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The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2023 1:20 pm
by OSCSSW
I am no Sojer and unlike #1 daughter I am not a MotorHead either. How she can get pleasure out of watching NASCAR "races" when all they do is keep on turning left is beyond me. She swears it has nothing to do with the crashes, yah right? 
Quite frankly my eyes glass over when she enthusiastically goes on, and on and on about the tactics of NASCAR. I am mildly interested when she talks mechanics of "souped" up motor cars.
But for some strange reason I am fascinated by LOGISTICS.
The Trucks of Blitzkrieg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85Yu7RrwIxE
The Opel blitz was a two ton light truck (Or three ton depending on the source)
Having the capability to carry 10 men at 50 MPH, the Opel Blitz was an efficient truck used in the west on well developed roads, powering along the French countryside with a 6 cylinder providing 74 horsepower which was sufficient enough to get infantry going places in France. when the situation went East, it was a different matter, as many vehicles, the Opel included, bogged down in the harsh Russian winter and the following ‘General winter’ or “Rasputitsa” during the spring following winter. Therefore, a half-track variant was created, known as the Maultier model which meant trucks with tracks, the Opel Blitz included. The majority of German trucks, however, remained un-Maultiered. So, all in all, the Opel Blitz was good enough for it’s job.
It could transport infantry, and it could haul small artillery and anti-tank guns, which was not a big deal, but in doing so, it had done the job it was made for.
So I ask you who know about such things was The OPEL BLITZ SUPERIOR TO THE US DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
if so Why. If NOT why? Thanks
THE DEUCE AND A HALF
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:38 pm
by OSCSSW
HE DEUCE AND A HALF
Several years ago, WWII veteran Maury Deul declared at a breakfast, “I’ll tell you what won WWII: the deuce-and-a-half truck. That thing could go anywhere. I drove one for weeks in Italy without brakes.”
Officially known as the CCKW 6X6, the deuce-and-a-half was a tactical cargo truck that could carry 2 ½ tons of materials on-road or off-road in all weather. The Army ordered 812,000 of these trucks, second only to the Jeep in wartime vehicle production. They rolled on asphalt, gravel, and mud-rutted roads all over the world, supplying and supporting ground troops wherever they went.
The US’s great advantage in WWII was also its biggest logistical challenge: the war wasn’t being fought on American soil, which meant the US had to find ways to take its warfighting around the world. WWII for the US was really a war of transportation. Each branch had its sturdy workhorses: LSTs, C-47s, Liberty Ships (which actually weren’t so sturdy). For ground transportation, nothing beat the deuce-and-a-half.
The key was its versatility. There were over twenty major variations. Deuce-and-a-halves served as fuel tankers and fire trucks, cranes and troop carriers, radio shacks and mobile surgical units. The famous amphibious DUKW—still used for urban “duck tours”—is actually a modification of the deuce-and-a-half.
The three-axle truck was also durable. It could be repaired in the field with easy-to-interchange parts. Many were, in fact, shipped overseas in two halves and bolted together after arriving in North Africa, Burma, or France. So many were left overseas after the war that several countries’ armies continued to use them well into the 1990s.
Three companies produced the CCKW 6X6. GMC made 70% of them (which is why another nickname for the truck was “Jimmy”). But International Harvester also produced about 100,000, which were shipped out to the Pacific with the Navy and Marine Corps. Studebaker, meanwhile, manufactured about 200,000 for Lend-Lease, most of them going to the Soviet Union. To this day, if you say “Studebaker” in Russia, people will know you’re talking about a big truck.
The deuce-and-a-half’s finest hour was after the breakout from the D-Day beaches in Normandy in 1944. The Red Ball Express was a mind-boggling supply operation by truck convoy that funneled water, fuel, engine parts, food, clothing, ammunition–you name it–from Cherbourg to the front lines. Piloted largely by African-American soldiers, 6,000 of these trucks, each emblazoned with a red ball, moved across France each day to keep the frontline forces in the fight. They drove in numerical order on military-only roads at 35 mph while maintaining a 60 ft gap between each truck. These drivers worked without stop for 83 days until November 16, by which time French railroad tracks had been repaired.
