Another truck, another Brazilian girl. This time, I'll show to you a CCKW 353 6x6 2 1/2 ton cargo version, in the colors of the Brazilian Army, in WWII. The Brazilians fought in italy with the Allies, in 1944-45.
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| CCKW 353 6x6 'AIDA' with Brazilian soldiers at rest in Italy, 1945. |
The GMC CCKW, also known as "Jimmy", or the G-508 by its Ordnance Supply Catalog nr, was a highly successful series of off-road capable, 21⁄2-ton, 6x6 trucks, built in large numbers to a standardized design (from 1941 to 1945) for the U.S. Army, that saw heavy service, predominantly as cargo trucks, in both World War II and the Korean War. The original "Deuce and a Half", it formed the backbone of the famed Red Ball Express that kept Allied armies supplied as they pushed eastward after the Normandy invasion.
The CCKW came in many variants, including open or closed cab, long wheelbase (LWB) CCKW-353 and short (SWB) CCKW-352, and over a score of specialized models, but the bulk were standard, general purpose, cargo models. A large minority were built with a front mounted winch, and one in four of the cabs had a machine-gun mounting ring above the co-driver's position.
Of the almost 2.4 million trucks that the U.S. Army bought between 1939 and December 1945, across all payload weight classes, some 812,000, or just over one third, were 2 1⁄2-ton trucks. GMC's total production of the CCKW and its variants, including the 21⁄2-ton, 6x6, amphibian DUKW, and the 6x4, 5-ton (on-road) CCW-353, amounted to some 572,500 units - almost a quarter of the total WW II U.S. truck production, and 70 percent of the total 2 1⁄2-ton trucks. GMC's total of ~550,000 purely 6x6 models, including the DUKW, formed the overwhelming majority of the ~675,000 six by six 2 1⁄2-ton trucks, and came in less than 100,000 shy of the almost 650,000 World War II jeeps. Additionally, GM built over 150,000 units of the CCKW's smaller brother, the 1 1⁄2-ton, 4x4 Chevrolet G506, at the same factory.
The GMC CCKW began to be phased out, once the M35 series trucks were first deployed in the 1950s, but remained in active U.S. service until the mid-1960s. Eventually, the M35 series, originally developed by REO Motors, succeeded the CCKW as the U.S. Army's standard 2 1⁄2-ton, 6x6 cargo truck.
Development:
In 1939-1940 the US Army Ordnance Corps was developing 2 1⁄2-ton (2,268 kg) load-rated 6×6 tactical trucks that could operate off-road in all weather. General Motors, already supplying modified commercial trucks to the Army, modified the 1939 ACKWX – built for the French Army – into the CCKW. The General Motors design was chosen by the Army and went into production at GM'S Yellow Truck and Coach division's Pontiac, Michigan plant alongside 6×4 CCWs. Later they were also manufactured at GM's St. Louis, Missouri Chevrolet plant.
Production numbers:
Sources do not precisely agree on the total numbers of CCKWs built by the end of production in 1945. Ware (2010) lists one single number of 562,750 of CCKW trucks, built across all variants - presumably including the amphibian DUKW. More clearly specified numbers are provided by Sunderlin in Army Motors magazine, and by Jackson, using the numbers found in the 1946 revision of the U.S. military's Summary Report of Acceptances, Tank-Automotive Materiel. Sunderlin reports a total of 528,829 of 2 1⁄2-ton 6x6 units (excluding the DUKW) produced by GMC — versus a total of 527,168 accepted by the U.S. Army. Jackson's tabulation of the 1946 U.S. acceptances numbers adds up to 524,873 units, excluding the DUKWs and the ACKWX predecessor models. Both of these numbers still include the cab-over engine AFKWX-353 models — leaving a total of some 518,000–519,000 actual CCKW-352 and CCKW-353 units. In addition, GMC serial numbers indicate a production of 23,500 of the same bodied 6x4 CCW models, versus 23,649 units accepted by U.S. ordnance. In any case, GM / GMC built a total of 2 1⁄2-ton, 6-wheeled trucks that was second only to the WW II “Jeep” — and neither Ford nor Willys individually built as many jeeps during the war.
