RAAF Derrick Trucks

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Jared Archibald

G'day again everyone,

I realise now that I should have been more specific as to what I was looking for. I was after the crane type truck that is in the pics that Keith, Rod, and Tommy K have posted. I used the word derrick as that is what I remembered them being referred to. But having thought about it, it really is a crane truck and the term derrick probably fits the fixed pole/tripod type crane the best.

Jared

You probably used the term "Derrick" for the crane type trucks as that is their official Aust name!
Here is a data plate off one, marked "1 1/4 ton Derrick Truck" with D^D and 1945:

[jim sewell]

Jarred
It appears from looking at the picture of the derrick lifting the engine that it operated from with in the cab of the truck.
If it was a blitz with a transfer case then the winch would be driven off the t/case pto which would give the winch forward and reverse speeds by using the truck gearbox. A braking device would also be available for the operater to hold the winch in any position.
I am sure some sort of slew locking device would also be used.
Outriggers do not appear to be in use on the blitz , but looking at the picture of Ford truck with derrick one can see outriggers and looking at the nearest outrigger a chain and pin can be seen dangling and holes on the outrigger bar so it can be pinned in the appropriate position , I am sure these would be available in the other pictures but not in use at that time.
Regards
Jim S.