madrat

Always impressed by your progress, she's going to be the best example of this rare breed! Not had any time for mine lately, but she's tucked up inside in the dry so not feeling too guilty :-D

Thanks for the replies, I guess we can at least assume its something unusual I guess with over 200 views from the knowledgeable chaps on here its nothing ordinary....

Hi folks, I came across this image of a Scammell TRMU tank transporter, I'm looking to paint mine in something that isn't the usual DBG or Sand camouflage.... Can anyone identify the pattern, or the colours that would have been used? Or perhaps another picture of the scheme? Many Thanks, Duncan

Hi Everyone, Here are some shots of the TRMU I have just bought, I think these were taken in 2009 when it was for sale by Graham Booth on ebay. I'm very keen to try and trace its history, it has a number of panels painted in a bright blue colour and as you can see has various non-standard bits and pieces. Its registration mark is KYW922. The story I was told is that it was owned by a gentleman who was restoring it, it sat possibly in a barn for 30 years and was sold to Graham Booth after the owner sadly passed away. The previous owner to me thought it may have been used by a showman. There is a rebuild plate with a 1953 date, give than very few of these made it to the 1949 census it seems likely this one might have been converted to a ballast tractor, I see reference to others converted in 1953. Any advice or knowledge gratefully received! Cheers, Duncan

Thanks Dave & Utt61 I managed to get a copy from Andy Fowler, he's going senile and ended up buying two! The Pioneer is now bought, should get it up the road this week!! Cheers, Duncan

Hi Simon, Thanks for the link, I will drop Mark an email.... Cheers!

I can't remember where I got that picture from, but do remember something about steam boiler testing? Seems unlikely in the 1950's... Looks like Leyland did make a steam boiler though?! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Leyland_steam_wagon_boiler,_section_%28Rankin_Kennedy,_Modern_Engines,_Vol_V%29.jpg

There are some excellent images and write up of Pioneer gun tractor's being used for heavy haulage in New Zealand in 1954. Just follow this link: http://www.truckingvideoproductions.com/Thephotos/Historicalbums.aspx

Hi Folks, I'm doing a bit of research on a Scammell Pioneer, it has a triangular marking on one of the doors which I presume is from its civilian life. I "think" the MTN registration is Newcastle-Upon-Tyne area so possibly a haulage company or roads agency in that area? The image isn't great I'm afraid.... anyone got any ideas? Does anyone know "MTN 110" or have any pictures? Thanks in advance! Duncan

Yip, that's the one I'd love a look at, that or the ballast tractor which as you say I think is in the same ownership? I though someone mentioned WFX402 had gone overseas though? Anyone know the chap?

Hi Rick, Its a shame more of the trailers didn't survive, is the one in Yorkshire complete with a trailer? I need to have a look at an original one at some point and take some photo's measurements! Cheers, Duncan

Hi Ed, are these of Jerry's one?

From the ww2talk site...

Looks like a cross between the chitty chitty bang bang car and a Pioneer! What a pimpin' ride.... And yes Niels that was my first thought when I saw that picture, any idea what "type" of camouflage that is? Anyone got a better picture of something similar? Would be much more interesting the sand or green...

A little treat for us TRMU transporter owners

Hi all, I'm hoping that someone might have some information on a Scammell Pioneer TRMU30 I have just bought, it is chassis number 5177 and registration mark KYW922, I have found some further information that this vehicle is from contract S1887 from 15th December 1942, this contract was for a quantity of 178 vehicles. I have attached an image showing the contracts. It has a 1944 date stamped into the rear axle and being a later chassis number in this contract I reckon the dates would match up. If the old military "H" numbers are allocated correctly it should be military registration H5306721 before becoming KYW922 after the war. I believe that it came through Graham Booth, and prior to that was in a barn for 30 years being owned by a chap who was restoring when sadly passed away. The previous owner suspects it might have been an ex-showmans vehicle. I will be contacting the RLC museum in due course, however any information would be gratefully received. I'd love to know a bit more about how these tank transporters were used after the war, or any other information or stories. Kind Regards, Duncan

Hi Wally, that's very kind of you to offer looking. I've not yet bought the truck so why don't you hold off for now, and if I do buy it I would get in touch. I'd certainly be very grateful for your help, Kind Regards, Duncan

Thanks Wally, those records are an amazing thing! I don't know much I'm afraid and not a sale date. What I do know is its chassis number 5177, reg KYW 922, from contract S1887 (15th December 1942, quantity of 178 vehicles) but not sure if that helps track down any info! Thanks Richard, that's interesting to know. I've seen a few other KYW plates and would agree with the dates you are suggesting. Thanks for the information!

Hi Ed, Just noticed your post, that's fantastic! Is that info from the "Pioneer" book? The truck needs registered as the original plate has been lost, its not been re-issued by DVLA so hopefully it might be possible to get it back! Cheers, Duncan p.s. Will drop you some more info via PM

Thanks everyone, John I found a copy of the number plate book you are referring too and put a bid in on ebay! That would be a useful book to have! Edd, thanks for your message, I remember my old Pioneer had an "H" number. Good to know that there is nothing unusual about the chassis plate and hopefully a record could be found. I was a bit worried it might not have been a military one but that sounds unlikely, especially if you think they were in good demand! Interesting to know where they were used, I'm fascinated by this kind of stuff, and any links you might have would be greatly welcomed. I belive the tank transporters were almost useless for the heavy tanks that were around when the finally came along? What else would they have been used for? I see a number that have been converted to ballast tractors. Tony, thanks for the insight! I guess the history would be harder to trace if the vehicles were used for something non-military or classified! Fascinating stuff.... Bernard, Thanks! Do you know any of Forceful's history? What did he do at FVRDE? Brooky, thanks for the insight! Excellent information! I've seen a few "RN" numbers and that's great to know the meaning!

That's excellent John thanks, I don't suppose you might know what the registration book would be called? That would be a handy book to have in my collection! Cheers, Duncan

That would be outstanding Bryan thanks! Not parted with any cash yet but the money is in the bank and and I've found a TRMU30 that looks promising. Need to go and view and we'll see what happens! I miss the old Scammell and I'm in a financial position to get another and hang onto it this time! How are you getting on with my old girl?

That would be amazing if you did thanks! I know Pat gets a pretty bad reputation for errors! If you can find anything about chassis 5177 that would be great! And yes, at the prices being asked its going to be a good investment! Cheers, Duncan

Thanks for the replies chaps! I'd agree 100% with that, this truck however has a three letters-three numbers civilian type number stamped into the Military plate, that makes me think it had that number when in service. That's very interesting! Would pre-WW2 military vehicles have simply had a civilian type plate then? I half remember my old Pioneer had a number with an "H" prefix? Cheers, Duncan

Thanks Tony, is the "Ministry of supply" the same as the MOD? I understand that these Pioneer tank transporters weren't really used during the war and after the war many were converted to ballast tractors for towing. Do you think it is possible it sat in a store unregistered for a couple of year before getting passed to some other department? What would you describe as a "non military operation" in the late 1940's? Sorry for all the questions, and thanks for your reply! Duncan