Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) Field Artillery Tractor (FAT) Restoration
I have photographs of the restoration but I do need more of the early FAT history. Where was it found? Who did we acquire it from? Where was it in service? Drop me a line if you can help me fill in the story.
This was the state of the FAT in 2000 when Bombardier Barry MacLeod approached the Commanding Officer to ask for funds to restore it. Of course he was denied as the CO only had funding available for training and not historical restoration. That response didn't stop Bombardier MacLeod! He came back several months later and suggested that the unit should apply for 'Millenium 2000' funding from the Directorate of History and Heritage to initiate the project.
This was the state of the FAT in 2000 when Bombardier Barry MacLeod approached the Commanding Officer to ask for funds to restore it. Of course he was denied as the CO only had funding available for training and not historical restoration. That response didn't stop Bombardier MacLeod! He came back several months later and suggested that the unit should apply for 'Millenium 2000' funding from the Directorate of History and Heritage to initiate the project.
Not wanting to dampen his enthusiasm, I suggested that he get together with the the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Vic Stevenson and retired Captain John Hawthorne; come up with a budget and an application and I would certainly review it and sign if it required my signature.
It didn't take him long and there it was, an application to Millenium 2000 for a considerable sum of money. As if they would approve the reconstruction of a Field Artillery Tractor!
The application went in and several months later the cheque arrived for a considerable amount of money! It was so large that I thought it prudent to phone the Millenium 2000 committee to ensure that there had not been a mistake... As you can see, no mistake had been made. It was apparently approved because they thought it was cute that an old truck would have been called FAT.
It didn't take him long and there it was, an application to Millenium 2000 for a considerable sum of money. As if they would approve the reconstruction of a Field Artillery Tractor!
The application went in and several months later the cheque arrived for a considerable amount of money! It was so large that I thought it prudent to phone the Millenium 2000 committee to ensure that there had not been a mistake... As you can see, no mistake had been made. It was apparently approved because they thought it was cute that an old truck would have been called FAT.
The pictures above detail the disassembling of the FAT prior to the meticulous rebuilding. New metal panels were required in many places. Primer paint applied. The mechanical system was totally overhauled.
It was then time for the reassembly.
BEAUTIFUL!
The engine in place. The body reattached.
The doors fitted.
BEAUTIFUL!
The engine in place. The body reattached.
The doors fitted.
The finished product looks a lot different than when it started.
