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Post by 30sqnatc on Jun 16, 2019 15:41:07 GMT 12
I wonder it this is runway clearance team given the Autocar wrecking crane behind so not necessarily in NZ service. The large door sign is definitely not anything I've seen on an RNZAF vehicle. The Diamond T could have an 'A' frame on the front - not certain.
Why do you think this is not a Diamond T tractor unit as Bart Vanserveen's WWII vehicle directory includes a tractor version although I must admit I've only ever seen ballast body versions never a 5th wheel tractor.
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chrism
Squadron Leader
Posts: 128
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Post by chrism on Jun 16, 2019 16:06:51 GMT 12
I wonder it this is runway clearance team given the Autocar wrecking crane behind so not necessarily in NZ service. The large door sign is definitely not anything I've seen on an RNZAF vehicle. The Diamond T could have an 'A' frame on the front - not certain. Why do you think this is not a Diamond T tractor unit as Bart Vanserveen's WWII vehicle directory includes a tractor version although I must admit I've only ever seen ballast body versions never a 5th wheel tractor. The Diamond T 980/981 series were tractor units, ballast body as you say. They were larger with rounded front guards. This is definitely a 968,969 or 972 which were smaller and either cargo, wrecker or dump originally. It does appear to have an A frame on the front, presumably making use of the front mounted winch. I agree it is probably in US service. These trucks were not common at all in the Pacific theatres!
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chrism
Squadron Leader
Posts: 128
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Post by chrism on Jun 16, 2019 16:15:44 GMT 12
fascinating - is the serial readable on the original? He's named the file p40n_nz3172 . ADF Serials has the airframe on charge August 1943 then crashed at New Georgia on 18 November 1943. The file name with the serial NZ3172 just followed from when I copied it of Google. I can't remember what site it was from, was just googling Diamond T's. I cannot make out that serial from that picture but maybe an original copy might be clearer.
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chrism
Squadron Leader
Posts: 128
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Post by chrism on Jun 16, 2019 16:31:32 GMT 12
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Post by tedheath on Jun 23, 2019 18:41:44 GMT 12
The most famous tow tractor I know was driven by Steve Houltham at Wigram
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flymac
Pilot Officer
Posts: 45
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Post by flymac on Jul 4, 2019 14:42:21 GMT 12
I realised tonight I do not think I have ever seen a photo of WWII aeroplanes in the RNZAF being towed. I know that the RNZAF had aircraft tugs like Clark Tractors, and Cletracs, which they towed the Hudsons and Venturas around with, and I guess also the Avengers. But I have never seen a photo of any of these types under tow. I also know the RNZAF had a number of farm type tractors, Massey Fergusons, Fordsons,etc, many of them impressed, and I have seen them towing fuel bowsers but never aircraft. What did they use to tow around the P-40's, Corsairs, Harvards, Oxfords, Ansons, Dauntless, etc? And are there any actual photos of towing tractors or tugs in action? Dave, they would not have used any Massey Fergusson Tractors during WW2. The Massey Fergusson company never started operating until 1953 when Massey Harris of Canada merged with the Fergusson Company of the UK. Fordsons, Farmalls, Minneapolis Molines, David Brown tractors and aircraft towing variants were commonly used. Early Fergussons and Ford Fergussons were in NZ but not in large numbers. Do not forget NZ recieved a lot of US made tractors soon after the US entered the war - as NZ was identified as a key food supplier to the armed forces in the Pacific. In particular the SVP programme setup in Patumahoe to supply dehydrated vegetables. kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/?p=r&collection=p20062coll1&search=Patumahoe&field=all&mode=all&conn&id=58468&rec=16&fbclid=IwAR2blvcFIVzCn59jUSeIvYfOrH87kQyJLYHCoV1hWYHOnRztucm2n_oieiw
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 4, 2019 15:03:13 GMT 12
Thanks, that is good detail.
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Post by baronbeeza on Jul 5, 2019 0:27:29 GMT 12
I have just been gifted yet another project and this thread is somewhat relevant. Along these lines. Well this guy gave me a video call from Wales last night. He used to be a service engineer with David Brown and he owns this 1940 Lancaster tug. Piper tug, 1950 and isn't she a beauty.....
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 5, 2019 9:56:01 GMT 12
Does it come with the Messerschmitt?
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