±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: 377
Total: 377
Who Is Where:
 Visitors:
01: Home
02: Home
03: Home
04: Community Forums
05: Downloads
06: Home
07: Your Account
08: Photo Gallery
09: Home
10: Community Forums
11: Member Screenshots
12: Home
13: Community Forums
14: Community Forums
15: Member Screenshots
16: Home
17: Home
18: Home
19: Member Screenshots
20: Community Forums
21: Home
22: Home
23: Home
24: Home
25: Home
26: Member Screenshots
27: Home
28: Community Forums
29: Home
30: Member Screenshots
31: Home
32: Photo Gallery
33: Community Forums
34: Home
35: Home
36: Photo Gallery
37: Home
38: Member Screenshots
39: Home
40: Home
41: Home
42: Member Screenshots
43: Community Forums
44: Home
45: Home
46: Community Forums
47: Community Forums
48: Community Forums
49: Home
50: Home
51: Home
52: Community Forums
53: Downloads
54: Home
55: Home
56: Community Forums
57: Photo Gallery
58: Home
59: Member Screenshots
60: Community Forums
61: Home
62: Community Forums
63: Home
64: Community Forums
65: Downloads
66: Home
67: Home
68: Home
69: Community Forums
70: Home
71: Community Forums
72: Member Screenshots
73: Community Forums
74: Home
75: Home
76: Community Forums
77: Home
78: Community Forums
79: Home
80: Home
81: Downloads
82: Home
83: Community Forums
84: Home
85: Photo Gallery
86: Home
87: Home
88: Home
89: Home
90: Home
91: Home
92: Community Forums
93: Home
94: Home
95: Community Forums
96: Home
97: Community Forums
98: Community Forums
99: Community Forums
100: Community Forums
101: Community Forums
102: Photo Gallery
103: Community Forums
104: Statistics
105: Community Forums
106: Photo Gallery
107: Community Forums
108: Community Forums
109: Home
110: Photo Gallery
111: Home
112: Community Forums
113: Community Forums
114: Photo Gallery
115: Home
116: Community Forums
117: Member Screenshots
118: Home
119: Home
120: Community Forums
121: Community Forums
122: Home
123: Home
124: Community Forums
125: Photo Gallery
126: Home
127: Photo Gallery
128: Home
129: Home
130: Community Forums
131: Home
132: Member Screenshots
133: Community Forums
134: Community Forums
135: Photo Gallery
136: Community Forums
137: Community Forums
138: Community Forums
139: Downloads
140: Community Forums
141: Home
142: News Archive
143: Member Screenshots
144: Member Screenshots
145: Photo Gallery
146: Home
147: Community Forums
148: Member Screenshots
149: Home
150: Downloads
151: Downloads
152: Home
153: Member Screenshots
154: Home
155: Member Screenshots
156: Home
157: Home
158: Home
159: Home
160: Community Forums
161: Photo Gallery
162: Home
163: Community Forums
164: Community Forums
165: Member Screenshots
166: Community Forums
167: Home
168: Home
169: Home
170: Statistics
171: Community Forums
172: Community Forums
173: Community Forums
174: Home
175: Home
176: Community Forums
177: Home
178: Community Forums
179: Home
180: Home
181: Photo Gallery
182: Photo Gallery
183: Home
184: Community Forums
185: Home
186: Member Screenshots
187: Home
188: Home
189: Home
190: Community Forums
191: Home
192: Community Forums
193: Community Forums
194: Home
195: Community Forums
196: Home
197: Photo Gallery
198: Community Forums
199: Photo Gallery
200: News Archive
201: Home
202: Home
203: Home
204: Community Forums
205: Community Forums
206: Home
207: Home
208: Home
209: Community Forums
210: Community Forums
211: Community Forums
212: Home
213: Community Forums
214: Community Forums
215: Community Forums
216: Home
217: Home
218: Community Forums
219: Home
220: Community Forums
221: Community Forums
222: Home
223: Home
224: Community Forums
225: Community Forums
226: Home
227: Home
228: Community Forums
229: Home
230: Home
231: Community Forums
232: Community Forums
233: Photo Gallery
234: Home
235: Community Forums
236: Home
237: Photo Gallery
238: Photo Gallery
239: Home
240: Community Forums
241: Home
242: News
243: Community Forums
244: Home
245: Home
246: Community Forums
247: Community Forums
248: Community Forums
249: Home
250: Home
251: Home
252: Home
253: Home
254: Community Forums
255: Home
256: Home
257: Home
258: Home
259: Photo Gallery
260: Downloads
261: Community Forums
262: Photo Gallery
263: Member Screenshots
264: Member Screenshots
265: Member Screenshots
266: Community Forums
267: Member Screenshots
268: Home
269: Home
270: Community Forums
271: Community Forums
272: Home
273: Community Forums
274: Community Forums
275: Community Forums
276: Home
277: Community Forums
278: Home
279: Home
280: Home
281: Community Forums
282: Home
283: Member Screenshots
284: Home
285: Downloads
286: Home
287: Home
288: Photo Gallery
289: Community Forums
290: Community Forums
291: Photo Gallery
292: Home
293: Home
294: Home
295: Home
296: Home
297: Photo Gallery
298: Home
299: Downloads
300: Community Forums
301: Home
302: Home
303: Home
304: Community Forums
305: Downloads
306: Home
307: Home
308: Community Forums
309: Home
310: Member Screenshots
311: Photo Gallery
312: Home
313: Home
314: Home
315: Community Forums
316: Community Forums
317: Home
318: Community Forums
319: Home
320: Community Forums
321: Downloads
322: Home
323: Home
324: Home
325: Community Forums
326: Home
327: Community Forums
328: Home
329: Home
330: Photo Gallery
331: Photo Gallery
332: Community Forums
333: Home
334: Home
335: Home
336: Home
337: Home
338: Home
339: Home
340: News Archive
341: Home
342: Community Forums
343: Home
344: Community Forums
345: Community Forums
346: Community Forums
347: Member Screenshots
348: Downloads
349: Community Forums
350: Home
351: Home
352: Home
353: Downloads
354: News Archive
355: News Archive
356: Home
357: Home
358: Home
359: Community Forums
360: Home
361: Community Forums
362: Home
363: Home
364: Home
365: Member Screenshots
366: Photo Gallery
367: Photo Gallery
368: Home
369: Home
370: Home
371: Community Forums
372: Home
373: Home
374: Home
375: Downloads
376: Home
377: Community Forums

