G503 Military Vehicle Message Forums

The USAF used a version of the Ross Straddle Carrier as part of the support equipment back in the days of the B-36. Every once in a while one would go by our place of business on it's journey to Loring AFB. I followed one of these down the highway in my Jeep and was tempted to pass this slow moving machine by driving under it. Always wonder what the driver would have thought had I done it. These looked like a 4 wheeled insect with a cab up top about 8-10' in the air.

Any 50's US Air Force Veterans ever see one of these on a B-36 Base?

Never seen the carrier like you described, but around here, we have crop spray rigs that sound similar.
The rig is as wide as a two lane road. Everybody is in the side ditch when they go by.
They are 4 wheel drive and the legs raise the body and cab high enough, they will clear the top of 6 to 8 foot tall corn stalks. You could easily drive under one. But don't think I would advise it. But may have happened some time. Hey Vern. You want to have some fun ??
They have spray booms that fold out and when extended, the over all width may easily be 50 to 60 feet wide.
In transport, road speed is 40 to 45 MPH. In the field, maybe 30 MPH.
Maybe they were inspired by the carrier you described.

Wolfman...some nitwit tried it two counties west of me last year. Find the story here:

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/201 ... 100924994/

Takes all kinds I guess!

The picture in the article looks like one of the smaller ones, Ginger.
Up north of Indy, where I live, they are a lot larger.
I think you could drive under one, but I would still not advise it !!