The M561 Gama Goat

[kscarbel2]

These trucks are a hoot to drive. I always wanted to own one if the opportunity came along.

https://www.militarytrader.com/the-m561-gama-goat-a-post-apocalyptic-flop?utm_medium=email&utm_source=MLT+-+NL+-+Newsletter&oly_enc_id=6399H5340267A6A

 

[h67st]

Very interesting looking vehicle, and those LeTourneau trains are some incredible machines.

[FarNorth]

Very good and interesting article. Thanks!

Learned some information and was reminded of some of what we experienced. I drove a couple of the USMC ones in the '70s. As I recall we had 4(?)of them in our unit,

 ( Motor Transport Section of an Infantry Battalion) with winches. Some of the more regular issues  I recall were with brakes and bent tailgates - going in reverse with it down on uneven ground would usually end up with it bent, and need to be replaced as likely not repairable. Also only recall once seeing a Goat swimming in fresh water for demonstration.

Something not mentioned in the article, was what I recall was a "Truss Kit", which would be used in event of a flat tire. This kit was adjustable links which would lock the front and rear sections together, and one of the center tire/wheels could be removed and, used as the spare.

Recall at least once, we convoyed from Camp Pendleton to 29 Palms, with M151's and M561's. The M561 was the largest Tactical vehicle we had in the unit at that time. It was ok to drive on and off road in the field.

I don't recall at this time all of the problems as mentioned in the article. My recollection is we seemed to have ok service with ours. With cautions and limitations. Don't know how many miles were put on per year, my guess, not alot.

The Engine was mounted backwards and exhaust dumped out over center left tire. Yes it was loud and steered hard.

Long time ago now.

 

Edited 10 hours ago by FarNorth

[FarNorth]

I was in Whitehorse,YT last year and saw the LeTourneau Unit thats on display at the Transportation Museum there.

Interesting machine.