I was blessed to have the opportunity to actually operate one of these awesome vehicle systems. In my time in the military and for 17 years afterward I was a Army Transporter. In 2010 the US Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis VA acquired an M26A1 and the M15 semitrailer. This vehicle actually ran. The other two newer tank transporters also displayed do not run. I was there for the unloading of the vehicle from lowboys. No one wanted to drive it off the trailer, so I volunteered. After some work (battery/gas) we finally brought the beast to life. The power steering squeaked but worked. As I was backing off the lowboy, I quickly discovered it had NO BRAKES. However, the friction in the chain drive system made it stop with little effort. I got it coupled with the semitrailer (it took some doing due to lack of lubrication on anything). I backed out of the parking lot and drove it to the far side of the museum to where it now stands proudly for all to see. This vehicle only had 2860 miles and was delivered to the Army in Nov 44 (info on the data plate). Lots of great memories there.
I can relate to Mitch's adventure. First time in 24?yd Terex scraper, I had to back it onto a lowboy. After getting it running. 2 engines, no brakes! Lol. Got it loaded on first try thanks to a patient transport guy.
@tonyromano6220 : So were a lot of other military personnel, so what's your point and your claim to fame. My dad was in New Guinea from '42-45, and I was in Vietnam from '67-68 too.
My dad was a tracked vehicle mechanic with the 4th Armored Division. He spoke the praises of the big wreckers and the "Dragon Wagon". In fact, the file photo that accompanies just about every book video or movie of the mechanics changing a motor in a Sherman tank was taken while still training in the States. How do I know this? Look on the tank. There is a guy sitting on the forward edge of the Sherman's engine compartment. That guy, with his back to the camera, is my dad. Dad thought the guys were kidding around when they said, "Hey look they're taking our picture!" That was the standard way to get some rube to turn and look, with great amusement to the other guys. Understand everyone wanted their picture to get in the paper back home. Dad was in the war until the battle for Metz, when his team got hit by an artillery shell. Dad was the only one of his 4 man team to survive, although in a coma for over a year. That's another story in itself. Dad did recover and died on his 70th birthday in 1979. He was my best friend, and yes, my hero. Cheers Terry
I always thought a diatribe was a an abusive or bitter rant/criticism towards someone/something, usually in writing. Usually this had a negative connotation about it.
Thanks for shining a light on this great transporter of World War Two! As a tank commander in the Army in the 1990's I would often load my Abrams tank onto the Dragon Wagon's modern successor, the M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter for hauling to distant locations. I salute the heavy transporter operators who made it happen, then and now.
14:15 When I started working on big trucks, my boss told me to service a truck. He said it had a V-6 in it. No problem. I got to work then noticed it was much larger than a V-6. I asked him about it. He said it is a V-6. 6 down one side and 6 down the other side. I loved working with those guys.
I was enthralled the whole time. Awesome as always. Now I’m going to look around and see if there’s many original or restored examples. I miss machines that were simple, intuitive and perfect.
"What a puny plan." ~ Lord Humungus Such a great movie... saw it at the Drive-In when I was a kid. Darn it, I need a Time Machine... 🚀 Fantastic video, Subscribed!
Fantastic video. I remember seeing pictures of this truck in a book on WWII and thought it was so modern looking for its time. I loved learning about all the practical, bullet proof yet elegant engineering behind it.
Few people appreciate the level of mechanization of US forces in Europe after Normandy, especially compared to other nations. Germany was still largely dependent on horses for logistics that couldn't be handled by train. The role vehicles played in moving and, most importantly, supplying the Allied forces pushing towards Germany simply can't be understated.
@@brianlohnes3079 Just credit where it due.👍🏻 I love trucks or lorries as we(🇬🇧) call them, so much I got a job in a lorry yard in my teens. Couldn't get me up at 0800 to go to school but I'd be down the yard at 0500 with alacrity.😄
@@dennisenright9347 Well mate, IIRC there was 2100 made, so I'd be pleasantly suprised if more than 100, in all conditions, are left. After a quick recce, I've found a PDF of surving Dragon Wagons, last updated in 2018, showing 40 existing. La Calmette Scrapyard had one*, but it was force to close and I'm not sure if anyone saved it due to the $60.000 asking price. Edit* If you Google La Calmette Scrapyard, click on the travellerdave link, there's pics of the Scrapyard showing more than one but bugger knows if any were saved.
My dad worked in the motor pool during WWII. He used to tell me of the many different engines/vehicles he worked on including this beast. Thanks for the video.
