In the summer of 1919, as the U.S. Army embarked on its monumental convoy across the continent, the performance of various vehicles was tested. Among them, the F.W.D. (Four Wheel Drive) trucks stood out for their remarkable resilience.
July 9, 1919. F.W.D. trucks between Chambersburg and Bedford, PA climbing Tuscarora Mountains in the Blue Ridge - After Ike Documentary - Courtesy Library of Congress.
These 3-ton trucks (chassis #8044, #8175, #13325) distinguished themselves by navigating challenging terrains in Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada without assistance. Their ability to traverse muddy and sandy stretches unaided set a commendable record.
F.W.D. trucks west of Placerville California, September 3, 1919 - After Ike Documentary - Courtesy Library of Congress.
Despite facing some mechanical issues, the F.W.D. trucks proved their reliability. The initial problem of frequent fan belt breakages was resolved by installing endless belts. Additionally, minor modifications like replacing a carburetor significantly improved fuel efficiency.
The F.W.D. is a difficult truck to steer, especially where the road is rough on one side and good on the other, as it has a decided tendency to run into the bad spots.
1st Lt. E.R. Jackson
Ord. Dept., Ordnance Observer
Despite these difficulties, the trucks demonstrated impressive durability, completing the journey on their original tires, which remained in excellent condition.
F.W.D. in city parade in Sacramento California September 3, 1919 - After Ike Documentary - Courtesy Library of Congress.
FWD Seagrave Museum in Clintonville, Wisconsin
The FWD Seagrave Museum in Clintonville, Wisconsin, is a facility dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the F.W.D (Four Wheel Drive) and Seagrave companies, both of which have played significant roles in the development of automotive and firefighting technologies.
F.W.D, founded in Clintonville in 1909, is renowned for its pioneering work in four-wheel drive vehicles. Originally, the company focused on developing and producing four-wheel drive automobiles, trucks, and military vehicles, which included significant contributions during both World Wars. Their technology revolutionized many aspects of vehicle mobility and capability, particularly in rugged or challenging environments.
A 1917 Model B on display at the FWD Seagrave Museum in Clintonville, Wisconsin - After Ike Documentary.
The museum showcases a range of vehicles and equipment from both companies, including antique and historical fire trucks, military vehicles, and other significant pieces from their storied pasts.
The FWD is shown on an interactive display at the National Museum of the United States Army Museum near Washington DC.
An image of a FWD 1.5 ton truck that is shown on an interactive display at the National Museum of the United States Army Museum near Washington DC.
Luella Bates was one of the first six women hired by the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company to serve as test and demonstration drivers. From 1918 to 1922, she worked as an FWD truck driver. During World War I, Bates took on the role of a test driver, traveling across Wisconsin in a Model B truck.
Image from the Clintonville Tribute - November 1919 - with an article stating: "Truck Joy Riding, With Pretty Girl Driver, Beats All Others."
In January 1920, Bates drove a Model B truck to New York City to attend the New York Auto Show. During her time there, she met with New York's Secretary of State, Francis Hugo, and became the first woman truck driver to be officially licensed in New York.
A newspaper article from the Clintonville Tribune once described one of her demonstrations under the headline, "Truck Joy Riding, With Pretty Girl Driver, Beats All Others."
While "After Ike" does not endorse such language, this phrasing reflects how the event was reported in the press at the time.
Download the Clintonville Tribune 1919 article on Luella Bates here.
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Original Text from the “Report on First Transcontinental Motor Convoy” by 1st Lt. E.R. Jackson, Ord. Dept., Ordnance Observer.
F.W.D.: The three (3) Four Wheel Drive trucks were, in general, the most satisfactory in the Convoy and of all the various makes represented, the F.W.D.’s alone were able to pull through all the bad, muddy and sandy stretches of road in Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah and Nevada, absolutely unaided. This is a rather enviable record, and the few mechanical difficulties experienced with this truck were of a very simple nature.
A considerable number of fan belt breakages occurred until a shipment of endless belts were received and installed, after which no further trouble was experienced. The upper radiator support studs sheared off several times and should be increased in size or otherwise strengthened.
Convoy descending Laurel Hill grade between Bedford and Chambersburg, Pa, July 9, 1919 - After Ike Documentary - Courtesy Library of Congress.
Instead of the Model G Stromberg Carburetor, one of the plain type, Model M, was installed on an F.W.D. (#415768) at the suggestion of the Observers, and gave much better satisfaction, increasing the miles per gallon about 25%.
A fun fact about F.W.D trucks in the 1919 military convoy films is that they are seen only occasionally, not due to their rarity but because of their reliability. F.W.D trucks, known for their robustness, rarely broke down, making them less dramatic for film scenes. In contrast, scenes of other trucks struggling in mud were more visually entertaining, leading to more screen time for less reliable vehicles.
On three occasions, one F.W.D (#415766) burned out #4 connecting rod bearing, due in two instances to coasting down a steep grade at an excessive speed, although using the motor as a brake. The third case was due to lack of proper lubrication, and although the amount of oil in all of the trucks was checked up carefully every morning, in this instance the quantity of oil remaining in the crank case was not only insufficient for splash lubrication, but there was hardly enough oil to permit the pump to function properly, ....
Convoy entering camp site at Chicago Heights, Ill, July 19, 1919 - After Ike Documentary - Courtesy Library of Congress.
.... indicating that this truck had not been properly inspected before starting in the morning, or had been overlooked altogether. The engine had been used to retard the speed of the vehicle without assistance from the brakes, which were badly worn and needed relining.
Transcontinental motor convoy. Three F.W.D. trucks climbing long grade between Wash. D.C. and Rockville, Md, July 7, 1919 - After Ike Documentary - Courtesy Library of Congress.
The Eiseman Magnetos used on these trucks were very satisfactory, requiring only an occasional cleaning and adjustment of the interrupter points.
FWD Truck towing two wheeled Liberty truck (kitchen trailer) easily making this sandy grade in second speed, east of Big Springs, Nebraska 8-6-1919 - After Ike Documentary - Courtesy Library of Congress.
The main drive shaft in an F.W.D. (#415766) was twisted off at the rear transmission bearing, when an inexperienced driver threw in reverse gear and dropped in the clutch while coasting down hill at high speed, intending to use the motor as a brake.
F.W.D. truck negotiating a steep, soft, sandy grade in high gear east of Cheyenne, Wyoming, August 8, 1919 - After Ike Documentary - Courtesy Library of Congress.
The clutch alignment joints required a few adjustments.
The F.W.D. is a difficult truck to steer, especially where the road is rough on one side and good on the other, as it has a decided tendency to run into the bad spots. However, these trucks went all the way on their original tires, which are still in excellent condition.
F.W.D. trucks in city parade in San Francisco, California, September 6, 1919 - After Ike Documentary.