Les,
Here are a few notes I found concerning QLC / FBE trailer combination and further UK FBE semi-trailer use.
"In late March 1943 there was a rush order for one Bedford QLC tractor 4x4-2. The order was dated 29 March and delivery was to be in first week of April. Clearly this was wanted in a hurry and would be taken from an existing contract. It is known that the vehicle was fitted with Bedford Tasker permanent semi-trailer equipment and was for use for a yet to be built FBE trailer. Vehicle H 5469698 was indeed delivered to the Directorate of Royal Engineer Equipment. The prefix H was unusual because vehicles of this type, with permanently fixed semi-trailers, were normally prefixed L. This suggests it was to be used with a specially designed detachable semi-trailer. It was obviously not a success as no more were ordered. There is however a reference to trials with a detachable semi-trailer for the QLC tractor but is reported that no practical or economic solution was found."
In reference to a War Establishment showing a 2 section Folding Boat Equipment Type A Platoon:
"Both the above unit and the 6 ton 4x2-2 semi-trailer lorries are somewhat of a mystery. The unit was not to replace the existing FBE platoon, there is ample evidence that these continued in use to the end of the (NW Europe) campaign. Perhaps this platoon was intended as transport for FBE raft equipment. The equal numbers of landing stage units and floating stage units would suggest this."
"The vehicles were presumably Bedford 6 ton 4x2-2 lorries but whether they were GS or flat-bed is not clear. They may even have had a special superstructure."
"Did a standard Bedford OY 4x2-2, which had a detachable semi-trailer, fill the role for which the QLC was intended? If so did it have a special body?"
As the saying goes; that gives food for thought!
Any comments anyone?
David
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