The Overland Train Mark II concept began in 1955. While the Mark II was the last of the Overland Trains to be built, it had the longest history. R.G. LeTourneau, Inc. would not see a purchase order for the Mark II until 1958. The images below show the Mark II on the test track at R.G. LeTourneau, Inc. in Longview, TX in 1961. Once the Army accepted the Mark II in Texas, it was sent by rail to Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona in April, 1962. This is where the real machine testing would occur. Today, the Mark II Control Car, the lead car, sits at the Yuma Proving Ground Heritage Center – https://history.army.mil/museums/IMCOM/yumaProvingGround/index.html.
Related

TC-497 Film at Yuma Proving Ground
I have been communicating with the private seller of a new TC-497 8mm film. Even after the sale was complete,…
Continue Reading
Digitizing an 8mm TC-497 Film
I acquired an 8mm film of the TC-497 in the Army's Proving Ground, Yuma, AZ. The process is extremely slow…
Continue Reading
The Overland Train and Project Mobility
Project Mobility occurred from June 5-10, 1961 at Fort Eustis, Virginia. During the 6 day exercise, The United States Army…
Continue Reading
Man on the TC-497’s Radar Unit in Yuma
I was editing the TC-497 chapter early this morning and took a little detour in my video folder. Around three…
Continue Reading