[Bob Phillips]

The 3 Wapiti prototypes vehicles were identified ( as were all MVs at the time- is this correct?) with a 7 numbers, the first 2 indicating year and last 5 identifying specific vehicle. There had been speculation in a previous post about the number on this vehicle vs one pictures posted by Ed Storey. The 3 prototypes (beginning with Ford VIN numbers W-101, W-102, and W-103) were numbered 52-92506, 52-92511 and 52-92512 respectively.

This was a large vehicle 19"3" long, 11'3" wide & 8'4" high. With a payload of 5000 lbs it grossed out at 23,500 pounds. This weight was evidently too heavy for many of the early components. While a tremendous effort was put into reducing the weight of the vehicle it was still too heavy for the magnesium and aluminium alloy components in the redesigned lightweight Muskrat suspension system (saving 360lbs per vehicle). There were also spring failures and problems with the aluminium case in the final drive. While many of theses problems were corrected by 1954 it was beginning to be apparent that there would be a limited role for machines as large as the Beaver or the Wapiti. Issues relating to air portability are mentioned a number of times in the correspondence.

When all done it was an expensive project but had many positive features: heated crew compartment with large accessible cargo type doors, double layered windows to reduce frosting, tow capability, radio installations in at least one prototype and a large cargo compartment for men or materials.