A Vietnam Half-Track?

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Hello Fellas.

I’m working on a Vietnam era diorama and I got to thinking if Half-Tracks were ever used in Vietnam.

If any of you know yea or nea let me know, I’m still planning to build one anyway.I was just curious if they were ever used and if any one had pics. of them. Think of it a Half-Track Gun Truck[8D].

Thanks as always fellas, your wisdom is immpecable…[bow]

2

There were a few used by the French in the early 50’s. I believe the ARVN used some as well. There is also rumor that a few were used by the US in the early years ('64-'66-ish?), but there are no photos to confirm them that I have seen.

3

Darr

The US did use a few WWII surplus halftracks in Vietnam, mostly for convoy protection.

4

If you have any refrances that show them, I would love to see them. I have thought about doing one too, but can’t find any concrete evidence to show that they really existed.

5

Fellas!

I have just spoken to my Dad who served in Vietnam from '67 to ‘71 and he told me that the Half-Tracks were used in convoy escort duty. Heavly armed and armored. They were used on bad roads or in bad weather conditions. He spoke of one in particular that had an M-60 mounted over the cab and that had two .50’s mounted in the back. The armor hung under the vehicle to add protection from mines, and extra plate were added to the back and sides that were either weilded or bolted in place. He spoke of convoys that would have several as escort or cargo duties. That goes to show I should have asked the man that was there first.[banghead] My Dad says “I thought everyone knew we used them?” He was a SeaBee and rode in several convoys. I hope this info helps you out fellas and again thanks! I’ going to add two of them to the diorama now!

6

Good news on the confirmation. Any idea what units they were with or what markings/bumper numbers they wore, etc.?

7

Remember there was an article about a decade(?) ago on how to model the half track for vietnam, probably still have the relevant article at home, is it ok to post scans of articles on this forum?

8

Gino and Darr

I have a book entitled Armor in Vietnam by Signal/Squadron. There are some photos of half tracks in there. There is also a book about Gun Trucks and i think there is on on convoys. all by Squadron/Signal. I converted Tamiyas M-81 Mortor halftrack into a 106mm Mortor halftrack in Vietnam convoy service. Finescale Modeler has an article in one of its older issues on this as well as its Armor Detailing and Conversion Projects book. I hope this helps.

9

Duhh!! I have the old FSM that had the Vietnam M3 Half Track in it, January '91 issue. I just pulled it out, looks pretty good.

Here is the cover, says it right on it.

Thanks for jogging my memory.

10

I was watching the military channel not too long ago and they had the top 10 armored personnel carriers of the world and M3 was one of them. In fact, this program pointed out that IDF still uses them (mostly with engineer units).