1940 IH John Deere's Model A
Tractor tank with Turrets and Machine Gun Unit.
2023 WMSTR Entry 8432

Replica of John Deere's 1940 Model A Tractor Tank
The idea to build these replicas was prompted by the May-June 2002 issue of the Two-Cylinder magazine.
Owner of Al John Deere Tractor Tank, Brian Anderson, was raised on a farm in Roland, IA. His dad had A's, B's, MT, and 70 John Deere Tractor. Brian served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966-69. So, building the tractor tank was a unique project that would include both of his passions - John Deere tractors and military history.
Without designs, drawings, or blueprints Brian's replica of the A1. and the All, belonging to Drs. Leo Milleman and Curtis Clark, were built using the only nine original photographs in existence as even the original models were most likely destroyed.

Pictured here from left to right are Dr. Leo Milleman, Dr. Curtis Clark, Brian Anderson, Lynn Jorgensen (machinist), & Paul Lehman (tractor restorer)

The requested test of the Model A Armored Tractor 1 was submitted to the Aberdeen Proving Ground from January 21, 1941 thru February 4, 1941.
The purpose of this test was to determine the military suitability of the unit. However, upon completion of the test, it was confirmed to be a complete and utter failure. John Deere did not proceed with production of the unit.
Following the recommendations of the Aberdeen test, John Deere made a second attempt at building an Armored "A", the All but this prototype was never tested.
The said results from the Aberdeen Proving Ground are expressed throughout the remainder of the exhibit.

Please see the above typed signature of John Deere's great-grandson, Charles Deere Wiman