Ford semi tractor unit

[Tony Smith]

Cliff, get yourself a copy of Alan Smith's book (Top bloke, obviously no relation !) "Convoy's up the track". He talks about his service in the NT transport companies during WW2. Trucks used were Ford, Chev, Inter, and GMC. Interesting pics of all sort of hot weather modifications to keep the trucks running cool, like the removal of the front guards and engine side cowl in your pic.
If your local bookshop can't get a copy, PM me.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

Cliff, get yourself a copy of Alan Smith's book (Top bloke, obviously no relation !) "Convoy's up the track". He talks about his service in the NT transport companies during WW2. Trucks used were Ford, Chev, Inter, and GMC.

Have now found that Chev Maple Leaf trucks were also used!

This vehicle turned up in a new acquisition by a museum nearby. It's a Holden bodied Canadian Maple Leaf truck with definate North-South track convoy history. It's in excellent condition with no rust or dents, although much of the paint on the bonnet has dissapeared, leaving only a faint trace of it's ARN, 421xxx. All original tyres are still there (with D^D burnt into the sidewalls), and it runs like new (fuel is gravity fed from a 20lt Kero drum ). Tac sign markings for the 12th Div are plainly visible, and I'm working on the Unit ID. Likely candidates are 121, 122, or 148 General Transport Companies, AASC.

[Tony Smith]

The interior is something of a time capsule, with the original seats and roof lining in place but tattered. Bob would love the near perfect speedo gauge! Scratched into the dash are the details of Driver HR Mules, Driver LH Payne, and Cpl J Spragg. There is also a "R Warner" featured, this could be Dvr RW Warner or Cpl RH Warner
All of the Drivers are from 122 or 148 Gen Tpt Coys, while both Cpls are from 4 Fd Regt (Shouldn't they be Bombardiers, unless they were from the Regts Transport Platoon?).
12th Div was a Militia Division stationed in the Northern Territory. All 5 Servicemen have AIF service numbers, but 4 have also got Militia numbers too. Were they "Bumped" from the AIF?

[Keith Webb]

That is a nice find and also great detective work with the drivers names.

[Tony Smith]

The rear tray body is also original, but the timber is starting to deteriorate. It is missing two side planks all the way around. A Visibility improvement?

[Tony Smith]

While the Maple Leaf is a Canadian truck (it is the Canadian GMC), it was assembled locally by General Motors-Holden's, and has a few GM-H features. The Cab is GM-H with the cowl vents and the hubcaps on the front hub also feature a "GM-H" logo. On the firewall, (poorly placed behind the Coolant Condensor can!) is a Holden's badge.

[Euan McDonald]

Hi Clif,
I have a north-south round front trailer if you require any detail pics. I also have a folding boat trailer as pictured by Rod if it helps.

[cliff]

Thanks Euan, Bob took a load of photos of the Round Front Trailer for me when I built the model and I will keep in mind the folding boat trailer for the future. Thanks for the offer I really appreciate it.

[cliff]

Hi Tony,

I have already got the book and made the two models in 1/35 scale pictured below. First is the Ford Semi with load of barrels as per the AWM photo in the first post and the second the original Convoy fitters Chev before CMP's became availiable.

Just love the photos you posted of the Maple Leaf Chev and I would say it is more likely to be a 148 General Transport Co.

PS> the Ford Semi and trailer is totally scratch built including the V8 motor complete with wiring. The fitters truck has a Tamiya GMC motor, headlights and wheels but is otherwise scratch built.

[jim sewell]

Nice models Cliff , well done .

That Maple Leaf was a good find , would look nice preserved under cover .
Thanks Tony
Regards
Jim S.