M2 Cletrac
high speed aircraft towing tractor

by Rene de Koning

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As a seasoned rail commuter I have a tendency these days not to pay too much attention on the scenery passing by outside.

However, for some reason I happened to be staring out the window one day and noticed a large collection of vintage tractors stored in the corner of transport company container yard.

Now this might not excite everyone, however amongst the collection was a US Army, WWII, M2 Cletrac high speed aircraft towing tractor and that's not something you see lying around everyday.

As it happened I was due for some holidays at the end of the week, took a note of the yard's location and planned to photograph the Cletrac at my earliest possible convenience.

Although the Cletrac had been partially dismantled to facilitate transport, it was complete. A check of the data plate revealed a date of manufacture of August 1943 and that it had a top speed of 22mph (40kph). Despite a little rust and some minor weathering, there was still sufficient evidence of the Cletrac's US Army green paint scheme and a serial number on a guard to confirm its former use.

The Cletrac was located in Melbourne, Australia and the collection was due to be shipped to the owner's premises the following day.
 

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Text & Images Copyright © 2007 by Rene de Koning
Page Created 23 October, 2007
Last Updated 23 October, 2007

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