FWD 4x4 Truck Tractor

Brett Nicholls · #1 21-01-08, 02:15

Hi Everyone,
Would anybody be able to help? I am chasing some information (on behalf of a mate) on FWD trucks used during WW2. I have attached two pictures - the first is the picture from Bart Vanderveens Fighting Vehicles. The second is the actual vehicle. It is missing the original grille and doors. The front guards are different to the one pictured in Barts book. It still has some of the Austrailian Army numbers on the bonnet and still has its small marker lights at the front which are the same as those found on Blitz's.

Thanks&Regards,
Brett Nicholls.

Brett Nicholls · #2 21-01-08, 02:16

Second picture - actual vehicle

cliff · #3 21-01-08, 04:33

here is 2 AWM photos of FWD trucks used to tow searchlights.

cliff · #4 21-01-08, 04:34

Photo 2

Both were taken in Moorebank NSW 1946. You will note that these have the same mudguards as your mates one.

cliff · #5 21-01-08, 04:43

Are you sure it is one of the 1200 tractors and not one of the searchlight tow units?

Brett Nicholls · #6 21-01-08, 05:18

Hi Cliff,
Thanks for the pictures. Im now not so sure it was a Truck-Tractor. Your right about those front mud guards they look exactly the same. I have attached a rear picture of the said mates truck which shows what looks to be the original turntable plate though I admit this could have been a post war addition. I wonder if they were the same chassis lengths? That maybe another way to differentiate between the two. So far your AWM picture is the best match. Thanks.
Regards,
Brett Nicholls.

cliff · #7 21-01-08, 06:44

From the rear view it seems to me your truck is not a short wheelbase tractor unit. If you view the photo taken from Barts book the rear wheels are just behind the fuel tank where as the photo of yours shows that the rear wheels would be further back.

My guess is your truck is one of the searchlight tenders as shown in the AWM photos or a similar bodied GS truck and not a tractor unit.

Can you get the full ARN off the bonnet as this may lead you to it's original use?

Hanno Spoelstra · #8 21-01-08, 17:36

Related thread FWD HAR-01

Col Tigwell · #9 21-01-08, 20:29

Correct me if I am wrong, but I seem to recall that the RAAF used a batch as tippers with their airfield construction squadrons.

Regards

Col

Jared Archibald · #10 22-01-08, 11:38

G'day Col,

the RAAF did use quite a number of FWDs in the Airfield Construction Squadrons but these were the HAR-1 version and all the ones I have ever seen were tippers. These trucks had an open cab with door-cut outs only - very similar to the "tropical or desert-cab" GMCs. There is a great photo in History of Holden Since 1917 by Norm Darwin that shows HAR-1s being assembled at a GMH plant.

There were many used in the 1950s here in Darwin in the reconstruction of the RAAF Base Darwin runway by 5ACS. Rumour has it that much of Darwin was built out of the cement that was brought here by 5ACS to mix with the road base for the huge runway - swapping truckloads of cement for the amber fluid seems to have been quite the norm.

When 5ACS left, many of the HAR-1s stayed behind and were used by government departments (Works and Housing) and later by civilian owners/contractors. I have talked with some of these blokes - all state they were good trucks but just too slow and very thirsty. The couple of wrecks I have, and others I have seen, all have the governors removed and holes bronzed closed - trying to get just a little more speed.

Jared

cliff · #11 22-01-08, 12:05

Quote:

Originally posted by Jared Archibald
I have talked with some of these blokes - all state they were good trucks but just too slow and very thirsty.

Jared

Reminds me of the fitters who got a Kenworth Wrecker to follow the convoys up the North/South Road... It did 3 mile to the gallon and probably needed a truck loaded with fuel along just to make one trip.

lynx42 · #12 23-01-08, 23:41

Bob Dimer from WA had his HAR-O1 on "The Back To The Track" in 1995. He inverted the transfer-case and did away with front-wheel drive and could happily sit on 80k. He purchased his truck at Tennant Creek as a chassis and towed it back to WA behind a Falcon stationwagon. Just a bit overloaded I'd say. My FWD has the remnants of RAAF roundels amd No.2 in a circle on the scuttle. It was painted yellow with a black chassis (most of it's rusty red now.)
Refards Rick

lynx42 · #13 23-01-08, 23:43

loks like I'd beter get a new keydoard as theold one can't spel 2 well.

Gordons · #14 25-01-08, 03:04

Here's a nice FWD just waiting for a new owner to be her home

Brett Nicholls · #15 25-01-08, 03:56

Hi Everyone,
Thanks to all for the loads of great information. I have since found out that the truck has the original trailer attachment - equivalent of a turntable, though this is the old type that is not intended to uncouple easily and was typical of some types of WW2 trailers. I hope to have pictures of this and its original Australian Army number.

The truck is missing it's front grille and doors - so would anyone know of spares to suit? even if located outside Australia. Thanks again.

Regards,
Brett Nicholls.