Man i love military trucks. I especially love many trucks from WW2. The Dodge's, GM's, Wiilys, and so many others. But the Dragon Wagon was such a unique beast that was built.
What about the AEC Matador just as cool as the M-26, the MAT could go anywhere a Jimmy Deuce and a Half be bogged up to its axles, reason why, the Matador has big fat tyres on both axles, it was like a elephant.
I was an US Army trucker almost 45 years back. I do not know about WW II, but when I trucked the weight classification was the off road load. Paved roads we carried twice that. A 5 ton carried up to 10 tons (20,000 pounds).
There's an M26A not far from me. I had no idea about what the story was about that thing. Now I want to go see if they'll let me go check it out up close. It might even be running since it's not always in the same spot on the farm where it sits Thanks for another great mechanical history lessen
I read over a few of people's comments. Man the misinformation given.The last of these machines were in France in 54 at Laroche my dad was a driver and mechanic on this truck. Truck number 509. They had duplex transmission ,Rockwell drive around 35 was top speed I have numerous photos of this truck moving landcraft from beaches to them moving M 40 tanks. They were the last unit in Europe to use this massive machine .He loved working with this truck and the men of his unit.
Until I watched this video, I didn't know this vehicle ever existed. Thanks once again, as always Brian, for a very interesting, educational & entertaining experience. From a Canadian fan who is always on the look out for your next video.
The first time I ever saw chain-drive in person was at the Mack trucks museum. I think I had been introduced to the concept by one or more of Jay Leno's videos on his own collection, but it was surprising to see in person.
Thank you for the excellent documentary for a vehicle that hasn't gotten enough publicity. It is amazing what the different people/companies did to create a truly awesome vehicle that helped win WWII for the Allies. What a spectacular beast it was .
Thanks Mr Lohnes. Very listenable, the way you presented this was with clear appreciation for history. Because it was so genuine a highlight of interest in the experience and the coolness of a Dragon Wagon, it was captivating. I learned a lot about the chain drive, so unique and simple and powerful. That rolling beam suspension with the chain drive, those pictures are like the best rock crawler race truck suspension today. That chain makes it flexible so the drivetrain can be locked to the frame and will not move.
I enjoy all your videos especially the 60/70s odd and historical drag cars but this video about the m26 is fantastic, I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate you sharing your time and research with us about all these vehicles that deserve to be remembered, as I've said before.. thanks Brian for all you do !!!
Brian, this episode was an absolute treat and you presented it like no-one else can. Thanks for doing what you do and we're looking forward to the next one. Cheers!
Hi Brian, take a look at "Wynns heavy Haulage" here in the UK. They purchased six war time surplus M26 units. Rebuilt the cabs and eventually fitted them with turbo charged Cummins engines. They were called Pacifics. Wynns were the only company to use them over here, and they proved very popular with the crews who operated them. Great subject matter once again Brian. Thankyou.
@@brianlohnes3079 Military Vehicles Archive, a magazine range by Kelsey Media, recently covered all five generations of tank transporter used by the British Army, from the Scammel Pioneer to the Oshkosh M1070F. Here's a modeller's review of the Scammell Commander magazine: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-plyPaMJGvGQ.html&ab_channel=NigelsModellingBench
I used to build military trailers for a company called Loadcraft Industries. Once the contract ran out, they laid all of us off. It was insanely hard work, but I enjoyed every minute of it. To test the trailers, they had an M1 Abrams with an inactive gun to make sure the trailers could hold them. It was so awesome watching that monster roll up on the stuff that I had created.
Terrific video. This is important history as well. Stephen Ambrose writing about D-Day and the campaign in France mentioned how U.S. Army mechanics would just repair anything and everything they could get their hands on, with orders or without. The Germans on the other hand would have a breakdown and just abandon the vehicle. He didn't include that they were in retreat. Still, the Army mechanics were amazing. They quickly sorted out the hedgerow problem in a matter of days. No doubt the M26 was a big part of being able to recover for repair. I'd like to see more videos or writing on how the various combatants in WWII developed and deployed engineering advances during the war.
For lovers of heavy old trucks, also check out the British army's WW2 recovery vehicle: The Scammel Explorer 6x6, with outrageous suspension travel on both front and rear axles to keep all the wheels on the ground. Great video, thanks for posting!
I love it! Nothing catches my eye like the Trucks!! I have an Aviation background, but currently drive trucks. Was nice to hear there is others who share interest in such an underrated asset.
