Studebaker M29C Weasel

The Studebaker M29C Weasel (Carrier, Cargo, Amphibian M29C, G-179), sometimes called the "Water Weasel", is the amphibious version of the M29 Weasel light tracked carrier of the Second World War. Weasels were used by the US Army, the US Air Force and the British Army, proved handy on the difficult terrain of the Pacific islands, and were also supplied to the Soviet Army under Lend-Lease.

Design

The M29C was essentially the same as the standard M29. The main difference was a pair of detachable floating units at the front and rear: air tanks that gave enough buoyancy for the vehicle to float. In the water it was propelled by its tracks and steered by two rudders on the rear float. Power came from a Studebaker Champion 6-170 six-cylinder petrol engine of 65 bhp with a three-speed Warner gearbox and a two-speed sprocket drive, giving 58 km/h on land and 8 km/h in the water. It weighed 1,676 kg without the floats and 2,150 kg with them. Its enclosed engine made the Weasel very quiet.

Surviving examples

The Marshall Museum displays an M29C delivered in 1945 that served in Norway, in winter camouflage. The folder also includes photographs of a privately owned M29C in Colorado and a 2000 price sheet.