Goldstar

I can't tell you anything about the vehicle, but I can tell you a little bit about the Winch. It was made by Darlington Engineering co. (Gateshead)Ltd., who I worked for as a mechanical fitter from 1972 to 1981. This was a private company that was based in Queensway North, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead on Tyne, from the early 1940s to 1981. There was no connection with Huwood at any time. The company went into liquidation in early 1981, and the remnants were acquired by Thecla Engineering in Darlington. (Who had supplied Darlington Engineering with wormshafts, wormwheels and gearing for many years) Thecla continued to build Darlington Winches for a few more years, before also going to the wall. I believe this was the end of the line for Darlington Winches. The winch in the photos is what we called a POG Model 80 ( POG refering to the Pay-On Gear for the rope) If my memory is correct, this winch had a line pull rated at 80000 LB, (about 35 tons )which I believe could be doubled using snatch blocks. This was the highest capacity standard winch in the range. There should be a cast brass plate on the winch base angles with the model and serial number. We supplied and fitted winches to all major truck manufacturers, Thornycroft, Leyland, Scammell, Volvo etc. We also supplied and fitted tractor mounted and trailer mounted versions and special purpose static winches. In the fifties the company had a major contract for the MOD which kept them in work for years.