Half Track.....

Discussion in 'Weapons, Technology & Equipment' started by chipm, Nov 10, 2017.

Tags:
  1. chipm

    chipm Well-Known Member

    .....and other such "Tracked Vehicles".
    Why did they not survive much past WWII.?
    Did the advance in Tire Technology coupled with 4WD make something like the Half-Track obsolete.?
    They seemed like such an awesome vehicle, but maybe they were not as great as i imagine them to be.
    What caused the decline of the Half-Track type of military vehicle.?
    Thank You
     
  2. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    Couple of threads that might intrigue:

    Whats it like to drive a half track?

    Halftrack info.com

    Essentially, though, the rise of halftracks is all about cheaper vehicles than tanks with nearly as good offroad ability, and their decline relates to improved wheeled vehicles eventually gaining the ability to keep up with tanks in very rough country.
     
  3. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    I just realized that for many years, back in the 70's, I owned and drove a winter version of a half track. Steering was indeed an adventure until the newer designs eventually put the engine weight directly over the skis.

    skidoo.jpg
    ski.png
     
  4. chipm

    chipm Well-Known Member

    Wow...OK...Thanks.
    Great info indeed, and a lot of it.
    As i Guessed/Wondered, the technology of wheels and tires simply got better and better...and the Half-Track was a complex and expensive machine.
    They sure were Cool Though.
    Nothing said bad-ass like a half-track.:)
    WWII was their day in the sun i guess.
    Thanks Again For The Links.....
     
    canuck likes this.
  5. Ron Goldstein

    Ron Goldstein WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    When I was in my role as "A" Sqn Tech Cpl.,4th QOH I had lots of opportunities of driving every type of vehicle including half-tracks.

    The only disadvantage that I remember is that, like every tracked vehicle, you could not "coast" after having built up speed, the tracks used to bring you rapidly to a halt once you took your foot off the accelerator.
    Ron

    upload_2017-11-11_6-34-41.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2017
    canuck and Tricky Dicky like this.
  6. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    An earlier 'do it yourself' model.

    A Model T Ford Snowmobile Conversion Kit sold for $400 (USD) IN 1925.

    49409538_2475787532451009_6786546393562480640_n.jpg
     
  7. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    1922
    The diesel powered Linn tractor was used to haul sleigh loads of logs. The bags are ballast for improved traction.

    50310010_2488871977809231_3675540846213595136_n.jpg
     
    Dave55, Owen and von Poop like this.
  8. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    The Lombard tractor pre-dated the Linn (1901).



    lombard.jpg
    lombard_3522-LF.jpg
    Lombard (1).jpg lombard3.jpeg
     
    Dave55, Owen, Tricky Dicky and 2 others like this.

Share This Page