Trailer is Titled (12/17/2014)

Blue Goose's last trip before putting her up for the winter was Friday December 12. She pulled the M416 military trailer out to south Kennewick, in the rain, to the State Patrol inspection station. The trailer passed with flying colors, of course, and this week I took the Bill of Sale, weight ticket and inspection form to the D.O.L. and registered it and received a license plate. I will not receive a title for the trailer for three years giving someone the chance to say, "Hey, that's my trailer and I can prove it." Good luck with that.

Still Not Quite Done, But Getting Closer (10/30/2014)

I sprayed numbers and other identifying stuff on the trailer this week using stick-on stencils. This was my first effort and there was a little leakage in places. I attribute the leakage to my clumsiness and colder weather. I think the stencils would have stuck a little better in hot weather. Oh well, I can fix it with a little artistic touch up (next Spring).

The first picture shows the new bumper numbers. From left to right sixth army Dragon Corps, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and Company Headquarters Commander's Trailer.

The second picture is not focused well, but it shows the VIN number above a start above the property tag. This is on the front of the right side of the trailer. A similar number and star are on the front of the left side of the trailer.

Almost Done (10/07/2014)

The M416 is almost done. The tail lights have been wired and checked out and the power plug has been installed on Blue Goose. Also the bumper number panel (back face of the frame) has been painted white. A local engraver copied the information from the original data (VIN number) plate onto a new plate which has been installed on the right side of the rear panel of the tub. The information says that the trailer was manufactured by "DUNBAR KAPPLE", the serial number is "6-7098", and it was delivered (to Fort Lewis, WA) and inspected in "DEC 1965". The following pictures shows the trailer in it's almost complete condition.

The following things remain to be done:

• -Installing a Property tag at the front of the right side frame rail.
• -Putting white stars on the sides of the tub.
• -Putting white "U.S. Army" on the back of the tub.
• -Putting the black bumper numbers on the rear frame rail. Incidentally, they will be 6ADRA 35ADA HQ6T.
• -Putting a rubber floor mat in the tub.
• -Putting a ridge pole longitudinally on the tub to hold the tarp up a little allowing rain water to drain.
• -Putting a tarp on the tub.
• -And finally getting a title and license plate for the trailer.

Assembly Four (09/25/2014)

The last mechanical things that needed attaching to the frame were the tongue rails, yoke, safety chains, standing leg pivot, standing leg and lunette. And that has been accomplished. I had mounted the wheels earlier. Notice that the brakes have been applied. The pictures show the finished frame. Before I attach the tub I need to wire the tail lights. That will require ordering some parts.

Assembly Three (09/25/2014)

A friend came over with his brake shoe spring pliers which has a hook and a point and connected both brake shoe springs in less than a minute. Then I greased the outer brake drum bearings and put the brake drums on and adjusted the shoes for a decent gap. I installed the new brake cable and put the brake handle back together. Everything works properly now. The drums rotate freely when the brake is off and will not rotate at all when the brake is applied.

Then I bought a pairs of shock absorbers from our local NAPA dealer and installed them. I took the following picture showing the shock absorbers with their traditional Monroe blue color. I am not going to paint them olive drab.

Assembly Two (09/12/2014)

I put the spring brackets and bumpers on the frame. After that I put the springs back into the brackets and greased the zircs. Then I put the axle on the springs. Then I put the backing plates on the axle. Now I am trying to put the brakes with their various parts back on the backing plates. Am having difficulty with the return springs; not strong enough. Back to that next week.

Assembly One (08/20/2014)

I purchased 216 bolts, washers, lock washers, and nuts of various sizes and then primed them.

The tires are mounted on the rims and the brake drums have been turned (it's hard to tell from the picture below). I repacked the inside brake drum bearings and replaced them. I did some touch up painting on the wheels.

I cleaned up the reflectors and remounted them on the tub.