nz2

A while back there was posted a couple of photos of trucks converted to railway use( I cannot locate those photos presently) Here is another. Chain drive so what make? Peerless? The second photo is labeled in Palestine. Doug

In the sales brochures of the time lists are given of tools and equipment supplied with a vehicle. I assume much the same was supplied to those purchased by the War Dept. Spanners are easy to identify, especially Leyland as they are marked with the Company's name. What was the design and form of other items ie. the jack. We have a Woden trade mark jack and question as to its period of use. Searching the history of Woden (the trade name for Steel Nut and Joseph Hampton Ltd) lists the manufacture of lifting jacks as being manufactured in 1914. Were they supplied to a particular vehicle manufacturer, or for use with field artillery or the like. Is this one of that period or for a latter war? A search of jack on this site continually brings up the administrators name!

Near Catelet, France. 17 September 1918. Men of the 4th Field Company of Australian Engineers, in the process of constructing a dummy tank, which, drawn by the men, was to be used as a diversion in the attack next morning on Le verguier by the 1st and 4th Divisions. Also two versions of German built dummy tanks. I have found photos of other Aussie built dummy tanks used for War bond issue publicity in Australia.Will post these latter. Doug

I await keenly for the next video, that of the Dennis been driven out of the shed. What is the time frame for that event? Doug

Absolutely well done to all three of you!! It's a great motivator for the projects here. Doug

This collection would appear to have in common with so many museums the situation of storage of items. Only a small number can be displayed at any one time, others go into dry storage and other items are parked up outdoors. While some may say its a waste and these outdoor items are deteriorating, they have been saved from other fates of destruction like otherwise being recycled as scrap to China. While current personnel at a museum may place emphasis upon a particular theme, other areas of interest lay awaiting their turn for a change in viewpoint or a different staff. Doug

Some where I have seen a photo or two of dummy tanks made of timber planks. Their use was to fool the enemy from air borne observation. That was just back from the front lines and not as a fundraising venture. Doug

Tow start?

Richard, Do you have any more photos like this? It would seem appropriate to set up a new folder/file with such images of trucks converted for specialist use. Doug

Should the time be right go careful on turning the crank handle. Would not like to hear of injury on such a great occasion! I wait with anticipation. Doug

Thanks Runflat for the information. My son tells me the Aussie Leyland would appear to be a early twenty's say 1923-24 model. That is from the cylinder shape and design, 36hp version.The top radiator tank being non standard but probably as suited for hotter conditions where this could have worked. That in itself shows an interesting part of adaptation for local use to suit the environment worked in. Perhaps the top tank is a replacement as these are very prone to failure from oxidiation.( alloy disintergation) The Leyland on display at Australian War Mermorial Museum was one we had been told of but had not any good photos of the side view. Time to plan a visit! From the comments regards inside the back, should the crew be seated on a box type seat, was that hinged and also storage maybe for their own kit? Thanks Doug

I have come across a further reference to WD Leyland in an article in "Old Motor and Vintage Commercials", vol 2 no2 August 1963. It refers to, in RFC use carrying a driver, armed guard, and a party of aircraft mechanics in the front part of the body, the rear part being sheeted to give weather-proofing. This would account for the three stepped ladder on the side and the small door leading into the rear. Question now is what was inside ? I assume some form of seating for the crew involved. Did it face forward,or rearwards or both to cover what number of crew? Was there a dividing wall to stop items sliding forwards into the passenger areas. With the canvas sides down it would be dark in there, and no sign of plastic windows. Would the opening canvas curtains above the side door be tied back, or were the rear canvas flap open. I have yet to find any photographs or drawings that show these points. Does any one have any information? Thanks Doug

I question as to it being a Belsize. When the photos are enlarged a couple of points are noticeable. The rear chassis tapper on the b&w photo starts forwarded of the rear spring hanger and the spring hanger itself is a thin almost dainty piece with the spring directly under the chassis rail. The colour prints show a far heavier spring mounting, rounded in nature and protruding down the side of the chassis rail. The images would suggest the spring is mounted outside of the chassis rail width. When enlarging further clarity is not clear. The tapper on the garden chassis commences back further. Noting the similarities as previously given for the front end, could it be two different models, years or such. Doug

