The Dodge WC series was a range of light 4WD and medium 6WD military utility trucks, produced by Dodge and Fargo during World War II. Together with the 1/4-ton jeeps produced by Willys and Ford, the Dodge 1/2-tons and 3/4-tons accounted for the bulk of light 4x4 trucks supplied to the U.S. Army in WW II, with Dodge building about half as many of these as the jeep. Contrary to the versatility of the highly standardized jeep, which was mostly achieved through field modification, the Dodge WC-series came in many purpose-built variants from the factory. The series included open- and closed-cab cargo and weapon carriers, command cars, reconnaissance vehicles, telephone installation trucks, panel vans, carryalls, ambulances and mobile workshops.
From 1940 to 1942, some 74,000 G-505 1/2-ton 4x4 Dodge trucks were built -- initially called the VC series, but the majority (from 1941) in the WC-series, and in more variants. However, the truck grew into the G-502 3/4-ton 4x4 Truck (Dodge) and the G-507 1 1/2-ton 6x6 personnel and cargo truck (Dodge) -- retaining the Dodge WC model code. Dodge was the U.S. Army's sole supplier of both 3/4-ton trucks and 1 1/2-ton 6x6 trucks in World War II. With over a quarter million units built through August 1945, the G502 3/4-tons were the most common variants in the WC-series. They were replaced after the war by the very similar 3/4-ton 4x4 Dodge M-series vehicles in 1951.
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.
Video Dodge WC series
History and design
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. At the outset of World War II, Dodge replaced the 1940 VC-1 to VC-6 with the equally ½ ton WC series of military light trucks, produced in 38 model variants, in varying numbers -- thousands of some models were produced, while only a few of some others were made. Both the ½ ton VC trucks and the ½-ton WC Dodge trucks were part of the G-505 series. 79,771 of the ½ ton trucks were produced during late 1940-1942 under War Department contracts. WC models in the 1 to 50 range were 1/2-ton rated and were 80% interchangeable in service parts with the later 3/4-ton models.
Common features of the 1/2 ton trucks were:
- Drive: 4×4
- Wheelbase: 116 in (123 in for ambulances)
- Track width: 59.375 in
- Tires: 7.50x16
- Brakes: Hydraulic
- Engine: 6 cyl, in-line, L-head
- Transmission: 4 forward/1 reverse, manual
- Transfer case: Single speed
Introduced in late 1941, the Dodge WC-series 4×4 trucks were uprated to ¾ ton and their SNL code changed to G-502. Throughout the war, Dodge was the U.S. Army's sole producer of 3/4-ton trucks, and built a total of 255,193 of these across all variants from April 1942 to August 1945. 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.
Maps Dodge WC series
Models
The table includes data on the relation between identification numbers and types of body fitted. For comparison, earlier Dodge military trucks of the 1/2 ton range are included.
In the case of vehicle identifications separated by a slash, the first number refers to a vehicle without winch, and the second to a vehicle fitted with a winch, typically resulting in visibly longer front overhang, and reduced approach angle. Not only were the winches driven by a power take-off from the engine, but unlike the later Dodge M-series trucks, on which an extension was bolted to the frame when mounting a winch - on the WC-series the winch equipped versions actually had a different frame.
Numbers separated by a comma indicate similar models but with different secondary details.
Engines
All engines were inline six-cylinders, mated to four-speed transmissions, typically with a single-range transfer-case offering part-time four-wheel drive.
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
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.
- Length: 181- 1/16 inches
- Height: with top 88-1/8 inches
- Weight: 4440 net
- Width: 75-13/16 inches
- Height:
- Payload: 1300 LB
WC4, WC22
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.
- Length: 191- 5/16 inches
- Height: with top 88-1/8 inches
- Weight: 4775 net
- Width: 75-13/16 inches
- Height:
- Payload: 1000 LB
WC9, WC18, WC27
Entering production during 1941 to early 1942, 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.
- Length: 195 inches
- Height: 90 inches
- Weight: 5340 net
- Width: 75-13/16 inches
- Height:
- Payload: 1300 LB
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
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
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.
