What is this vehicle?

[chtrout]

The color photo of the "boom truck" is a chopped and heavily-modified Federal F-55-AF from the late-1951 contract.

[Joe Gopan]

They are a dinosaur compared to later heavy Tugs, the Euclid was next in line. These and later the Euclid were a daily sight at DOW Field from 52 on. 506 ARS had these 52 thru 55 and were used on the KB-29, starting in 55 the 71st ARS used the Coleman on their KC-135. 150 miles north, Loring AFB used the Colemans and the Euclids to tow the B-36. The familiar drone of a passing B-36 was almost daily. The F-94 B interceptors from Maine Air Guardwere not always successful at catching a B-36 at 45,000+ altitude.

[GPW1263]

Reading through this makes me wonder if duuane ever sold his rig!

[Sierra Padre]

There is one of these tugs available in Marana, AZ

PM if you'd like more info.

Doug