Staff Online:

No staff members are online!
M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...
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: Wed Aug 16, 2006 2:26 am
Post subject: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

This caught my eye because its not an M4A3E8, and because of the scars on its side. I would bet she was a range target at one time. You can see some serious gouges on her side and holes in a couple road wheels, esspecially the last one. There is no engine in this and the paint is so thick it sickening. No visable markings. It sits at the corner of the 1st Cav parking lot as you enter the museum area. The other corner had the M43 I posted. I got this picture at 17:15hrs today so excuse the glare from the sun. The left hatch as you look head-on at it was un-secure. But I about burnt my hand on another Sherman about 10 minutes earlier so I didn't climb aboard and snap pictures. Perhaps this weekend in the morning hours. Enjoy.

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

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 704

PostPosted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 4:15 am
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

Cool!! A VVSS M4A3(105)!! Jeff, you are my new hero!!

_________________
Chris "toadman" Hughes
www.toadmanstankpictures.com
www.cafepress.com/toad...ksandstuff
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website
binder001
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 25, 2006
Posts: 363

PostPosted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 11:37 am
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

Thanks for posting these photos. I remember that someone had once mentioned an M4/105 or M4A3/105 at Ft. Hood. Not too bad of shape. From the nicks in the sides I'm guessing this one was out on an artillery or mortar range for a while.

By the way, as to the plaque for the tank - they weren't just for "infantry close support missions". The WW2 tank battaion had an Assault Gun Platoon as part of the HQ Company. Originally three 75mm howitzers ( Howitzer Motor Carriage M8), they were upgraded to 105mm M4 in early-mid 1944, and the M4A3 105s came in fall 1944. The original three howitzer tanks were joined by one per company HQ section, but some units apparently used all six together. They were the tank battalion commander's own artillery support. The assault gun platoon lacked a fire direction center, but they could be tied in to DIVARTY.

Interestingly, this is the one Sherman that could penetrate a Panther from the front! The 105mm HEAT round could pierce the Panther's armor, but obviously required a good hit (and most WW2 105 howitzer tanks had only MANUAL turret traverse, although this was addressed later in production).

Gary
Back to top
View user's profile
SFC_Jeff_Button
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1311
Location: Ft Hood, TX
PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 4:00 am
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

Toadman, as your new "hero", I must ask, is this a herd to find tank and if so, why?

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

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 704

PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 4:54 am
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

- SFC_Jeff_Button
Toadman, as your new "hero", I must ask, is this a herd to find tank and if so, why?


In my experience, it seems that the majority of surviving M4A3(105)'s have HVSS. Most likely, they were converted post-war from VVSS to HVSS, much like many of the M4A3(76)'s were.

I know that one of the ones found in Iraq had VVSS. Other than that one and one in Luxembourg, I don't really know of too many more with VVSS.

_________________
Chris "toadman" Hughes
www.toadmanstankpictures.com
www.cafepress.com/toad...ksandstuff
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website
SFC_Jeff_Button
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1311
Location: Ft Hood, TX
PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 3:32 am
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

Toadman or anyone else, do we have any build numbers and possible serial numbers for these?