While from a differing period of time, the use of water on brakes was used in NZ on some trucks through the 1950's and into the early 60's as a means cooling brake drums on long descents. In particular trucks carting logs out of step back country using a jinker type axle supporting the tail end of the load. The water supply was a 44 gallon drum fitted in behind the cab with hoses running off to the brake drums. A stop at the top of the hill , turn on the taps and a slow descent. An addition to trucks that would cause a vehicle inspecting officer now to be horrified as its not in his little book!! But it worked successfully. Doug

I agree, however the computer modeled films appear to be the income earners and bring the Oscars awards ( Avatar) Much of the Avatar was made in Wellington. Talking to those involved in producing some of these large props they have been at it now for many years. It would appear funding problems could delay things more so, as filming the Hobbit seems to be on hold. Doug

It's part of the great plan to attack foreign lands. However being in NZ its some distance from foreign lands, and this model does not swim. Not to be out done, it is transportable and in time great numbers of these will invade foreign shores along with scores of similar dated aircraft, guns and troops. The transport method is by air, with delivery enlarging the size to increase the fear factor. This can only be viewed by those seated in specially darkened buildings, after payment of a fee. Its a film prop, based on the mechanicals of a Caterpillar crawler. Part of the Peter Jackson ( Lord of the Rings) film empire in readiness for a new film. Doug

A welcome from across the ditch. What is the large green tracked vehicle in the last photo? Thanks Doug

Republic were the largest manufacturer of trucks in the USA in the !920's. As to these trucks it would appear they are not of WW1 period but rather being early towards mid 1920's. This is based on the radiator top tank, being flat alloy casting with no flutting as in the earlier tanks. Solid rubber tyres were standard on the heavier trucks ( 3.5 ton plus) Where as pneumatics were on the lighter models. The 4 cylinder engine was standard for the time, provided by a number of different engine manufacturers. These comments are based on material on hand being used in the restoration of two Republics here. One being of 1925 and the second of 1928. The second truck carries the ID plate of Republic/American La France but the same radiator design. Both have the Lycoming 6 cylinder engine. Doug

I gather from earlier postings and looking over the photographs these had both metal and wooden frames with sheet metal and canvas coverings. It would appear the canvas was attached rigid and not able to be rolled back. Interest to hear as to how the canvas was attached, tacked, or held in place by wooden or metal strips? I take it was a similar method to the construction of a rigid canvas roof on an early truck cab( 1920's). With regards the photo of the new acquisition parked on the street. Did this bring out the neighbours in interest or in horror? Doug

Think of this state as being an asset. Least at this stage of dismantling you can clearly see what is required in a rebuild and its not hidden behind other pieces of the body. Doug

Tim, Your photo of the Republic, its looks recent rather than an original, with flags and metal poles holding signs in the background. I use this as I am interested in the trailer behind and was querying as to its origin, military or local manufacture. Considering the background it may be coupled up for the event and not necessarily related. The truck sides are strake with external supports where as the trailer has a full width floor. Also the axles on the trailer appear very light in cross section. An interesting design of trailer almost a conversion of a horse drawn unit. I can not make out the writing clearing on the side of the truck.Any other photos of this? Doug

Calling Dr Who; Please transport me back to this supply depot to collect tyres required for a present day restoration. Then again while in the time zone why not just pick up a few complete trucks! Doug

Likewise Tim, I've seen parts of early tyre presses, now modified, but nothing complete as this. Those pump units are interesting. Are those also original pressing spacers on the rack( circular sections)? Doug

Thanks Roy for the informative comment, and also to others for the input. Again this forum shows the wide extent of information held by members on otherwise remote subject areas. Are there any WW1 type trucks remaining with a jib? May be in civilian colours. Doug