Massey Discussion Forums > Massey Talk > M-H Tanks/Racine
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M-H Tanks/Racine

Well I am still (seriously) looking for one of the smaller M-H tanks if anyone stumbles upon one.

In the meantime I have to content myself with a collection of photos that I have acquired of Massey-Harris tanks, their manufacture and testing at the Racine plant.  M-H tank production seems to have started in 1942 and gone through into the fifties.

I will feed a few photos on over the coming days, in the meantime here is the first.  This shows the first Massey tank made and is dated June 1942.  Standing in front of it are (L-R)E Burgess, Lt Everett and  WR Hyslop

John
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RE:M-H Tanks/Racine

John,

I expect you remember stumbling across this very nice Massey Harris tank after leaving the Racine 150th Anniversary Show in 1997.

The first time we had seen a M-H tank in the flesh which sat in a very nice military display near Racine, I wonder if it is still there? maybe some of our Wisconsin viewers can give us an up date with a bit of history on that particular tank.

I look forward to hearing all about it,

Malcolm

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RE:M-H Tanks/Racine

Yes Malcolm,

I do indeed remember this lovely little M5 tank - the smallest that M-H made.  It is one of these that I would really like to own sometime but so far I haven't stumbled upon to buy.

I also remember the 150th MH anniversary show at Racine very well.  It has always stuck in my mind as being one of the best MH shows ever.  I wonder if anyone out there has some photos of it to jolt our memories?  I slso remember that there was about  2 hours of some of the heaviest rain I have ever seen on one of the show days.

Tonight's tank offering is some shots inside the Racine factory in 1942 which show parts piling up in readiness to be assembled into M5 Massey-Harris tanks.  It must have been quite a sight.  1942 is 70 years ago so there is perhaps only a slim chance of ever finding anyone who worked there at that time - a sad reflection that M-H enthuisiasts in the area have not got out and trawled around for memories of the tank era whilst there were ex workers around.  But there could still be material in local newspaper archives, libraries and museums.

Sorry a couple of the shots have come up the wrong way round but I'm sure the general impression can be gained.  They show tracks, track rollers and the third I am not sure what!

John
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RE:M-H Tanks/Racine

Hi John!!


So how bad do you want a M5 Stuart tank???  I found one for sale in California.  Runs, clean, used regularly in reenactments.  And it is only a mere $245,000.00.( that would be USD!!)   I will see if I can get you a pair if you want!!  There is also a M5A1 Stuart in Hawaii for only $249,900.00!!  Almost twins!!

We just missed a M24 Chaffee. It was also running, working and ready for war!! It sold for $295,000.00 in Florida. 

I guess they are out there but the best I will ever do is my nice original M24 tool bag and possibly a couple of models!!

Ony had a great idea!!  I find them, you buy them and then put me in your will so I can get them back!!!.  I would even pay the container fees to get it back over here!!  Now that is a deal!!

Here is the link

http://www.armyjeeps.net/armor1.htm

I do agree, I think I like the M5 over the M24. Smaller, neater look. Ready for any disagreement that might come along!!

GTE


RE:M-H Tanks/Racine

Gary,

Thanks for the advices on the availability of tanks.  The one in Norway which you put me on to has the wrong gun on etc and been converted in the transmission department so in my view RUINED! - but still carrying a hefty price.  The one in UK looks a real prospect however so I will have to see what the "tank consortium" which I have formed thinks about the matter.  There is no doubt that the price of good tanks and military equipment generally has soared in recent years - far out stripping the rises we have seen with agricultural tractors.  We should have got into the M-H military job earlier!!  Genuine  WWII US Jeeps are bringing a fortune over here

Thinking cap is on...................

Wil lpost some more Racine/Tank photos later

John

RE:M-H Tanks/Racine

So once I discover one of these beasts, just how will I be able to tell if it was made in the MH plant in Racine and not in the Cadillac or GM plant in Detroit?  Will it have a big "Massey Harris - Better Built Military Equipment" sign on it???  Is there a tag? will it say Racine?  I know my tank bag box does say"Massey Harris Racine WI - Tank Division"

GTE

RE:M-H Tanks/Racine

Gary,

I haven't a clue how one identifies an M-H built tank and it is something I have been trying to find out for a few years.  I have e mailed this chap in UK who has the one for sale asking him if it has an MH tag - and the price!!!!

John

RE:M-H Tanks/Racine

Here's a shot of assembled tanks in the grounds of M-H at Racine.  Note the water towers proudly blazing M-H to the world!  Malcolm and I went around the perimeter of the plant once and I am sure that one of those water towers still survives but with MF on it

John
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RE:M-H Tanks/Racine

Here are a couple of shots of the tank "assembly line" and a turret being manufactured

John
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RE:M-H Tanks/Racine

Definitely cool photos John.  What a great history to have documented.  I wish you luck in your search for a tank.