U.S White 666 Cargo Truck (Soft Top) by Hobby Boss

Hi Gents I would like to kick off my next build by introducing you to the Hobby Boss 1:35th Scale U.S White 666 Soft Top Cargo Truck...

The 6-ton 6×6 truck was a family of heavy tactical trucks built for the United States Army during World War II. The basic cargo version was designed to transport a 6-ton (5,400 kg) cargo load over all terrain in all weather. The chassis were built by Brockway Motor Company, The Corbitt Company, The Four Wheel Drive Auto Company (FWD), Ward LaFrance Truck Corporation, and White Motor Company.

 In 1939-1941 the Army Ordnance Corps was developing a complete line of tactical trucks that could operate over all roads and cross-country terrain in all weather. A 6-ton (5,400 kg) payload rated 6×6 truck to tow anti-aircraft artillery was needed. The Corbitt Company, a small company who had sold the US Army trucks since 1917, began delivering 200 prototypes in 1940. In 1941 their improved Model 50SD6, with a larger engine and different hood and fenders, was standardized and went into production but White Motor Company soon became their largest producer. Brockway Motor Company began in 1942 and The Four Wheel Drive Auto Company in 1945. Seven body types were built some by more than one manufacturer. All manufacturers models were virtually identical with very minor variations. Early models had closed cabs with full doors but in 1942 open cabs with half doors were introduced.

 Prime movers were used to tow field artillery pieces; they also transported gun crews, equipment, and ammunition. They had a hook at the rear for towing up to 40,000 lb another hook was fitted to the front which could be used to position the gun in the correct place. A mid-mounted 25,000 lb winch had a cantered cable drum and a capstan on the right side. Pulleys and rollers routed the cable under the body and out the rear frame cross-member.

 With a short wheelbase, mid-mounted winch and short overhang the body was only 9 feet long. Both sides had sideboards with fold down troop seats and bows for a tarpaulin. Two spare tires were mounted inside the body one along each side. Early models had all steel bodies but in 1942 they were replaced by largely wood types to conserve steel. All Corbitt’s (3,077) were prime movers with White also building a total of 3,547.The trucks were finally replaced by the M39 series 5-ton 6x6 in the 1950s.

The first part to be made up is the chassis which is assembled with cross members and not the more common ladder type chassis...

Cheers.

Gaz.