Mystery German vehicle on CMP chassis

[T. Metsovitis]

This thread on the French language forum of Missing Lynx http://www.network54.com/Forum/threa...eid=1119163881 contains this link http://www.kaf30.mephi.ru/htm/60j/12.html


and this is the rear view

It looks like it's based on a CMP chassis.
Can anybody shed any light on this mystery vehicle?

Fyll

[Maurice Donckers]

it is based on a Bedford 4x2 chassis , and is fitted with an artillery wheel , on the rear is an original wheel as a spare.
maurice

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Also see the thread Identification Quizz.

H.

[T. Metsovitis]

Hi Maurice,

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction. Now I wonder if it is the 15cwt or the 30cwt chassis. I would say the 30cwt OXA or OXC as the wheel pattern does indeed match the early models. Any additional info or pics would be much appreciated.

Fyll

[T. Metsovitis]

Hi Hanno,

Yes that vehicle is similar and seems to be based on the same chassis, but the bodywork differs in several small details. The rear plate for instance is not flat and there seem to be differences in the configuration of the side armour as well. The plot thickens and becomes more fascinating...

Fyll

[Maurice Donckers]

Must be a 15 cwt chassis , by the look of the distance of the wheels , and the tires look like 900x16.
maurice

[Richard Farrant]

Originally posted by Maurice Donckers
it is based on a Bedford 4x2 chassis , and is fitted with an artillery wheel , on the rear is an original wheel as a spare.
maurice

Going only by the wheels, they are the early 3-pice rim type with holes in them, as commonly found on prewar Morris Commercial CS8. I do not think that Bedford fitted these. Not conclusive evidence on the maker of the running gear, but the Germans did have a particular liking for the MCC products as well as Bedfords.

Richard

Originally posted by Richard Farrant
Going only by the wheels, they are the early 3-pice rim type with holes in them, as commonly found on prewar Morris Commercial CS8. I do not think that Bedford fitted these. Not conclusive evidence on the maker of the running gear, but the Germans did have a particular liking for the MCC products as well as Bedfords.

Not only, but also. . . . . . . . .
It could be the French Laffley V15 4x4, these were also taken into Wehrmacht service in quantity, armoured bodies on the 6x6 Laffley are common. The gun is on the MG-Sockel 41 mount which allows fully counterbalanced operation to the vertical.

R.

[Richard Farrant]

Originally posted by FV623
Not only, but also. . . . . . . . .
It could be the French Laffley V15 4x4,

Front hub of vehicle pictured is not driven, so unlikely a V15, hub looks very much like that fitted to a Bedford MW.

Richard

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by T. Metsovitis
http://www.kaf30.mephi.ru/htm/60j/12.html

Another one:

Source: http://www.kaf30.mephi.ru/htm/60j/23.html

[T. Metsovitis]

Thanks Hanno,

This one seems to identical to the ones in the first two pictures. It even has those 'panels' on the side. I'm wondering if these could be some sort o trench crossing device, although they do look a bit short for that.

Fyll

[T. Metsovitis]

It's amazing how answers for apparently hard to solve mysteries just turn up. Here is the answer to the mystery and a fascinating 3/4 front view.


Found here: http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtop...80610&start=30 It seems that we suddenly have plenty of info on the Bedford armoured vehicle. Thank God so many German troops seemed to own cameras and also that we have the Internet that lets us share all this!

Fyll

[Godwin Hampton]

May I join in the Fray?

The vehicle that started this thread seems to be based on the Bedford MW 15cwt. truck. This is indicated by the shape of the front brake drum. As Maurice Donckers pointed out, the wheel is off a gun, probably an 18/25 pounder, with hooks around the rim to attach drag ropes for manhandling.

In the rear view, the wheel also seems to possess these hooks. The advantage of using these wheels is that they were usually fitted with Runflat tyres, ideal for an armoured car. So why carry a spare? In action, the tyres could only run deflated for a limited milage, enough to get them out of trouble, and would then have to be removed and repaired.

The rear view also shows the uniquely British 15cwt. truck tow hook, confirming the origin of the chassis.

[Gunner]

Hi Guys:

What's with the large white bars defacing the photos. They block out significant detail.

I understand people wanting to protect copyright but this is ridiculous.

Cheers! Mike

[Larry Hayward]

Has anyone got a clue as to the German designation for this unknown A/C and how many were built? And where were the shots of the destroyed examples taken? In Eastern Front, Russia or the West?

[Ryan]

Looks like a good vehicle to repro.

[Larry Hayward]

I may actually be an Armoured CMP, so you might have better luck in Oz getting a chassis and engine and doing a repro. I seem to remember someone did scale drawings for this vehicle for a modelling magazine, which might help.