Neat little book from Tankograd publishing

[pfarber]

Saw this book on Amazon.com:

"US WWII GMC CCKW-352 & 353 2 1/2-Ton 6x6 Cargo Trucks"
Tankograd Technical Manual Series No 6015.

It was all of $12 (I had a gift cert) I think $19 full price.

Its in English and German, and contains lots of period pics of CCKWs in use and undergoing maintenance/repairs. There is not a lot of new info.. as most of the data comes from TMs (you'll easily recognize the TM pics if you've read the TM9's). The book also states that it is NOT a restoration guide. Nice bit of honesty on their part.

But the main reason I got it was for the maintenance pictures. All pics are B&W, but are crisp and clear. Many engine shots and lots of engine removal shots. One nice added benefit is that registration numbers are listed if known. It also uses the '1-4th Series' classification of trucks to put them into general categories. Another nice touch

Lots of trucks have names, and some have quite a few interesting stencils applied.

Very interesting book simply due to the pictures of CCKWs in service and under repair.

[WWII TRUCK]

My alltime favorite CCKW book as it has few restored European trucks to misguide the new collector.

[pfarber]

I counted over 12 differnet 'National Insignias' paintjobs.

One thing I like to look for is how the stars/invasion circle and unit markings are done.

[WWII TRUCK]

There were stencil kits in inventory, but many stencils were hand cut or the insignias and numerals done free hand.

[pfarber]

Yes, but even with stencils the quality still had that 'urgently completed' look which I find much more interesting than the modern day restorer using laser rangefinders and epoxy paints to achieve a sterile and unimpressive result.

[WWII TRUCK]

It is all preferance, stars, notations and other contrasting marks gives a Mafia Staff car look.
I like the pre 1942 unit markings on the doors in Blue Drab.