And another Desert Wreck
 

Probably, all of you are slowly get bored about my continious questions regarding the wrecks in the desert of Libya...

However, I am very thankful for all the information you have already provided to me!

By yesterday, I saw the one below. First I thought that it it could be a FIAT lowbed-trailer-tower (is this the correct expression?)

Going closer, I found some plates in english language (regarding the changing of the gears etc.). Sadly, there was no more manufacturers plate.

Any idea about?

Kuno,

This truck does not look like any wartime British vehicle that I know of. I see that it has large windows in the rear of the cab which is unusual. My feeling is that it may be one that has been abandoned since the war on an expedition or oil explorations, etc. and that it may be an AEC Matador or similar which has had a new cab built on. Do you have any more pictures, preferably close up?

Richard

Another pic
 

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and another one
 

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Kuno,

I have looked at your other pictures and note that there is no cupola in the cab roof, most military trucks had them, and I seem to think it has a double roof, as often supplied for tropical use. It was a 6 wheeler as the trunnion shaft for the rear axles, is still in place. The wheelbase is very short which to me denotes an artic (semi) tractor unit. The wreck has certainly been robbed bare.

I still seem to think AEC although the cab is slightly longer than a standard truck. More likely something to do with oilfield work.

Richard

...
 

> Correct - instead of a cupola, there is only a small opening > For fresh air maybe?

> Oilfield-Service could easily be, although the route is not a typical one to rech the fields.

> I am not sure but I think I saw a similar truck once somewhere near Benghazi. Still on the wheels.....however, I have hardly any chance to check it out now.

Anyhow - thanks for your help so far!

I think you're on the right track, Richard.

http://www.milweb.net/vpark/images/19.jpg

Hanno,

The AEC in your pic is a Militant Mk1, early Fifties to Sixties. I am very familiar with these and am sure the wreck in the desert is not one of this model, judging by the size of the chassis rails.

Richard

I agree, but came across the picture and posted it here so the forum members can see the pedigree of the desert wreck.
I'm sure these guys http://aecsociety.com can tell us more.

H.

AEC Militant
 

Thanks for the hint, Hanno

See here: http://aec.middx.net/frames/framephotos1.htm

Hello Kuno,

Just been looking at the AEC site and Neil's photo of the oilfield trucks. I can see they are the same as your wreck, from the photo of it, I was sure the chassis was not so deep, but the rear axle trunion bracket was undoubtably AEC. The cab has a number of differences from the military Militant Mk1, and these show on the photo of the three trucks, horizontal split in windscreens, rounded ends to front mudguards, tropical roof, longer cab and large rear window.

Send us some more pictures to identify !

Richard