Battling Beast Of Burden: Why The M26 Dragon Wagon Was The Greatest Heavy Duty Truck Of WWII

[@mitchstallings7196]

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.

[@loyalUSguy]

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]

My dad was at Eustis in the 1950s.

[@skipperclinton1087]

​@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.

[@torqueaddict]

What an awesome rig! How cool would it be to operate one of these units ? Spartan! Thanks for the history lesson Lohnes!

[@tonyromano6220]

@@skipperclinton1087 🥱

[@terryfromsouthcarolina4601]

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

[@lancerevell5979]

Big thanks to your Dad for service, and what he went through. Truly, "The Greatest Generation"! 😎👍

[@jamesmcdonnell5617]

God Bless you, your Dad and your Family! Your Mom & Dad raised a respectful and gracious son. We are in his debt! AMDG, J. ✝️⚔️🙏🛠🇺🇲

[@terryfromsouthcarolina4601]

Thanks you all. It means the world to me! Cheers Terry

[@deepbludude4697]

Thanks for sharing that cool story,

[@HavocHerseim]

refreshing to come across a story that doesn't smack of fiction. finally... your dad was cool.

[@ronbuckner8179]

Your diatribe on war machines is absolutely one of the best.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks Ron!

[@urgaynknowit]

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.

[@oldretireddude]

Take a look at the definition of "diatribe". It's not a complimentary term. I think you meant your comment to be complimentary.

[@williamboquist4090]

@@oldretireddude Maybe he meant "discourse". But, I agree with you.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

​@@oldretireddude Don't worry. He won't.

[@hansla8608]

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.

[@jamesshirley5875]

I’m a lifelong automotive enthusiast, career mechanic, and I love anything to do with WW2! You pretty much checked all my boxes, thank you Brian

[@charliebigbear1630]

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.

[@reidcrosby6241]

Check out military vehicle museum in Dubois Wy. Great guy, great story, ATTEND July 4th parade!! AWESOME

[@larryhand7219]

The move Red Ball Express was about truck convoys in WWII. Very good movie

[@9rjharper]

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.

[@brianlohnes3079]

There are a BUNCH of them and that big engine sounds so good!

[@herbnalis3723]

WOW. Thanks for making 25 mins feel like 3 mins. The armoured version looks like straight out of a movie. Love it.

[@yoonchin5828]

And timelless in design !!!!

[@ManiacRacing]

Truly a killer hunk of steel! And the best name ever.

[@brianlohnes3079]

I think so too!

[@sergeantpeppers8858]

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.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Hahahahahaha

[@R.Sole88109]

Brian, you've done the M26 story an absolute credit with this video.🍻

[@brianlohnes3079]

Appreciate you saying that! Love me some huge by large lumbering trucks!

[@R.Sole88109]

@@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.😄

[@brianlohnes3079]

@@R.Sole88109 alacrity is a fantastic word!

[@dennisenright9347]

Do many of these still exist?

[@R.Sole88109]

@@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.

[@SteveMagnante]

Another masterful video from Brian Lohnes! Not just accurate facts but fantastic photo and historical videos to seal the deal. Good stuff Brian! -Steve Magnante

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks man!!!

[@garymichalec9720]

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.

[@lewismocaby3646]

Absolutely awesome video !!! I grew up 4 blocks away from one of the engineers who worked on the hydraulic system for the tower that NASA used, specifically the arm of the tower that retracted and turned away from the rocket prior to launch. Although he passed away a few years ago his son is still one of my good buddies who still bracket races the Camaro that he and his Dad built together. Although about 5 years younger than his boy I always enjoyed hearing stories from Senior along with some of the after hours antics when the racing was over and spectators had gone home. The first gen Camaro is still consistently a 5 second eighth mile car with a normally aspirated small block, still brings a smile every time I see it and think of my buddies Dad and some of the pranks that have been pulled. It’s funny to hear about walking beam suspension in the video as well. When I started my stint as a truck driver I drove an R model Mack with the walking beam suspension and their base 5 speed transmission. The truck rode rough even with the aftermarket air ride cab upgrade. The only time it ever saw over 58mph was when leaving the quarry south east of where I live now. As soon as you left the gate onto the 2 lane road leaving there you began a drop which would allow the truck to coast up to around 75 at the bottom of the hill and worked out perfectly to click the trans into high gear at almost the top of the next hill with the engine revved out against its governor.

[@brianlohnes3079]

That’s a fantastic memory. I was also a truck driver. I was stuck in the “Pride of the fleet” in the form of an ancient international. No walking beam but same sore back. Ha!

