Truck Walkaround

The Dodge appearance has changed since I first bought it, with most of the obvious conversion work done fairly quickly after the purchase. So these walkaround photos show the truck as initially purchased and also after the various modifications were made. The Dodge still uses a 6 volt electrical system.
 
The front view of the Dodge hasn't changed much. The astro-dome was temporarily removed for the trip home so the canvas would fit.
 
The side view as collected, with the canvas roof extending over the sides of the rear body. This made checking for other traffic difficult.
 
 
The previous owner removed the back doors when driving to give a view rearward. The doors were solid and completely blocked the view when closed. The cab hasn't changed much, other than the rifle bracket being removed and sold. It was rather cold with no doors.
 
 
The engine bay hasn't changed much, other than an additional break reservoir.
  
 
The original canvas tool bag and a selection of tools.
  
 
The inside of the back of the Dodge when first purchased was pretty standard. The bench seats were there and that was it. There were no internal fittings for the Flying Control vehicle. I'm guessing this is an original jack, but haven't actually paid it much attention.
  
 
The wooden sides of the Dodge were solid plywood when first bought and folded down for display or driving. When open for driving, it could get quite cold in the back.
 
 
Fairly soon after getting the Dodge, I sealed up the opening side panels and fitted glazing into them. Two windows were fitted to the right and one ahead of the radios on the left. Doors were also made for the cab.
  
 
The right side of the vehicle, showing the before and after the sides were sealed up, plus the cab door.
  
 
Inside the cab after the doors had been fitted. They can easily be lifted off the hinge pins on a hot day.
  
 
In the back of the truck, a false floor was added, under which is the spare wheel. This also provides a platform for the signal man in the observation dome.
  
 
The back of the Dodge has been transformed from its original empty state by the installation of shelving for the mounting of the aircraft radios. Signal lights hang from the roof for the signal man. An old office chair that closely resembles a B-17 Navigator's seat, is provided for the radio operator. All the radio side of operations is mounted on the left side of the vehicle.
  
 
The right side of the Dodge contains the weather instruments, signal flares, flare pistol and fire/first aid station.
  
 
Here's a close up of the signal lamps which tend to live on the left side of the astro-dome. On the right is a closer view of the first aid bag, an original from a B-17 Fortress, still with some contents. Below the first aid kit is a Pyrene fire extinguisher. There's another in the cab.
 
 
Above the windows on the right side is a rack for "In Use" signal flares and the M8 flare pistol. Spare flares are kept locked away for safety, leaving a selection for mission use on the day of an operation. The Dodge crew in position.
  

Home