Scammell Constructor Gallery.

[6 X 6]

I am shocked that you managed to leave this poor old Scammell in pain as she was Tom !

 

It's a very long story. My friend 'Professor' Johnny Squirrel decided, after helping me out with and driving my lorries for a number of years, that he would like to buy and restore his own Constructor. That's what me and 'Professor' Squirrel where doing in Wrexham looking at this Scammell. It was intended to be a lorry for him to buy and restore. When his Mrs. got wind of what was going on to say she EXPLODED would be something of an understatement. We thought we'd go anyway and I did make the seller a cash offer which, thankfully, he declined.

 

The problem is Andy, the Constructor is a fairly rare lorry and you don't want to end up owning all of them, even if that was possible, as you wouldn't have any mates who also own Constructors who you could chat with about them. That must be true of any rare vehicle. You've got to leave a few of them out there for other people to own or you won't have any special mates. I hope you don't think I've taken your comment too seriously but what I say is true.

[AndyFowler]

Okay mate ! Your reputation as St Thomas the patron Saint of Scammell is preserved ,you have done more than your share already ! :-D I think I may have to lock the computer when I have a tipple ! :-D

[6 X 6]

This photograph was taken about 10 years ago in the yard in Bristol where I kept my lorries. On the left is the ex Roland Simonds Militant MK 1 Cargo XVS 199, in the centre is the ex Laurence Davison Constructor YFO 311 and, still in snowplough red, the ex Ted Gowen Constructor YSV 865.

 

[Energumen]

Hi Gents, new boy again.

 

The last one of these I saw was at a military vehicle show, on the Isle of Wight in the 90's, it also had a diesel engine fitted.

 

I have added a picture on Swills thread elsewhere on site, of one still in military attire. I believe it is the one we had in the TA at Brighton, but cannot be sure, as I picked the picture up later.

[Energumen]

second attempt at getting this on correct subject location.

[Energumen]

Edited January 29, 2009 by Energumen

[Energumen]

Edited January 29, 2009 by Energumen

[radiomike7]

second attempt at getting this on correct subject location.

 

Hi Energumen

 

The 'dozer looks like a Fowler as you suggested, and the Scammell used a 10.3litre Meadows which had started out as a diesel but was converted to petrol in a Scammell/Meadows collaberation.

 

Following on from the level crossing incident, one of the agency drivers I worked with was with the RE somewhere in Germany and his pal, driving a similar outfit to the one pictured, decided he could beat a train to an unmanned crossing. Unfortunately his speed/distance calculations were somewhat out and the steam loco ploughed into the side of the Scammell, removing the front axle but without de-railng the train.

[6 X 6]

Unfortunately his speed/distance calculations were somewhat out and the steam loco ploughed into the side of the Scammell, removing the front axle but without de-railng the train.

 

Somewhat out ? It might have been just about excusable if the train had clipped the rear of the trailer but to take out the front axle of the tractor suggests this bloke was miscalculating on a grand scale. Agency drivers.

[Energumen]

Part three; The Don R's

Now, still smarting from the public dressing down for doing as instructed, but nonetheless happy to be free of the impedence of slower trucks for a while, I wend my way homeward again, the whistle and clatter of the V8 petrol and vibration from the all terrain tyres, interrupted frequently with the sharp crack of the canvas tilt as sail like, it fought with the wind, these had become a sort of calming overture to my ears.

 

Then it happened, as if from nowhere first one, then a second Don R appeared alongside my cab door, the riders appearance resembling some gruesome and macabre ghouls from a nightmare. Goggles, crash helmets, great coats flared out like the wings of Concorde, leather thigh boots and gauntlets, complete with scarves that trailed like ships pennants in a storm.

 

Here we go, "Wwwuuuwww wwwwwover" shout the ghouls in unison, as they wooble, along, bodies akimbo and left arms flailing the air, "Wwwuuuwww wwwwover yapwat". It was quite clear to me as an astute observer of body language and military speak, that these individuals wished me to stop and exchange dialogue with them, and I did so.

 

Now something must be left to the readers imagination, so you must insert your own sentences, phrases, grunts, gesticulations and obscenities into the tale at this point.

 

Suffice to say, it resulted in my doing a five point about turn on this rural road, scarcely wide enough for a vehicle in each direction, now you would think I had been punished enough, wouldn't you? yes?. Not Broody likely, just as I complete the manouvre, up comes a knight in , no not shining armour, a broody Austin Champ, who could this be wondered I, as it approached, then an arm bedecked with three of the most prominent chevrons known to man, appeared from the drivers side, apparently offering to give me some physical ecstasy and relief, now I knew who this was, before the voice became audible, sorry, no prizes.

 

Sargeant Strident, having sent the Don R's to turn me round, had been advised that if I had carried straight on it was a more direct route to the A1 anyway. He now directed another five point about turn and in his own inimmitable way, sent me to join the A1 South and catch up with the convoy.

