I am researching the Australian Armys AM General M816 wreckers as used by the RAEME.
I have been in contact with a few museums, ex Recy Mechs and others but am interested in getting a broader picture of the modifications that were made to the 816s.
Some of the modifications were standard for all wreckers, however there were also a lot of changes/additions that were done by specific units - even down to a singular truck.
Some of these mods were: Additional warning/marker lights, lockers and stowage bins, bypass oil filter, TAC plates, 2nd spare tyre, Australian Jerry cans, suspended towing brackets etc., etc.
I don't yet know much about the alternate kit - some stayed as US issue, other British/Empire stuff was substituted.
If anyone out there (other than those who I am already corresponding with) would like to chip in with any info - I'd really appreciate the help.
I am fabricating as much as I can get info on, though sourcing some of the added lights will be an issue.
Cheers.
Howard
Some examples of differences noted from pics etc.
The Suspended towing brackets on the rear end were fitted when it was realised that there was no way the standard A-Frame would take the load of the MC3 Mack fleet.
I'll dig through my photo albums and scan in a pic I have of a Mack on suspended Tow on an 816.
I had operated the Melbourne Workshop Company 816 in your Pics back in the 80's.
Australian M816's
in Research Centre
Posted
The Suspended towing brackets on the rear end were fitted when it was realised that there was no way the standard A-Frame would take the load of the MC3 Mack fleet.
I'll dig through my photo albums and scan in a pic I have of a Mack on suspended Tow on an 816.
I had operated the Melbourne Workshop Company 816 in your Pics back in the 80's.