thunderw21 Posted April 25, 2015 Share #1 Posted April 25, 2015 I'm now the proud owner of an M9A2/M18 paracaissson cart. I picked it up several days ago from a local antique mall. I'm not able to find out much about it, just the general info. They were self-contained carts that were loaded with ammo for the 75mm pack-howitzer and dropped from the bellies of C-47s. Once on the ground, the paratroopers would open them and discard the lid, assemble the wheels and handle, and off they went! Here are a couple questions someone might be able to answer: were these ever used in combat? If so, when and where? What is the general value of such a cart in this condition? Anyways, here are the pics. Original paint other than the brighter green on the handle end of the canister. It looks to have the original tires as well. Minimal rust and I was able to remove the handle and wheels with minimal issues. It's missing the lid and a few pieces on the inside as well as the attachment points for the rope handles. It's an ingenious design. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thunderw21 Posted April 25, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted April 25, 2015 The detachable folding axle. You can also see the latches that hold the wheels on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thunderw21 Posted April 25, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted April 25, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
URIK Posted April 27, 2015 Share #4 Posted April 27, 2015 Nice find, that's a rare cart! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantomfixer Posted April 30, 2015 Share #5 Posted April 30, 2015 The C47 we have on display and flew in the Normandy invasion dropping troopers that night,,,used a canvas parapack... I do believe the paracrate was used in combat..when researching our C47 display we found numerous period photos of the paracrate being loaded... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thunderw21 Posted April 30, 2015 Author Share #6 Posted April 30, 2015 The C47 we have on display and flew in the Normandy invasion dropping troopers that night,,,used a canvas parapack... I do believe the paracrate was used in combat..when researching our C47 display we found numerous period photos of the paracrate being loaded... Thanks for the info. Here's a pic of the cart broken down, including the folding axle. Breakdown took roughly 1 minute while putting it back together took slightly longer. No tools needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phantomfixer Posted May 1, 2015 Share #7 Posted May 1, 2015 yep quick and easy was the name of the game...off the the field and ready to use....if you google AMC museum you can see one on display next to our Gooney... yours is way cooler as it is in private hands and will be utuilized....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZUJ-A-TIC Posted June 2, 2015 Share #8 Posted June 2, 2015 Here is a link to a related discussion from last year on my M9A2 paracaisson. http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/200466-75mm-pack-how-paracrate-cart-need-info/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piper Cub Posted June 19, 2015 Share #9 Posted June 19, 2015 That's a neat idea with those carts. Any idea how many were made? I doubt there's many of them left anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tractor Posted December 6, 2016 Share #10 Posted December 6, 2016 I just got one of these carts myself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Keith Posted December 6, 2016 Share #11 Posted December 6, 2016 That is a great find! BKW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZUJ-A-TIC Posted December 8, 2016 Share #12 Posted December 8, 2016 Nice score!... How about some pictures!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZUJ-A-TIC Posted December 8, 2016 Share #13 Posted December 8, 2016 This is one of the two pull-ropes that came with mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZUJ-A-TIC Posted December 8, 2016 Share #14 Posted December 8, 2016 another shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tractor Posted December 8, 2016 Share #15 Posted December 8, 2016 my cart is a partial cart. I have everything below the body besides the rims. Planning to make a new body in the future. I have a spare hub if anyone is missing one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thunderw21 Posted December 12, 2016 Author Share #16 Posted December 12, 2016 Tractor, how do you intend on making the body? Mine is missing its lid and I would be interested in making my own, if that's even possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZUJ-A-TIC Posted December 12, 2016 Share #17 Posted December 12, 2016 I have a lid. Let me know if you need any pictures or measurements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tractor Posted December 13, 2016 Share #18 Posted December 13, 2016 I need to figure out metal patterns but thinking I may be able to use galvanized roofing to make a body. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tractor Posted January 22, 2017 Share #19 Posted January 22, 2017 well the guy I got the cart from called me the other day and found the body of my cart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZUJ-A-TIC Posted January 22, 2017 Share #20 Posted January 22, 2017 Isn't it great when THAT happens. Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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