Folks,

To say that the USMC budget in the first half of the 1930s was "limited" is an understatement. So in the 1930s the Marines looked around to acquire the lowest cost option they had for a "tank" for use in places like China or Latin America.

That option was the Disstone Safe Company "Tractor Tank". Developed in 1933 by the Disston Safe Company. Built on a Caterpiller tractor model 35 or 40. In 1934 an improved model was made mounting a 37mm main gun in an open top. 26 tanks were produced in the USA, 16 going to the USMC and the remainder going to Afghanistan (ie only three were deliver to Afghanistan -- what happened to the other 7 is not know). Does anyone know any more about the history of the Disstone tanks in USMC service?

Jack E. Hammond

SpecificationsWeight 13,600 lbs
Crew: 3 - 7 (when required)
Armament: 37mm, .30 MG
Performance: 4.6 mph
Armor: 1/4 - 5/16"
Note> 37mm cannon was a
short barrel close support
weapon from WW1.



Photo below shows Disstone tank on
parade in Afghanistan.



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