Hi, my name is Terry, I'm new to this forum and only came across it when casually looking up FMW. On this subject I can offer some information, memory permitting, as I was indirectly involved for a number of years.
FMW was a small engineering company in Verwood, Dorset, formed some time in the early 70's by Ferguson, Mears and Wade. Mike Wade was the motivation behind the company, I think Mears ran the workshop and Ferguson left but I could have these two mixed up. They were later joined by Jim Riley who supported Mike in sales and management. They made a wide range of trailers for the MOD, the little RN truck nicknamed the "Gofer" - that is what we all called it, the Navy may have had another name (shown in your pictures) and the TT40. I worked for a Ford Power Products dealer - Hendy Lennox Power Products based in Chandlers Ford and was the guy who sold them the Ford engines and components.
The Gopher was in production, I think, when I became involved in 1976. These early units had the Escort engine and gearbox and I think the Transit front axle, the rear axle being a Hamworthy unit from Poole (in turn having a Ford Truck differential unit). At some time I think they used the 1600cc cross-flow petrol engine (Part of the Ford "Kent" engine range) and may have even used the early Fiesta diesel. I can't remember what gearboxes were used by then as the rear wheel drive Escort had ceased production.
The TT40 came into being by being tendered for in an MOD 5 year "best buy" program. I helped Mike specify the prototype using a Transit diesel - the IDI version fitted with ether start - and a 3 speed auto box from the Jaguar (modified tail-shaft). No one had built a tow tractor with a car box before, the result was highly successful, even to the extent it was able to tow the opposition out of trouble. Some time in the 80's FMW was sold, the originators and Jim retired and the new owners failed to make anything of the company which was subsequently swallowed up by Electricars.
Electricars had minimal facilities so we at Hendy Power made the TT40 under sub-contract for Electricars. The vehicle underwent a complete redesign by our Chief Engineer Tony Uzzell who made the initial design much more acceptable to drive. All fabricated parts for the manufacture were made locally and assembled in our workshop, we even took one off the end of the production line and drove it to - I think Atherstone (Electricars HQ) - for Children in Need. I believe the last units were made in 1995, not sure as I was made redundant as the company was winding down it's engineering and being responsible for all engineering activities my services were no linger required! We were justly proud of these little vehicles. Some of the TT40's were "flame proof" having an exhaust cooling system and hydraulic start.
I don't believe any more of the little "Gopher's" were made post the sale off by FMW.
If I may be able to help with any info in your restoration, drop me a line and I'll see what I can remember!
