1940's Studebaker M29 Weasel Cargo Carrier, The Muckleburgh Military Collection.

Military operations showed the U.S Army needed a vehicle to move over snow for Commando Operations in Norway. In 1943 the Studebaker M29 Cargo Carrier, better known, as a Weasel was introduced. This was a lightweight vehicle with 15 or 20 inch tracks that was good for travelling over soft snow but had limited carrying capacity.

 

The original design with the engine at the back was soon altered to the conventional layout with the engine at the front and the drive sprockets at the rear. This gave better distribution of weight and improved space so more cargo or passengers could be carried. Next came an amphibious version with buoyancy chambers, twin rudders coupled to the steering controls and propulsion in the water by the tracks. The standard Weasel could be quickly converted in the field if required and both versions could be dropped by parachute.

 

Weasel's remained in service with the U.S, British and other countries in to the late 1960's. Not only were they used in Artic Operations in the Second World War but later in Korea and Vietnam. The Museum's example M29 was acquired in 1987 from Norway.

 

Specifications -

 

▪︎Engine: Studebaker 6-cylinder petrol, 70bhp

▪︎Speed (land): 36mph

▪︎Range: 175 miles

▪︎Speed (water): 4mph

▪︎Weight: 2.6 tons

▪︎Crew: 2 - 4.

 

Information from The Muckleburgh Military Collection.

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