[@lewismocaby3646]

@@brianlohnes3079, lol an old spring ride IH was the backup to the Mack when I drove for that guy. Hated that rattling pos with a passion. I can remember when my uncle was swapping the Detroit out of his A model Kenworth, he stretched the frame about 4 feet and added air ride. After bouncing around hauling farm equipment in and out of fields I finally realized why my uncle put in the extra work and money on his old K Whopper. Had my neck popped for me by the headliner of an old large car more than enough times to learn my lesson about trying to get the truck closer to equipment so I could avoid dragging cables and chain to winch one on the lowboy. I honestly feel for ya, it’s a tough way to learn. Eventually I wised up and got back into running heavy equipment instead of busting up my back and knuckles working on old iron.

[@tn65s]

Thank you for honoring the troops that manned these trucks of service to our country.

[@joshkamp7499]

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.

[@johnh8917]

Appreciate you taking the time to give us something worth watching on the ole world wide web.

[@ronw59]

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.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Ron, thanks a million! Back to the drag strip for the next one 🙂

[@ronw59]

@@brianlohnes3079 Looking forward to it, Brian. Have a great day.

[@chauvettes]

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.

[@redluck01]

This is amazing story!!! Thank you! You are 100% correct when you say that the support vehicles do not get the credit they deserve.

[@heartland96a]

Even Paton gave credit to the CCKW for helping win the war , along with the Jeep , the Sherman and a couple others

[@briantomcollins]

This was a great episode. I love all the vids, from lost drag cars, tractors, these obscure military vehicles... great stuff.

[@strykerentllc]

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!

[@Vipercussionist]

Great documentary, and the narration was informative, engaging and extremely witty!! Thanks for this!!

[@Freesavh1776]

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.

[@basiltaylor8910]

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.

[@allareasindex7984]

Dude! This technology is so cool! I’ve seen photos of early Mack trucks with chain drive but never knew how they worked. Thank you!

[@workingguy-OU812]

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.

[@jonathangehman4005]

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

[@brianlohnes3079]

You gotta check that big fella out!

[@vawterb]

This is completely AWESOME! Thanks!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you for watching it!!

[@orionbirch2705]

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.

[@John-ih2bx]

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 .

[@rayleehylton8427]

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 !!!

[@vehdynam]

Being the age I am I totally understand what you are explaining here , and the engineering behind it. . No fancy gadgets , just things that worked , and did the job they were intended to do. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into these presentations. Many , many thanks.

[@jonvanwilgen3103]

That's one bad ass truck!!! Great story as always!!!

[@brianlohnes3079]

It sure is!

[@AlanHawkins-wu1qq]

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]

I am a big Scammel fan! The heavy haulage business in the UK back in the day had some truly amazing machines.

[@martinwebb3017]

@@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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp3cgZSDf6ypfbM&ab_channel=NigelsModellingBench

[@jamesmatthews3001]

Thank you! Transport in the military gets overlooked.

[@mikelacross]

WOW, fantastic truck, fantastic video. Thanks

[@tomm1206]

Brian, this channel tops itself with each and every post, thank you.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks Tom!

[@TexasADV]

Man it's nice to see more M26 love on YT. 10/10 video

[@raywest3834]

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!

[@shafferjoe1962]

Another great story. Everything about this truck was massive. Keep the great stories coming. God bless you brother

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks Joe!

[@AntonHoward-mx9sb]

You hit the button every time Brian, really cool, obscure stuff beautifully presented.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Appreciate you saying that and watching!

[@landonleffler2106]

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.

[@micodyerski1621]

Great video. I heard of the Dragon Wagon, but never knew the spec's. Thats one strong truck.

[@mikepaul3959]

Thanks again Brian for another great documentary on an (unknown to me) amazing vehicle.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Glad you enjoyed it and now know about the Dragon Wagon!

[@antonyjiricka8480]

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!!

[@brianlohnes3079]

You and me both. Hahah! Thanks for watching!

[@rogerholloway8498]

Great story, very interesting! Thanks for posting this!

[@braxtonnelson5375]

Earned my subscription! Well-done history of hero vehicles that get so little publicity, but did such amazing work.

[@user-vg3yc6gk5f]

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.

[@JeffBilkins]

Excellent video, with the story I wished was told when this showed up some time ago as a walk-around on The Chieftain's channel.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you for watching it!!

[@tettazwo9865]

Excellent description of a remarkable vehicle!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Many thanks!!!!

[@Commander-McBragg]

It’s been a long time since I learned so much in such a short amount of time. Great work, Brian.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks for taking it all in!

[@rodneyharouff5739]

that's a machine! i really like your narrating skills. i've heard you several times. you are quite good.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you!!

[@jeffdieringer1]

Thanks for sharing this awesome story!

[@903Z1]

Great job Mr. Lohnes , I love this stuff about the forgotten work horses of yesterday , You hooked me with the history of drag racing . What a badass truck!

