IS the M35A2 still in service?

Yes, yes, not a 6 ton.

Yes, they are still in wide spread use.

Yes, there is a newer variant kicking around. Follow the link in my signature block to see the A3 variant. The one I have is the M36A3 which is the extended wheel base variant. The A3 variant is not is wide spread use.

The M35 series is currently being replaced by the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) made by Stewart & Stevenson in Texas. It is replacing both the M35 series and M939 series trucks with a 2½ ton and 5 ton FMTV variant.

The only difference between the 2½ ton and 5 ton FMTVs are the 5 tons have a third axle and the "deuce" version only two axles. Again, if you follow the link in my signature block you will see both a 2½ ton cargo, 5 ton cargo FMTVs as well as a 5 ton FMTV wrecker. A lot of folks are mistaking them for West German MAN made vehicles.

Intresting. I've always differentiated the two by which has duallys and which doesnt. Looking at those pictures I can see the M35A3 has the same single tire axle as the 5 ton does.

So for the purpose of modeling a 5 ton M-923 can be used snyonymously with/for/inplace of an M35A2/3 correct?

QUOTE: Originally posted by Pico1180 Intresting. I've always differentiated the two by which has duallys and which doesnt. Looking at those pictures I can see the M35A3 has the same single tire axle as the 5 ton does. So for the purpose of modeling a 5 ton M-923 can be used snyonymously with/for/inplace of an M35A2/3 correct?

No, the M923 5 ton is a different vehicle than the M35A2/3. The M923 is a ten-wheeled vehicle that is much larger than the M32A2, but basically the same layout. The M932A2 differs with the "A2" modification giving the basic 900 series truck a 6-wheeled chassis. Same way the M35A2 differes from the M35A3. You can see the earlier 900 series chassis in the M936 folder (same truck, wrecker variant).

The wheels on the upgraded M35A3 look like the M923A2 tires, but the tires on the 900 series are bigger. On page 2 of my album, there is another album with the various truck tires photoed. The M35A3 tire is next to the M923A2 tire (second row, left two photos), similar in appearance, but the size difference is apparent.

Looking at your pictures, i can tell little difrence between the M35A3 and the M923A2. Matter of fact, I thought I was looking at a M923A2 when in fact I was looking at a M35A3.

Used in an Iraq diorama, do you think it would be superfluous (for lack of a better word) to use 2.5 Tons AND 5 Tons for a garison sean?

Any modern variant of the M35 seems nearly imposable to find, where as the M923A1 from Italeri seems readily available.

Only AFV Club makes an M35A2. Very nice kit and much more accurate than the Italeri M923 or M925.

Both the deuce and 5 ton are used in the same units. For example, a tank company uses a deuce for its supply sergeant's vehicle so he can haul chow and other sundry supplies. Their parent battalion's support platoon would have 5 tons and the cooks would use deuces.

Oh, and if you saw an M923 sitting next to the M35 the difference in size is quite apparent. Much like seeing a full-sized Ford pickup next to one of the smaller Ranger pickups. They look the same but the size is different.

Call me "old-school" but US Military movers should be always be ragtop conventional! It is like our trademark!

Seriously, I too assumed the new FMTV was European made. Or at least a Euro design built in the US under license. I am glad to hear it comes from The Great State of Texas. I grew up around commercial trucks (Kenworth, Peterbilt, etc.). In the commercial world there are two kinds of companies buying cabovers, the ones who can't afford a real truck, and the ones where the bean counter's rule is absolute. What advantages did the DoD find in breaking with tradition? Just curious.

I would think the cab over provides a shorter wheel base.

Yeah, but it also provides poor weight distribution and poor engine access for maintenance. I'm just wondering what the DoD's criteria were and what pros and cons they found when choosing the new design.

yes, in TNI-AD (Indonesian Army). we currently have lots of M35A2 on our inventory mostly as troop carriers, movers for artillery and AA guns. Also, on the newest Aceh conflict as a gun truck very similar in style and utility as gun trucks used by US troops in Vietnam.

the ISMS website has some pics of M35A2 as mentioned above. you can go to http://www.isms.150m.com. this is the official Indonesian modeler's website.
here's some links directly to images of M35A2:
http://www.isms.150m.com/g_ph_acehbrimob.htm
http://www.isms.150m.com/g_ph_acehtnivarious.htm

dmahendra - excellent site you have there with some very talented modellers. Thank you for sharing it with us.