±Recent Visitors

Recent Visitors to Com-Central!

±User Info-big


Welcome Anonymous

Nickname
Password

Membership:
Latest: HighestAce
New Today: 0
New Yesterday: 0
Overall: 6648

People Online:
Members: 0
Visitors: 237
Total: 237
Who Is Where:
 Visitors:
01: Home
02: Home
03: Downloads
04: Downloads
05: Community Forums
06: Home
07: Member Screenshots
08: News
09: Home
10: Your Account
11: Community Forums
12: Community Forums
13: Home
14: Community Forums
15: Community Forums
16: Community Forums
17: Community Forums
18: Community Forums
19: Home
20: Home
21: Community Forums
22: Home
23: News
24: Home
25: Community Forums
26: Home
27: Statistics
28: Community Forums
29: Home
30: Community Forums
31: Home
32: Photo Gallery
33: Community Forums
34: Community Forums
35: Community Forums
36: Member Screenshots
37: News
38: Community Forums
39: Home
40: Home
41: Community Forums
42: Home
43: News
44: Your Account
45: Community Forums
46: Downloads
47: Home
48: Photo Gallery
49: Home
50: Community Forums
51: Community Forums
52: Home
53: Home
54: Community Forums
55: Community Forums
56: Your Account
57: Home
58: Home
59: Photo Gallery
60: Downloads
61: Home
62: Community Forums
63: Photo Gallery
64: Community Forums
65: Photo Gallery
66: Home
67: Community Forums
68: Home
69: Home
70: Community Forums
71: Tell a Friend
72: Home
73: Community Forums
74: Home
75: Home
76: Community Forums
77: Community Forums
78: Photo Gallery
79: Downloads
80: Home
81: Community Forums
82: Downloads
83: Home
84: Home
85: Home
86: Home
87: Home
88: Member Screenshots
89: Home
90: Community Forums
91: Home
92: Photo Gallery
93: Home
94: Your Account
95: Photo Gallery
96: Home
97: Home
98: Community Forums
99: Home
100: Community Forums
101: Home
102: Community Forums
103: Community Forums
104: Home
105: Community Forums
106: Photo Gallery
107: Home
108: Community Forums
109: Community Forums
110: Your Account
111: Home
112: Home
113: Community Forums
114: Community Forums
115: Community Forums
116: Community Forums
117: Home
118: Community Forums
119: Home
120: Home
121: Home
122: Home
123: Community Forums
124: Home
125: News Archive
126: Home
127: Photo Gallery
128: Your Account
129: Home
130: Community Forums
131: Community Forums
132: Community Forums
133: Your Account
134: Home
135: Community Forums
136: Community Forums
137: Community Forums
138: Home
139: Member Screenshots
140: Community Forums
141: Photo Gallery
142: Home
143: Home
144: Community Forums
145: Home
146: Community Forums
147: Home
148: Community Forums
149: News Archive
150: Community Forums
151: Downloads
152: Home
153: Home
154: Home
155: Home
156: Photo Gallery
157: Your Account
158: Downloads
159: Community Forums
160: Home
161: Community Forums
162: Community Forums
163: Home
164: Downloads
165: Community Forums
166: Home
167: Photo Gallery
168: Community Forums
169: Community Forums
170: Home
171: Community Forums
172: Photo Gallery
173: Home
174: Community Forums
175: Home
176: Home
177: Home
178: Photo Gallery
179: Your Account
180: Community Forums
181: Community Forums
182: Home
183: Home
184: Home
185: Community Forums
186: Home
187: Community Forums
188: Home
189: Home
190: Home
191: Home
192: Home
193: Community Forums
194: Community Forums
195: Home
196: Community Forums
197: Your Account
198: Home
199: Community Forums
200: Your Account
201: Home
202: Home
203: Home
204: Community Forums
205: Community Forums
206: Your Account
207: Home
208: Community Forums
209: Community Forums
210: Community Forums
211: Your Account
212: Community Forums
213: Community Forums
214: Home
215: Home
216: Community Forums
217: Community Forums
218: Downloads
219: Photo Gallery
220: Community Forums
221: Photo Gallery
222: Home
223: Home
224: Downloads
225: Home
226: Community Forums
227: Community Forums
228: Home
229: Member Screenshots
230: Home
231: Community Forums
232: Community Forums
233: Community Forums
234: Downloads
235: Community Forums
236: Community Forums
237: Community Forums

