Dodge WC series

For the civilian post-War variant, see Dodge Power Wagon.
Dodge WC series

Dodge WC-3 ½ ton 4x4
Type 1⁄2 ton (454kg), 3⁄4 ton (680kg), and 1 1⁄2 ton (1,361kg)[lower-alpha 1] 4x4 trucks
Place of origin  United States
Production history
Manufacturer Dodge/Fargo
Produced 1941-1945
Number built More than 255,000
Variants Various (see text)
Specifications (WC-52[1])
Weight 5,550 lb (2,520 kg) empty
Length 176 1⁄2 in (4.48 m)
Width 82 3⁄4 in (2.10 m)
Height 81 7⁄8 in (2.08 m)
Engine Dodge T-214
76 hp (57 kW)
Suspension Beam axles on leaf springs
Operational
range
 240 mi (386.2 km)
Speed 54 mph (87 km/h)

The Dodge WC series was a range of light military trucks produced by Dodge during World War II. The series included weapon carriers, telephone installation trucks, ambulances, reconnaissance vehicles, mobile workshops and command cars. They were replaced after the war by the Dodge M-series vehicles. WC was a Dodge model code: W for 1941 and C for half-ton rating. The C code was retained for the ¾ ton and 1½ ton 6×6 Dodges.[2]

History and design

1936 Dodge pickup showing its influence on the military models

Dodge began producing light trucks immediately upon its formation in 1914. For the first few years these were based largely on the existing passenger cars, later specific chassis and body designs were used. Light- and medium-duty models were offered first, then a heavy-duty range was added during the 1930s and 1940s. Dodge produced its first prototypes of dedicated military trucks in late 1939: the 1/2 ton 4x4 VC series. Production of the VC series started in 1940.[3] At the outset of World War II, Dodge produced the G-505 WC ½ ton series of military light trucks in 38 individual models, thousands of some models were produced, while only a few of some others were made. The WC ½ ton trucks replaced the 1940 VC-1 to VC-6 ½ton Dodge trucks which were also part of the G505 series. 79,771 of the ½ ton trucks were produced during late 1940–1942 under War Department contracts. WC models 1 to 50 were part of the 1/2 ton range and were 80% interchangeable in service parts with the later 3/4 ton models.[2]

Common features of the 1/2 ton trucks were:

The Dodge G-502 ¾ ton 4×4 trucks were first introduced in late 1941. Standard vehicles in the ¾ ton 4×4 class were the WC-51 / WC-52 Weapons Carrier, Telephone Installation Trucks, WC-53 Carryall, and the WC-54 Ambulance. In the cargo trucks, the WC51 was identical to the WC52 but did not have the front bumper-mounted winch.[4]

Models

The table includes data on the relation between identification numbers and types of body fitted.[5] For comparison, earlier Dodge military trucks of the 1/2 ton range are included.

T202T203T207T211T214T215T112T118
Pick-up (closed cab)VC3VF401/VF402, VF404/VF405WC1WC12, WC14 WC40, WC25, WC47WC38, WC47
Pick-up (open cab)VC5 WC3/WC4WC13WC51/WC52WC21, WC22
Pick-up (no rear seats)VC4 WC5
Carry-allVC6 WC10WC17WC53WC26, WC48WC36, WC48
Dump truck VF403, VF406
ReconnaissanceVC1 WC6/WC7WC15WC56/WC57WC23/WC24
Radio truckVC2 WC8WC16WC58/WC64 WC54WC25
Van WC11WC19 WC42, WC49WC37, WC49
Mobile workshop WC60WC41
Maintenance WC60WC43
Portee WC55
Ambulance VF407WC9WC18WC54WC27
Telephone line installation WC59WC43WC 39, WC50
Closed cab (without body) WC20 WC41 WF31

In the case of vehicle identifications separated by a slash, the first number refers to a vehicle not fitted with a winch, and the second to a vehicle fitted with a winch. Numbers separated by a comma indicate similar models but with different secondary details.