The deuce-and-a-half remains part of the US military inventory, changed little since it first went into production in 1940. There have been new adaptations and improvements, tweaks to the chassis and engine, but the M35 2½-ton cargo truck has served in every American military operation since 1945, including Afghanistan and Iraq. And it’s a mainstay in armies around the world, from Norway to Fiji, Bolivia to Djibouti.
If you keep your eyes peeled driving past an old garage or boneyard, you’ll still occasionally see a vintage deuce-and-a-half standing indefatigably, as if waiting for its next mission. And you can also still buy them used. But, if you do, make sure you have some money saved. You’ll need it for gas.
THE BEDFORD TRUCK
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:46 pm
by OSCSSW
Bedford MWD truck
The first Bedford light-duty vehicles produced in England by General Motors came out of the factory in 1931. Carrying a payload of about 750 kg, they were a great success thanks to unbeatable prices.
When World War II, production was again considered by taking the Morris-Commercial CS 8 civilian model of 1934 as a working basis, the updated Bedford GS (General Service) model was again produced in series of May 1939 in order to equip the British land forces: the model consists of a 4×2 chassis with a wooden cab and a wooden body, a powerful engine and a rather low overall silhouette whose hood is tilted t Increase the visibility of the driver.
Directly employed during the campaign of France where he knows his baptism of fire, it becomes the battle horse of the British army, equipping also the Royal Air Force. Its strengths are its engine and its excellent handling.
Beginning in 1943, the models are equipped with half-doors and a folding windscreen. The MWD Bedford is used by the British forces during the Battle of Normandy, in addition to other light vehicles, fulfilling all sorts of logistical missions.
Bedford MWD truck specification
Denomination: Bedford MWD GS Truck, 15-CWT, 4×2
Length: 4,38 m
Width: 1,99 m
Height: 1,93 m
Weight: 2,100 kg
Maximum speed: 80 km/h
Operational range: 430 km
Payload: 750 kg
Transport capacity: 10 equipped soldiers
Engine: Bedford 6-cylinder in-line, petrol and overhead valves, 3,519 cc, 72 hp
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:54 pm
by Craiglxviii
Both the 1500CWT and the Bedford continued long after the war. The Bedford was still going strong (revised many times, but recognisably still the same vehicle) when in joined the army cadets in 1991.
Many’s the time I was evac’d from an exercise platoon harbour by Bedicopter…
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2023 7:03 pm
by Nik_SpeakerToCats
The 'puggish' Bedford seems to have common ancestry with Morris / Ford quad gun-tractor. The 2½ with commercial trucks...
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2023 7:53 pm
by M.Becker
Craiglxviii wrote: ↑Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:54 pm
Both the 1500CWT and the Bedford continued long after the war. The Bedford was still going strong (revised many times, but recognisably still the same vehicle) when in joined the army cadets in 1991.
Many’s the time I was evac’d from an exercise platoon harbour by Bedicopter…
So did the Blitz.
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2023 8:11 pm
by Craiglxviii
M.Becker wrote: ↑Sat Feb 11, 2023 7:53 pm
Craiglxviii wrote: ↑Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:54 pm
Both the 1500CWT and the Bedford continued long after the war. The Bedford was still going strong (revised many times, but recognisably still the same vehicle) when in joined the army cadets in 1991.
Many’s the time I was evac’d from an exercise platoon harbour by Bedicopter…
So did the Blitz.
Oh really? I didn’t know that. Was a 4WD version ever released?
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2023 8:31 pm
by M.Becker
Craiglxviii wrote: ↑Sat Feb 11, 2023 8:11 pm
M.Becker wrote: ↑Sat Feb 11, 2023 7:53 pm
Craiglxviii wrote: ↑Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:54 pm
Both the 1500CWT and the Bedford continued long after the war. The Bedford was still going strong (revised many times, but recognisably still the same vehicle) when in joined the army cadets in 1991.
Many’s the time I was evac’d from an exercise platoon harbour by Bedicopter…
So did the Blitz.
Oh really? I didn’t know that. Was a 4WD version ever released?
Me neither. I just checked Wiki and the Blitz went on until 1975 when the parent company GM decided Opel would only do passenger cars.
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 1:10 pm
by Pdf27
You're missing the Canadian Military Pattern trucks - 10x as many built as the Bedford MW, for a total right up there with the Deuce-and-a-half. Not all to one design, but lots of common parts and available in 4x2, 4x4, 6x4 and 6x6. Top photo is a Ford, bottom is a Chevrolet.