Staff Online:

No staff members are online!
Mermite Food Container Info sought....
The AFV ASSOCIATION was formed in 1964 to support the thoughts and research of all those interested in Armored Fighting Vehicles and related topics, such as AFV drawings. The emphasis has always been on sharing information and communicating with other members of similar interests; e.g. German armor, Japanese AFVs, or whatever.
Go to page 1, 2  Next
Post new topic    Reply to topic    Printer Friendly Page     Forum Index ›  AFV News Discussion Board

View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
SFC_Jeff_Button
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1311
Location: Ft Hood, TX
PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 5:44 am
Post subject: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

Hello to all again. It's been a while since I've been on here but so goes the life of a military soldier, father of two sons in sports, and the husband of a wife and household. I have acquired a Mermite Can for food transport. On the side it says te following;
Swartzbaugh MFG CO.
US
Toledo, Ohio 1948

I was told these were formally called the M1944, (Nomenclature). I was also told these first originated in 1948, which would make this one of the first made. However I can not find any sites / information on these. Can anyone help?
By the way, part of the reason for my absense has been my work on restoring my 14 year old sons 1974 Dodge Dart Swinger. This is our father / son project for the next year and a half till he turns 16. No Honda 4 cylinder for him. I wanted a muscle car of sorts for him. We've had it for two months now and it has consumed us, haha.

[img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img]

_________________
SFC Jeff Button "High Angle Hell"
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Photo Gallery
ddoyle
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Nov 12, 2008
Posts: 61

PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 5:59 am
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

I've got an article on these somewhere around here - if no one comes up with the answer by tomorrow morning - I'll find the info an post it here.

Best wishes,
David
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
JG300-Ascout
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 05, 2005
Posts: 6257
Location: Cyberspace
PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:27 am
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

- SFC_Jeff_Button
Hello to all again. It's been a while since I've been on here but so goes the life of a military soldier, father of two sons in sports, and the husband of a wife and household. I have acquired a Mermite Can for food transport. On the side it says te following;
Swartzbaugh MFG CO.
US
Toledo, Ohio 1948

I was told these were formally called the M1944, (Nomenclature). I was also told these first originated in 1948, which would make this one of the first made. However I can not find any sites / information on these. Can anyone help?
By the way, part of the reason for my absense has been my work on restoring my 14 year old sons 1974 Dodge Dart Swinger. This is our father / son project for the next year and a half till he turns 16. No Honda 4 cylinder for him. I wanted a muscle car of sorts for him. We've had it for two months now and it has consumed us, haha.

[img][/img]
[img][/img]
[img][/img]


Had many a meal out of those, Jeff, but don't recall those insertable tins. Good luck with that.

BTW, that Dart Swinger should accept a 360" and there might be a provision for a 383 to fit, unless you feel that's "too much". Wink

I'm not a MOPAR guy, but those were the closest they made to a Chevy II. Nice size/weight for decent performance. Crate motor business ought to be able to help with something.


_________________
"All facts go to clearly prove that Shades is a thrice-cursed traitor & mentally deranged person steeped in inveterate enmity toward mankind"
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
Dontos
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 3436
Location: Vine Grove, KY
PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:30 am
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

Hey Jeff

Nice project car!

Funny how those mermites have not changed in all these years.

At least those look like the ones I remember from my early years. I (like most others in uniform..) served my time in the BSA field kitchen numerous times. I've washed them as KP, and filled them with the standard assortment of food items while assisting at the field 'kitchen'.

Of course, there are the many times acting as 'server' for my unit.

Of course, in more recent times, the mermites have changed with the times, making the old style less common.

...and my wife acuses me of collecting bizarre stuff!!

