ekawrecker

A very early Matador with the double curved cab roof and only 2 winch rollers. Very nice!

Can this one be in the Gallery, too ? It has been restored by a local fellow and was at a country Veterans Re-union (in West Australia) earlier this month, together with the Cent.

 

 

Jack

A very nice Dorchester ACV. Have you got any close up shots Jack?

17 years or so ago, I heard there was just a body in WA and the owner was looking for a Matador chassis to mount it on. I wonder if this was the one?

This should anwser your questions

Thanks very much Les and Richard.:tup::

It is possible, I don't know when this trailer came into service, but the Crusader replaced the Constructors about 1976.

It is made by Cranes of Dereham, rather than Crane Fruehauf, which makes it much earlier than any Crusader. From memory the trailer army reg was 00BL19 or 00DL19. (I lost the picture I took of the plate!!)

Your wish is granted , picture attached. My old memory has just kicked in and I seem to think that the Crusaders assigned to these trailers had extra hydraulic controls and outputs fitted, as I recollect, for the trailer.

Thanks Richard, Wishes do come true!:tup::

Just a guess, but did these trailers start off life being pulled by Scammell Constructor tractor units?

It is as you say a bridge launching trailer, which would have been used with a Scammell Crusader ( looks like one attached to trailer in your photo). It was used to carry and deploy a No.9 bridge which is of one piece and maximum span of 12.2 metres. It would be used directly over an existing low classifiction bridge. The other version of this bridge is the no.8 which is folding and was carried and deployed on a Cheiftain AVLB.

Thanks for the info Richard, it is indeed attached to a Scammell Crusader. I hope someone posts a picture of the loaded outfit as it was seen in service. It must have been quite a sight!

This is I believe a 'Bridge Launching Trailer' made by Cranes of Dereham. Has anybody got anymore info/pictures on them?

Great period photo's Ian, thanks for posting.

Its often very hard to get accurate information, the number of times I have posted something only to be corrected...

Rotinoff Viscounts had a 250BHP C6SFL Rolls Royce Diesel fitted Mike.

 

Now it´s a Crusader XXL :-)

(Not a 100% restoration I know, but I want a 100% useable lorry for long distance and I like to stand upright in a cab when I change my clothes). Any news about the SCAMMELL Letters?

 

Wow, A Crusader 'RoadHaus'! I'd love to see the faces of other truck drivers on the Autobahn as you drive past them.:cool2:

I haven't seen any letters so far, but I'll let you know if and when I do.

I need this exhaust part (exhaust-distributor from turbo to pipes) . Do anyone know where I can get it?

Well done Roland, you're very adventurous taking the whole roof panel off!

With regards to the exhaust part you require, I would think it would be quite difficult to find a new one of these. Surely you could buy or make tube and fabricate one yourself as you obviously have a MIG welder, and it would be quite easy compared to the roof?

Keep up the good work.:sweat:

Carefull, I gave this one a good look over last week, there are loads of bits removed from it incloding the main lift rams on the crane.

John

Very wise advice for anyone thinking of bidding on anything in a tender sale!

More timber

I like these too!

At Walker Machinery a few years ago

This picture is taken at Bezzina's in Malta.

This I beleive to be Walker Machinery again, though for all the world it could be Swiss Army...

I don't think this is taken at Walkers, I'm sure he didn't buy any of the trailers.

It looks like the one preserved in Switzerland.

They were both there, the Antar was undergoing some repainting and some filler work had been done. The Diamond T looked complete, but neither were running.

The MAN bit may be German, but the recovery equipment is designed and built by a BRITISH company, EKA.

This is the third generation of recovery vehicles EKA have supplied to the British Army-Scammell, Foden and now MAN.

(I am NOT connected with them by the way!)

This one runs and drives Andy, and is cared for by an enthusiastic member of the British Army. There are two others as static 'Gate Guardians' at Aldershot and Catterick. Apart from these, I don't think there are any more in the UK.

Well Done Roland. A very interesting post with some great pictures. As Radiomike7 says, you've certainly done your research.

I have a set of LEYLAND letters off a Crusader if you're still looking for some, but SCAMMELL ones would be much better I think! I will keep a look out for you.

In the meantime, here is a flashback to when Withams had lots of EKA Crusaders available to buy. Where are they now??

Seen in May 2008 is the last Commander at Bulford. Still looking, sounding and going well!