Specifications described:
Engine and drive-line
The CCKW was equipped with the GMC 270 engine, an overhead valve inline-6 with 91.5 hp (68.2 kW) or 104 hp (78 kW) at 2750rpm, and 293 N⋅m at 1400rpm. A 96 mm bore by 102 mm stroke gave a 4.400 cc displacement. This (gasoline) engine was designed for commercial trucks, and was reliable in service. The transmission was a Warner T93 5-speed with a direct 4th gear and overdrive 5th gear. The transfer case had high and low gears, and engaged the front axle. Originally all axles were a Timken split type, later trucks also used GM "banjo" types.
Chassis:
The CCKW had a ladder frame chassis with three driven beam axles, the front on leaf springs, the rear tandem on leaf springs with locating arms. There were two wheelbases, the short Model 352 and the long Model 353. The short, 145 in (368 cm) (Measurements are from the centerline of the front axle to the centerline of rear bogie) was used with a short cargo bed as an artillery prime mover for 75 mm and 105 mm howitzers. All other models used the long 164 in (417 cm) wheelbase. Tires were 7.50-20, brakes were hydraulic with vacuum assist. Some were fitted with 4,500 kg front-mounted winches. A winch added 140 kg and 36 cm). Some open cab chassis were cut in half behind the cab for air transport. Each half was a load, at the vehicle's destination, the halves were bolted back together.
The name CCKW comes from GMC model nomenclature:
The kit:
To build 'AIDA', I used the old (but honest) kit from Italeri:
Starting by the chassi and suspensions.
The tarp I did with tracing paper and silk-paper (yellow). The papers were softened with a mixture of white-glue and water.
While the tarp dried, I applied Future and the decals. My friend Fabio Melo made the decals with transparent film and silkscreen. Aida was born!!
- "C", designed in 1941
- "C", conventional cab
- "K", all-wheel drive
- "W", dual rear axles
- "X", experimental chassis / non-standard wheelbase (first 13,188 units)
Versions:
Initially, all versions used a modified commercial closed cab design having a metal roof and doors. By 1944 an open cab version, with a canvas roof and doors, was used. This was easier to build, and the roof could be removed to lower the shipping height. 1 in 4 of cabs had a machine gun mounting ring above the co-driver's position.
The CCKW provided a platform for the widest range of bodies on any U.S. military vehicle, with the 3.7 m cargo version being the most common. As steel was more heavily rationed during the course of the war, the steel cargo bed was replaced by a wooden one. Wooden beds proved unsatisfactory and a 'composite' bed with steel sides, framing, and wooden bottom slats was developed. However, the composite bed was still unsatisfactory and the bed design returned to all steel. Standard cargo models had beds with fixed sides and a drop tailgate, as well as folding troop seats.
A standard rectangular van configuration was used in communications, medical, workshop, and many other specialty roles. Special built vans were also used.
Many specialized variants of the basic 6×6 CCKW were made, some in small numbers, including some converted in the field. These include:
- Air compressor
- Bomb service
- Chemical decontaminating
- Chemical handling
- Dental operating van
- Dump truck
- Fire engine
- Fuel & gas tankers (750 US gal (2,800 l))
- Fuel & oil handling (660 US gal (2,500 l)), (750 US gal (2,800 l))
- High lift
- K-53 radio equip. van
- K-60 radio equip. van
- Map reproduction van
- Ordnance maintenance van
- Pipeline equipment
- Ponton bolster
- Semi-trailer tractor
- Shop equipment GP repair van
- Surgical van
- Water purification van
- Water tanker (700 US gal (2,600 l))
- Welder's truck
Initially all versions were of closed cab design (having a metal roof and doors) with all steel cargo beds. But as the war progressed an open cab version was designed that had fixed 'half doors' and a canvas top/sides and the steel bed was replaced by a wooden one to conserve steel. The wood bed proved unsatisfactory and a 'composite' bed with steel sides and framing, but with wooden slats for the bed, was developed. Later on the 'wood/steel' composite bed was replaced by an all steel composite bed.Truck, cargo, 2½-Ton, 6X6, long-wheelbase / short-wheelbase.
