.....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
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.
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.
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.....
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
An earlier 'do it yourself' model. A Model T Ford Snowmobile Conversion Kit sold for $400 (USD) IN 1925.
1922 The diesel powered Linn tractor was used to haul sleigh loads of logs. The bags are ballast for improved traction.