Army trucks (WW 2) - USA: books - history and models

U.S. Army Tractor Trucks and Semitrailers

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In the late 1930s, the U.S. Army began modernizing its vehicle fleet, forming the logistical backbone for World War II. Two main approaches shaped this effort: one favored trailers or semitrailers, separating the truck's mechanical unit from the rear section carrying supplies or equipment; the other supported compact, integrated vehicles for faster deployment in the field.
Both concepts were used during the war, with complete trucks serving front-line needs and tractors with semitrailers supporting rear areas and supply lines.

This book explores all weight classes of tractor trucks and semitrailers used by the U.S. Army in World War II. It is richly illustrated with period photographs, drawings, and diagrams, and covers all variants, including specialized vehicles for commissary, engineering, aviation, and cavalry units. Readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the vehicles that shaped military logistics during the conflict.

Product details

Author:	Didier Andres
Details:	160 pages, 26 x 20.5 x 1.4 cm / 10.25 x 8.1 x 0.55 in, hardback
Illustrations:	150+ b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Casemate Books (GB, 2025)
ISBN:	9781636245904

Mack Truck 10-Ton 6 x 4 - Technical Manual (TM 9-818)

The Mack Model NR was a heavy truck constructed for military use from 1940 to 1945 by the Mack Manufacturing Corporation of New York U.S.A. The Model NR was mainly used to tow trailers carrying heavy equipment such as tanks and large bulldozers. It was also used to tow heavy field guns.
Its wide bogie axles and extra large tires were ideal for desert service, allowing them to "float" on the sand. Many Model NRs were supplied under the Lend-Lease Program to Great Britain, Australia, Russia and other Allied countries.

The Mack diesel engine in the Model NR was the result of nearly a decade of development work by the innovative company. It used the Lanova combustion chamber design. It produced 131 brake horsepower with 519 cubic inches of displacement. It offered a significant improvement in fuel economy, durability, driveability and torque.

Created in 1944, this technical manual TM 9-818 reveals a great deal about the Mack Model NR's design and capabilities. Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

Product details

Author:	U.S. Army War Department
Details:	324 pages, 23 x 15.5 x 1.8 cm / 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.71 in, paperback
Illustrations:	numerous photos and drawings
Publisher:	Periscope Film (USA, 2013)
ISBN:	9781940453217

Les véhicules Diamond T de l'U.S. Army

Between 1940 and 1945, the Diamond T Motor Car Company delivered just over 50 000 vehicles to the American army and the Allies. In this production, just over 30 000 were 4-ton, 6x6 heavy trucks, which would have many versions: cargo, tow truck, pontoon carrier, engineering dump truck, cartographic box, etc.

The "Diamond" would be present in all theaters of operations, where its robustness and reliability would allow it to take on all tasks without weakening. Due to its expertise in heavy machinery, Diamond T would also be used for the production of the famous Half-track, with more than 10 000 units.
All of these models are described in this book by a great specialist on the subject, using archives and hundreds of period photos.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Diamond T Story.
1. The Beginning of a Story.
2. The First Generation: The Diamond T Model 967.
3. The Second Generation: The Diamond T Model 968 969 & 970.
4. The Third Generation: The Diamond T Model 968A, 969A & 970A/968B, 969B & 970B.
5. The Cargo Trucks Model 968 & 968A.
6. The Wrecker Trucks Model 969 & 969A.
7. The Ponton Trucks Model 970 & 970A.
8. The Dump Truck Model 972.
9. The Canadian Trucks Model 975 & 975A.
10. The Bare Chassis.
11. Very special uses.
12. Diamond T Half-Tracks.
13. Prime Mover Trucks 980 & 981.
14. Production.
15. Diamond T Trucks Technical Data Sheets.

Product details

Author:	Didier Andres
Details:	148 pages, 29.5 x 21 cm / 11.6 x 8.25 in, paperback
Illustrations:	300 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Histoire & Collections (F, 2021)
ISBN:	9791038010796

Les tracteurs & semi-remorques de l'U.S. Army

In the late 1930s, the US Army was in the midst of restructuring its units and its vehicle fleet, giving rise to two major approaches in the field of logistical support. Proponents of the trailer or semi-trailer advocated a physical separation between the mechanical part of the traditional truck and the rear technical part, dedicated to supplies or special equipment.

Another current preferred compact and inseparable units to save time and ensure optimal responsiveness on the ground. Both types of trucks were finally ordered during the Second World War, with complete trucks intended for the front and tractors and semi-trailers for the lines of communication and the staging area.

This study in French, carried out by the author, focuses on the second category, including various specialized equipment for the train, quartermaster, cavalry, engineers or aviation.

Table of contents
1. Truck Tractors category of 1.50-ton.
2. Truck Tractors category of 2.50-ton.
3. Truck Tractors category of 4/5-ton.
4. Truck Tractors category of 5-ton.
5. Truck Tractors category of 5/6-ton.
6. Truck Tractors category of 7.5-ton.
7. Truck Tractors category of 12-ton.
8. Truck Tractors category of 20-ton.
9. Special series.
10. Special semi-trailers.
11. The Dollies.
12. The post-war period.

Product details

Author:	Didier Andres
Details:	148 pages, 25 x 21 x 0.8 cm / 9.8 x 8.25 x 0.31 in, hardback
Illustrations:	250 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Histoire & Collections (F, 2023)
ISBN:	9791038013391

Les véhicules des transmissions de l'U.S. Army

The standardization of the American army's vehicles would take time before reaching completion in the early 1940s. At the same time, modern and powerful transmission equipment was being developed, which had to be made mobile. Among the major families of US Army vehicles, we therefore find trucks, workshop trucks, vans and trailers designed by the Signal Corps, described in technical detail and illustrated by hundreds of period photos.

Table of contents

1. Introduction.
2. Genesis of the "Model K".
3. Radars.
4. Radios.
5. Multi-purpose vehicles.
6. Specialized vehicles.
7. Specialized trailers.
8. Telephony.
9. Special features.

Product details

Author:	Didier Andres
Details:	148 pages, 25 x 21 cm / 9.8 x 8.25 in, paperback
Illustrations:	300 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Histoire & Collections (F, 2020)
ISBN:	9782352505341