Ford 3-ton Special Tractor M.1918 during trials 1918

The 2-man 3-ton Special Tractor M.1918 was the first American tank. Developed in 1918 the vehicle was too late to see combat in WW1. In this footage, there are various mismatched scenes from the testing of the tank including versions of the prototypes and production versions as well. This footage is the combination of various cuttings from period archival footage in the US National Archives and as such is out of order as the original footage was chopped to suit contemporary newsreels.
The footage is silent as the original newsreel audio where there was any has been removed.
National Archives footage references used:
7419799, 7419811, 7419095, 7419804, 7419628, 7419174

[@sethmullins8346]

Honestly I'm surprised there is any video of this thing at all still around. It is a very obscure tank

[@thurin84]

the cavorting little beasties of the tank world.

[@bluesky_cupy5158]

Wow I never knew it was that fast and nimble

[@picardbs]

Very interesting

[@nonamesplease6288]

Of course, the thing never went into service because the war was over and it was crap. The few that made it to Europe were used as tractors. But, wouldn't it be cool to have one to run around the neighborhood? And Model T parts are still readily available.

[@Meczyk]

Baby StuG :D

[@bombercbc9431]

:D

[@user-co4rs7ob1t]

Внншне похож на таракана...интнресная асоциация?!