Herb Wright brought an unusual tractor to White Star Park in Ohio, where SCRAP (Sandusky County Restorers of Antique Power) had its 22nd antique tractor show. The machine looks a lot like a Navy Duck that can traverse land and water.

This cool Studebaker Weasel was restored to its original black-and-white camo décor that had the markings of a Holstein cow. This particular tractor has quite a history.

Built by the Studebaker Co., this 1942-43 Model T-24 was built to be used by the Army during World War II. “The Army was going to air drop units into Norway,” Herb shared. “They were going to blow up the hydroelectric dams. Hitler was using them while trying to produce the hydrogen bomb.”

“Studebaker made 15,000 units and used them extensively in Normandy and for the South Pacific island invasions. They were very utilitarian vehicles and they were used at the Battle of the Bulge to take out supplies and bring the wounded back.”

This machine was the brainchild of the British inventor Geoffrey Pyke. Part of the Combined Operations Command, Pyke envisioned this machine that could come by sea or air and be workable in winter conditions. Pyke envisioned the Weasel was to be used not only to sabotage hydroelectric dams, but also oilfields.
The German invasion that Pyke planned became known as Project Plough. The British decided not to follow through with the project, but shared it with the U.S., which took it on. Studebaker was the company chosen to create the versatile tractors.

Research revealed that the T in the Model T-24 meant it was a test model. The vehicle was originally considered a cargo carrier; after the 1,000th model was produced, the designation was changed to an M29. The Studebaker T-24 had a Champion Flathead six-cylinder engine and traveled at a rate of 30 mph.

Where did Herb locate this gem? “I found it at a shooting club where they used to hunt ducks. They had it set off in the woods.”
After asking about it the club sold the tractor to Herb, then it took him five years to restore it and another parts Weasel to create one complete tractor. The Studebaker Weasel is just one of Herb’s tractors.

“I have several crawlers and a Moline Motrac,” he shared. “I have a D4 crawler, a BD Clectrac made by the Cleveland Tractor Company, that was bought out by Oliver, along with other odds-and-end tractors.”

Herb’s wife, Nancy, also enjoys the hobby. Her favorite part of antique tractor collecting is meeting the people: “I just enjoy being a part of the club and being around the good people. I have been a part of the club for 20 years.”

There was nothing odds-and-end about the beautiful Weasel. Herb, a retired farmer who does custom work, had a lot to be proud of with his restored tractor, and it offered an amazing history lesson to the admirers who came to the SCRAP show Labor Day weekend.

Readers with comments for Cindy Ladage may write to her in care of this publication.