- Length: 13 ft 11 in / 4.24 m
- Height (with canvas cover): 6 ft 10 in / 2.08 m
- Height (with top down): 5 ft 2 in / 1.57 m
- Weight: 5,250 lb / 2 382 kg net
- Width: 6 ft 11 in / 2.11 meters
- Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg
- Tires 9.00 x 16 in., 8ply
WC52
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.
- Length: 14 ft 9 in / 4,48 m
- Height (with canvas cover): 6 ft 10 in / 2,08 m
- Height (with top down): 5 ft 2 in / 1,57 m
- Weight: 5,550 lb / 2 518 kg net
- Width: 6 ft 11 in / 2,10 m
- Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg
- Tires 9.00 x 16 in., 8ply
- Engine 6 cyl, in-line, L-head 99 hp (73 kW)
WC53
A carryall, mechanically it was virtually identical to the WC54 but was fitted with a body which was the 1939 civilian carryall modified to military specifications. All four rear side windows were opening wind-up and the seating consisted of front folding passenger seat to allow rear access, two person second row leaving space to access to the rear full width three person seat. The spare was carried on a mount on the driver's side and although the door was fully operational it could not be opened (driver had to enter from passenger side). The rear end had split tailgates.
WC53 were also fitted as radio trucks with a bench on the left side with the operator seated sideways. 8,400 WC53 Truck, 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge Carryall (G502) were built. No carryalls came from the factory with a winch though there was a field modification available.
- Length: 15 ft 6 in / 4,73 m
- Height: 6 ft 9 in / 2,06 m
- Weight: 5,700 lb / 2 590 kg
- Width: 6 ft 7 in / 2,00 m
- Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg
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.
- Length: 16 ft 3 in / 4,95 m
- Height: 7 ft 6 in / 2,30 m
- Weight: 5,920 lb / 2 685 kg
- Width: 6 ft 6 in / 1,98 m
- Payload: 1,800 lb / 816 kg
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.
- Length: 13 ft 11 in / 4,25 m
- Height: 8 ft 2 in / 2,49 m to top of gun shield
- Weight: 5,600 lb / 2 540 kg
- Width: 7 ft 2 in / 2,18 m
- Payload: 80 rounds 37mm
WC56
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. 21,156 built.
- Length: 13 ft 10 in / 4,22 m
- Height: 6 ft 9 in / 2,07 m
- Weight: 5,335 lb / 2 420 kg
- Width: 6 ft 7 in / 2,00 m
- Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg
WC57
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 / 2268 kg capacity winch at the front bumper. 6,010 built.
- Length: 14 ft 8 in / 4,46 m
- Height: 6 ft 9 in / 2,07 m
- Weight: 5,644 lb / 2 560 kg
- Width: 6 ft 7 in / 2,00 m
- Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg
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.
- Length: 14 ft 7 in / 4.46 m
- Height: 6 ft 9 in / 2.07 m
- Weight: 5,335 lb / 2 420 kg
- Width: 6 ft 7 in / 2.00 m
- Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg
WC59
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.
- Length: 16 ft 0 in / 4,88 m
- Height: 6 ft 9 in / 2,06 m
- Weight: 5,357 lb / 2 430 kg
- Width: 6 ft 6 in / 1,98 m
- Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg
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.
- Length: 15 ft 6 in / 4.73 m
- Height: 7 ft 5 in / 2.26 m
- Weight: 5,952 lb / 2 700 kg
- Width: 6 ft 10 in / 2.08 m
- Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg
WC61
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.
- Length: 15 ft 6 in / 4,73 m
- Height (without ladder): 7 ft 5 in / 2,26 m
- Weight: 5,952 lb / 2 700 kg
- Width: 6 ft 10 in / 2,08 m
- Payload: 1,750 lb / 800 kg
WC62
The G507 Cargo and Personnel Carrier, 1 1/2-ton, 6x6 Truck, Dodge (WC62 w/o Winch) was based on a lengthened WC51 Weapons Carrier with an extra axle added. When the army enlarged rifle squads from eight to twelve men, the 3/4-ton no longer sufficed, and a 48-inch longer 6x6 variant was created, that used most of the mechanical parts and some of the sheet metal of the G-502. A number of components were strengthened in this design, and many of these changes were also incorporated in subsequent 3/4-ton production. Some 43,000 were built (both WC62 and WC63 variants). One prototype produced as an armored car.