Regards
Don
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Visit poster's website AIM Address Yahoo Messenger Photo Gallery
Joe_D
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 29, 2006
Posts: 2067
Location: Razorback Country
PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:26 pm
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

Long time no hear from Jeff,

Glad to know all is well.

Mermites, Sounds like some sorta affliction you catch after spending a night down range Laughing

Never thought I'd miss them until we went T-RATS and UGR's . Food may have been cold when it arrived but at least it was available and the coffee was real made with grounds, not that liquid concentrate junk.

Never was a MOPAR man, but like Ascout says, a lot of potential there. Better get them antique tags though, it'll save you some serious bucks along with the collector car insurance. Mine cost 20 bucks and lasts the lifetime of the vehicle (No Renewal), although I'm limited to 5000 miles a year. Not that I've been even close to doing that.

Joe D
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
armyjunk2
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Sep 22, 2006
Posts: 1416

PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 1:54 pm
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

Jeff, Google "Mermite Can"
Back to top
View user's profile
MarkHolloway
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Apr 08, 2006
Posts: 2054
Location: Beatty, Nevada
PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 4:10 pm
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

I remember the tin inserts. I think they were used when only feeding a few people. You could have three or four foods in one Mermite.

The car appears green. You can name it "Mermite Can" cuz it's hot stuff! Wink

_________________
"TUMBLEWEED"
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Photo Gallery
ddoyle
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Nov 12, 2008
Posts: 61

PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 4:33 pm
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

From my 2003 article - still looking for the other article with dates in it:

Mermite cans
Copyright 2003, David Doyle

The mermite can is made up of an inner aluminum shell, surrounded by an outer shell. The space between these two shells is filled during the manufacturing process with formed in place foam having a density of 1.8 pounds per cubic foot. This makes for a container that will maintain the temperature of the foods placed inside for a minimum of three hours. This is commensurate with the intended use of the food container to transport prepared foods from the kitchen to troops in the field.

The can was supplied with three removable interior containers, which each had a fitted lid sealed with a rubber gasket. Each interior container had a bale to aid in its removal.

When the can is going to be used to transport hot foods, the inserts are removed, and two quarts of boiling water poured inside the mermite can, then the inserts are replaced and the cover latched. After 30 minutes the inserts are again removed, and the hot water poured out. Hot foods are placed in the inserts, their lids installed and the inserts placed back in the can. The latches are secured diagonally on the mermite can.

If the can is to be used to transport cold foods, much the same procedure is used. However, instead of filling the can with two quarts of boiling water, the can is filled with ice, or two quarts of ice water. Obviously, both cold and hot foods can be placed in the mermite can at the same time.

After use the inner containers should be hand washed, and the gaskets removed from their lids and also hand washed. The gaskets should be reinstalled before drying. The can itself should also be hand washed. Do not submerge the can when cleaning, as it would be possible for a slight leak to cause the insulation to become water logged.

Appearance of these cans was quite important evidently, with no less than three different PS Magazine articles being published on the subject of repainting. The proper color is X24087 semi gloss olive drab. During manufacture, decals were placed on top of the lid giving operational instructions. These decals were available through supply channels so that repainted cans could be properly remarked.

Over the years these containers were made by a variety of firms for both US and allied forces. They are also dated, on both the external container and on the inner lids. To be correct, all four dates should match each other. If used in a living history or vehicle display, care should also be taken the dates are appropriate.

In February 1996 the specification for the familiar mermite can was cancelled, it having been phased out in favor of a more modern plastic container.
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
ChrisC
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 26, 2006
Posts: 147

PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 9:34 pm
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

I love my Mermite! I keep one insert full of water in the freezer, I drop it in the mermite, put stuff on either side and go, I have had it stay frozen for 3 days at one living history event....
Even though they are technically not "correct" most WWII re-enactors accept the rectangular Mermite in displays, the WWII ones were round and have been getting harder to find.

I was told the Rectangular ones came out late wwii or just post war.
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website
JG300-Ascout
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 05, 2005
Posts: 6257
Location: Cyberspace
PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 9:39 pm
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

Mermite cans were also the perfect instrument for smuggling steaks 'n cakes from the mess hall cold room out to we in the field on those forays in to pick up prepared food.

