Note conventional ZiS-5 cab and S-65 hood
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High Speed Tractor Stalinez S-2 »skorostnoy« In summer 1939, on the eve of the coming war, two brandnew tractors underwent a spectacular 2,000 km test drive from the »Chelyabinsk Tractor Zavod« in the Ural mountains to the Russian capital. After the 12 days drive and the following test at the Kubinka proving ground the new »S-2 skorostnoy« (fast) was accepted for production. However, speed was a relative attribute at that time, as the »High Speed Tractor« was slowed down to merely 10 mph when towing a heavy gun on highways, not to mention ground conditions. When production ceased in January of 1942, no less than 1,263 had left the ChTZ hulls of which only 892 were still in service by September 1, 1942 after heavy losses in the failed »Operation Mars« offensive in spring 1942. Special thanks to Mr. Jochen Vollert, Germany, for providing precious informations. |
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Welcome idle time during rail transport
Towing the 152mm ML-20 howitzer
Towing the 152mm ML-20 howitzer, March 1943
Cargo cover installed
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Open Hood and cargo cover installed
Loaded on a common 20-ton 2-axle Flat Car