[@saturnfivehynrgrc581]

Good stuff Brian. I was always a fan of the M2 Cletrac. Like button energized.

[@leondillon8723]

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).

[@mikecurtis2585]

Wow that's an amazing peace of machinery! Love history great video!!!

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks Mike!

[@xlastmanalivex]

I was lucky enough to see a few of these in person at a WWll museum in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. They are absolutely mind boogling in person!

[@jindlespog8045]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@pinchus34]

This was the best you’ve done and that’s really saying something.

[@L3GHO5T]

Man what a phenomenally well done video, kudos!

[@WillN2Go1]

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.

[@richardgalli7262]

Fantastic video, very entertaining, thanks a bunch.

[@arthurjennings5202]

Now that is a truck! Great video.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thank you for watching it!

[@erikthorstensen5185]

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.

[@brianlohnes3079]

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.

[@erikthorstensen5185]

Unfortunately, I haven't seen that episode. But I've seen many KZbin 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.

[@kylejuve5494]

Thank you for sharing your passion

[@georgescott7311]

Brian, this is exceptionally well done! Congrats.

[@richardsims1805]

An almost unheard of magnificent truck. Thanks for a very in depth review of this friendly monster.

[@krabman22]

You are a true gearhead, keep up the good work!

[@ronaldetherington480]

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.

[@goratgo1970]

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.

[@ronaldetherington480]

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

[@thorshammer8033]

Nice, something interesting. I did 25 years as a heavy fabricator at a few truck builders.

[@Demicron]

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.

[@johnbeck3270]

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.

[@sadwingsraging3044]

Tacticans: We wins battles. Logisticans: We wins wars. Engineers: Neither of you go anywhere till I get done.

[@ajfvajf5]

Back in 2001, I found one in storage at Anniston army depot back where a bunch of cold war era Russian tanks etc were being stored. It was looking rather mint.

[@tomsisk6811]

I was at Anniston around 91 , the amount of equipment was astounding!

[@stug77]

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.

[@stevenmacke1109]

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.

[@ronniewilkerson2027]

What an amazing truck and trailer. Thank you as I had no idea it existed and of it's simplicity. The things we learn. Great video. Ty

[@paaron603]

Logistics wins wars

[@travwil2461951]

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 !

[@specialagentdustyponcho1065]

logistics appreciators rise up

[@westcumbriantransportfilms4364]

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.

[@TheDistur]

Interesting to learn how these things came to be.

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks for checking this out!!

[@JackFlemingFan1]

Thank you for posting your excellent and detailed video on the M26 Dragon Wagon, Mr. Lohnes. I don't know if you build model kits or not, but Tamiya has a 1/35 Dragon Wagon U.S. 40 Ton Tank Transporter model kit.

[@Togo-420]

You & Steve Morris would probably get along real well if you dont already know him. Thank you for all the informative info 10/10

[@TriggerKingRC]

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!

[@raumfahreturschutze]

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 KZbinrs 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!

[@geezer4962]

Many, many thanks for showing this. Love this truck, and every thing about it.

[@Freetheworldnow]

Excellent video with great footage and first class narrative. Well done!!! Peace.

[@lohengrin4009]

Where did you find all the awesome footage of the equipment? Outstanding research!

[@jarm7726]

😮 awesome truck great video 👍😎

[@brianlohnes3079]

Thanks!

[@davidallen1664]

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.

[@itsamystery5279]

Thank you for showing this. My late Dad drove one of the unarmored versions in Europe from July 44 to May 45.

[@somedayzo6]

Brian I stumbled upon your video and had no idea what to expect. As a WW2 enthusiast I figured I may as well give it a try. Simply put your content was excellent and very pleasing to watch. You have easily earned a subscriber! I look forward to many more great quality content videos!

[@PHILIPPERKINS-hj1gq]

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.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Trucks are the backbone of both war and everyday life, they are our faithful smokey beasts of burden, uniquely beautiful purpose built machines.

[@tedeitel8060]

Great video! My Grandfather operated old Mack style dump trucks in the south Pacific in World War 2 ! When he got out he bought 11 Macks from the Government! And he built interstate 10 from Lake Charles Louisiana to Houston Texas! He moved most the dirt with those original 11 Mack dump trucks!😊

[@chazmister56]

When I saw this pop up in my feed I already got pretty excited, then I saw it was YOU who uploaded it and it made me drop everything I was doing to watch it. The M26 has to be flatout one of my favorite military vehicles. It's such a complicated yet simple engineering feat born purely out of necessity during the war. Thanks for covering this beast of American ingenuity! Great video as always. Maybe you should cover more cool military vehicles you find interesting?

[@Southernstar-RINO]

Buttons up nicely. Chain drive too. WOW.

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

You are above average with your presentations.Many thanks.