 Fiber
Containers
The
fiber containers used initially were the M39 model (5.13 diameter x 31.81 long,
5.47 long cap) that opened on one end with the cartridge assembled normally. When
the "short" box was adopted the M129, M130, and M133 fiber containers
were used, but their details are unavailable. The three containers were probably
for the cartridge case, M1 or M60 shells, and the M67 projectile. Starting in
early 1943 the cartridges were assembled. Starting in early 1943 the cartridges
were assembled with the projectile placed nose first into the cartridge case mouth.
This arrangement used the M105 container (5.13 diameter x 31.81 long, two 5.47
long caps) that opened at both ends to allow the extraction of both pieces. (The
M67 HE-AT cartridge used the dimensionally similar M108 tube with only one opening.)
The T18 canister
used a metal can for the cartridge case and a fiber tube for the canister, but
further details are unavailable. The
short-lived “short” two-round boxes used M129 and M130 fiber containers
for the shell and cartridge case, respectively. Their dimensions are unknown.
All fiber tubes
had black, asphalt-impregnated paper on the outside with black-painted metal ends.
The tube ends were sealed with 2-inch wide tape in colors representing the type
of projectile.
Ammunition | Projectile
Model | Tape
Colors | | Gas
(H) | M60 | Divided
into three stripes: green, gray, green | | Gas
(CNS) | M60 | Divided
into three stripes: gray, red, gray | | HE | M1 | Yellow | | HE,
AT | M67 | Yellow | | Smoke
(FS, HC, and WP) | M60
and M84 | Divided
into three stripes: gray, yellow, gray | | Illumination | T16
| White | | Canister
| T18 | Black |
Nomenclature
for the ammunition was marked on the ends and side in white and on the sealing
tape in black or white. If you are making markings for fiber tubes take comfort
in the fact that the stenciling was roll marked and frequently faint or indistinct
when viewed at any distance. The key thing to have on a model is the closure tape
of the right color.
Overview
Ammunition
Fiber
Containers
Cloverleaf Bundles
Boxes
and Markings
Metal Container
Common
Rounds for Modelers
References
105mm
Howitzer Ordnance: Comparison Review of 1/35 Scale Sets
105mm
Howitzer Kits, Upgrades, and Accessories
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