[nuyt]

Hi guys,

Last week I paid a visit to th DAF Museum, while passing through Eindhoven.

I inspected the only survivor Trado bogey on show there, including the winch. The info said that both Dutch Army and KNIL in the NEI had these Trado's in stock so they were able to convert vehicles into 4x4 or 6x4 themselves.

So, I said before the Maple Leaf that was tested out there on Java was already equipped with a DAF winch and I suggested the vehicle had come through Europe. More likely now is that the Maple Leaf did come straight from a factory in North America and the DAF winch was installed by KNIL workshops in Bandung. It is also possible that the Ford 6x4 that was tested at the same time did have its Trado installed at the same place (but of course it could have been shipped from Europe just like the other vehicles that were tested).

Meanwhile I made contact with the DAF archives staff, who will send me some documentation on the Trado-converted Fords and Chevrolets. I will keep you all informed.

I bought some DAF brochures on inventions by Van Doorne and the military products.

I also received the Dutch GM book, which is disappointing regarding trucks and military production (nothing).

On the other hand I found: Ford in Nederland, 1924-1999). Not much either, but definitely the more interesting text. No word on any production facility in the NEI.

HTH
Nuyt