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Hi Here's the latest addition to my World War 1 War Department Light Railway collection... The Simplex 40hp armoured petrol tractor (A.K.A the "Tin Turtle".) Following the success of their 20hp petrol engined rail tractor the Motor Rail Company/Simplex began producing a larger 40hp version in 1917. Its increased power allowed it to be fitted with armour plating to protect the vulnerable engine and driver, meaning it could operate much closer to the front lines. There were 3 versions produced and this MOC represents the "Open" version (the least armoured). It had curved armour plates at each end as well as an armoured engine cover. A lightweight roof provided protection from the elements. image by g.nat, on Flickr The internal layout was similar to the 20hp version, except the driver now sat in the centre above the engine. To his left is the radiator and to his right is the brake wheel and a 20 gallon petrol tank. image by g.nat, on Flickr Controls (gear lever, clutch pedal and brake wheel) image by g.nat, on Flickr View showing the armoured engine cover and back of the driver's seat! Some photos show the exhaust pipe coming out of the engine housing and up to a roof mounted silencer but in others (and in videos of restored versions actually running) it doesn't so I've left it out!! image by g.nat, on Flickr End view - the gap at the bottom of the armour was to aid ventilation. Like the smaller 20hp version, it can run equally well in either direction. image by g.nat, on Flickr Years ago I built one of the more heavily armoured versions but it had a number of inaccuracies (mainly in the interior layout) but with better references this time I'm pretty pleased with the results - even if the driver does need his legs amputating to fit in!! I'm currently working on the other 2 more heavily armoured versions (the "Protected" and "Armoured") so watch this space!! Thanks for looking... comments are always welcome!!