Engines

Vehicle codeBore (mm)Stroke (mm)Capacity (cm3)Compression ratioTorque (N m)Power (HP)
T20279.4111.132946.7:120879
T20385.7114.339576.5:125599
T20782.6111.135676.5:122278
T21182.6111.135676.5:122278
T21482.6117.537726.7:124492
T21582.6117.537726.7:124999
T22382.6117.537726.7:124492

Model descriptions

1/2 ton series

WC1, WC5, WC12, WC14, WC40

Closed cab, two seater pickups with a nominal carrying capacity of a 1,000 lb (450 kg).

WC3, WC13, WC21

WC-13 with optional M24 machine gun mount.

Weapon carriers, two seater pickups with open cab. The open cab pickups could be fitted with an optional M24 machine gun mount,which bolted across the front of the bed. The mount could carry the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, as well as the M1919 Browning machine gun, and the M2 Browning machine gun.

WC4, WC22

Dodge WC4 open cab with winch

Open cab weapons carrier, with Braden MU winch, and transverse seats, designed to tow the M3 anti-tank cannon as well as carry the gun crew and ammunition. This type was usually issued to early tank destroyer units. 5570 built.

WC9, WC18, WC27

Dodge WC9

Entering production during 1941 to early 1942,[6] they were specifically designed to serve as military ambulances. These early variants are distinguishable from the later ones by having a curved radiator grille, while the later ones (WC51 onwards) featured a flat grille. These versions were given a longer 123 in (3,100 mm) wheelbase.

WC10, WC17, WC26, WC36, WC48

Carryall trucks with a nominal carrying capacity of a 1,000 lb (450 kg).

WC11, WC19, WC42

Panel trucks carrying radio and communication equipment.

WC6, WC8, WC15, WC16, WC23

Command cars.

WC25

Command car with radio 12 volt

WC7, WC24

Command car with winch

WC39, WC43, WC50

These models were built as signals trucks, designed to install and repair telephone lines, and were also known by the U.S. Signals Corps as the K-50 truck.

WC41

M1 emergency repair truck, Dodge WC41

Fitted with dual rear tires. Mostly employed as an emergency repair truck whose purpose was to provide mobile facilities for emergency ordnance repair. Other types of bodies were produced, such as an oil service vehicle. 902 of these chassis were built.

3/4 ton series

WC51

WC-51

WC51 Truck, Cargo, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/o Winch Dodge (G502) Weapons Carrier. 123,541 were built. The open cab pickup could be fitted with an optional M24A1 machine gun mount, which bolted across the front of the bed. The mount could carry the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, the M1919 Browning machine gun, or the M2 Browning machine gun.

WC52

Dodge WC 52

WC52 Truck, Cargo, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/Winch Dodge (G502) Weapons Carriers was identical to the WC51, but fitted with a Braden MU2 7,500 lb / 3 402 kg capacity winch at the front bumper. 59,114 built.

WC53

WC53

A carryall, mechanically it was virtually identical to the WC54 but was fitted with two windows on each side of its rear body. 8,400 WC53 Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge Carryall (G502) built.

WC54

WC54

Main article: Dodge WC54

The WC54 Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Ambulance Dodge (G502) was produced as an ambulance, but a few were modified to serve as radio/telephone trucks with the US Signal Corps.

WC55

WC55

The WC55 Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Gun Motor Carriage Dodge (G502) was a modified WC52 designed to carry an M3A1 37mm antitank gun and shield mounted on its cargo bed; the WC55 and gun combination was designated M6 Fargo Gun Motor Carriage (GMC) with 37mm Anti-tank Gun (G121). 5,380 built, most later dismantled and returned to service as WC52 cargo trucks.

WC56

WC56 command car without winch

The WC56 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/o Winch Dodge (G502) was a command and reconnaissance vehicle akin to a large Willys Jeep. It did not prove popular as it was heavier and not as maneuverable as the Jeep, and its distinctive profile made it a target.

WC57

Dodge WC-57 command car with winch.

