David Brown airfield tug

Yeah seems a bit of an odd thing to me but hey always like to learn, I found your PM!!!

Nicely worn in MF135….. at the risk of pushing the boundries of this topic could anyone confirm that the RAF used these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201543061699?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I think that’s one for the RAF museum Jon, doesn’t look very familiar but who knows………

Lovely photo Terry. Just the love the post-war series. Maybe one day…….

Rob

Muharraq (Bahrain) 1968:

Nicely worn in MF135….. at the risk of pushing the boundries of this topic could anyone confirm that the RAF used these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201543061699?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Heres a pic of me towing 154 out of the Flight Shed at Dunsfold 2005 (AKA Top Gear studio LOL) using the aforementioned tractor – the tractor only had a tow hitch on the front which really helped my neck : )

Taken at Dunsfold in 2005,we had been invited to take XX154 to the airshow and on the Monday morning I had the choice of either using this tractor or a diesel agricultural tractor to tow the Hawk out to the old Comms Apron,I chose the diesel because I was more familiar with diesel tractors.Photo taken in the Eastern T2 Hangar (AKA ‘Black Hangar’)

I also seem to remember that all the David Brown VIG 1 tugs were issued with a rear fitted winch. Although plenty of David Browns survive in museums, most seem to be later issue Post war examples.

Here’s a picture of my brother in law’s DB Tug, taken at Haddenham Steam Rally in 2009. He’s been gradually restoring it ever since and it was purchased as a wartime example. You can just see the top of the winch assembly at the rear of it – it’s thought that this is original to the vehicle.

The rear wheel hub on that tractor, did it have another purpose?
Always wondered why it was such a large metal slab different to most other tractors.
Almost looks as if you could attach a winch or power something with it.

The extensions on the rear hub are cast iron weights to give the tractor more traction when pulling heavy loads. I think similar weights are fitted underneath giving a total weight of about 5 tons. I also seem to remember that all the David Brown VIG 1 tugs were issued with a rear fitted winch. Although plenty of David Browns survive in museums, most seem to be later issue Post war examples.

The rear wheel hub on that tractor, did it have another purpose?
Always wondered why it was such a large metal slab different to most other tractors.
Almost looks as if you could attach a winch or power something with it.

Not sure about wartime but some post-war versions did have a winch mounted at the back between the rear wheels.

Rob

Perhaps it’s a provision to attach another wheel, what we Americans call a “dually” on heavy-duty pickups. Power takeoff to run external equipment usually are run off the differential…very common on post war civil Jeeps and farm tractors of the period.

The rear wheel hub on that tractor, did it have another purpose?
Always wondered why it was such a large metal slab different to most other tractors.
Almost looks as if you could attach a winch or power something with it.

You can pick up a bit more on RAF vehicles in Les Freathy’s British Military Trucks of WW2, but generally those with standard bodies, or specialised bodies on standard chassis. It doesn’t cover dedicated airfield vehicles such as farm-type tractors, plus the RAF used a very large variety of specialised trailers that barely get a mention anywhere.

The book grew out of a series of articles in the old original Airfix Magazine many many years ago so it cannot by any means be regarded as the ultimate (or even up to date) reference but I think it is still the only game in town.

There must be scope for a new book on the subject of RAF MT given the depth and range of recent research on vehicle colours and markings. It just needs somebody to write it………

I use to drive this type of tractor at Valley around 1968. Towing the Gnat’s out on the line, and bomb trollies though loaded with not bombs but ground equipment. 5.30am in January towing aircraft out in a blizzard. Great fun.

Thanks all for the replies, I’ve just treated myself to a copy Jeepman. Much appreciated.

I’d imagine that it’s a Grand Slam/Tall Boy Special Lancaster, where the front and mid upper turrets were removed for weight saving!

Interesting that there is no nose turret on the Lancaster.

Type 2601 = light tractor with winch – so your supposition is right

Reference: Wheels of the RAF page 66

I wonder if the top of the bonnet is a different colour. Perhaps yellow or orange for high visibility – apparently mandated sometime during 1944