- Length: 17 ft 11 in / 5.47 m
- Height (with canvas cover): 7 ft 3 in / 2.21 m
- Height (with top down): 5 ft 2 in / 1.57 m
- Weight: 6,925 lb / 3 141 kg
- Width: 6 ft 11 in / 2.11 m
- Payload: 3,300 lb / 1500 kg
WC63
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 PTO powered Braden MU2 winch, initially of 5,000 pound, later 7,500 pound capacity.
- Length: 18 ft 9 in / 5,72 m
- Height (with canvas cover): 7 ft 3 in / 2,21 m
- Height (with top down): 5 ft 2 in / 1,57 m
- Weight: 7,175 lb / 3 250 kg
- Width: 6 ft 11 in / 2,10 m
- Payload: 3,300 lb / 1500 kg
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 number of vehicles that could be shipped at the same time. The rear boxes were supplied in two major parts: lower and upper. The lower part of the box was attached to the chassis at the factory, while the upper box was crated for installation in the field. 3,500 were built between the beginning of 1945 and the end of the war.
Former operators
- Austria
- Austrian Army
- Belgium
- Belgian Army
- Brazil
- Used in Brazil by the Brazilian Army and in Europe by the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, who nicknamed it Jipão.
- France
- Free French Forces, French Army
- Greece
- Greek Army and Greek Air Force
- Iran
- Iranian Army
- Nicaragua
- Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua
- Norway
- Norwegian Army
- Portugal
- Portuguese Army, redesignated Dodge m/48, used during the Portuguese Colonial War
- Philippine Commonwealth
- Philippine Commonwealth Army
*Philippine Constabulary
- Philippine Republic
- Philippine Army
*Philippine Constabulary
*Philippine Marine Corps
- United Kingdom
- Royal Army Medical Corps
- United States
- U.S Army, U.S. Army Medical Corps and U.S. Signal Corps
- Soviet Union
- Red Army by Lend-Lease during World War II
- Switzerland
- The Swiss Army bought several hundred after World War II, mainly 3/4t, a few 1/2t and only ten 1 1/2t. WC54 ambulances served until 1960.
Gallery
See also
- Austin K2/Y
- List of Dodge automobiles
- G-numbers (G121, G502, G505, G507)
Notes
References
Some parts of this article are translated from French and Portuguese Wikipedia, tables are from Italian Wikipedia.
- T. Richards and R.M. Clarke. Dodge WW2 military portfolio 1940-45. Brookland Books LTD (Surrey, UK) ISBN 1-85520-533-5
General references
- Crismon, Fred W (2001). US Military Wheeled Vehicles (3 ed.). Victory WWII Pub. pp. 96, 98, 240-241. ISBN 0-970056-71-0.
- Doyle, David (2003). Standard catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles. Kraus Publications. pp. 45-49, 55-62, 100-101. ISBN 0-87349-508-X.
- Ware, Pat (2010). The World Encyclopedia of Military Vehicles. Lorenz Books. pp. 232-233. ISBN 0-7548-2052-1.
- "TM 9-808 Dodge 3/4 ton 4x4". US Dept. of the Army. 1 September 1943. Retrieved 1 December 2014.
- "TM 9 810 Dodge 1 1/2 ton 6x6". US Dept. of the Army. 25 February 1945. Retrieved 1 December 2014.
- "TM 9-2800 Standard Military Motor Vehicles". US Dept. of the Army. 1 September 1943. p. 172. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
- SNL G657 Master Parts Book Dec. 1943
External links
- The WW2 Dodge Motor Pool
- Gordon's WW2 Army Trucks
- A WC-52 Restoration Project
- command-car.com - Dedicated to Dodge Command Car of WW2
- WC-4 towing M-3 37mm antitank cannon
- The Jeep Gets a Big Brother, November 1942, Popular Science early article introducing the American war public to the WC series
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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