The WC57 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/Winch Dodge (G502) was identical to the WC56 but fitted with a Braden MU2 5,000 lb / 2 268 kg capacity winch at the front bumper. 6,010 built.

WC58

The WC58 Truck, Radio, 3/4 ton, 4x4 w/Winch Dodge (G502) was identical to the WC57 but fitted with a scr radio set in front of the rear seat, and a 12-volt electrical system.

WC59

WC-59, 3/4-ton K-50 telephone truck with ladder on side.

The WC59 Truck, Telephone Maintenance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge (G502) was designed to install and repair telephone lines. Based on the same chassis as the WC54, but with a wheelbase increased by 50 cm. The spare wheel was carried behind the seats, with a step ladder fitted to where the spare wheel would have been. 549 were built. The bed was known by the Signal Corps as the K-50 truck, and was fitted to both Dodge and Chevrolet chassis.

WC60

The WC60 Emergency Repair Chassis, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge (G502) was a mobile workshop designed for field maintenance. It featured the same body as the WC54 but with tool trunks that were accessible from the outside. 296 built.

WC61

WC61/K-50B

The WC61 Light Maintenance Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge (G502) was designed to install and repair telephone lines. Replacement for the WC59, the WC61 had the step ladder fitted to the roof, the spare wheel was fitted behind the seats, and the tool trunks were accessible from the outside. 58 built. The US Signal Corps referred to these as the K-50B truck.

WC62

Dodge WC-62 1.5 ton with no winch.

The WC62 Truck, Cargo and Personnel Carrier, 1 1/2 ton, 6x6 w/o Winch Dodge (G507) Weapons Carrier was based on a lengthened WC51 with an extra axle added. 23,092 built (both WC62 and WC63 variants). One prototype produced as an armored car.[7]

WC63

WC63 1½ TON 6×6 with winch

The WC63 Truck, Cargo and Personnel Carrier, 1 1/2 ton, 6x6 with Winch Dodge (G507) Weapons Carrier was based on a lengthened WC51 with an extra axle added. Identical to the WC62 but fitted with a Braden MU2 7,500 pound capacity winch.

WC64

The WC64 KD Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Ambulance Dodge (G502) was an ambulance based on the same chassis as the WC54 but with a knock-down body designed to increase the amount of vehicles that could be shipped at the same time. 3,500 were built between the beginning of 1945 and the end of the war.[8]

Former operators

 Austria
 Belgium
 Brazil
Free France France
 Greece
 Iran
 Norway
 Portugal
 Philippine Commonwealth
Commonwealth of the Philippines Philippine Republic
 United Kingdom
 United States
 Soviet Union
  Switzerland

Gallery

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Off-road load rating

References

Some parts of this article are translated from French and Portuguese Wikipedia, tables are from Italian Wikipedia.

  1. ↑ "TM-9-808 Dodge 3⁄4 ton 4x4". US Dept. of the Army. 1 Sep 1943. pp. 7–8, 12–13. Retrieved 20 Dec 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Truck, 1/2 ton, 4x4, Dodge WC (G505)". Olive-drab.com. Retrieved 2013-06-06.
  3. ↑ "Pages of Interest to 4x4ers: 4x4 History - Where It All Began". Dog-walker.us. Retrieved 2013-06-06.
  4. ↑ "Dodge Military Trucks". Olive-drab.com. Retrieved 2013-06-06.
  5. ↑ T. Richards and R.M. Clarke, op. cit. pg 24-26
  6. ↑ "Dodge WC9 WC18 WC27 Truck, 1/2 ton Ambulance". Olive-drab.com. Retrieved 2013-06-06.
  7. ↑ "Fargo 6x6 Armored Truck ndex". Warwheels.net. Retrieved 2013-06-06.
  8. ↑ "History". Pinodesign.nl. Retrieved 2013-06-06.
  9. ↑ "Swissmotor / Dodge". Swissmotor.com. Retrieved 2013-06-06.

General references

External links

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