M4A1 mortar carrier Album

[col.halftrack]

Almost done with the mortar carrier and wanted to post a series of photos. I tried to recover as much info from the bumper markings as possible. After some help from Jim K  we deduced this :
Halftrack has no original WW2 markings remaining. It has tool holders and other mods that indicate a rebuild or at least refit during the early fifties.
So it appears that the oldest markings are from this era (1950-1955)
Left Bumper Right Bumper
10 X RCN ---------- R38 ------ It happens that the 10th Inf Div was re-activated at Ft Riley, Ks during 1954
1 X R ------------- 341 ------ In 1955 the 10th left Ft Riley for Germany and gyro-scoped with the 1st Inf. who returned to Ft Riley. I assume the 1st then assumed the vehicles that were previously assigned to the 10th ID
1 X RCN ---------- 341 ----- Another layer
Not readable -----1A38 ----- Appears to be the last layer.
If anyone is acquainted with fifties bumper markings perhaps you can shed more info on the "341" or "1A38"
As a Kansan it is nice to know that for at least the last years of the mortar carrier's service life she was most likely posted here in Kansas at Fort Riley first with the 10th Infantry Division and then with the Big Red One 1st Infantry Division.
 While no Infantry Division had mortar carriers in there TO&E during WW2 (that I know of) with the help of the 45th ID museum in Oklahoma city we did find a infantry division TO&E from 1951 I think that showed mortar carriers as part of their vehicle allotment. The museum has a mortar carrier in their collection marked to the 45th ID.

[spec4don]

Yeah, go head make me Jealous Love the Mortar carrier. I'd like to do one, one of these days!

Don G.

[steve-0]

great progress

I'm surprised that mortar base survived. stuff like that is usually the first thing farmers toss out.

[yd328]

Wow,
Excellent work, especially starting with a bare bones platform.

 gary

[andy]

Wow you started with a rear floor and mortar mount. Mine was missing all of it so i went the M2 way. I noticed you had the early small long spring for the rear idler. What is the frame number? I think you will find you have an M4 that may have been updated to A1.  On M4A1s, they reinforced the mortar base with extra metal under the floor as mine had. You will notice there is a upright pair of brackets infront and behind the center section (with 3 holes)  I already removed (when this pic was taken) a thick top plate covering the 3 hole center. This was to strengthen the floor from mortar use. M4s didnt have that and the floors were buckling from what I have read

[attachment deleted by admin. sorry all images over 3000  kb where deleted automatically

[col.halftrack]

Thanks Guys,
 Steve, yeah the only reason a grabbed this was the uncut roller and the intact rear bed. Not much else but a great start.
 Andy, yes it was a M4 converted possibly post-war to a M4A1. The early mounts for the mortar bipod are still there. Frame number 2503xx
 Kevin
 

[RB-058]

Hi Kevin,

Wonderful job you did there!! I'm getting excited to start looking at your pictures! Next Saturday..

Rob

[Smadge]

Looks great. I'm suprised too that the mortar base survived!

[mkoloc]

Great Job as always!