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 1:13 pm
by Pdf27
Craiglxviii wrote: ↑Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:54 pmMany’s the time I was evac’d from an exercise platoon harbour by Bedicopter…
Bedford MW was gone from British Army service by the late 1950s, replaced in series by the RL, MK and TM. The MK was the standard Heli-Bedford, but there were still a few RLs floating about which look that old but were actually a postwar design.
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 4:47 pm
by Craiglxviii
Pdf27 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 1:13 pm
Craiglxviii wrote: ↑Sat Feb 11, 2023 4:54 pmMany’s the time I was evac’d from an exercise platoon harbour by Bedicopter…
Bedford MW was gone from British Army service by the late 1950s, replaced in series by the RL, MK and TM. The MK was the standard Heli-Bedford, but there were still a few RLs floating about which look that old but were actually a postwar design.
Do you remember the school’s Bedford?
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 7:03 pm
by Pdf27
Craiglxviii wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 4:47 pmDo you remember the school’s Bedford?
Nope - I've been in lots though (mostly MKs) so it's a bit of a blur. I can't imagine they'd have kept a valuable antique like an MW though.
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 7:25 pm
by Craiglxviii
Pdf27 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 7:03 pm
Craiglxviii wrote: ↑Sun Feb 12, 2023 4:47 pmDo you remember the school’s Bedford?
Nope - I've been in lots though (mostly MKs) so it's a bit of a blur. I can't imagine they'd have kept a valuable antique like an MW though.
They picked up a very, very well-used example of an MK in 1994. First cadet camp it was used at- Warcop (for the rest of you unaware, that’s about 250 miles north, in a vehicle limited to about 45mph on a good day….)
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2023 2:04 pm
by Dirk Mothaar
Point of information - I drove a deuce and a half in Kuwait in 2003 for OIF - so I kinda think it wins for longevity.
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2023 10:37 pm
by DaveAAA
There were actually at least five different 2.5 T trucks. There were the three WW2 models mentioned by GMC, International, and Studebaker, then there were two post war trucks, the REO designed M35 and the GMC M135. Not to mention that in the forty odd years the M35 was in production, there were a number of updates includoing a change from gas to deisel and a Bombardier variant for Canada.
The early cab versions of the CMP trucks seem to have been quite cramped. Nick "The Cheiftain" Moran has a video where he failsd to fit in one. Even though right hand drive, teh Canadian Army used them until erplaced by left hand drive M37 3/4 tons and M135 2.5 tons.
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2023 5:37 pm
by OSCSSW
How about this one The M520 "Truck, Cargo, 8-ton, 4x4", nicknamed Goer, truck series was formerly the US Army’s standard heavy tactical truck before its replacement by the Oshkosh HEMTT. As trucks go, the Caterpillar-made Goer stands out due to being articulated, much wider than other trucks, and lacking suspension on the wheels.
Some 1,300 of these trucks were built from 1972 to 1976. The majority were M520 Cargo Trucks. The tankers were designated M559 Fuel Servicing Tanker Truck, and the wreckers M553 Wrecker Truck. When fitted with its own crane, the cargo variant was designated M877 Cargo Truck with Material Handling Crane.
Re: The OPEL BLITZ VS THE DEUCE AND A HALF OR THE BEDFORD?
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2023 4:48 am
by DaveAAA
OSCSSW wrote: ↑Fri Feb 17, 2023 5:37 pm
How about this one The M520 "Truck, Cargo, 8-ton, 4x4", nicknamed Goer, truck series was formerly the US Army’s standard heavy tactical truck before its replacement by the Oshkosh HEMTT. As trucks go, the Caterpillar-made Goer stands out due to being articulated, much wider than other trucks, and lacking suspension on the wheels.
Some 1,300 of these trucks were built from 1972 to 1976. The majority were M520 Cargo Trucks. The tankers were designated M559 Fuel Servicing Tanker Truck, and the wreckers M553 Wrecker Truck. When fitted with its own crane, the cargo variant was designated M877 Cargo Truck with Material Handling Crane.
Apparently not well liked as they were very difficult to drive. For the US to only buy 1300 is a good indication the program was not successful. The existing 2.5 and 5 ton trucks remained in service and began to be replaced in 1980 bu the HEMTT series, which are still in use.