Don't ask how I know this....

_________________
"All facts go to clearly prove that Shades is a thrice-cursed traitor & mentally deranged person steeped in inveterate enmity toward mankind"
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
Dontos
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 3436
Location: Vine Grove, KY
PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 9:49 pm
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

- JG300-Ascout
Mermite cans were also the perfect instrument for smuggling steaks 'n cakes from the mess hall cold room out to we in the field on those forays in to pick up prepared food.

Don't ask how I know this....



uh huh..... Cool

On an 'Urban Legend' note.

Mermites are the direct cause of 'Green Eggs'. You know this to bw true if you've had to be the unlucky individual who gets the final scoops of scrambled eggs from the deep recesses of those tin inserts.

The greyish-green 'egg' remnants cured my early morning hunger on many occassions.

Perhaps why I still shiver at scrambled eggs.

regards
Don
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail Visit poster's website AIM Address Yahoo Messenger Photo Gallery
JG300-Ascout
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 05, 2005
Posts: 6257
Location: Cyberspace
PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:06 pm
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

- Dontos
- JG300-Ascout
Mermite cans were also the perfect instrument for smuggling steaks 'n cakes from the mess hall cold room out to we in the field on those forays in to pick up prepared food.

Don't ask how I know this....



uh huh..... Cool

On an 'Urban Legend' note.

Mermites are the direct cause of 'Green Eggs'. You know this to bw true if you've had to be the unlucky individual who gets the final scoops of scrambled eggs from the deep recesses of those tin inserts.

The greyish-green 'egg' remnants cured my early morning hunger on many occassions.

Perhaps why I still shiver at scrambled eggs.

regards
Don


Tin inserts my freckled, white fanny. Never saw a tin insert, but many a huge pile of runny scrambled eggs come out of the whole container. I'm not good with color, but they sure weren't the same hue as they are at home! Laughing

_________________
"All facts go to clearly prove that Shades is a thrice-cursed traitor & mentally deranged person steeped in inveterate enmity toward mankind"
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
bsmart
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 23, 2006
Posts: 2523
Location: Central Maryland
PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 11:31 pm
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

I wonder if the pre heating/cooling instructions were followed in the field most of the time or were the containers grabbed of the shelf, the hot or cold food thrown in and taken out to the troops? Any cooks/mess attendants out there?

_________________
Bob Smart (bsmart@xecu.net)
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
SHAWN
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 31, 2006
Posts: 484

PostPosted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:20 am
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

well, one of those things you can take for granted. you can use the thing and never really pay any attention to it. my is sitting here by my pc.
it is better than the plastic and/or styro ones out there.

it is from the Wyott Corp. Cheyanne Wyo. 1974.
never really thought to look at the date, all of the dates are matching so yee haw for me i guess...
thanks jeff, took a closer look at it...

i dont know if i think that to be funny/odd or just nasty doug-- green eggs?. like i joke, i cant handle real dairy or eggs, it has to be powdered, everything powdered, eggs, milk, potatoes... my stomach cant handle real milk... no that is why i always took the eggs when they were over easy/sunny side up-- i knew they had come right from the shells!!!
but all of that is irrelevant, worthless info...
Back to top
View user's profile Photo Gallery
sapper141
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Apr 09, 2006
Posts: 46

PostPosted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:35 am
Post subject: Re: Mermite Food Container Info sought....

Hi guys
In the Canadian army we usually used call the Mermites "hay-boxes". I actually do remember the inserts they used them for hauling soups. I had this one cook who had to add (what I swear) was lard to every soup he made. You'd have to skim off the oil or fat to eat it. Still can't look at vegitable soup yech Rolling Eyes
Back to top
View user's profile
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic    Reply to topic    Printer Friendly Page    Forum Index ›  AFV News Discussion Board
Page 1 of 2
All times are GMT - 6 Hours
Go to page 1, 2  Next



Jump to:  


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum