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SFC_Jeff_Button · Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 2:09 am Post subject: M74 at Ft Hood 1st Cav museum...

Found this Sherman varient, M74 TRV. I posted one like it from here before, a page or so back, but it had rubber track where this one has metal track. I was wondering how rare this is on M74's? M74's were converted between Feb 1954 and Oct 1955 at Bowen-McLaughlin's York, PA. plant. Original plan was for 650 built, but due to money constraints, figures are probably lower. Most M74's were converted M4A3's, some with the 105mm Howitzer cannon. I read that the M74 was the longest serving varient of Sherman, with its tech amnuals not being rescinded of the active Army until 1964, however some remained in effect for Guard and Reserve units after that date. This M74 has 65332 stamped into the rear tow lugs. The front hull has 1062953, CP8401. The "CP" would indicate a Chrysler build.

glmm · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Sep 19, 2006 Posts: 6

I don`t know how old the information panel is, but Spain retired the M74 in the early 70s, the survivors being passed to Portugal.

And I very much doubt Belgium still uses it! Razz

SFC_Jeff_Button

I can't really comment on these countries but I did research another M74 that was found at China Lake in 1999 and was transferred to Ft. Irwin, CA in 2000. It had an over-haul data plate dated 1966 and was believed to have been in Europe at that time. It started life as an M4A3 (105) and was one of 1119 in a depots after V-J day. It was converted between Feb 1954 and Oct 1955.
The M74 was the longest serving Sherman varient. Technical manuals for the M74 were not rescinded for the Active Army until 1974, however they remained in effect for a number of years after in the Army Reserve and National Guard units.
There are a total of 3 M74's on Ft Hood currently on display.