WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - 3/4 ton - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB) - case report

The Boys from Brazil!!!

      I'll show to you fellows, a good project I completed a few years ago. I used a very old kit and I think I got good results and fun with something really cheap bought years ago at an eBay auction. A Brazilian version of the might WC-57 Dodge  4x4 3/4 ton. Command Car. The Brazilians of  FEB (Brazilian Expeditionary Force) used this brave jeep in his Italian campaign in WW II in 1944-45. In Brazilian hands, this rough vehicle was known as "Jipão" (Big Jeep).

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton. of  2º Grupo de Obuses Auto-Rebocados (2nd Group of Towed Howitzers)

Brazilian Expeditionary Force FEB (Força Expedicionária Brasileira) - Italy, 1944.

Original pic from Silva Family: Captain Gunner Paulo Teixeira da Silva - FEB

History:

      The Dodge WC series was a range of light military trucks produced by Dodge and Fargo during World War II. The series included weapon carriers, telephone installation trucks, ambulances, reconnaissance vehicles, mobile workshops and command cars. They were replaced after the war by the Dodge M-series vehicles. 

Dodge M-37 with U.S. Navy colors

      WC was a Dodge model code: W for 1941 and C for half-ton rating. The C code was retained for the ¾ ton and 1½ ton 6×6 Dodges.

      Dodge began producing light trucks immediately upon its formation in 1914. For the first few years these were based largely on the existing passenger cars, later specific chassis and body designs were used. Light and medium-duty models were offered first, then a heavy-duty range was added during the 1930s and 1940s. Dodge produced its first prototypes of dedicated military trucks in late 1939: the 1/2 ton 4x4 VC series. Production of the VC series started in 1939.

Built by Dodge Brothers Co. from 1942 to 1944,
the WC56 - 4x4 - 3/4 ton command car was
the third of three generations of command cars built by Dodge. 
The first being a 1/2 ton civilian style VC series introduced
in 1939 (right) and the second being a 1/2 ton
WC series introduced in 1941 (center).

       At the outset of World War II, Dodge produced the G-505 WC ½ ton series of military light trucks in 38 individual models, thousands of some models were produced, while only a few of some others were made. 

VC-2 1/2 ton, 4x4 Dodge Command Reconnaissance (G505)

      The WC ½ ton trucks replaced the 1940 VC-1 to VC-6 ½ton Dodge trucks which were also part of the G505 series. 79,771 of the ½ ton trucks were produced during late 1940–1942 under War Department contracts. WC models 1 to 50 were part of the 1/2 ton range and were 80% interchangeable in service parts with the later 3/4 ton models.

Dodge VC-1 WC-13 -  ½-ton 4x4 (G505)

Common features of the 1/2 ton trucks were:

• Drive: 4×4
• Wheelbase: 2.940 mm (116 in) - 3.120 mm (123 in for ambulances)
• Track width: 1.508 mm
• Tires: 7.50x16
• Brakes: Hydraulic
• Engine: 6 cyl, in-line, L-head
• Transmission: 4 forward/1 reverse, manual
• Transfer case: Single speed

       The Dodge G-502 ¾ ton 4×4 trucks were first introduced in late 1941. Standard vehicles in the ¾ ton 4×4 class were the WC-51 / WC-52 Weapons Carrier, Telephone Installation Trucks, WC-53 Carryall, and the WC-54 Ambulance. In the cargo trucks, the WC51 was identical to the WC52 but did not have the front bumper-mounted winch.

Model descriptions:

1/2 ton 4x4 series:

- WC-1, WC-5, WC-12, WC-14, WC-40:
      Closed cab, two seater pickups with a nominal carrying capacity of a 450 kg.

Dodge WC-1 4x4 1/2 ton.

- WC-3, WC-13, WC-21:

      Weapon carriers, two seater pickups with open cab. The open cab pickups could be fitted with an optional M24 machine gun mount,which bolted across the front of the bed. The mount could carry the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, as well as the M1919 Browning machine gun, and the M2 Browning machine gun.

• Length: 4,60 m
• Height: with top 2,24 m
• Weight: 2.013 Kg
• Width: 1,92 m
• Payload: 590 Kg

Dodge WC-13 4x4 1/2 ton open cab

- WC-4, WC-22:

      Open cab weapons carrier, with Braden MU winch, and transverse seats, designed to tow the M3 anti-tank cannon as well as carry the gun crew and ammunition. This type was usually issued to early tank destroyer units. 5570 built.

