Hi there. I came across this picture and was intrigued by the rocket launching truck! I thought maybe Gunny or another of the bunch with some references might be able to help me identify what this thing is!

The picture caption referred to it as a "rocketeer", but I can't find any reference for it. Were these used exclusively in the Pacific? Any idea what type of truck it is and what the rocket launcher is? Thought this might be a fun scratchbuild, unless someone knows if there's a kit out there for it?

They are 3/4 ton Beeps by the looks of them

At first I thought they could be 1/2 ton Dodge Weapons Carriers (WC 13 ?) : the engine hood is sloping, not flat like the one of the 3/4 ton Beep. But the headlights guard reminded me of the International Harvester M-2-4 1ton truck used by Navy and USMC in the PTO.


Concerning the use of truck-mounted rocket launchers by the Marines on Iwo Jima (1-ton trucks, in February 1945) I've found this interesting link
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1987/MAF.htm

Frenchy

That photo sure looks like the truck for sure.

I've been wanting to do one of these, too after seeing some footage of them in an Iwo Jima documentary. I assumed it was the 3/4" Weapons carrier, too. Picked one up at a swap meet only to find out it was the IH M2.4! Arg!

A French company called CGM has a kit of it --- I dunno the quality, but it's about $80.00!
Maybe somebody will make an aftermarket kit for the 4.5" rocket launchers (which, by the way were the same ones experimentally mounted on the LVT Alligators on on the landing craft converted to rocket support boats...

It's hard to find info on these guys, but they were apparently nicknamed "Buck Rogers Men"!

Aloha,

Johnny B

Yes International M-2-4s' is what they are. Dodge WC62/63 6X6s' were used too.

Hey! I wanna International M-2-4! Where'd you get it?!?

Gunnie (we need a searching emoticon)

Hi Gunnie
C.G.M is a small company and they do not have a website. Even in France, they are not widely available....
Here's their adress, maybe you should give them a call (taking the time difference into account ) :
C.G.M Prod
Route de Bédarieux
34650 LUNAS
Phone/Fax : 00 33 4 67 23 78 13
Here's also a link to a review for 2 other models they have released. It can help you to make up your mind :
http://pmms.webace.com.au/reviews/vehicles/cgm/cgm001-8a.htm

HTH
Frenchy

Thanks Frenchy! Saves me yet another scratchbuilding effort...

Gunnie