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there's a 5 ton parked near that Honest John truck, and the first thing I noticed was how much heavier it looked. Also a 5 ton uses 10 x 20 tires while the honest john used 14 x 20 tires. Maybe it's just a beefed up 5 ton. A ten ton wrecker looks a lot like a five ton till you get the two beside each other. The ten ton is built much heavier all the way thru. Yet the cab and front end look identical.
gary

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The M139 was originally developed as the basis of the M328 bridge transporter. It is a five ton 6x6 with 14.00-20 tires. In order to accomodate these tires there are spacers used on the front wheels. All the steel wheels on the truck are different from those on the 5-ton cargo trucks as well. My dad has one of these vehicles, so I am fairly familiar with them. I have a M123A1C ten-ton, which has a MUCH more substantial suspension and frame, as well as using even larger 14.00-24 tires. Other than the cab tub and the "family resemblence" the two trucks have nothing in common.

The various chassis used for the Honest John (M139C, M139D and M139F) differed in the differential gear ratios, lacking a front winch, have support rods welded beneath the front axle and other minor changes. I did a pretty long (six page) article with lots of photos for MMiR 45 (the most recent one).

The Honest John launcher is something of a favorite vehicle of mine - drop me a note if you need info or photos not included in the article.

Best wishes,
David Doyle

Thanks David, I will probably have some questions on down the road possibly pics also. Appreciate you offering me help. Im kinda stumped at the moment trying to figure out how Im going to scratchbuild the 14.00-20 tires. I dont think Im going to be able to use 14.00-24 M123 wheels from Tank Workshop.

Thanks David, I will probably have some questions on down the road possibly pics also. Appreciate you offering me help. Im kinda stumped at the moment trying to figure out how Im going to scratchbuild the 14.00-20 tires. I dont think Im going to be able to use 14.00-24 M123 wheels from Tank Workshop.

The HonnyBoss V-100 tires have the correct pattern for the Commando Specials......