• Length: 4,90 m
• Height: with top 2,24 m
• Weight: 2.166 Kg
• Width: 1,93 m
• Payload: 453 Kg

Dodge WC-4 4x4 1/2 ton open cab

- WC9, WC18, WC27:

      Entering production during 1941 to early 1942, they were specifically designed to serve as military ambulances. These early variants are distinguishable from the later ones by having a curved radiator grille, while the later ones (WC51 onwards) featured a flat grille. These versions were given a longer 3,10 m (123 in) wheelbase.

• Length: 4,95 m
• Height: 2,27 m
• Weight: 2.422 Kg
• Width: 1,93 m
• Payload: 590 Kg

Dodge WC-9 4x4 ambulance

- WC-10, WC-17, WC-26, WC-36, WC-48:

      Carryall trucks with a nominal carrying capacity of a 450 kg.

Dodge WC-10 4x4 carryall

- WC-11, WC-19, WC-42:

      Panel trucks carrying radio and communication equipment.

Dodge WC-11 4x4 carryall panelvan

- WC-6, WC-8, WC-15, WC-16, WC-23:

      Command cars.

Dodge WC-6 4x4 command car

- WC-25:

      Command car with radio 12 volt.

- WC-7, WC-24:

      Command car with winch

Dodge WC-24 4x4 command car with winch

- WC-39, WC-43, WC-50:

      These models were built as signals trucks, designed to install and repair telephone lines, and were also known by the U.S. Signals Corps as the K-50 truck.

Dodge WC-43 4x4 signal truck

- WC-41:

     Fitted with dual rear tires. Mostly employed as an emergency repair truck whose purpose was to provide mobile facilities for emergency ordnance repair. Other types of bodies were produced, such as an oil service vehicle. 902 of these chassis were built.

Dodge WC-41 4x4 light truck

3/4 ton 4x4 series:

- WC-51:

      WC-51 Truck, Cargo, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/o Winch Dodge (G502) Weapons Carrier. 123,541 were built. The open cab pickup could be fitted with an optional M24A1 machine gun mount, which bolted across the front of the bed. The mount could carry the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, the M1919 Browning machine gun, or the M2 Browning machine gun.

• Length: 4,24 m
• Height (with canvas cover): 2.08 m
• Height (with top down):  1.57 m
• Weight: 2 382 kg
• Width: 2.11 m
• Payload: 800 kg
• Tires 9.00 x 16 in., 8ply

Dodge WC-51  4x4 3/4 ton truck

- WC-52:

      WC-52 Truck, Cargo, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/Winch Dodge (G502) Weapons Carriers was identical to the WC-51, but fitted with a Braden MU2  3.402 kg capacity winch at the front bumper. 59,114 built.

• Length: 4,48 m
• Height (with canvas cover): 2,08 m
• Height (with top down): 1,57 m
• Weight: 2.518 kg
• Width: 2,10 m
• Payload: 800 kg
• Tires 9.00 x 16 in., 8ply
• Engine 6 cyl, in-line, L-head - 99 hp.

Dodge WC52  4x4 3/4 ton truck

- WC-53:

      A carryall, mechanically it was virtually identical to the WC-54 but was fitted with a body which was the 1939 civilian carryall modified to military specifications. All four rear side windows were opening wind-up and the seating consisted of front folding passenger seat to allow rear access, two person second row leaving space to access to the rear full width three person seat.The spare was carried on a mount on the driver's side and although the door was fully operational it could not be opened (driver had to enter from passenger side). WC-53 were also fitted as radio trucks with a bench on the left side with the operator seated sideways. 8,400 WC-53 Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge Carryall (G502) built. No carryalls came from the factory with a winch though there was a field modification available.

• Length: 4,73 m
• Height: 2,06 m
• Weight: 2.590 kg
• Width: 2,00 m
• Payload: 800 kg

Dodge WC-53  4x4 3/4 carryall

- WC-54:

      The WC-54 Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Ambulance Dodge (G502) was produced as an ambulance, but a few were modified to serve as radio/telephone trucks with the US Signal Corps.

• Length: 4,95 m
• Height: 2,30 m
• Weight: 2.685 kg
• Width: 1,98 m
• Payload: 816 kg

Dodge WC-54  4x4 3/4 ton ambulance

- WC-55:

      The WC-55 Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Gun Motor Carriage Dodge (G502) was a modified WC-52 designed to carry an M3A1 37mm antitank gun and shield mounted on its cargo bed; the WC-55 and gun combination was designated M6 37mm Gun Motor Carriage (GMC) - (G121). 5,380 built, most later dismantled and returned to service as WC-52 cargo trucks.

