USMC Trencher going home

papabear · Mar 16, 2011

I bought this 1947 Cleveland Trencher from a peanut farmer in SW Georgia about 3yrs ago. Since then, it has sat...and sat..

SS Member 1943halftrack knows a retired Marine LTC that does alot with the USMC Museum at Camp Pendleton, CA. so we all started plotting on how we could get the trencher out there. I donated it.

Well...tomorrow we will move the trencher out to the airfield on Ft. Benning, GA. where it will be secured to pallets and prepped for transport...by a C17 around Mar 26!

If anyone is interested in this story, I can update with pics as it progresses. Todays pics are just getting her steam cleaned and checked for leaks etc...none were found

Hope to be there when they load her on the bird...er...unless it's in the middle of the night

ca1517 · Mar 16, 2011

Please keep us updated on the status of the implement.

jluv1185 · Mar 16, 2011

Please do keep us updated! I for one will follow this thread. You're a good troop PB, no matter what WM says about you... :beer:

Ruppster · Mar 16, 2011

If any message was worthy of rep points this has to be one of them. I know many don't use the rep points anymore but I gave some anyhow.

Thanks for setting a perfect example for others on SS to follow. [thumbzup]

Ruppster

srodocker · Mar 16, 2011

that is awesome. how did you manage the c17?

wreckerman893 · Mar 16, 2011

that is awesome. how did you manage the c17?

Never under estimate the resourcefulness of old grunts. :beer:

nk14zp · Mar 16, 2011

Glad you found a ride for it. Keep us posted.

3dAngus · Mar 16, 2011

That's really cool Papabear. I could use that to dig my trench this week in the back yard. I wonder if the plane could drop load it here for a few days. :beer:

I look forward to hearing more. Keep those pictures coming.

drgreg · Mar 16, 2011

I did not know that Marines used trenches or foxholes. Great job PB, you are one of a kind.

papabear · Mar 16, 2011

srodocker said:
that is awesome. how did you manage the c17?

UMMM....We borrowed one from CARNAC??

firefox · Mar 16, 2011

Man, that sucker is big! But then you have marines to dig the smaller trenches.
That is one outstanding gift to the Museum! Thanks from an old Marine.
Bruce

davidkroberts · Mar 16, 2011

i didnt know we had a museum on Camp Pendelton. I was stationed there and only knew about the AMTRACK museum. glad its getting a good home.

airbornebandsman · Mar 17, 2011

I'll have to go visit it when I go see my dad.

zout · Mar 17, 2011

I remember you telling me while we were looking at it about the possibility of it heading out there. This is a great story and especially if you can be kept apraised from the West Coast end with pics of the restore.

Looking forward to seeing more.

DUG · Mar 17, 2011

I'm gonna go check it out when it gets here. LMK when it touches down.

papabear said:
I bought this 1947 Cleveland Trencher from a peanut farmer in SW Georgia about 3yrs ago. Since then, it has sat...and sat..

SS Member 1943halftrack knows a retired Marine LTC that does alot with the USMC Museum at Camp Pendleton, CA. so we all started plotting on how we could get the trencher out there. I donated it.

Well...tomorrow we will move the trencher out to the airfield on Ft. Benning, GA. where it will be secured to pallets and prepped for transport...by a C17 around Mar 26!

If anyone is interested in this story, I can update with pics as it progresses. Todays pics are just getting her steam cleaned and checked for leaks etc...none were found

Hope to be there when they load her on the bird...er...unless it's in the middle of the night

Danger Ranger · Mar 17, 2011

Does it work at all? you did say it sat, but still I wonder...

Its pretty cool though...gas engine?

papabear · Mar 17, 2011

Today was a day of mixed emotions.

Loaded up the trencher after some more steam cleaning and transported her to LAAF Ft. Benning, GA. for transport.

The fellers at the LAAF were just super, they provided all the shoring/dunage as well as the tie-down equipment on the word of a retired Marine LTC, and 1943halftrack that it would be sent it back.
Normally, the "unit" has to supply stuff...but I don't have a "unit".LOL

This has taken about 6 months to coordinate cause we had to wait for a C17 that was coming here from CA to participate in Airborne drop training...without a follow on mission. Of course that could change tomorrow! ANYWAY>>>

The trencher is on the airfield...secured to pallets, on a K-loader, awaiting her ONLY "first class" ride, and I am posting this with a heavy heart...feel like I donated one of my kids for posterity

We plan to be there for the actual loading and the Marines have promised to send some pics from the other end. Might be awhile though.

It's amazing how God works...when fellers let Him guide them!

Here's the pics from today:

wreckerman893 · Mar 17, 2011

Not a bad exercise in logistics for an old "snooper and pooper".

Ya'll did good PB. [thumbzup]

timntrucks · Mar 17, 2011

good job.. GOD speed to the troops fat lady sings

gunboy1656 · Mar 17, 2011

That thing looked huge when it was on the ground, on the back of the of the roll bed it don't look so large.

Still looks like a fun toy, glad it will be heading off to a good home.

USMC Trencher going home

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