Dodge WC question

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Lynn Eades

Did the Russians get Dodge Weapons Carriers (along with Jeeps, Studebakers etc.)

Yes, according to this site http://www.o5m6.de/dodge_wc51.html about 25,000 WC-series in total.

H.

[Eduard Sorokin]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

according to this site http://www.o5m6.de/dodge_wc51.html about 25,000 WC-series in total.

Quantity data are different, as usually in history: I have found the information about 19.621 Dodge WC vehicles, supplied to the USSR.

[gordon]

Having handled numerous 3/4 ton wheels I know just how heavy they are. I wouldn't want them on a tailgate, but I can't see how else you would use that area.

[Lynn Eades]

Gordon, I imagined an arrangement, where the weight is borne primarily by the tow hitch, and folds back from there to get at the boot (trunk)

Eduard, I would suggest this particular Dodge WC51 is earlier production than the 1943 batch that your link describes. Although very smart the pictures in the link, are "artists impression" and show changes from different periods of production. for example none of the trucks with the shock absorber linkages shown, would ever have carried the Dodge badge on the radiator shroud.
I'm no authority, but I think the Dodge in your first post is from the first half of 1942. This would suggest to me a different direction of delivery. What about the possibility of it going with the early Jeeps, MA's,GP's etc. that I have heard so many of, went to Russia.

[gordon]

I assumed that the standard tow hitch and bumperettes were still there, but on a 98" wheelbase chassis that spare is well behind that.

Of course if it was supplied as cab and chassis, the chassis could have been any of the standard lengths. A Maintenance truck chassis would have plenty of length for that setup.

[Lynn Eades]

Gordon,Are you saying that bodywork sits further back than a standard command car? (we are talking about Eduards non winch chassis?)
I thought the USA built stuff went out finished. I seem to remember the U.S. president offered the option the we (the allies) took them as they came or not at all?

[motto]

Eduard, what information do you have on the Dodge based ZIS version of the Command Car? Do you have any more information than you have disclosed?

Jan, I thought that my affliction was mine alone. Now that I find it's not I don't know whether to be pleased or disappointed.

David

[gordon]

I'm not sure there is more rear bodywork length than the standard Command Car Lynn, just not sure.

The standard Command and Weapons chassis was 98" wheelbase, and there was very little rear overhang. This bodywork looks like there is more of it so the spare wheel location is certainly further back than I'd expect to be able to be hung on the standard bumperette position.

As I mentioned though, it doesn't have to be a 98" wheelbase chassis.

[motto]

The wheelbase looks standard Command Car to me but appears to have a bit more overhang at the rear and the end of the body more vertical.

What is needed is a decent photo of the rear end. As stated, WC wheels are heavy and I doubt the spare is merely attached to the bodywork let alone the boot lid. If it is supported by some sort of frame secured to the chassis it should be readily visible as it would have to be somewhat beefy. Plus there would have to be a means to swing it down or aside to gain access to stowage.

David

[Jan Mostek]

David, be pleased. The same habits, the same hobbies, it means the same people :-)
Best regards, Jan

[Lynn Eades]

Can some explain to me how those early jeeps, trucks etc. were sent to Russia.
What were the basic circumstances, and by what route etc.

[Eduard Sorokin]

Originally Posted by Lynn Eades

Eduard, I would suggest this particular Dodge WC51 is earlier production than the 1943 batch that your link describes... I'm no authority, but I think the Dodge in your first post is from the first half of 1942. This would suggest to me a different direction of delivery. What about the possibility of it going with the early Jeeps, MA's,GP's etc. that I have heard so many of, went to Russia.

This fact, that ZiS plant has made this Dodge conversion in 1943, does not mean, that this Dodge itself was produced in 1943 - vehicle could be produced earlier, of course. Supplies of WC to the USSR have begun in 1943, but there could to be vehicles from earlier batches.

Motto: Eduard, what information do you have on the Dodge based ZIS version of the Command Car? Do you have any more information than you have disclosed?

No more details known until today.

And please do not discuss about wheelbase - this is usual, ordinary WC51.

[Lynn Eades]

Eduard, All I was saying, was that this dodge must have been in an earlier delivery, and that it may have made its way in from western Europe.

[Eduard Sorokin]

It is very doubtful.