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

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1997
Location: El Paso & Ft Bliss, Texas
PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 4:16 pm
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

Hi Jeff! Hi Folks!

- SFC_Jeff_Button

do we have any build numbers and possible serial numbers for these?


I can't help with the serial number question, but per Hunnicutt the build numbers were:

M4(A0) 105 was 1,641 built from Feb 1944 to March 1945.
593 were shipped to the United Kingdom, Lend-Lease.
Last 841 vehicles where build with the HVSS (Easy Eight) system

M4A3 105 was 3,039 built from May 1944 to June 1945.
First 500 had the VVSS system with 2,539 build with the HVSS (Easy Eight) system.
I guess that would make this vehicle one of only 500.

Spot Report!
Sgt, Scouts Out! Smile

Found that when I tried to use the letter 'E' with the number '8', a smilie face would show in my message. That is why I used the words 'Easy Eight'.

_________________
"You can never have too much reconnaissance."
General G.S. Patton Jr.
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
toadmanstankpictures
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 704

PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 4:26 pm
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

- SFC_Jeff_Button
Toadman or anyone else, do we have any build numbers and possible serial numbers for these?


I'd check with Joe DeMarco or Kurt Laughlin for s/n's.

_________________
Chris "toadman" Hughes
www.toadmanstankpictures.com
www.cafepress.com/toad...ksandstuff
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website
SFC_Jeff_Button
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1311
Location: Ft Hood, TX
PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 2:49 am
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

Man-o-man I cant wait till this weekend, and here's why. I found today that this 105mm Sherman is unsecure!!! I could see the data plate but it was 17:30hrs, my son was with me, traffic was flowing by, and the MP station was about 75meters off the gun barrel. I did not want the MP's or museum personnel have a cow with me for climbing in, but its gonna happen this Saturday morning. I just hope the data plate is readable. I was blown away that the MG was still in the hull, albeit welded in place. The other pictures are for Joe DeMarco because they will help him ID and register this M4 for future reference. Toadman, is this "Hero" material still? haha

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

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 23, 2006
Posts: 4678
Location: The Great Satan
PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 11:08 am
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

Holy Moly...a real M37 (or M1919A4E1?)! I notice no pistol grip for dismounted operation, so maybe an M37 fitted to this vehicle?

I actually trained on the pistol grip version and thought "Jeez, this thing is older than my father!"
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website Photo Gallery
bsmart
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 23, 2006
Posts: 2523
Location: Central Maryland
PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:26 pm
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

Isn't that round piece at the rear with the extension angling downward the pistol grip? I wonder if the gun is welded in place or just rusted in place?

What's the NSN for WD-40 It looks like we need a couple gallons.

_________________
Bob Smart ([email protected])
Back to top
View user's profile Send e-mail
toadmanstankpictures
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 704

PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 4:17 pm
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

- SFC_Jeff_Button
Toadman, is this "Hero" material still? haha


This is totally cool! Yeah, its "hero" material! I may have to find away to hire you to take mucho pics for me! Laughing Laughing

_________________
Chris "toadman" Hughes
www.toadmanstankpictures.com
www.cafepress.com/toad...ksandstuff
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website
SFC_Jeff_Button
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 24, 2006
Posts: 1311
Location: Ft Hood, TX
PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 4:26 pm
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

This MG has the pistol grip. I don't know if its welded inside the hull, butt it was welded on the outside. I really wanted to climb right in but I wasn't dressed for it and I thought the museum helpers might still be around. If I dont get back inside Saturday, I will Sunday.

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

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 23, 2006
Posts: 4678
Location: The Great Satan
PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 4:43 pm
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

- bsmart
Isn't that round piece at the rear with the extension angling downward the pistol grip? I wonder if the gun is welded in place or just rusted in place?

What's the NSN for WD-40 It looks like we need a couple gallons.


Jeez, you're right...couldn't make it out before. Would that be correct for the vehicle in that location? Would you even need that charging handle extension on the bow gunner weapon?

It's been a long time....
Back to top
View user's profile Visit poster's website Photo Gallery
clausb
Power User

Offline Offline
Joined: Jan 25, 2006
Posts: 146

PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 5:55 pm
Post subject: Re: M4A3 105mm Howitzer at Ft Hood...

- toadmanstankpictures
In my experience, it seems that the majority of surviving M4A3(105)'s have HVSS. Most likely, they were converted post-war from VVSS to HVSS, much like many of the M4A3(76)'s were.

I know that one of the ones found in Iraq had VVSS. Other than that one and one in Luxembourg, I don't really know of too many more with VVSS.


Some early M4A3(105) VVSS were converted in the 1950ies with 75mm gun turrets and 76mm M1A1 guns, at least the serial numbers suggest that this is how they created M4A3E4s that went to Denmark through MDAP.

Claus B
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