Can anyone tell what the make/model of vehicle in this picture is? The picture was taken in Palmiry, Poland in 1940 and shows Polish hostages about to be executed. http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/general/attachment.php?attachmentid=10050&d=1224182912
Jeff, I'm not good enough to ID from the wheels but it looks like a typical pre-war charabanc - The sort of open topped bus that always appeared in photos of outings to the seaside - Try 'charabanc' on Google and Google Images and you'll see plenty of these sort of pram-topped things. Most of them were locally bodied and some had removable coachwork so the flat-bed could be used by the local carter out of season. Rich
That sounds reasonable Rich. It just looked too long and ungainly to be a "army truck." I had never heard of a charabanc and when googling for pics at your suggestion, the ones I found look very similar. Thanks.
Is this it? Mercedes-Benz L3500 4 X 2 Diesel, with a open personnel body fitted with seven bench seats, double drop sides and a full length canvas tilt.
I'm not sure if the bodywork's quite the same as Jeff's has what look like commercial bus grab handles on the seat backs. The L3500 would presumably have been based on a commercial model ? What's the German for 'chara' ?
I'm not sure if the bodywork's quite the same as Jeff's has what look like commercial bus grab handles on the seat backs. The L3500 would presumably have been based on a commercial model ? I'd agree that it does have some detail differences. The basic 3500Kg 4 X 2 chassis of the mittlerer Lastkraftwagen was a typical type of German truck of the mid thirties. I'm sure that local bodywork was fitted in many cases. What's the German for 'chara' ? From Wikipedia The name derives from the French char à bancs ("carriage with wooden benches"), the vehicle having originated in France in the early 19th century So Beförderung mit Holzbänken ?
Am I right in thinking that the original phot posted has double rear axles. Looking above the axle in view is a rectangular type plate and to the right is also another one. Not conclusive as the photo in the area is so dark to see detail, but it certaily makes me think it has twin rear axles, not uncommon on really long wheelbase buses. Tom
Am I right in thinking that the original phot posted has double rear axles. Looking above the axle in view is a rectangular type plate and to the right is also another one. Not conclusive as the photo in the area is so dark to see detail, but it certaily makes me think it has twin rear axles, not uncommon on really long wheelbase buses. Tom I thought that too, but I changed my mind when I could not make out any sign of a wheel arch. Maybe the rectangular plates are associated with the hinges for the drop sides? The soldier just in front of the rear wheels appears to be reaching over, possibly to release a catch? Bod
Bod, I have viewed the photo at 150% max on my settings. If you take a look at the Officer who is blindfolfing a victim, you can see both of his arms as he is tying the blindfold. Take a look immediately above his arm and you can see a curved outline, exactly the same as the rim on the mudguard clearly in view. Tom
Bod, I have viewed the photo at 150% max on my settings. If you take a look at the Officer who is blindfolfing a victim, you can see both of his arms as he is tying the blindfold. Take a look immediately above his arm and you can see a curved outline, exactly the same as the rim on the mudguard clearly in view. Tom Aha, I see something Tom. So, as a six-wheeler it could be one of several chassis. Those 'star' wheels lead me to believe either a Tatra T29, Henschel 33D1, Magirus 33G1 or a Krupp L3H163 or the earlier L3H63. The Magirus was a licence built Henschel anyway. Lorraine in France also produced licence built Tatra chassis during the mid thirties.
