I am considering building a M123 tractor with M15A1 trailer as a Vietnam era tank transporter. I don't think anyone makes the Mack 10 tojn M123 tractor. Does anyone know of referances for this vehicle? I saw some pictures of a scratchbuilt one at a model contest in Europe, it looked great.

Gino - welcome to ArmoramA.com! Here's a selection of places to go for you:

Tank Workshop makes both the M123A1C and the M125 Mack Trucks in resin. I also have their resin M15A1 Semi-Trailer.

DES Kits #053 is another nice resin M15A1 Freuhauf Semi-Trailer, pictured here:
http:www.rjproducts.com/Catalogs/DES_Models/pic/DES_Models_DES053.jpg

Good reference can be found in Allied-Axis #3 - Tank Transporters of WW II
http://pmms.webace.com.au/reviews/books/a-a03.htm

This site is a nice photo reference on the Semi-Trailer too:
http://digilander.iol.it/pmg/images/m25a1/m25a1_01.htm

Gunnie

Heavy,
I think Tank Workshops makes a M123. Im really not sure. I have a resin tractor truck half way built, but for the life of me, I cant remember its nomenclature. I'll check for you tonight when I get home. In the mean time, check VLS's web sight and i think they still carry tank Workshops. NOW DONT QUOTE ME ON THIS. EARS OF WORKING AROUND THE GLUES AND PAINTS TEND TO CLOUD MY BRAIN EVER ONCE A ND A WHILE, but I can check for you.

Gunnie, you beat me to the punc. By the time I finishe typing, youi already had the info. Well at least I now that I wasnt wrong. Thank you Gunnie.

Gunny,
Thanks for the referances. Wanted to let you know I got some inspiration from your web site and built King Cobra Guntruck after seeing it there and on US Army transpo center museum site. I lenthened an M35 cab and dropped it onto a BMY chasis as you described in article about Honest John launcher, I think. Was looking at doing simmilar with M-123. I wa thinking of doing same with M35 cab and using tires and wheels from M-26. I think they are about the right size. What do you think? I prefer to convert and scratch-build as opposed to resin.
Plus link to RJ Products site doesn't work.

Hey Gino, I can't help too much with the info but, I can get you to the pic Gunnie refered you to.
Click here, goto Product Lines link on the left side, scroll down to DES Models, kit # 053.

R&J Enterprises

You could find useful references in the VERY good book:
- " US Army Truck Tractors in detail ", from WWP ( Wings & Wheels Publications # 3 )
ISBN 80-86416-08-9
Contact: RAK, P.O.Box 35, 170 06, Prague 7, Czech Republic...Or:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Exclusive distribution in North USA ( they say...):
4+ PUBLICATIONS N.A.
Mr Ron Boocks
855 Bebout rd, Venetia, Pennsylvania, PA15367, USA...Tel/fax ( 724 ) 941-8755
Email: [email protected]
Pfffffftt, that ' s an adress.....!
It' s a real good book, crammed with ext & int pics, engines pics...And ALL in color ! It ' s dealin' with the M52A2, M931, M931A1 Big Foot, M914A1, M123 Big Mac, M984A1 Recovery truck, M1070 ( HETS ), M127 Semitrailer, M818, M172A1 Semitrailer, GLCM TEL Semitrailer, M35A2 & M105 Cargo trailer, M872 Semitrailer, M915, M915A1, M916, M920, M1075 & M1076 Semitrailer, M983 & Patriot missiles erector/launcher, M1000 65-ton Semitrailer.....And even 3 pics of an Ural 375/4032 !
Cost: around $ 20/25.....In the same serie: M151A1/A2 MUTT, CCKW 352/353 GMC, JEEP & M38A1 ( 2 vol. ), Opel Blitz, Steyr 1500, Zundapp 750,.....And many more !
My thoughts: the Best in town, at that price !
' ve a nice day...!

IMPORTANTO!!!!

Thr Tankworkshop does a well priced and very well priced kit of the M123 tractor. I am currently working upon this project. I ordered the Des trailer ages ago, but the moulds have been down for ever so long. I may have to resort to a conversion of the Tamiya trailer.

HTH

Jack

Thanks Ken - had to bow out for a couple of days for a business retreat. Can't leave an ArmoramA brother hanging...

Gunnie