No.6 Bofors Gun Tractor - Part ID
 

Hi All
Helping with research on this configuration of Chev Blitz. There was a voice tube connecting the driver's compartment to the rear crew cab area and the attached image is possibly part of that system. Allegedly the voice tube started in the cab with a funnel type arrangement, a bit like a horn on a kid's bicycle, then exited the cab to the goose neck. There was a corresponding goose neck on the crew cab finishing up inside with another funnel. The two goose necks were coupled together with a rubber tube. Is this correct. My conception of a voice tube was one that exited behind the driver in a horizontal line and not vertical as the first theory suggests. Allegedly a similar system was also used on some ambulances.

Speaking Tube Truck Cab Interior
 

OK all you experts you can stop looking now. Here is the correct kit for a speaking tube for the No.6 Bofors Gun Tractor. This may have also been fitted to other vehicles requiring communication between the truck cab and a rear compartment.

Speaking Tube Truck Cab Exterior
 

And here is how it exits the cab.

Speaking Tube Entry Point on No.6 Crew Cab
 

It is presumed that the exit point from the truck cab is coupled to this entry point on the crew cab by means of a flexible rubber hose.

Speaking Tube Entry Point on No.6 Crew Cab
 

It is presumed that the exit point from the truck cab is coupled to this entry point on the crew cab by means of a flexible rubber hose.

OK the forum won't let me post an identical image. Mr. Moderator, can you please delete the other thread and post that image here.

Speaking Tube Interior Entry Point on No.6 Crew Cab
 

And here is where the speaking tube finishes up inside the crew cab. Again it is presumed that the completed configuration is the same as that in the truck cab.

With regard to the goose neck featured in the first image, it appears this was a later modification that was used when some Blitzs were converted to fire trucks. A speaking tube connection was still required to communicate with personnel on the back of the truck but as one can imagine that would be in an open situation requiring a higher truck exit point.

Bob

Speaking Tube Interior Entry Point on No.6 Crew Cab
 

And here is the image.

Verrrrry interesting, Bob
 

I suppose the question is what sort of communication you'd have between cab and crew compartment.

Suggestions would be something like:

"Are we there yet" repeated a number of times

"Can we stop for a pee"

"I'm getting gun-tractor sick" in a plaintive voice.

Re: Verrrrry interesting, Bob
 

LOL,Keith. That noise from the crew was heard a number of times a day on our adventure.
EM

Exactly what was said in a gun tractor, I was there
 

"Dad I,m all oily", "dont worry Shaa I will buy some new pistons when we get to Perth"

"Slow down DAD, I keep hiting my head"

"Dad, Shaa just flew out the window again"

"Dad whats that noise", "dont worry Alana it,s just the fan cutting up the radiator again"


:p

Similar sort of system was used in RFC aircraft in the First World War, to communicate between pilot instructor and trainee - was known as the Gosport Tube, after the RFC training base where it was invented.