WOTTIZZITT???

Hi, Folks.

Found this jigger on the 'net some time ago. It has a pretty definite early Holt look to it with the tracks and track frames and a LONNGGG chassis with the engine mid-mounted on it but no obvious operator station. I am wondering what its purpose was and if anybody has any more information on it.

Just my 0.02.

Maybe they have not decided just what the finale machine will look like.😉 Like most of my projects. 😵‍💫 This getting to be much bigger than my first thoughts. 🙁 Maybe come back latter and finish. (why do I not find a emoji for, looking off in the distance, scratching my head)

All joking aside, it is still under the gantry. So more parts could be coming. But this maybe one of the bigger WOTTIZZITT you have found for us.

When did it become standard to put the drive sprocket on the rear? If we take the seat to give us direction of travel, the sprocket is on the front.

Thanks for doing your best to keep our brain engaged Deas.

Oh NO DEAS, my brain has had a short circuit.........................The first power shovel running gear.................before they figured the turn table out.

Hey Deas,

I think I see a seat frame where an operator would sit up on the top deck. The chair is sideways to the camera and behind it as what appears to be levers with round knobs cast in at the top. What this thing was intended to do is beyond my understanding.

Jan M

No doubt you keep the grey mater churning Deas. I don't see any sighn of a drive from the rear of the engine makes me think it is not complete . Also looks like railway track on the deck. End of my idears. Deas check your inbox. Cheers WF

Looks to me to be the beginning or undercarriage of a WWI Tank!! That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=early+holt+tank&t=newext&atb=v351-1&ia=images&iax=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-aRlG-3qgzq4%2FWkh0GW2L2oI%2FAAAAAAAAO6A%2FdrvrbiTRg4IM47mg6Zbmd3MBWRRc-8Y5wCLcBGAs%2Fs1600%2FTechnology_in_WW1%252B%25252829%252529.jpg

Hi, Folks.

Thanks for the comments, possibilities and links - all good stuff.

Here's another one for you:

Just my 0.02.

Curious, I just did a Google image search on the photo you posted, Deas. Maybe a WW I German A7V tank?

Summary from the two links below:  "In 1917 Germany ordered 100 A7V chassis. Twin Daimler 100-h.p. engines were mounted side by side in the center with a control position, arranged for drive in either direction, placed on a platform above the engines. The suspension was derived from the Holt tractor suspension, the American tractor which had also provided the early inspiration for British and French tanks. 20 of the 100 were completed as armored tanks, and about 56 were built as tracked transport vehicles (Uberlandwagen). Three anti-aircraft vehicles (Flakpanzer) were customized from the Uberlandwagens. Their decks were extended and reinforced to mount two anti-aircraft guns." 

http://www.landships.info/landships/softskin_articles/A7V_Uberlandwagen.html
https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww1/germany/flakpanzer-a7v

Deas, perhaps your old photo shows a Flakpanzer being constructed from an A7V frame, undercarriage and running gear? 

Hi, Cat Spotter.

From your photo, it could well be. The similarities are certainly there. With 200 HP total, those A7Vs woulda bin quite the powerhouse for a mobile equipment in their day.

Just my 0.02.

My Google image search came up with the Sturmpanzerwagen A7V. I found a similar looking machine that was described as without body for testing purposes. What I found most interesting was that the sole surviving example is housed in the Queensland Museum in Brisbane, Australia. Maybe Deas can stop by on one of his road trips and check it out.

Hi, D8Dude.

I might be able to do that somewhere around Christmas time - - - - IF you remind me as I'm not normally much on visiting museums and I have friends and 'lations to catch up with up there.

Just my 0.02.