Diamond T
The Diamond T Company was an American automobile and truck manufacturer. They produced commercial and military trucks.
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| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1905 |
| Founder | C. A. Tilt |
| Defunct | 1967 |
| Fate | Merged |
| Successor | Diamond Reo Trucks |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois |
| Products | Automobiles, trucks |
History
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The Diamond T Motor Car Company was founded in Chicago in 1905 by C. A. Tilt. Reportedly, the company name was created when Tilt’s shoe-making father fashioned a logo featuring a big “T” (for Tilt) framed by a diamond, which signified high quality.[1] The company's hood emblem on trucks was a sled dog in harness. From its beginnings manufacturing touring cars, the company later became known for its trucks. By 1967, as a subsidiary of White Motor Company, it was merged with Reo Motor Company to become Diamond Reo Trucks, Inc.[2]
During World War II, Diamond T produced a classic heavy truck in the 980/981, a prime mover which was quickly acquired by the British Purchasing Commission for duty as a tank transporter tractor. Coupled with a Rogers trailer, the truck gave sterling service with the British Army in North Africa Campaign, where its power and rugged construction allowed the rescue of damaged tanks in the most demanding of conditions.[3] In addition Diamond T built the entire range of the G509 series 4 ton 6X6s, including cargo, dump, semi tractor, and wrecker trucks,[4] as well as some lighter trucks, and even G7102 half tracks.[5] Diamond T ranked 47th among United States corporations in the value of World War II military production contracts.[6] Diamond T manufactured three pickup trucks: The Model 80,201 and the Model 202. The pickups were powered by the Hercules QX-series 6-cylinder engines. The model 80 was produced from 1936 to 1938 and the Model 201 was produced from 1938 to 1949.
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Cars
Diamond T produced automobiles in Chicago from 1905 to 1911. The models produced were powerful touring cars of up to 70 hp.[7]
| Model and Year | Engine | HP | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond T (1907) | Four-cylinder | 40 | 114″ |
| Diamond T (1908) | Four-cylinder | 50 | 114″ |
| Diamond T (1909) | Four-cylinder | 50 | 114″ |
| Model D (1910) | Four-cylinder | 35 | 108″ |
| Model E (1910) | Four-cylinder | 45 | 124″ |
| Diamond T (1911) | Four-cylinder | 45 | 124" |
Trucks
Commercial models
1928–1929 brought major mechanical improvements across the entire range. A closed cab with doors was introduced. All-wheel hydraulic drum brakes were used. Six-cylinder engines were available from Continental and Hercules for heavy trucks and a four-cylinder Buda powered light trucks. All trucks had geared-differential rear axles. By 1929 there were chassis load ratings (the weight of the body and payload) up to 12 tons (10,900 kg) on three axles.
1933–1935 In 1933 a new all-steel covered cab with doors and roll-up windows was introduced. In a 1935 model year style change it had been improved with a "streamlined" V-style windshield. This cab would be used on commercial and military trucks until replaced in 1951. In 1935 the trucks were also improved mechanically and new models were introduced. They developed through the rest of the 1930s. In 1940 Hercules six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines up to 118 horsepower (88 kW) were used and Cummins diesels up to 200 horsepower (150 kW) were introduced in 1940.
1940–1942 In 1940 Hercules six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines up to 118 horsepower (88 kW) were used and Cummins diesels up to 200 horsepower (150 kW) were introduced. In 1942 improved models went into production and then stopped after only 530 units for military production of tactical trucks and half-tracks.
1946–1947 Production of commercial trucks was stopped for military production in 1942. A small number of commercial trucks began to be built in 1944 and more in 1945. In 1946, the first year of full commercial production, there were five models, in 1947 there were fourteen. After World War II heavy trucks were measured by Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), the total weight of the chassis, body, and payload. In 1947 there were chassis rated from 8,000 pounds (3,600 kg) to 36,000 pounds (16,000 kg) with conventional, sleeper, and COE models. Annual model changes were discontinued and many models continued unchanged until 1950. Gasoline and diesel engines were offered by Continental, Cummins, and Hercules. Single and tandem rear axles were available in many wheelbases.