What a great video! My Dad was a gun truck driver and gunner with a mobile anti-aircraft unit, from D-Day to the end of the war. Shooting down a bunch of German planes, including one of the first ME262 shoot downs, all while being bombed and strafed by both sides. I hope you do more World War II military truck videos. It's a subject that's not covered much.
Thank you for this aricle. It gave me a whole new apppreciation for the fantastic efforts by American engineering/ manufacturing that helped USA and Allies win WW II.
Man I wish there were more channels like this that would cover things like Sd.Kfz. 8 or 9. The tank people won't touch it, but trucks were cool and important.
My old Uncle Albert, deceased now, was assigned to the "War Graves" unit, tasked with locating and recovering soldiers' remains. He never talked about it, I'm sure he saw some horrible things. He returned home later, but in another few years was recalled to Army service in Korea. The only thing he'd say of Korea (with that Thousand Yard Stare) was "It was cold, so cold." He lived into his 90s.
I hate that I'm only now learning about this beast! I love learning about all the unglamorous, but crucial, sustainment equipment. Amazing too, given this thing was from the early 40s! Love your engaging and natural presentation style! A lot of RU-vidrs put on a really conceited 'canned contemplative' tone, where they read their script and pretend to be thinking through emotions spontaneously. It's so refreshing to hear someone who's excited to talk about X, so they just talk about X! Cheers, man!
Those drive chains have to be the unsung hero's of this behemoth. All that power being transferred to those axles and tires with all that weight behind it, through a couple chains, unreal. The mother of all chains. Plus, the kinetic energy that would be released when those chains broke would be devastating.
THIS RIG IS AN ABSALUTE ANIMAL !!!!!!!! My Dad had 2 Gas Stations I was a Mechanic at one n My Dads C.B. Handle was Dragin Wagon I never real knew what that meant I sure do now !!!!
As an Army tanker, we always appreciated our logistical support crews and their big tank recovery machines bristling with every device and having every tool, every set, kit and outfit ever needed on board. Working all night covered in mud & grease, with the tank crew wielding ARC welders, blow torches, lifting hooks, hoists and every cool tool to fix our broken beasts. I started watching this video with great anticipation to see this what this behemoth was about, and I was not disappointed. We have some great huge transport & massive recovery trucks now, but old school is always cool.😎
I drove commercial for several years. Seeing how it was done in “old days” has always fascinated me. From the old chain drive Mack’s to the development of the tandem drive of today. The chain drive on the m26 would preclude any high speed ability, they just weren't made for that, but the power that could be developed could be quite amazing. Caterpillar Tractor used the same type of drive on there motor graders, and the truck that the British for tank transport was also a chain drive. Thanks for covering this very interesting piece of military transport. Maybe the DiamondT (m19?) would interest us as well.
Mr. Lohnes... Thank you for another absolutely wicked awesome history lesson!! Absolutely look forward to these... Hope to see you on the Holiday Hooptie challenge this year!!
I worked at a truck stop, one night 4 of these machines rolled in for fuel. The crew were proud of their jobs, and the c.o. was very proud of his dragons! Awesome machines.
Every single part of the drive train would be screaming loud AF at 45. It'd grenade itself I'm sure at 50 & above. Walking beam suspension from Hendrickson is another indestructible set up. I drove dump trucks for a good part of my life. Every single old Ford I've driven will always have a walking beam under it. And my favorite was a 95 Ford L9000 with a 3406, Eaton Fuller 8LL, 373's outback, & a walking beam holding it together and putting the power on the ground. You can see everything the Army learned from this truck on the Hemet they operate today. I would absolutely love to be able to drive 1 of these amazing trucks just once before I'm called home. Like I always say... The proud Americans that took part in this conflict were a completely different breed of Americans. If we ended up in a conflict of this magnitude there will NOT be enough men & women with the heart, mind, & love for our Great Republic to come together and fight off the evil that'll be at our front door. I love the pic of them hauling the landing craft. That's just tough AH.
The Haul of Fame truck museum in Canterbury, CT used to have a horse that was one of only 8 made. It was built to haul 16 inch guns for battleships. It did not look as big as this. In urgent situations we could load trucks to double their rating as long as we stayed on roads. That was a good pic of the T-90. Good Luck, Rick
This was one of the best videos on WWII working machines I have found to date. Full of info and photos that say a lot. Thanks for a great video, iy kept my attention thr full time !
