barrett's #369 - Solved - Ferguson tractor fitted with Standard gas turbine engine

[barrett]

What is this car tractor thing? Full details for a point

[barrett]

Up

[D-type]

Ferguson tractor modified as an aircraft tug.

[barrett]

There is a Ferguson connection, but it's not a tug

[gilescooperuk]

Snow blower?

[barrett]

No, it doesn't serve any useful purpose!

[D-type]

for a Monty Python sketch

[barrett]

Haha, not quite. A slightly useful purpose, I suppose. Not built to perform any specific mundane function like airport tug, etc however

[barrett]

Up

[Allemano]

funfair vehicle?

[barrett]

Definitely not

[Allemano]

For a certain kind of sports?

[barrett]

Nope

[Craig Gillingham]

Used as a testbed?

[nicanary]

I assume that tank on the back is for aviation fuel. The tractor appears to be jet-powered.

Or am I going mad, in true AP tradition?

[barrett]

Jet powered indeed!

Locked for you to find out more

[nicanary]

I've found nothing yet. It cannot be for any sporting purpose - the tractor still has the standard wheels and tyres. You have told us the vehicle is for no specific purpose, but I'm trying to think why anyone would make it.

Is it for de-icing planes?

[barrett]

Just as a test-bed for the engine I believe

[nicanary]

Owned by Rolls-Royce ?

Barrett - did you see post #13 from Craig Gillingham (who's probably in bed now)? I feel a bit embarassed about having a lock in my favour, especially with him getting nearer to the answer, and me not really having a clue. I would like you to unlock the puzzle for all. if that's OK with you.

Meanwhile, is it RR equipment?

[barrett]

You sussed that it had a jet engine, which is a big part of the puzzle and definitely deserving of a lock.

No R-R involvement in this project. I will let you have another try and then it'll be unlocked for all

[nicanary]

It looks a small engine - is it a helicopter unit ?

[barrett]

No, the engine was an experimental unit fitted only to this vehicle. I don't believe it saw any other application after this prototype

[nicanary]

Does the jet engine actually propel the tractor, or is it fitted to the vehicle for another purpose? (i.e. the Fergie retains its original power unit).

[nicanary]

I've started to ramble now. I'm going off on all sorts of tangents, and getting nowhere.

I've assumed that the puzzle is now open to all.

Standard Motor Co produced their own gas-turbine engine in the early 1950s called the IS250. Is this a static test-bed for that motor? (I'm confused as to why the tractor has lights and a rudimentary bumper fitted, but maybe this was to facilitate movement around the Standard-Triumph works factories.)

[Allan L]

What we see looks like an exhaust pointing forwards and upwards which is not much of an idea for a "jet engine".
Should we be referring to a gas turbine, and was its power transmitted by a shaft?
Various experiments with gas turbine powered road vehicles were undertaken in the 1950s, best known being by Rover of course. Nicanary's suggestion of Standard fits with the Fergie (made by Standard) but I shall suggest it may have been one of Noel Penny's turbines.