 

On arriving at the A1 with the two Don R's in attendance and Strident having gone goodness knows where, I was instructed to wait in a lay by for the rest of the convoy and rejoin at the rear.

This instruction was valid for about fifteen minutes, whilst the two Don R's Went Northward, after which time they reappeared, telling me to get my boot down as the convoy had already passed.

 

Now it is fair to point out at this time, that the only means of radio communication between any convoy members was a pair of No.19 radio sets, which were 'netted in' at the start of our outward journey and never spoke to each other again until we got home.

 

However, delightful, I am coaxing about 51 mph out of this old Canadian Thames, the various noises like sections of an orchestra, each making their own unique contribution to this 1812 overture, with the curtains providing the explosions. Even more delightful, the only vehicles passing me are the 'Tartan Arrows', who remembers them?.

 

Then in my 2inch mirrors, first offside, then nearside, I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be an Austin Champ.

 

To be continued.

[Energumen]

This photograph was taken about 10 years ago in the yard in Bristol where I kept my lorries. On the left is the ex Roland Simonds Militant MK 1 Cargo XVS 199, in the centre is the ex Laurence Davison Constructor YFO 311 and, still in snowplough red, the ex Ted Gowen Constructor YSV 865.

 

 

Hi 6X6, I wish I had known. I am in BS37, and would have tried to beg a viewing.

[Energumen]

Part Four, The Don R's and London Circular.

So, the broody Austin Champ is really struggling to close the gap and I, spoiling for another battle of words with my tormenter, decide to pull over to hasten the confrontation.

 

Now it was my turn to have the puerile tantrum, I leapt, well yes I could and often did in those days, yes, I leapt from the cab, grasped my beret and like a protagonist of yore, thrust it on the ground, (well the Don R's had all the gauntlets). Here was my challenge.

Have you ever been so built up for a fight, that you have actually felt disappointed, when the other party apologises or gives a reasonable excuse?.

Bod it, you know that man, you know, that one , the one in the Austin Champ, well it wasn't him. Bogger!.

 

Captain K, a most genial and well respected, up through the ranks, Gentleman, greeted me with his warm smile and a twinkle in his eye.

 

"Well Sapper", he says, "and which front are you returning from today".

Don't you just hate it when you want to be sullen and morose, and some bogger makes you laugh?.

 

I explain in great detail, my traumatic experiences of the day and close by telling him that I am obeying the last order and trying to catch the convoy.

"Well you are to be congratulated", says he, (this was better, a bit of praise, what a nice man). "Yes congratulations indeed, you have done so well, the convoy is at least ten miles to your rear, and what news have you of the Don R's "?.

 

I explained that when last seen, they were heading South Like two angry bees who had flown through a line of washing and come out bedecked in Grandfathers World War one Military attire.

 

I will be brief, who are you kidding?, who me?.

 

Well, the convoy duly became caught up with, after I had waited about forty minutes. We all had tea and set off South. The Don R's?, we came across them somewhere North of Watford.

 

Now, how about the London Circular, ah, indeed, that is a story for another time.

 

Energumen

[6 X 6]

Hi 6X6, I wish I had known. I am in BS37

 

They're now in BA3 and you're very welcome to visit but only if you're a complete nutter. :cool2:

[Energumen]

The London Circular

Ah well, may as well finish it.

Now, I was never any good in London and that has not changed to this day.

 

However, I was not the Shepherd, the modern day equivelant of whom, do not carry crooks, but rather, carry 'pips', and are crooks.

No that was not true, but it just came into my head. Seemed funny to me.

 

So this sheep in Olive green steel and canvas attire, is faithfully tagging on to the end of this noisy gas guzzling chain of similarly housed humanity, as each with their own thoughts, they roar, clank and crack their way through the shadowy streets of the Capital, in that half light that signals a new dawn.

 

It is at this time, that I, always thinking myself 'the wit', happened to spot a Metropolitan Police Officer, swathed in his cloak and with the reflection of our passing headlights, playing little dancing patterns on the chrome of his helmet badge. Well, could I keep my tongue between my teeth ?, so to speak.

Well actually, yes, but only because I needed it there to whistle the theme to Dixon of Dock Green. You know the one; dah de dah - de dah de dah- de dah de dah dah- dah dah dah dah. then it came loose, as I shouted, 'Evening All'. Then, "have you got the time Mr. Policeman", we had slowed to a crawl, as the 'pips' studied the 'charts'. Well I was only young. Would I be that silly today? You bet.

 

Good old boy, he waved and took it in good part.

 

The dawn fully unravels and the road sweeps are out, the Daily Mirror vans are flying round disgorging bundles of papers every so often, without stopping. (how did they do that?, there must have been two of them).

I digress.

