Gasoline field range outfits are the most satisfactory appliances available for preparing meals in the field. The armed forces now use model M59. Chapter 10 of the Basic Doctrine for Army Field Feeding, FM 10-23, covers the operation of the model M59 field range. Operator, Organizational and Direct Support Maintenance Manual including Repair Parts and Special Tools List for Range Outfit Field, Gasoline, Model M59, TM 10-7360-204-13&P, covers the maintenance and repair of model M59. See 11-8 for an illustration of the M59 range. One field range is adequate for 50 personnel or less. With two ranges, you can cook for 50 to 100 personnel. With three ranges, you can cook for as many as 225 people.

The gasoline field range outfit is designed to provide a complete outfit adaptable to the different requirements of field operations. The outfit consists of a cabinet with a burner unit, accessory outfit, and necessary cooking utensils i . 11-9 . The outfit is portable and can be operated while in transit.

Figure 11-8.-M59 field range.

The range outfit can be used for boiling, roasting, frying, and griddle cooking and can be adjusted to work as a bake oven. Some baking can be done in the covered roasting pan or in the cake pan placed inside the covered roasting pan. Pies bake well in the roasting pan alone. However, for all other baked foods, you should use the cake pan. If you do a great deal of baking with the range, make the necessary adaptation.

For complete information on safety precautions operating and maintenance instructions, basic issue items lists, and maintenance allocation charts, you should refer to the applicable Army technical manual (TM). Be sure you have the appropriate TM for the particular range model (for example, M59) that you are using.

Operation of the burner unit used on the model M59 field range is discussed next.

Preheat Period

When you are lighting the M2 burner unit installed in the M59 field ran e, follow these procedures in the order listed. (Se fi 11-1 or the part number in parentheses.)

1. Remove the burner unit from the cabinet and take it to a well-ventilated, outside area.

2. Close the preheater valve (6) and the flame (generator) valve (9).

3. Stand the unit in a vertical position and loosen the fuel filler cap (12) by turning counterclockwise, slowly releasing air pressure.

4. Fill the tank until fuel can be seen at the base of the fuel filler cap (12). CAUTION: Do not overfill!

5. Install and tighten the fuel filler cap (12).

6. Remove the air valve cap (5). Place the unit in a horizontal position and attach the hand pump to the air valve (5).

7. Pump until the air pressure gauge (11) reads 10 to 20 pounds.

8. Rotate the preheater orifice cleaner control lever (7) several times to clean the preheater orifice; the handle should be pointing down when you are finished.

9. Place a lighted match near the preheater burner head (3) and open the preheater valve (6) one-fourth of a turn.

10. Allow the preheater burner head (3) to burn for 30 seconds after ignition or until the flame burns evenly. Then turn the preheater valve (6) counterclockwise until it is completely open.

11. Allow the preheater burner head (3) to burn until the full length of the generator (1) is hot to the touch.

12. Set the air shutter handle (8) in a half-open position.

Conversion Period

Turn the flame valve (9) slowly counter-clockwise to the open position. The burner should ignite before the valve is completely open. Adjust the air shutter level with the air shutter handle (8) until the burner flame color is sea green. Turn the preheater valve (6) clockwise. The normal operating pressure is 10 to 20 pounds.

Figure 11-9.-Accessory outfit for M59 field range.

Turning Off Burner Unit

Extinguish the flame on the main burner by closing the flame valve (clockwise) all the way.

Safety Precautions

Obey the following safety rules:

  Never refuel a hot unit.

Do not remove air pressure while the unit is burning or hot.

  Do not open the fuel filler cap while near open flames.

Assign a specific person the responsibility of constantly checking the air pressure gauge reading. Do not operate beyond 30 pounds of pressure.

Do not tighten fittings while the burner is in operation.

SMALL DETACIEVIENT COOKING OUTFIT The small detachment cooking outfit consists of a stove and the necessary attachments and utensils required to prepare rations for 15 to 40 personnel. The outfit is designed primarily for outdoor use by isolated detachments. If used indoors, a smokestack provided with the outfit must lead outside to avoid carbon

Figure 11-10.-Burner unit and parts.

monoxide poisoning. The outfit is divided into two sections that weigh about 40 pounds each and is easily carried on two backboards. A 5-gallon can that completes the necessary equipment may be carried on a third packboard.

The immersion-type heater is designed for use with corrugated cans and tank trailers. It is used primarily to heat water for washing and sanitizing dinnerware and cooking utensils in the field. It is designed to heat water in either 24- or 30-gallon corrugated cans.

In cold climates, the heater can be used for melting snow or ice into water. It also can keep existing water supplies from freezing. In extreme emergencies, the heater may be used to heat a tent or other shelter, provided the exhaust fumes are piped out of the enclosed space.

Gasoline is the prescribed fuel. Although kerosene, diesel oils, and fuel oils may be burned in the heater, they produce more smoke and require a longer preheating period. A full tank of gasoline (2.2 gallons) should run the heater for 6 hours under normal operating conditions. However, if operated continuously at a high-fire rate, a tank of gasoline may be consumed in less than 4 hours.

The tank trailer water heater is designed for use in cold climates to keep water supplies from freezing. It is used to heat water in 250- and 400gallon water tank trailers and in a 700-gallon water tank truck. With the same provisions as the immersion-type heater, it also can be used in emergencies to heat a tent or other personnel shelter. Fuel requirements and capabilities of the heater are same as those of the corrugated can heater.

The Army TM, Basic Doctrine for Army Field Feeding, FM 10-23, contains the minimum information necessary to safely operate the immersion-type heater. Be sure you receive a copy of the TM with the immersion heater.