Wow! eBook
U.S. Army Tractor Trucks and Semitrailers
Author(s): Didier Andres (Author)
- Publisher: Casemate
- Publication Date: August 7, 2025
- Language: English
- Print length: 160 pages
- ISBN-10: 1636245900
- ISBN-13: 9781636245904
Book Description
In the late 1930s, the U.S. Army began a significant overhaul of its vehicle fleet, shaping the logistics backbone of World War II. Affecting this effort were two major schools of thought regarding logistical support: some experts proposed the trailer or semi-trailer, which had a physical separation between the mechanical part of the truck and the rear technical part containing supplies or specialist equipment; opponents encouraged the use of compact and inseparable assemblies to save time in the field. Both types of trucks would be used during World War I, complete trucks intended for the front and its immediate rear, the lines of communications and the staging area being the domain of tractors and semi-trailers.
This book examines all the different weight categories of tractor trucks and semi-trailers used by the U.S. Army during World War II. Illustrated with hundreds of period photographs, illustrations, and diagrams, the text discusses all variants including an array of specialized vehicles for units such as commissary, engineering, aviation, and cavalry.
Table of Contents Introduction: To tow or not 1.50-ton Tractor Trucks2.50-ton Tractor Trucks
4–5-ton Tractor Trucks
5-ton Tractor Trucks
5–6-ton Tractor Trucks
7.5-ton Tractor Trucks
12-ton Tractor Trucks
20-ton Tractor Trucks
Special series
Special semi-trailers
Dollies
Post-war
Editorial Reviews
Review
History in Motion
“For the tractor trailer buff, here is a magnificent overview of them all…”
“This book opened my eyes to the various big tractors and trailers used by the military in WWII, and the important roles they played. The text in this volume is well written, clearly describing the development, needs for the vehicles, and their wartime employment.”
“The photographs are clear and illustrate the text while offering a look behind the scenes into a not-often seen part of the logistics war. I highly recommend this book to modelers interested in the tractor trailers of this period or anyone looking for a different view of what’s become a virtual saturation of WW II subjects.”
“…an interesting read and a great initial introduction to the subject. Well worth picking up.”
“This will really hit the spot for a B vehicle nerd or modeller seeking logistic inspiration and detail.”
“… enhanced by a plethora of photographs and diagrams on every page.”
