During a study of paint colors used on American farm tractors, I found some interesting information regarding the Battleship Gray used on several makes of tractors, manufacturing machinery, tools, park benches, etc. I had always heard the term “government surplus” when referring to this color, but never really understood exactly what it meant. Post World War 1, during peace time, world nations attempted to control Naval Arms Races by enacting an Arms Reduction Treaty in 1922. The resulting Washington Naval Arms Reduction Treaty caused a building holiday that halted the construction of thirteen battleships, and lasted ten years through 1932. Many of these incomprehensibly vast vessels were over 700 feet long and weighed in excess of 50,000 tons. The government had already issued enough Battleship Gray paint to cover 10,000 feet, and 700,000 tons of ships that would not get constructed! Minneapolis Steel and Machinery Co. had been painting their tractors this color prior to the treaty, but now they could purchase Battleship Gray in large quantities for pennies on the dollar.

DECALS: The decals for all models of Twin City and MM-Twin City tractors are available in a good quality die-cut vinyl. Decal sets for the heavyweights are rarely needed. There are a couple of sources that retained patterns for future references. The popular large red TC logo that was used from 1918-1934 comes in two styles. 1918-1922 had the “Twin City” letters written in scripture. Later versions were printed in capital block letters. It is difficult to tell exactly when this change took place, but the likely answer is approximately 1923. 1934 through 1938 MM-Twin City FTA, KTA, MTA and JT tractors had an MM shaped Minneapolis Moline–Twin City decal in red, white and black. You may contact me for details on any of these.