ACK-353
The ACK-353 (A for 1939 design, C for conventional cab, and K for all wheel drive) 1 1⁄2-ton 4x4 truck was the smaller brother of the ACKWX, and a predecessor to the Chevrolet G506, competing with the Dodge / Fargo T-203 / VF-400 series, as GM was at that time also trying to clinch the lucrative contract for the standard World War II cargo trucks in the 1 1⁄2-ton 4x4 category.
The ACK-353 was equipped with the new for 1939 GMC 248 engine, an overhead valve, low-deck inline-six with a 94 mm bore and 97 mm stroke, resulting in a 4.100cc displacement, producing 77 brake horsepower (57 kW) (net). Transmission was four-speed manual, combined with a two-speed transfer-case engaging the front axle for all-wheel drive operation.
The truck rode on a 157 3⁄4 in (401 cm) wheelbase, measuring 650 cm long, 229 cm wide, and 297 cm tall – or 226 cm with the rear top bows taken down. Tires were 7.50-20, and weight came in at 3,416 kg. A special feature were the front hubs, designed to take dual wheels in especially challenging terrain.
Fitted with steel GS bodies with fixed sides and troop seats, the trucks were originally ordered under French contract, but ended up in use by the British Army, although some 2,000 units delivered to the French in early 1940 likely fell into the hands of the Nazi Germany Wehrmacht.
ACKWX-353
The ACKWX-353 (A for 1939 design, C for conventional cab, K for all wheel drive, W for tandem rear axles, and X for non-standard chassis) three-ton 6x6 truck was the direct predecessor from which the CCKW was developed. Fitted with the same 77 brake horsepower (57 kW) drivetrain as the ACK, the trucks weighed 4,471 kg, and measured 671 cm long, 240 cm wide, and 300 cm tall / or 229 cm to cab. Some 1,000 of the 3-ton 6x6 trucks were originally contracted by France, but - just like the 4x4 ACK trucks - after the defeat of the French, diverted to Britain in 1940. The British however, deemed the trucks unfavorable for use in the war, due to their long wheelbase and lacking power, and diverted them to Russia in turn, in 1941. A total of 2,466 ACKWX trucks were built - both according to GMC's serial numbers, as well as the U.S. Army's acceptance figures.
AFKWX-353
The AFKWX (A for 1939 design, F for forward cab, K for all wheel drive, W for tandem rear axles, and X for non-standard chassis) 353, a cab over engine, long cargo bed version of the CCKW, went into production alongside it in 1942 at Yellow’s Pontiac plant and Chevrolet’s in St. Louis. Otherwise mechanically identical, its compact cabin design allowed a 4.57 m, and later 5.18 m cargo bed to be fitted. Only the first 50 units produced had closed cabs, all others were open. None had a front-mounted winch. The cab over design made engine maintenance difficult. As a result, only 7,235 were built, - 2,232 units with the 4.572mm body, and 5,000 of the 5.181mm version.
CCW-353
The CCW-353 (C for 1941 design, C for conventional cab, and W for tandem rear axles) was a near identical version of the CCKW-353, that lacked its front-wheel drive, resulting in an officially purely on-road, and therefore 5-ton rated, 6×4 version of the same truck. A beam front axle was used, with the transfer case locked in high range. Of the ~118,000 2 1⁄2-ton, 6x4 trucks the U.S. built in WW II, GMC contributed 23,649 units of the CCW-353 as standard cargo trucks without winch – almost all of them built in 1942.
DUKW - (See article in Bunker)
The DUKW (D for 1942 design, U for utility, K for all wheel drive, and W for tandem rear axles) — popularly the “Duck” – was an amphibious truck that shared the CCKW's driveline, but had a totally different body and structure than all the other trucks. First produced at Yellow’s Pontiac plant, as demand increased production was added to Chevrolet’s St. Louis plant. The hull, designed by an America's Cup winner, gave the truck respectable sea-keeping capability. A very successful design, 21,147 were built.
