Motto's Chev

[motto]

The Chev as it was positioned for one of the scenes in 'The Pacific'. This view shows part of the set that was constructed to represent the airfield captured from the Japanese by the US Marines on Pelelieu.
David

[jim sewell]

Dave
That was a very good restoration , very neat tidy truck.
Do you miss it .
Regards
Jim S.

[motto]

Since returning from the European trip last year I've been a bit too busy to miss the Chev all that much Jim but now and then I would get a twinge. It's worse now as I seek out pictures for this thread and the memories keep coming back. If there is enough interest out there for me to keep this thread going, you and your truck will rate a mention also. Watch this space.
Give our regards to Sandy.
Dave

[motto]

Replica Japanese 'No Go' tank. (Just kidding). Three of these were built for the filming. The story from the action vehicle people was that the tracks alone cost $120,000. The links were cast off an original from the AWM.
The tanks were powered by Ford Falcon engines and gearboxes driving at first through Jaguar differentials using the inboard disc brakes for steering. This was not successful and Marmon Herrington light tank transmissions were procured and installed. These did work but problems were encountered because of the lack of offset final drives. This meant that even with the transmissions mounted as far forward in the hull as possible the short little jack shafts between the transmission and stub axle were running at an extreme angle.
David

[motto]

Close up of the release mechanism on the 'Break Back' L/L Chev.
The cables running in to the cab were pulled by a remotely operated actuator to withdraw the pins and release the lock strut.
When the lock strut released the chassis would fold. With a synchronised explosion it would look like the truck took a direct hit.
David

[motto]

The trucks in this photo were used for set dressing and belonged to the art department. Vehicles that were operational and driven into place prior to filming or driven as part of the shoot came under 'Action Vehicles'.
The vehicle nearest the camera, a L/L Chev, appeared to have been a nice truck prior to being used in the filming. When I next returned to the set it had had some cosmetic work done and been placed in position for another scene. See next post.
David

[motto]

L/L Chev tipper that appeared in the previous post after being modified with the aid of a front end loader or similar machine and then positioned with the left rear wheels in a prepared hole as part of another scene. Manitous were used on set for this sort of work.
David