Recreating Artillery Wheels for Word War II Cannons

Atomic Carrots took on a challenging project to craft four replacement cannon wheels out of aluminum. The goal was to preserve historical accuracy and honor military history. The wheels were made for two WWII-era Japanese Type 95 Field Guns on display at the U.S. Marine Corps Museum in Parris Island, South Carolina.

The project began with in-depth historical research. We studied the original cannon wheels to understand their design, proportions, and construction. With this knowledge, our skilled artists combined traditional methods with modern fabrication tools to bring the replicas to life.

The wheel components were sand cast in aluminum for strength and fine detail. We used 3D prints to create molds, and CNC machining to achieve precise fits and clean edges. This blend of craftsmanship and technology allowed us to closely match the original wheel designs. 

The wheels were produced using aluminum sand casting, a process that forms durable parts by pouring molten metal into custom sand molds created from 3D-printed patterns, followed by machining and finishing. But becasue the wheels were in the battlefield - we created dents and warps to match the rest of the body.

Each wheel meets historical accuracy standards and structural requirements for long-term outdoor display. The goal was not only to replace missing parts, but to honor the legacy of the Type 95 Field Guns captured during World War II.

This project’s impact goes beyond the wheels themselves. It supports the U.S. Marine Corps Museum’s mission to preserve and share military history. Installed alongside the historic artillery, the new wheels help present the story with authenticity and care.

Atomic Carrots is honored to contribute to this educational project. With the original wheels safely stored in the museum, these replicas can now provide a tangible connection to the past for future graduates of Parris Island.