When were the last Willys MB’s demobilized?

[DUKWsInARow]

While I’m currently working on a 1:72 M1977 CBT HEMTT which will be loaded onto a scratch built OTTX flatcar, I was given two 1:72 Hasegawa Willys MB’s each with a T3 trailer and 37mm gun (an M3 I think).

I was thinking about building these models and adding them to my train of HEMTT’s and HMMWV’s. I just wanted to make sure that it’s realistic to depict MB’s and HMMWV’s in the same train (Since the HMMWV replaced the jeep, I’m sure HMMWVs and Jeeps operated simultaneously, I’m just not sure if the MB model was still operating at time HMMWVs were first introduced).

Therefore, I was wondering when the last MB’s were demobilized (and if this occurred before or after the HEMTT and HMMWV were introduced).

Also, I’ve seen plenty of pictures of HMMWV’s and HEMTT’s towing ¼ ton trailers. I was just wondering if the T3 trailer was still in operation when the HEMTT’s and HMMWV’s became operational.

PS. Here’s a neat picture of sixteen MB’s loaded onto a single flatcar in 1944.

http://www.olive-drab.com/images/jeeps_ ... 44_700.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[DUKWsInARow]

F.R. Fox,

If you don’t mind my asking, when were you at Ft. Knox?

Given how some vehicles/equipment hang around in the military inventory for decades, I was hoping that some MB’s might still have been operating in the ‘80’s when the HMMWV was introduced. Two of the more obvious examples of this are the B-52 which was first introduced in 1955 and is still one of the premier heavy bombers today and the M-14, which was designed in 1954, based on the even older M-1 Garand, and is also still in service today.

It would have been really neat if I could have shown MB’s and HMMWV’s loaded onto the same train, but I guess that just wasn’t realistic.

[Joe Gopan]

Some National Guard Units had the MB thru late 1953, The Naval Reserve Unit near me had one thru 1961.

[Mr. Jeep]

As somebody has already posted. The M38/M38A1's and the M151A1/2 came after the MB/GPW's so I would say,
no, MB/GPW's would not look right on a train with Humvees/Hemitts unless the MB/GPW's were being transported
to a museum somewhere on the same train.

[Greg Hines]

Some National Guard Units had the MB thru late 1953, The Naval Reserve Unit near me had one thru 1961.

Considering Active Army units used them throughout the Korean war it wouldn't be a surprise a NG unit had them in 1953.

Greg

[Joe Gopan]

The Guard was a bit behind the regulars, by 1954 the Maine National Guard was up to date with M-38's and new M-38A1's were arriving daily at the units. The Army Advisor M/Sgt Frank Wyman was my neighbor and would stop by for lunch in a new M-135 with new M-38 or M-38A1 in back that had just been shipped by rail from a Depot.
I have a photo of a Maine NG MB being shoveled a path at an Armory after a 3'+ snowfall in March of 1952.

WWII Vehicles hung around a while. The Maine Air National Guard has an MBT Trailer on inventory at their Ground Power Shop as late as 1966, they also had a 4 Ton Diamond T Cargo as late as 1960. The Maine Army National Guard 136th Engineer Co turned in their Closed Cab CCKW with LeRoi Compressor in January 1959. The 314th AAA Bn had CCKW's and 1-1/2 Ton WC 6X6's thru summer of 1952 and had an M-74 Tank Retriever on hand until 1961. Dow AFB across the street had a CCKW Radio Van and a Chevrolet 4X4 Cargo assigned to their M.A.R.S site until 1961. Ft Devens had a CCK 6X4 Garbage Packer assigned to the Camp Wellfleet training base in 1960. I witnessed the M-26 Dragon Wagons in use as late as 1968.

[David Neale]

I bought my GPW at Letterkenny Army base depot in PA 1n 1975, it had M151 data plates riveted on it, and was in with a group of M151s being disposed. As far as the records, it was a M151, and a comanders jeep, a Korean Vet, It had been up graded with a M38 engine, waterfording, 24v. In 1970, we had CCKWs still active with a maintenance section. In the Tracked section, their is a photo of an M37 at Fort Knox last year still on active duty. All I can say is, if it was handy and could be kept running, they used it. My M37 is one of the last from Fort Drum NY, and was upgraded with camo, composit lights, and turn signals. They may still have one or two with a snow plow on them up there.

[tamnalan]

Some National Guard Units had the MB thru late 1953, The Naval Reserve Unit near me had one thru 1961.

Considering Active Army units used them throughout the Korean war it wouldn't be a surprise a NG unit had them in 1953.

Greg

I have a pic of my dad standing near an MB in Korea in the fall of '51. He and the MB were assigned to the 934 Signal Battalion, FEAF.
I wouldn't be surprised if some Guard or Reserve units still used MBs or GPWs in 1960. But, it seems a stretch to see active jeeps and HMMWV’s on the same train.

[artificer]

Australlian Army MB Jeeps were still in service at Singleton NSW late 1950's thru early to mid 1960's just before the maintenance loving series 11 Landrovers were introduced then the also mtce prone 11A's followed.

[emmado22]

There is NO WAY a 1/4 ton trailer lunette would hook to a HEMTT's huge pintle. M105 series, yes, but no way a 1/4 ton.

[DUKWsInARow]

In light of the fact that it would not be realistic to show both the Willys MB and M1977 CBT in simultaneous active service, I’ve decided to turn the MB model into a CJ-3A based on the following prototype and feature it driving out of the woods alongside the tracks.

http://photovalet.com/data/comps/PRG/PRGV01P04_13.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I’ve already tracked down a 1:64th scale white metal deer that could be bent to fit the shape of the hood and strapped down just like in the picture.

Thank you all for the help you’ve given me.

[gearhead]

I know of a few G503s that were sold at auction at The Naval Support Center in Mechanicsburg PA in the eighties.
Having seen one, it is nice unrestored, Navy Gray over USMC green over late war OD. Matching numbers GPW. Original canvas too!
A neighbor said several were surplussed at Letterkenny Depot in PA about the same time, so far unconfirmed.

Ed

[Bob OB]

My two cents worth...Entered the army in March of 1970,NEVER,EVER saw a MB,GPW in US service anywhere.Bear in mind that a MB/GPW was not a field-able ,tactical vehicle by the late 1950's per US military standards.I Did see some M38A1's at Ft.Polk in 1970 as they were being phased out of the inventory.Having said that,the Colorado Army National Guard Mountain Flying Training Site in Eagle had two CJ2A's that were used as tugs to move the Huey's around the ramp.That was in 2000.One of the full time aircraft mechanics said he believed that they were hand-me-downs that had been there for many years.

[tsmgguy]

For a fine selection of US Army equipment, circa 1951, see the classic sci-fi flick, The Day The Earth Stood Still. The rolling stock pictured in Washington, DC all dates from WWII, and belongs to the 3rd Armd. Cav. Regt.

[Joe Gopan]

By late 1952 the National Guard was receiving new M-38 and M-38A1 Jeeps. Any MB's left in service were on the way out.