Military models
Model 980/981 12-ton 6x4 trucks (G159) were ballast tractors used as tank transporters. Designed for the British military they were also used by the US Army. Powered by a 895 cubic inches (14.7 L) Hercules DFXE diesel engine developing 185 horsepower (138 kW) and geared very low, it could pull a trailer of up to 115,000 pounds (52,000 kg) and proved capable of the task of moving the heaviest tanks then in service. Early trucks used a standard Diamond T commercial cab (also used by the 4-ton G509 trucks). In August 1943 it was replaced with an open military cab. A long butterfly hood had vertical louvers along both sides.[3][8]
A short ballast body was mounted behind a mid-mounted winch. There were closed tool compartments along both sides, two open containers in the front, and a bottom-hinged tailgate. The box could hold 18,000 pounds (8,200 kg) of ballast to increase traction on the rear tandem axles. When paired with the M9 Rogers trailer, the combination was designated the M19 tank transporter.[3][8] A number of cars were delivered to the USSR under Lend-Lease during WWII.
Model 968 4-ton 6x6 truck (G509) Prime mover cargo trucks entered production as the standard 4-ton 6x6 chassis in 1941. It was produced with both a closed steel commercial-style cab and later an open military cab. It was designed to tow a ??? gun and carry its crew and ammunition. The chassis was used for different bodies but the majority of 4-tons were Model 968s.[4][9]
Standard models were powered by the 6 cyl., 529 cubic inches (8.7 L) Hercules RXC engine that developed 106 horsepower (79 kW) mated to a five speed manual transmission and two speed transfer case. The truck weighed 18,450 pounds (8,370 kg) and could tow 25,000 pounds (11,000 kg).[4][9]
Model 967 was a pre-standard prime mover cargo truck (21 were built as wreckers). Produced in early 1941, it was fitted with Hercules RXB 501 cubic inches (8.2 L) inline six cylinder engine. Distinguishable by one piece brush guard on the front.[4]
Model 969 Wrecker was the US Army's standard medium wrecker during World War II. It was equipped with the Holmes W-45 heavy-duty military wrecker bed with its twin boom and two 5-ton winches at the front of the bed as well as a front-mounted winch. A variety of other recovery equipment was carried, along with its own air compressor. It weighed 21,350 pounds (9,680 kg) and could tow 25,000 pounds (11,000 kg).[4]
Model 970 Cargo truck was designed to carry bridging pontoons. The bed is 16 inches (406.40 mm) longer than the 968.[4]
Model 972 dump truck was the largest the US Army had during World War II. Originally they were not fitted with front winches in order to reduce front axle loading. After a Corps of Engineers request, winches were fitted from June 1944 onwards.[4]
Model 975 was a bridge truck built for Canada.
Notes
- "A history of the Diamond T trucks".
- Wren, James A.; Wren, Genevieve (1979). Motor Trucks of America. Ann Arbor MI: The University of Michigan Press. p. 264. ISBN 0-472-06313-8.
- Doyle (2003), pp. 230–231.
- Doyle (2003), pp. 161–166.
- Doyle (2003), pp. 386–396.
- Peck, Merton J. & Scherer, Frederic M. The Weapons Acquisition Process: An Economic Analysis (1962) Harvard Business School p.619
- Kimes, Beverly (1996). standard catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
- Doyle (2014).
- Doyle (2012).
References
- Burness, Tad (1985). American Truck & Bus Spotter's Guide 1920-1985. Motorbooks International. ISBN 0-87938-198-1.
- Carroll, John; Davies, Peter (2015). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Tractors & Trucks. Hermes House. ISBN 978-1-84309-689-4.
- Crismon, Fred W (2001). US Military Wheeled Vehicles (3 ed.). Victory WW2. ISBN 0-970056-71-0.
- Doyle, David (2003). Standard Catalog of U.S. Military Vehicles (2 ed.). Krause. pp. 161–166, 230–231. ISBN 0-87349-508-X. Archived from the original on 2018-01-15.
- Doyle, David (2012). Diamond T 4-ton Truck. Squadron/Signal. ISBN 978-0-89747-710-9.
- Doyle, David (2014). M19-M20 Tank Transporter. Squadron/Signal. ISBN 978-0-89747-745-1.
- Mroz, Albert (1996). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of American Trucks and Commercial Vehicles. Krause. ISBN 0-87341368-7.
- Ware, Pat (2014). The Illustrated Guide to Military Vehicles. Anness. ISBN 978-1-78214-192-1.
- Wise, David (2000). The New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Automobiles (revised ed.). BookSales Inc. p. 559. ISBN 0-7858-1106-0.
