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Mike_G · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Sep 28, 2006 Posts: 4

Could someone asisst me with an image of the mortar ammo fuze rack for a Vietnam war period M106?

I'm detailing the old Tamiya kit for a diorama and have no reference pictures showing the rack. The kit appears to represent an empty rack and I would like to show it loaded with fuzes, if that is appropriate.

Thanks, Mike G.

Joe_D · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:53 pm Post subject: Re: M106 Ammo storage

Mike G,

I wish I could help you, usually when no on replies it's because we can't help. No one is ignoring you. Maybe Mr. Kibbey can help when he reports back in.

BTW, welcome to the DG.

Joe D

Mike_G · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Sep 28, 2006 Posts: 4

Thanks, Joe.

There's probably a reference book somewhere, such as Hunnicut, that has a picture of this.

Just my luck, in every picture I have the rack is blocked from view. I've scoured the net and probably have every image out there. In one picture the rack is being used to store a rifle, no fuzes!

Mike G.

MarkHolloway · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:10 pm Post subject: Re: M106 Ammo storage

I wonder if SFC Button, our resident infantry indirect fire specialist, has any manuals with pictures?

MarkHolloway · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:16 pm Post subject: Re: M106 Ammo storage

Probably no help.......

Doug_Kibbey · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:32 pm Post subject: Re: M106 Ammo storage

- Joe_D

Mike G,

I wish I could help you, usually when no on replies it's because we can't help. No one is ignoring you. Maybe Mr. Kibbey can help when he reports back in.

BTW, welcome to the DG.

Joe D

I'm currently away, but checking in from time-to-time.
I don't have any from the M106, but I know a couple of people offline I can ask. Currently in touch with Col. Stokes, last CO of the 11th ACR in Vietnam (and Roy and my last boss there), I'll see what he might have or can ask about for.

MarkHolloway · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:49 pm Post subject: Re: M106 Ammo storage

Just noticed the reg number on the picture I posted. Is that an unusual one? Neutral

Mike_G · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Sep 28, 2006 Posts: 4

Thanks for the pic Mark. I have that one. You guessed right, it shows the shell rack. The fuze rack is on the other side.

Mike G.

SFC_Jeff_Button · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2008 1:44 am Post subject: Re: M106 Ammo storage

Mike,
I have gone through my old pictures, (not all of them) and have as yet found any of the old M106's. I mainly served on the M1064's but from 1993-1996, 2-7IN of the 24th ID still had the M106A2 with the 4.2in, M30 (4-Duece) Mortar system. I have FM 23-92, dated June 1970 that is about the Mortar system and has a small part about the M106. Sadly no pictures of the fuze rack are in it. Even if it did have a picture, it would be different from the 81mm mortar version. Which are you looking for exactly?
The picture mark posted from Vietnam clearly shows the bridge assembly and the baseplate hung on the side of the vehicle. What is starngely missing is the rotator assembly. It belongs where the circular hole is in the right-rear fender. It fits into the top of the baseplate and it is what the M30 cannon fit into. The entire ground-mount sytem was called the M24A1.
That gun track is not set up to fire, as it's Mortar is still in the "travel-lock" position. However the M53 sight unit does appear to be mounted. This was suppossed to be a "no-no" due to the vibration of the track damaging the sight while moving. However we often "cheated" this way, leaving the sight on for quicker set-ups. Looks as if the trim vane on front is up as well but not positive on that.
That reg number is probably correct, especially for an early model M106. Our M1064's had the reg number stamped into the upper left hull,(as you look head-on) under the headlight.
I hope this helps somewhat and i will go through my manuals this weekend and try to see what I can come up with for the fuze rack. However I'm sure you would rather have an actaul photo. There was an M106 at Camp Mabry but it was locked up and sadly there are no M106's on display here at Ft. Hood. I always wished they would set up an M106 inside a museum where people could see up close the working of the Mortar track and crew. They played a vital role in support of armor/Infantry especially with illum and smoke rounds.

Mike_G · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Sep 28, 2006 Posts: 4

Thanks for the info Jeff. I'm building an M106A1 with the M30 4.2" mortar.

Even if there are no clear pictures, maybe someone will recollect how the fuze storage tubes were situated in the rack.

Here is my best pic. Its an A2 but the set up is the same. You can see the rack on the right. It appears empty except for what looks like an M16?

I agree, this vehicle would be an awesome museum exhibit. You could actually have a whole museum on the M113 family alone that would be amzingly diverse and interesting and cover over half a century of specialized AFV design and development.

Mike G.

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