Brazilian markings:
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| Markings for my kit: Aida e Deus me guiem - (Aida and God guide me) Aida maybe was a girlfriend name... |
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| Deus me guie (God guide me) in the windshield Jeep from Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB) 1st Infantry Expeditionary Division 11th Infantry Regiment - Italy, 1944-45 |
Specs:
| CCKW 353 deuce and half | |
|---|---|
| Type | 21⁄2-ton 6×6 Cargo truck |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Yellow Truck and Coach Co. |
| Designed | 1941 |
| Manufacturer | Yellow/GMC Truck and Coach Chevrolet |
| Produced | 1941–45 |
| No. built | Grand Total: ~572,500 including all variants; CCKW specific: ~518,000 LWB CCKW-353: ~464,000 and SWB CCKW-352: ~54,000 units plus ~54,500 non CCKW variants |
| Variants | 1939 ACKWX – 2,466 units C.O.E. AFKWX – 7,235 units 6x4 CCW-353 – 23,649 units DUKW amphibs – 21,147 units |
| Specifications (353 Cargo w/winch) | |
| Mass | 4,000 kg empty 7,400 kg loaded |
| Length | 6.86 m |
| Width | 2.24 m |
| Height | 2.36 m to cab 2.77 m overall |
| Engine | GMC 270 straight-6 91.5 hp (68.2 kW) at 2,750 rpm or 104 hp (78 kW) at 2,750 rpm |
| Transmission | 5 spd. x 2 range trf. case |
| Suspension | Beam axles on leaf springs |
| Fuel capacity | 150 l |
Operational
range | 482.8 km |
| Speed | 72 km/h |
The kit:
To build 'AIDA', I used the old (but honest) kit from Italeri:
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| The old GMC cargo truck Italeri |
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| The kit content. |
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| Italeri booklet |
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| easy to build...and fast!! |
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| cargo bed |
The truck has the ring of .50 machine gun, but not the model of the Italeri kit. I noticed that in the original photo there is a pole supporting the machine gun ring. See the picture (arrows):
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| Notice the .50 pole ring, erected beside of windshield |
To reproduce that, I used the Tamiya's cargo truck accessory parts set
And voiláá..The kit was painted with olive-drab, after the primer. The arcs for tarp I did with cooper wire.
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| Olive drab with shades |
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| Right view |
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| Very good indeed... |
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| Aida e Deus me guiem - Aida and God guide me |
Painting the canvas with khaki color.
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| Decals in position |
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| Notice the Southern Cross in the rear |
And the Brazilian girl is ready. The Brazilians grunts used the .50 Browning mg in the ring, even with the canvas installed. As Brazilians are "tropical creatures," felt very cold in Italian winter. But not gave up their weapons... If necessary use a .50, was only cut through the canvas with bayonet and .50 could spit lead!!
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| CCKW 353 2 1/2 ton 6x6 truck - AIDA (nr.1) Brazilian Expeditionary Force - 1st Infantry Expeditionary Division 4th Group of Motor-Towed Howitzers Italy, 1945. |
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| CCKW 353 2 1/2 ton 6x6 truck - AIDA |
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| CCKW 353 2 1/2 ton 6x6 truck - AIDA |
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| CCKW 353 2 1/2 ton 6x6 truck - AIDA |
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| CCKW 353 2 1/2 ton 6x6 truck - AIDA |
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| CCKW 353 2 1/2 ton 6x6 truck - AIDA |
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| CCKW 353 2 1/2 ton 6x6 truck AIDA (nr.1) Brazilian Expeditionary Force - 1st Infantry Expeditionary Division 4th Group of Motor-Towed Howitzers Italy, 1945. |
Thanks again, Lads!!!
Parabéns, muito bom.
ResponderExcluirObrigado, Evandro...thanks pela visita !!!!
ResponderExcluirespetacular
ResponderExcluirMuito obrigado pela visita e pelo incentivo, Marcelo!! Volte sempre...a casa é sua!!
ExcluirGrande abraço!!