Introduction

Dataview Publishing offer a range of publications covering different disciplines such as Aerospace, Spacecraft, Vehicles, Railroad Books and Naval Books for purchase via internet down load or CD shipment.

The Publication

The publication I have been kindly asked to review is their publication Technical Manual Carriage Motor, 105MM Howitzer M7 – TM9-731E **C1 issued by the department of the Army, Washington D. C, 14 February 1950. It details the changes made to TM9-713E dated 15 August 1944.

At this point let me say this is a Technical Manual, it contains detailed technical data relating to the Operation and Maintenance of the M7 Priest, issued in 1950 and would possibly needed to be cross linked to the original publication TM9-713E to get a complete picture.

The publication arrives as a downloadable pdf file, and after loading and saving the file it is easy to browse through and gauge the structure and content, which consist of 128 pages of the original manual complete with pictures, drawings and tables.

Given the complexity of the data contained in the document it is only possible to give a brief overview of its general contents. To give the reader a flavour of the content if you ever wanted to know what a Track Roller Shaft Retainer Wrench looks like or an Oil Pressure Relief Valve Body Wrench is then this manual will be right up your street.

There are detailed instructions about vehicle lubrication system complete with good photographs (given the age of the document) of all manner of mechanical parts, nuts and bolts.

There are even detailed instructions about the maintenance and specification of the 105 MM Howitzer, information on ranging equipment, shell storage, fusing, ammunition types, firing the weapon and so on again with excellent reference photographs. Included are instructions on destroying the weapon and vehicle should it fall into enemy hands and on general vehicle maintenance and assembly of parts like bogies etc.

If you need to transport your M7 by rail then specific data is contained in order for you to prepare it for shipping and storage and to build ramps to get it on a flatbed, these instructions are accompanied by some detailed photographs.

Conclusion

Although a highly technical document this publication is interesting. It would be particularly useful if you happen to have an M7 parked in your back yard or are thinking of restoring one. This is a publication for those who like to know about the technical workings of a vehicle. From the modellers point of view you’ll enjoy this and find it a useful reference document for that little extra bit of detailing or general knowledge about the vehicle and its armourment. It is an original document and therefore copied from its original state, so do not expect a beautiful coloured file as it is in Black & white.

For a $1.99 a downloadable copy, it is very affordable although you might want to be highly interested in the M7 before you bought the CD. A useful reference document, but remember it relates to the 1950’s and therefore may only have marginal interest for WW2 modellers.

Readers may find the company a useful source for technical and reference documents on other craft.

methods of purchase

Buying and shipping arrangements: Publications can be bought on line for the price of $1.99 and downloaded as a PDF File. Alternatively you can mail order the CD for $9.99 + £4.99 for priority shipping/handling.

Mail orders can be sent to Chris M Reed/Dataview Publications
1431 Ridge Avenue, Coraopliis PA 15108

Payment is by Money Order in US Dollars for mail order or by Visa/MasterCard and PAYPAL (US Customers).