• Length: 4,25 m
• Height: 2,49 m to top of gun shield
• Weight: 2.540 kg
• Width: 2,18 m
• Payload: 80 rounds 37mm

Dodge WC-55  4x4 3/4 ton Gun motor carriage
M6 37mm Gun Motor Carriage (GMC)

- WC-56:

      The WC-56 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/o Winch Dodge (G502) was a command and reconnaissance vehicle akin to a large Willys Jeep. It did not prove popular as it was heavier and not as maneuverable as the Jeep, and its distinctive profile made it a target. 21,156 built. This vehicle was immortalized as one of General Patton's command cars.

• Length: 4,22 m
• Height: 2,07 m
• Weight: 2.420 kg
• Width: 2,00 m
• Payload: 800 kg

Dodge WC-56  4x4 3/4 ton Command car
General George Patton and French Gen. Auguste Nogues
reviewing troops in French Moroccon city
December, 20 - 1942.

Dodge WC-56 4x4 - 3/4 ton in the desert. Notice the .50 Browning position: Fixed???
The crew guns are Vickers k and .45 Thompson
(font: http://www.wc57.com/index.html)

Very Important People in WC-56 Dodge 3/4 ton: Gen. Eisenhower and P.M. Winston Churchill
inspecting a U.S. artillery regiment in the UK just before the D-Day invasion.
(font: http://www.wc57.com/index.html)

Dodge WC-56  4x4 3/4 ton Command car

- WC-57:

      The WC-57 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/Winch Dodge (G502) was identical to the WC-56 but fitted with a Braden MU2 5,000 lb / 2 268 kg capacity winch at the front bumper. 6,010 built.

• Length: 4,46 m
• Height: 2,07 m
• Weight: 2.560 kg
• Width: 2,00 m
• Payload: 800 kg

Dodge WC-57 4x4 3/4 ton Command car with winch
Our main character

General Eisenhower in his WC-57 waving to the crowds
while being driven down the Washington DC
streets during "Eisenhower Day," a day that celebrates
all he has done as leader
of military forces in World War II. June, 1945.

Dodge WC-57 4x4 3/4 ton Command car with winch...
The advantages of the winch... Heavy mud in Philippines

- WC-58:

      The WC-58 Truck, Radio, 3/4 ton, 4x4  was identical to the WC-56 or WC-57 but fitted with a scr radio set in front of the rear seat, and a 12-volt electrical system.

• Length: 4.46 m
• Height: 2.07 m
• Weight: 2.420 kg
• Width: 2.00 m
• Payload: 800 kg

Dodge WC-58 4x4 3/4 ton Radio car

- WC-59:

      The WC-59 Truck, Telephone Maintenance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge (G502) was designed to install and repair telephone lines. Based on the same chassis as the WC-54, but with a wheelbase increased by 50 cm. The spare wheel was carried behind the seats, with a step ladder fitted to where the spare wheel would have been. 549 were built. The bed was known by the Signal Corps as the K-50 truck, and was fitted to both Dodge and Chevrolet chassis.

• Length: 4,88 m
• Height: 2,06 m
• Weight: 2.430 kg
• Width: 1,98 m
• Payload: 800 kg

Dodge WC-59 4x4 3/4 ton Telephone maintenance truck

- WC-60:

      The WC-60 Emergency Repair Chassis, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge (G502) was a mobile workshop designed for field maintenance. It featured the same body as the WC-54 but with tool trunks that were accessible from the outside. 296 built.

• Length: 4.73 m
• Height: 2.26 m
• Weight: 2.700 kg
• Width: 2.08 m
• Payload: 800 kg

Dodge WC-60 4x4 3/4 ton Emergency Repair Chassis

- WC-61:

      The WC-61 Light Maintenance Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge (G502) was designed to install and repair telephone lines. Replacement for the WC-59, the WC-61 had the step ladder fitted to the roof, the spare wheel was fitted behind the seats, and the tool trunks were accessible from the outside. 58 built. The US Signal Corps referred to these as the K-50B truck.

• Length: 4,73 m
• Height (without ladder): 2,26 m
• Weight: 2.700 kg
• Width: 2,08 m
• Payload: 800 kg

Dodge WC-61 4x4 3/4 ton Light maintenance truck

- WC-64:

      The WC-64 KD Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Ambulance Dodge (G502) was an ambulance based on the same chassis as the WC-54 but with a knock-down body designed to increase the number of vehicles that could be shipped at the same time. 3,500 were built between the beginning of 1945 and the end of the war.