So London is awaking to a new day, and we are still about 55 miles from home, I say about, because, just then I thought, this street looks familiar, you ever had that deja vu feeling when finding your way through an unfamiliar town?, yes?, well I had it now, as into view, not twenty yards from where I had last seen him, came a vision in dark cloak and tall helmet, standing on the opposite pavement and doing an Acadamy Award rendition of 'The Laughing Policeman'. Alright, It's not that funny. The poor bogger was absolutely hysterical as 'The pips' asked him the way and I tried to get down between the pedals with embarrassement.

 

We did get back to Brighton about four hours later, having had our ten minutes break every two hours.

 

Don't get too relieved it is over. I was in the TA for about sixteen years in total. Ha ha.

 

Energumen

[Energumen]

They're now in BA3 and you're very welcome to visit but only if you're a complete nutter. :cool2:

 

Cor, I used to be through that area all the time, with a dry cement tanker, going to a Block?brick plant just outside Norton Radstock, Holcombe Block works and the ARC Quarries at Mells.

 

Small world, is it not?.

[6 X 6]

They're now in BA3 and you're very welcome to visit but only if you're a complete nutter. :cool2:

 

Sorry, I meant to say....... you're very welcome to visit but only if you're a bona fide historic military vehicle enthusiast.

Edited January 29, 2009 by 6 X 6

[Energumen]

Ah, you have gone and spoiled it now. I definitely qualified for the first description, but have to say I am interested in most military vehicles, some more than others, and the Scammel Constructors and 10 ton Albions, more because I have a direct associaion with them, over 40 years ago. But I am no longer into spending hours underneath them, as I was never a mechanic, and what my Brother and I did, came very hard, ten years ago, and would cripple me now. So not exactly a nutter.

 

Nonetheless, if you are down wherever you keep your vehicles one day and are happy to let me have a little look. I would appreciate it.

[6 X 6]

Nonetheless, if you are down wherever you keep your vehicles one day and are happy to let me have a little look.

 

Looking forward to meeting you. PM sent.

[Energumen]

Looking forward to meeting you. PM sent.

 

Hackneyed expression nowadays, but it really will be my pleasure.

[thor698]

Two Constructors photographed at Bulford Camp open day about 2001.

 

 

hi 6x6 has one got a leyland 680 in and the other one got a gardener in:)

[6 X 6]

hi 6x6 has one got a leyland 680 in and the other one got a gardener in:)

 

How did you know that ?

[radiomike7]

How did you know that ?

 

You can just make him out with the pruning cutters:)

[daz76]

On the subject of 'missing' Constructors I think I know of another not mentioned here. It was fully restored by an enthusiast and then bought by garage and recovery operator Malcolm Bowles of Southery, near Downham Market Norfolk. It was definitely a Rolls Eagle and painted military green. I think he removed the rear body and fitted a massive yellow extending boom (underlift?). At the time I spoke to him, he was planning to remove the twin rear tyres and fit singles to aid traction in the Fenland mud and reduce the overall width slightly. This was maybe 8-10 yrs ago. I have photos of it somewhere which I'll try to find. He bought it to replace his original Scammell which I think was very early (late 20's/early 30's?) I'm not sure if it was an SV2, but he had owned it many years and done a couple of rebuilds on it. It was called "Herman" and was in white recovery livery. He may even have kept it alongside the Constructor. I know it was much smaller than the Constructor and was a 6x4,powered by a Gardner 6LW. Anyone else know who restored the Constructor and sold it to Mr Bowles?

 

FINALLY I've found the :argh::argh::argh: photos! Knew theywere here somewhere. This is HFO 990 when new to Malcolm. It's fitted with a Harvey Frost Atlas 12 (which I think was still being finished off). It was bought to replace 'Herman' (Q807 HNG) his much earlier Pioneer who was heading into relaxed retirement after many years stirling service. They are here pictured together. Can anyone shed any more light on them. It was these two which gave me the Scammell bug as a youngster.

[radiomike7]

FINALLY I've found the :argh::argh::argh: photos! Knew theywere here somewhere. This is HFO 990 when new to Malcolm. It's fitted with a Harvey Frost Atlas 12 (which I think was still being finished off). It was bought to replace 'Herman' (Q807 HNG) his much earlier Pioneer who was heading into relaxed retirement after many years stirling service. They are here pictured together. Can anyone shed any more light on them. It was these two which gave me the Scammell bug as a youngster.

 

Well done Daz, I am almost sure that is my old Constructor, although it was a C6 rather than Eagle when I had it. Does he still own it?

Edited February 5, 2009 by radiomike7

[daz76]

Well done Daz, I am almost sure that is my old Constructor, although it was a C6 rather than Eagle when I had it. Does he still own it?

 

That may well be my mistake. I knew it was a Rolls, but was new to this game then! I know I have to head up to his part of the world in June, so I'll try to call in and get the chassis no. and a few pics if he still has it. If I get a chance before, then I'll do it sooner. Cheers. Daz