biged
Master sergeant
Posts: 468
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Post by biged on Aug 25, 2007 6:22:12 GMT -5
I reproduced a Mk3 Hand cart to aid in moving gear, supplies, weapons around in the field. Since the real carts a rare and expensive I needed something to help transport equipment so I made a cart. I wanted to reproduce a M3a4 cart but the tires 12 x 4.00 tires and rims are difficult to come by. Even the 26" tires are really motorcycle tires. I found some that are a similar style and really inexpensive. An original Mk3 Hand cart: handcartz.smugmug.com/gallery/2528228#132829963 The above link is Craig Johnson's cart website if you have time browse through the rest of his site. His photo gallery is absolutely amazing! handcartz.smugmug.com/CARTS After spending 10+ hours scaling photos I located all the materials at a scrap pile I have at work. I purchased the 26" tires from Northern tool $70 for the pair. They have a 250lbs load rating each. So the cart can carry 500lbs. Took about 3 weeks to fab up. An hour each day after work. The tire spindles and tongue have pull pins so the cart can be easily dis-assembled for easy transport. A coat of red oxide primer and Six cans of Krylon OD later. I even helped the Germans transport weapons. More photos and detailed dimensions here: www.tau-hq.com/viewtopic.php?p=1831#1831I'm in the process of fabbing up brackets for my 1919a4, M2 .50 cal, and M2 60mm mortar. ///ed///
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click
Sergeant
Company G, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division
Posts: 1,764
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Post by click on Aug 25, 2007 10:53:39 GMT -5
Wow that looks great! Really good job!
Click
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Aug 25, 2007 11:46:20 GMT -5
Awesome and practical project. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by Guinness on Aug 25, 2007 11:58:11 GMT -5
Hey Big Ed,
I have a request....
A Tiger Mk I please ;D
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biged
Master sergeant
Posts: 468
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Post by biged on Aug 25, 2007 14:36:58 GMT -5
Sure, I'll charge $20 a hour labor. You supply the tools and steel. I was thinking more along the lines of a Sherman or a Super Tiger.
///ed///
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jaeger
Private 1st Class
Posts: 478
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Post by jaeger on Aug 25, 2007 15:12:05 GMT -5
Hey great idea! The wheels do seem like the hardest thing to get though!
Nick
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Post by Gordak on Aug 25, 2007 18:48:48 GMT -5
what! I thought those weapons were captured!!!! Nice job, it looks awesome!!! -Gordak
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YankeeDiv26
Staff Sgt.
Frustrated Mac Owner
BDM<33
Posts: 2,462
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Post by YankeeDiv26 on Aug 25, 2007 19:05:35 GMT -5
biged strikes again...
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Aug 25, 2007 23:05:07 GMT -5
Remembr in the Longest Day when Joh Wayne (Playing a Regimental Commander for the 82nd) was being towed around on a Mk 3 cart. Apprently based on an actual occurance as he broke his leg in the jump.
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Post by gunfreak on Aug 26, 2007 6:14:51 GMT -5
just watched that movie again this week, one of my favorite WW2 movies
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biged
Master sergeant
Posts: 468
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Post by biged on Aug 26, 2007 6:40:26 GMT -5
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Post by gunfreak on Aug 26, 2007 7:53:08 GMT -5
well, you can't exepct 100% reenactment in those movies.
I would love to se a remake of the moive, combing the the grandure and historical perspective of the movie with the military realism of band of brothers
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Aug 26, 2007 13:20:40 GMT -5
It's a great piece of military kit and as our events grow larger and more complex and item that makes great sense. At recent events we found it quite difficult hauling tenatge and heavy props into position and these carts would have been very helpful and authentic.
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Post by Tough Ombre on Aug 26, 2007 18:26:56 GMT -5
You know those tires arent too far off of some old motor cylce bike tires ( im thinking late model dirt track racers) Which i know you can pick up a set from flee markets or swap meets for under 100 with the spoked rims. -Cary
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Aug 26, 2007 23:54:47 GMT -5
Truck midget spares from some of the newer small pickups are pretty close as well and probably could be bought at wrecking yards quite inexpensively.
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biged
Master sergeant
Posts: 468
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Post by biged on Aug 27, 2007 5:26:05 GMT -5
I've been looking at flea markets for a while. I've spotted lots of Radio flyer wagon firestone wheels but nothing that comes close to the 12 x 4.00 rim / tire combo.
I did spot a set of 12 x 4.80 tires and rims on a log splitter at home depot which had that "Farm Tractor" tread. But the rim looked like a modern wheel barrel rim.
There are pros and cons to each style cart:
M3a4 utility cart - 12 x 4.80 tires - Tires & rims are rare - Aftermarket rims are rare with in an integral setup - Ability to carry more load across the deck - Very common in the ETO.
Mk 3 cart - 26" tires - Tires & rims are abundant - The larger diameter tires make it easier to move over rough terrain - Limited carrying capacity due to tires sticking up on both sides of the deck. - Rarely seen in the ETO.
///ed///
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Post by <2>nd Rangers M/Sgt. Tom on Sept 4, 2007 20:50:27 GMT -5
Good job on the cart
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Post by feldwebelheidrich on May 5, 2016 0:32:59 GMT -5
an ancient thread, but I just wanted to say awesome job
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