Font

[M37UK]

Does anyone know what font is used for the numbers and letter "c" on bridge plates?

Cheers

[Lifer]

I can't be absolutely certain, but I'm going to guess Gothic. That's what the Air Force T.O. calls for when lettering vehicles, anyway.

[Carter]

Lifer is correct, Gothic it is, on page 3 of TB 746-93-1 (Color and Marking of Military Vehicles, Construction Equipment and Material Handling Equipment) the first paragraph reads in part: " Description of Markings. All letters and numbers used in the marking of vehicles and equipment will be of the Gothic style...." "Thickness of the characters will be between 1/6 and 1/7 of their height."

[cuz]

Stu,

A lot depends on the level of accuracy you wish to achieve. The M37 had a lifespan of over 20 years. Say about 1950 thru the late 70's and early 80's. Many different publications were used to prescribe the markings over those years. Starting with AR850-5 dated Feb 45 and all of it's changes which go up through 1950 apply to most Army vehicles thru 1954 and it specifies "Block Style" letters and numerals. In addition were these pubs as well TB ORD 626 Oct 57, TB ORD 2300-10/1 Apr 58, TB 9-263 Apr 59, TB ORD 677 Jul 62, TB ORD 1058 Jun 63 and of course TB 746-93-1 Oct 64. It was followed by several more in the 70's.

[Lifer]

I compared my paper copy of the 15 September 1958 edition of AF T.O. 36-1-3 with the on-line edition of its modern replacement. Both call for the use of Gothic lettering. It would seem, therefore, that there must be a reason why it was never changed. Most likely because it's a easily readable and "uncluttered."

[cuz]

That's another huge variable. I have only quoted Army pubs. When you add USAF, Navy and USMC directives to the mix it can get really confusing. I believe Stu's question was Army.

[M37UK]

Hmm, interesting. However I believe that Gothic refers to the style of the font and not the font family itself, for instance, Century Gothic, Century Gothic Bold etc.

I have used what I think is appropriate and re-drawn it on the PC but maybe you guys can comment on it:

[cuz]

A block style font is also a family of fonts. This family was the prescribed type from 1940 thru the most of the 50's. M37's would have been block style and M37 B1's would probably have made the switch to the Gothic style.

Here are a few modern examples of the style:

Note the Addled block form and the Fulton block form

The Century Gothic style would look like this:
The same named example on this page: http://www.1728.com/fontlttr.htm

Take a close look at the Stencil entry on the same page.

The early and late manuals included full illustrations of the letters that they specified.

AR850-5 early


Larger full size photo files are here:
http://img.mypicgallery.com/mvpaintmark ... 0-pg-1.jpg
http://img.mypicgallery.com/mvpaintmark ... 0-pg-2.jpg

TB 746-93-1 late (1964)


Larger file size at:
http://img.mypicgallery.com/mvpaintmark ... 1-pg-1.jpg

Note that both show a equalization of dimensions over the entire character.

[Lifer]

Dang, Cuz! You brought out the BIG guns, didn't ya?

You're right about adding other services to the mix. I probably shoulda kept my mouth shut instead of possibly confusing the issue. Your last post leaves no doubt about what the Army wanted. Good job!

[M37UK]

Thanks Cuz, I think the last image you posted is the one I am looking for, with equalization of dimensions over the entire character.

The only thing I find odd about that font is the 7 has its top right corner cut away at an angle and the 7 that came with my plate doesnt. It must have changed at a later date as mine is a subdued green plate and numbers.

Thanks for your help everyone.