I was stationed to a TECOM unit at Ft Benning Ga in 1973. One of the ranges we worked from had an M26 Tractor and a 105 Sherman in what I would call near new condition along the primary berm. We used the M25 tractor as a shelter during lunch or heavy rain. The darn thing was huge.The M4 was also a great shelter but cramped and we enjoyed "playing" with it at the time most of us were 18 or 19 years old.
There are many WW2 vehicles that get no love , some of them exist to this day. Depends on what type interests you , the machine shops the portable photo and map print units .
Thank you for posting this Brian! This is very well done. I've been on a dragon wagon kick lately and am currently building a 1/35 model of one and have been trying to digest everything out there about them, and this is fantastic. They are/were insane rigs. Long time fan of your work and interests (great job on your monster truck articles and of course your NHRA work!). Thanks for all you do!
Thank you ! Great documentary. My step Dad drove trucks during the vietnam war for the 86 Transport ( Australia ). Great recognition of those whole supply and rescue . Again great job done😂
Thank you for a very informative video. I have a 1/35 scale model from Tamiya that one day I hope to finish building(armoured cab and trailer). Your video makes the detailed kit much more understandable.
Yes, another nice Tamiya kit. Mine will have one of my Jagdtigers on the trailer. Years ago, found confirmation photo when they removed two from Neustadt, Germany March 1945.
Watched a military gathering in Britain last year. The owner of a M26 tractor said there's still about 6 still in running condition while showing off his vehicle.@@goratgo1970
Just stumbled across the fantastic video, nice to learn more about this impressive beast, as mentioned already the Wynns firm in UK had a small fleet of theses, story goes that John Wynn saw some park on a grass verge during ww2 in england, sunk to the axles in mud while grew went for lunch, and simple drove out the mud with no effort. Only one these former Wynns M26s survive. As for the axle set up, the British had the Scammell Pioneer which had some impressive travel on its axles but were very capable when buried in mud recovering tanks.
Having been a truck driver since the mid 80's, a mechanic for a few of those years, and a big fan of much of the military surplus heavy trucks, this video has struck a sweet spot. Paccar, Spicer, and Fuller are all products I have seen throughout my career. And I find it fascinating to see the principals applied in this M26 that had carried over into the private sectors two and a half decades later. I am learning things today! And, Mr. Lohnes, I am a huge fan of your work in the drag racing community.
What a neat piece of forgotten military history. The Dragon Wagon has such a modern angular look to it that it's hard to believe it is of WWII vintage.
Question for you Brian, are you going the the major truck show at New England Dragway in July, if your schedule allows. I love old truck history, especially here in New England. The chain drive trucks were quite common around here into the 1950's. Sterling,and Mack heavy duty chain drive truck built in the 40's were probably still being used into the 70's . with the interstate system being built,and our landscape being mostly ledge,and bolders. The more rugged the vehicles, the better. That's why Mack, and Autocar nominated the truck game around here.
I think I am sadly on the road but the big rig show was one of my favorite days every year as a kid. If you have not ever seen it, find the episode of Put up or shut up we made with the hot rodded rigs.
Unfortunately, I haven't seen that episode. But I've seen many RU-vid videos of the racing in Canada of trucks pulling overloaded double B train trailers uphill. The amount of torque needs to yank frost tires 5' in the air at launch is impressive.
They also went through chains every 1000 miles or so. My granddad served with these trucks and hebused to write home how these trucks broke down because the chains got stretched because the oil on them wasn't good enough. On his truck, they built a catch tray so that when the oil dropped down, it stayed in the tray, and eventually, the chain would run through the oil in the tray. He said after that, they never lost oil because it was all in the drip tray. And then the chain was in oil all the time, so wear was down, and the chain stayed cool. My dad was a gear head when he was still alive, so I got all this and soooo many more stories off of him. I'm not a mechanic myself but do enjoy my cars.
The was THE Tamiya model to build when I was a teenager, it’s their largest and most complex kit. Took me close to 2 years to finish it then. It’s been lost to decades of moves but one of these days, I’ll do it again. It’s an impressive one.
Standing beside a unmuffled Hall Scott 1100 engine, used to pump irrigation water, was a real thrill. 1985, retired from running 24hrs/day. In my minds eye, I can still see the exhaust manifold glowing in the dark. Way out in the field a half a mile away, the mighty roar was unmistakable.
Yooo! Your deep give into old school racing and military vehicles is gonna get quite a following. I've never came across this stuff. I watch Coneofarc and Slapshoes. So this is fitting.
