Richard Hughes Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 Well after a lot of hunting round I have finally gone and done it . Can you guess what I have gone and bought. 1st picture is the hedge I had to take down to get it out. 2nd picture gives you a better idea of what the vehicle actually is. Quote
Richard Hughes Posted May 11, 2009 Author Posted May 11, 2009 As I am sure you have guessed its a Scammell Pioneer its a 1943 30 ton tank transporter . I went to recover it last weekend . The previous owner had driven it to its last resting place 20 years ago and it hadn't turned a wheel since Quote
gritineye Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 Nice find Richard, don't worry, if it is anything like the Pioneer I helped to recover it will start first touch of the button even after 20 years! Quote
Niels v Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 (edited) Congratulations Richard, it looks great and like its in a fair condition. I will be looking forward to seing more pictures of it.... My pioneer had been stading 15 years, and it took me around to hours to get it to run. So do not think you wil have a problem with getting it running. Edited May 11, 2009 by Niels v Quote
Jimh Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 Sweet as a nut. The cab looks like it has survived reasonably unmolested. Quote
AndyFowler Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 Great to see another old girl being saved from becoming a hedge mate ! Well done ! Please keep us all posted of progress ! Not to quick though please I can't handle anymore stick ! :-D:-D:-D Quote
Richard Hughes Posted May 11, 2009 Author Posted May 11, 2009 The engine is definitely free which is a good start. The cab is in original condition(if a bit flakey) even down to rifle clips. It seems to have been in army service pretty late as there is a rebuild plate of 1954 on it Quote
6 X 6 Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 Richard, you lucky ....... what a lovely find ! Wonderful photographs. I hope you will consider starting a restoration blog..........there'll be plenty of interest if you do. Good luck. :thumbsup: Quote
Richard Hughes Posted May 11, 2009 Author Posted May 11, 2009 I think the major restoration will take some time(So Andy is pretty safe) I have some other vehicles ahead in the line . Initial plans are to get it running and moving under its own steam . I may then rally it for a couple of seasons as is whilst I try and collect some bits e.g. track box and front and rear tow springs . Quote
6 X 6 Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 I think the major restoration will take some time(So Andy is pretty safe) I have some other vehicles ahead in the line . Initial plans are to get it running and moving under its own steam . I may then rally it for a couple of seasons as is whilst I try and collect some bits e.g. track box and front and rear tow springs . A very wise plan. Just out of interest, in which area did your Pioneer last work........ I've been trying to make out the lettering on the top front of the cab. Cheers. Quote
Joris Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 What an awesome beast you've found and I'm amazed at the condition! Quote
daz76 Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 Great to see another one saved. Well done! Look forward to hearing more about it. Just booked my tickets for my first visit to GDSF so I'm happy and looking forward to meeting some of you in the flesh. I'll be without the Explorer this year, but who knows about next year....:-D Quote
Stormin Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 very good find. Glad to see they keep turning up, and keep being saved. Keep us updated with progress on this and any other projects. Quote
stephanedu14 Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 Superb discovered. Who m' in will find one while walking. Good restoration and make leaves us while making a report. Quote
David Ives Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 great find yet another old beast to get back on the road again Quote
Richard Farrant Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 You kept that quiet Richard Reckon I know where that was too ! Quote
julezee001 Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 Hi Richard, I'm really glad someone has ended up with it to restore. I looked at it about 3 months ago and it was far too straight and original to break or scrap. Did you find the second engine cover in the brambles? I had a really good look, but couldn't find it! I look forward to seeing it at any show you get it to. Jules Quote
Richard Hughes Posted May 11, 2009 Author Posted May 11, 2009 It only had one owner since release from the Army it finished its working life in Dartford Quote
radiomike7 Posted May 11, 2009 Posted May 11, 2009 The engine is definitely free which is a good start. The cab is in original condition(if a bit flakey) even down to rifle clips. It seems to have been in army service pretty late as there is a rebuild plate of 1954 on it Might it have been rebuilt as a ballast tractor with the shaped concrete blocks? Quote
AndyFowler Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 Any more info on its career in Dartford please Richard ! :-D Quote
les freathy Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 Great stuff Richard looks like local Maidstone based lorry used to recover her so presume you found her in the county i note the modified wind screen but cant recall seeing this truck out as a recovery in the long past was she a Kent based recovery when in use and finally will you be restoring her back to a transporter or a civvy based as seen cheers Les Quote
Richard Hughes Posted May 12, 2009 Author Posted May 12, 2009 The pioneer was used by Forrest amusements from the time it was released from the Army. The long term plan is to make it military again but that is down the line Quote
les freathy Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 Forrests eh! i have a photo of that some where in use with the fair i will post it when i locate it, if i am correct the pioneer did not venture down to our part of the county but i belive it came down as far as Faversham and maybe ashford. John Forrest always supplied our yearly fair and has done so as far back as i can remember his main tractors in the 1950s were two Mack NM5 and a FWD COE 4x4 Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.