F60H No.11 Holmes

[Jan Mostek]

It is very likely that you all know the picture in enclosure having been published in W&T No.34. I plan to make a model or modelers drawing of this vehicle. Is it possible that the compartment under the tent contains the workbench? I tried to place there a figure in the scale and all dimensions would be OK for 185 cm high man. The tent would allow to do any small repairs in the field so even in poor weather. What is your opinion?

Thank you in advance for your ideas and attention to my question,
Jan Mostek.

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Jan

As likely it was part of camouflage of the special nature of the truck, there was various efforts to make special use trucks wreckers, tankers look like regular general service trucks. Logic being if I'm going to fire on a convoy pick the one that is different.

In some photos of wreckers you will see frame work over the booms to hold the canvas all the way back to make them really look like covered GS trucks.

Cheers Phil

[Alex van de Wetering]

Jan,

I have discussed this "mid section" on the F60H wrecker with Dirk and Stefan Leegwater several times. (I started a cab13 model which I have never finished, Stefan and Dirk did a restoration of an actual F60H) We have never been able to determine what was under the tarp exactly. Late 13cab F60H wreckers only show a floor with some lockers on top; no workbenches or anything like that. I think the cab 11 early ones could have been more elaborate, but I agree with Phil that the tarp could just be to make the truck look like a GS truck. I think the area under the tarp was most likely a storage for tools and/or space for gen. set or compressor....ground anchors, welding set?. I don't think there was a bench there as it would seem very cramped(?).

Alex

[Jan Mostek]

Hi guys, I know what you are speaking about. Some CMP with Gar Wood wreckers have the tarpaulin frame on the top of the crane. Nevertheles, there is definitely something beneath the tapraulin just above the crane winch which might be a workbench top, and also something like leg or support on the floor in front of the crane mast. Also the shape of the tarpaulin seems to be rather sophisticated and complicated to be there just for camouflage purposes. Jan