Fordson WOT facts for kids
The Fordson WOT was a special military truck built by Ford of Britain during the Second World War. The name "WOT" came from "War Office type," meaning it was designed for military use. From 1939 to 1945, Ford made about 130,000 of these trucks at their factory in Ford Dagenham, England. Almost half of them were the WOT2 model.
These trucks were very important for moving supplies and equipment during the war. They all used the same powerful 3.6-liter Ford V-8 petrol engine. This engine could produce 85 horsepower. The trucks had a four-speed manual gearbox. Some models also had an extra gearbox for better power on rough terrain.
Fordson WOT Models
There were five main types of Fordson WOT trucks: WOT1, WOT2, WOT3, WOT6, and WOT8. They had different features to suit various military needs.
Two-Wheel Drive Trucks
The WOT1, WOT2, and WOT3 models were "rear-wheel drive." This means only the back wheels powered the truck. On these models, the driver's cab was located behind the engine.
- WOT1
* This truck had six wheels, with power going to four of them (6x4). * It had a long body, about 4.17 meters (164 inches) long. * The WOT1A was an even longer version, about 4.52 meters (178 inches). * The Royal Air Force (RAF) often used WOT1 trucks as fire engines.
- WOT2
* This was a four-wheel truck with power to two wheels (4x2). * It could carry about 750 kg (15-cwt) of supplies.
- WOT3
* This truck also had four wheels with power to two wheels (4x2). * It was a bit bigger, able to carry about 1,500 kg (30-cwt). * The RAF also used the WOT3 for various tasks.
All-Wheel Drive Trucks
The WOT6 and WOT8 models were "all-wheel drive." This means power went to all four wheels, making them better for tough off-road conditions. On these models, the driver's cab was placed over the engine to save space.
- WOT8
* This truck had four wheels, with power to all four (4x4). * It could carry about 1,500 kg (30-cwt). * The WOT8 was used as an artillery tractor, pulling cannons in places like the North Africa campaign. * Some WOT8 trucks were sent to the Soviet Union, where they were used to carry Katyusha rocket launchers.
- WOT6
* This was a larger all-wheel drive truck (4x4). * It could carry about 3,000 kg (60-cwt). * The WOT6 was a longer version of the WOT8, designed for heavier loads.
