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Ford 9N Aircraft Tug

In the early 1940's, when Ford Motor Company began to retool some of their manufacturing plants to military vehicle production, one vehicle took on a slight change from its civilian use. The classic Ford 9N tractor was quickly converted for use as an airplane tug.

Ford added cast iron plate around front and rear, and more than 1,000 pounds of cast iron weights over the front and rear axles to make it heavy, switched to four 6.50x20 rear tires, hydraulic brakes, an emergency brake, but the motor housing and steering wheel retained the looks of a classic Ford farm tractor. Approximately 10,000 of these converted tractors were placed on aircraft carriers, docks, and at foreign and domestic airports. Today only a handful still exist.

Manufactured by Ford and the Harry Ferguson Tractor Company, Inc., of Dearborn, MI manufactured these tugs from 1942 to 1944. They are commonly known as a "Ford Ferguson 9N" tractor.

Pretty simple, Turn the key and press the starter switch. Forward and reverse is the 1 key and the parking brake is 3.
This is a little beast, pulling the largest aircraft with ease.

I've painted it and the included TBF tow bar in the markings of my late father's ship, the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge.
When connected via cable to my TBF avenger, you will be able to activate the torpedo reloading winch in the bomb bay with the panel next to the connector.
When not being used for winch controls it can be used as a makeshift generator. To disconnect the bar from the aircraft, simply turn the key on the bar.

You MUST use the reload torpedoes I've posted or you won't be able to release the rope on the winch.

Link to the Torpedo reloads:
https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3262289491


I hope you enjoy this piece of US Navy history.