Tugboat Annie

Subject:
Tow Truck
TUGBOAT ANNIE
Kit Used: 1/24th Scale Resin Body

Review & model by:
Larry Swanson
Pictures: R. Forys

This is one of the most unusual vehicles we have ever featured. We wish we could tell you more about it, matter of fact, we wish we could tell you much of anything about it! We thought it started as an International truck that was modified for the dealership. After a lengthy Internet search, we didn't know much more than when we started. What we did learn was that this indeed was a real vehicle, and Miller Motors really did, and still does exist in Mankato Minnesota.

According to Bud, the current owner, who was nice enough to take some time and tell us what he knew, Herman Miller started the business around 1924. He sold Fords until he and Henry Ford had a disagreement in 1930 or so. After that, he became a DeSoto - Plymouth dealership, and continued until around 1960, when DeSoto stopped producing cars. At that time, Bud and his father bought the business and continue to run it today. They specialize in tires and auto service.

Bud also told me that he was familiar with the old truck, but it was gone by the time they took over the business. He confirmed that it indeed was an International truck chassis, and the body was fabricated by a company in near by Sleepy Eye, MN, which specialized in towing vehicles. He has no idea what happened to it, but was able to provide a picture of the truck, which dates from the early '40s and happened to be left behind at the shop. If anyone has more information about this vehicle, please don't hesitate to contact us HERE.

The Kit: I picked this item up at the Fall NNL swap meet in Toledo. It was on a vendor table of resin bodies, I don't remember what the guy's name was. When I asked him what vehicle this was, he told me it was a real vehicle, made for a DeSoto dealer, and was used as a tow truck. He also said that it was still around in Mankato Minnesota, and that he had made it from a picture of the truck.

Basically, all you got was a resin body, some decals, and a piece of paper with some brief facts. Since I didn't have a picture, I had very little idea of how to detail it. I used a lot of leftover parts from my parts box, and just tried to make it look like what I would do if I were restoring the real truck, but also wanted to make it kind of a custom truck.

The interior and wheels came from a Dodge concept model, the front bumper is from a '41 Lincoln Continental, and the tow assembly was from an old '32 Ford pick-up I happened to have. Bare Metal Foil was used for the large trim around the upper body. I decided to fabricate the rear of the truck from scraps of my wood left from a dollhouse I had built for my Granddaughter.

Again, many thanks to Bud Hogan from Miller Motors in Mankato, Minnesota for taking the time to talk to us, and provide a picture of "Annie". Your input was invaluable.