MD-1 and NC-1A Flight Deck Tractors by Dennis Flynn | |
Writer: | Dennis Flynn |
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The MD-1 and MD-1A were used in the 50’s through the mid 60’s along with a couple of versions of the little jeep called the NC-1A. 1. NC-1A (mobile start unit, looked like a 43 Willies cut down with two small steering wheels centered in the back) - I once found a couple of rather good photos on some jeepers' forum - I don't remember when or where, therefore I can't give you links (attaching the files instead). The vehicle itself is an exhibit in the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum (their site is:
I noticed that not all MD-1's are absolutely identical: there are slight variations in the hood and front grille shapes, different boxes attached to fenders etc... - Some photos of MD-1's I've found on the net:
- MD-1's manufacturer is a company named Hough, a subsidiary of International Harvester at that time. As I gathered from various Internet sources, Hough was building construction equipment and industrial tractors, including airport tugs and the like. I also included the only close up of the turbine unit I have mounted on the back of a MD-1A that shows the detail around the exhaust pipe. The small model of the NC-1A is one I built using a 43 Willies jeep and deleting the front springs to get it down low, cut it off behind the driver’s seat and then building everything else. I had to work from memory from back in 62 but came pretty close. The generator and control panel was moved alongside the driver from the back so he could see the gauges and keep the current steady while giving power. We used them for starting the Fury and the AD’s also for providing power when they refueled some of the other aircraft. The MD-1A start/tow vehicle had lead blocks mounted on the front of the rear fenders for added weight for traction and the front end grill was all cast iron as were the rear fenders. They weighed around 8,500 pounds with a full fuel load or 28 gallons of diesel and 30 gallons of AvGas for the turbine start unit. The headlights were later painted over with just a small slit so we would not blind any one or ruin their night vision by mistake or just disconnected and the small parking light slits were used if at all. The two used by the Marines sit in a museum in San Diego and was used on a base so the headlamps were functional.
Photos and text © 2009 by Dennis Flynn April 21, 2009 |