Memory Lane

If you have an old, unusual, or just a nice Case tractor that you'd like to show off to the world, here's your chance, send me an email. Backhoes, dozers, farm tractors, museum quality restoration, rust bucket, or somewhere in between, whatever. Here's our first installment.

1945 Case VAIW

The basis of this tractor is the well known Case VA series (total VA series production was 148,082 from 1941-55). What makes this tractor unusual is that it is a VAIW (Industrial Warehouse). These were sometimes used with a front mounted forklift attachment, with a drawbar for use around the factory or warehouse, or as an aircraft tug, as shown here. There was an optional 1000 lb. rear cast counterweight/fender assembly and dual rear wheels available for this series. A total of 3793 VAIWs were produced, 2860 of which were made in 1945. Production of this variation went from 1944-47, they only built about 100 between 1950-52. The sheet metal on the tractor above matches pictures of the civilian version. The military version sheet metal appears to be slighty different, I am not sure of their designation. At any rate, I can't think that there are too many of these little guys left. The tractor shown is currently in service with General Aviation Services of Misssissippi at the Greenville, MS airport. Thanks, Tommy!

For more info on Case, see Erb & Brumbaugh's excellent book "Full Steam Ahead: Case Tractors & Equipment 1842-1955".

Case 530/541 Aircraft/Power Cart Tug

This tractor type was used at USAF and SAC bases as an aircraft/power cart tug for many years, beginning in the 1960s. The Case-O-Matic drive provided smooth starts, and was much better suited for this work than the 530's direct drive competitors. Other than the front mounted blade, this tractor appears much as it did on our air bases 40 years ago. This tractor belongs to Gene Dotson of Hebron, OH. Thanks, Gene!