Dodge WC-64 4x4 3/4 ton KD ambulance

1 1/2 ton 6x6 series:

- WC-62:

      The WC62 Truck, Cargo and Personnel Carrier, 1 1/2 ton, 6x6 w/o Winch Dodge (G507) Weapons Carrier was based on a lengthened WC-51 with an extra axle added. 23,092 built (both WC-62 and WC-63 variants). One prototype produced as an armored car.

• Length: 5.47 m
• Height (with canvas cover): 2.21 m
• Height (with top down): 1.57 m
• Weight: 3.141 kg
• Width: 2.11 m
• Payload: 1.500 kg

Dodge WC-62 6x6 - 1  1/2 ton truck

- WC-63:

      The WC-63 Truck, Cargo and Personnel Carrier, 1 1/2 ton, 6x6 with Winch Dodge (G507) Weapons Carrier was based on a lengthened WC-51 with an extra axle added. Identical to the WC-62 but fitted with a Braden MU2 7,500 pound capacity winch.

Length: 5,72 m

Height (with canvas cover): 2,21 m

Height (with top down): 1,57 m

Weight: 3.250 kg

Width: 2,10 m

Payload: 1.500 kg

Dodge WC-63 6x6 - 1  1/2 ton truck with winch

Specs: 

Dodge WC-57 4x4 3/4 ton Command Car
Manufacturer            Number prod.          Orig.	Dodge Brothers Co. 6.010 units. United States
Body and chassis
Classification	Command car
Powertrain
Engine	Dodge T214 -3.800 cc 6 cil, 92hp -3200 rpm
Transmission Suspension Winch Wheels Tyres	4-speed forward x 1 reverse Semi-ellipt. springs and hydr. shock abs. Braden - 2.268 Kg 6,50" x 16,00" 9,00" x 16,00"
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2.490mm
Length	4.460mm
Width	2.000 mm
Height	2.070mm
Curb weight	2.560 kg
Performance
Max. speed	85 Km/h
Fuel consuption Fuel tank	28 l / 100 Km 114 l

    The kit:
            I used, for this project, a jurassic kit (1974) : The Peerless/Max kit (#3505) Dodge 3/4 ton WC-56/57 Command and Reconnaissance Truck. Man, I love these old gals...

Old (and good...) Peerless -Max stuff...

The sprues bag and booklet...

Wheels after a discrete sanding, to simulate wear and tear ...
The weird tool is a cleaner brush for dental drills,
with brass bristles.... Ideal for scratching plastic ...
Brass rods to to strengthen the wheel axles (very brittle)...

The chassis ready...The alignment is complete!!

Aligning the bumper segments ...
My version is the WC-57, with segmented front bumper...

Waxed wire to simulate steel cable ... After painted it is perfect ...

The body!!!

The canvas in position..  Hmmm...
The age of the kit appears in these details ...
Putty to fill the gaps...

The girl is almost ready!!!
Paper-tape do mask the windshield...

Tool rack of my spare-parts box!!!

Ready for paint...

Primer!!

      After the first layer of Olive Drab, I decided to upgrade the canvas top. The smooth texture of the plastic was not pleasing me and I decided to coat the plastic with paper-towel, to simulate the texture of the canvas ... Paper glued with PVA glue:

Paper-towel as canvas...

Hmmm...Much better!!

Khaki and tools...

Washing in the canvas...

    As this WC-57 will be Brazilian, let's see something about Brazilian markings in WWII:

And decals with Brazilian markings:
the Southern Cross of Brazilian Army in WWII...

The 420 number in the bumper meant that the vehicle
was of 2nd Group of  Motor Towed Howitzers- Vehicle number 1.
1st Expeditionary Infantry Division
Brazilian Expeditionary Force - Italy, 1944.

      And the girl was ready: WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - 3/4 ton - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB), 1st Expeditionary Infantry Division, 2nd Group of Towed Howitzers- Vehicle number 1 - Italy, 1944-45.

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)

1st Expeditionary Infantry Division - 2nd Group of Towed Howitzers

Vehicle number 1 - Italy, 1944-45.

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - 3/4 ton - with Kojak.

Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)

1st Expeditionary Infantry Division - 2nd Group of Towed Howitzers

Vehicle number 1 - Italy, 1944-45.

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)

WC-57 Dodge 3/4 ton - 4x4 - Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)

1st Expeditionary Infantry Division - 2nd Group of Towed Howitzers

Vehicle number 1 - Italy, 1944-45.

See you soon, Gents!!