Turret Training Truck
This page will be updated soon
About the Truck
We have been looking for a while but have finally found a training truck that was used to train aerial gunner's in WWII. This truck was made by Chevrolet and is a basic 1 1/2 ton closed cab that had a special frame and deck assembly installed on the back. This frame was originally made to accommodate one of three different actual aircraft turrets, namely the Martin upper, Sperry upper and the Bendix upper turrets.
Photos of these turret trucks in use during the war show many different types of turrets were installed from the Crocker Wheeler A-8 training turret to the Sperry ball turret with 30 cal guns installed. Some turrets also had a 12 gage shotgun instead of a machine guns.
Just click on a thumbnail to see a larger image
Our turret truck was heavily modified for farm use and will need a lot of work to get her back into her original condition. Here is what she looked like in the farmers field.
With the big diesel engine, pump and tank removed she is on her way back to looking like she did in WWII. The farmer that sold it to me was amazed that I didn't want the diesel engine or the pump and tank. What would I want with a worn down beat up old Army truck. I think my wife, friends and the airport manager all wonder the same thing. Here she is on the trailer when she arrived back at the shop.
Inside the cab and on the rear bumperettes were these markings; LV 613. Since these markings are on top of the original OD green paint I believe that they may be markings from the base where she was stationed. My laymen's interpretation of these markings makes me think that this truck could have been from the Las Vegas Gunnery School in Las Vegas, Nevada which is now Nellis Air Force Base. I am in search of any photos of turret trucks, turret training but especially turret trucks used at Las Vegas Gunnery School. If you have any information or photos please let me know. I hope to find pictures of similar markings on Las Vegas trucks to verify this theory.
Help Needed!
Your help with this project is needed. If you know of any other trucks like this please let me know. I am planning on fabricating the rear turret structure but if you know where I can find any original components I would appreciate the help tracking them down.
We are also looking for aircraft turrets and parts. We need Sperry upper turret parts for the truck above as well as turret domes and everything else for aircraft turrets. Our museum has one of the largest collections of aircraft turrets on display and if you know of anything that can make this collection more complete please call or e-mail!
Thank you in advance for your help!