Restock: GMC CCKW – 2 1/2 Ton Cargo Truck

About the CCKW – 2 1/2 Ton Cargo Truck:

The GMC CCKW 2 1/2 ton 6×6 Truck was the crucial piece of logistics hardware in the Allied arsenal during World War II. Examples include a long (164-inch) and short (145-inch) wheelbase. The short version was designed to tow 75mm and 105mm field artillery and the long version was typically used for personnel and cargo.

The famous “deuce and a half” saw service worldwide. The CCKW was the main transport vehicle for the famous Red Ball Express. Operated from August through November 1944, the Express was developed to deliver the required supplies to rapidly advancing Allied divisions. The route was essentially a one-way loop using existing roads in France.

Because of unit segregation, over 75% of the soldiers operating the convoys were African-American. Many had never driven a truck before. Despite receiving only a few hours of training, these men ensured the success of this logistics miracle. Operating 24 hours a day, they drove day and night on narrow roads through bad weather to deliver badly-needed supplies to the men at the front. It is estimated that over 900 trucks were moving on the Express at any given time. Around 5,400 trucks were involved in the operation, delivering over 400,000 tons.

By the end of production in 1945, 562,750 in all variants had been built.

Specifications:

Crew: 2
Speed: 45 mph (governed)
Engine: GMC 270 gasoline
Range: 200–300 miles

Additional information about this Brickmania building kit:

The CCKW – 2 1/2 Ton Cargo Truck kit comes with the following features

Brickmania Track Links
High-quality sticker sheet
Spare tire
Functional tailgate
1/35th scale to match other Brickmania products

All Brickmania model kits are made of new-condition LEGO bricks. This model comes disassembled and includes complete printed building instructions and comes packaged in a sealed box. This is a limited-edition kit and production may be discontinued at any time.