Australian Army trailer Dolly

[cliff]

In WW2 most of the supplies were moved to Darwin with Ford semi trailers. These trailers were #7 McGrath (spell) trailers rated at 7 ton and had a 1941 Ford (Aust) tractor unit.

When the Army recieved Mack NR 10 & NR 12 10 ton 6X4 diesel trucks the #7 semi trailers were converted to 4 wheel standard trailers using a 'Dolly' which consisted of a sprung axle with a draw bar and sitting on top a 'semi-permanent' type turn table the same as that on the Tractor units and the Aussie CMP semi truck units. These were then towed by the Mack's as a standard trailer.

Can anyone help with any details of this 'Dolly' unit please or am I :dh: ?

Photo shows a Mack and #7 trailer like I have discribed above.

[Ponysoldier]

Ok if I understand this right the dolly unit was detachable
via a 5th wheel unit. The trailer bed is wood slats woven
with 3/4 inch channel iron. The slats should be 3 inches
wide.
Patrick

[cliff]

Originally posted by Ponysoldier
Ok if I understand this right the dolly unit was detachable
via a 5th wheel unit. The trailer bed is wood slats woven
with 3/4 inch channel iron. The slats should be 3 inches
wide.
Patrick

The Dolly unit was detachable but instead of a modern type 'fifth wheel' unit it was a more semi permanent type that you had to partially dismantle to remove the trailer.

I have all the information I need on the trailer as I have already built one using photos and measurements supplied by Bob Mosley off a real one in South Australia. I just need info on the Dolly unit to get it more accurate and make it a normal towed trailer rather then a semi trailer. Mind You as no one seems to really know what it looks like if I make one that suits no one can tell me it is wrong

cheers
Cliff

PS> trailer boards (slats) are 5 to 6inches wide and not woven with channel iron.

[Ponysoldier]

Cliff
The US had two type of axles which could be be used
in this case one was the straight axle a beefed up
axle like the one used on the Mack in the picture.
The other was a regular rear axle that was gutted
This was considered a MWO (modfication work order)
and was done at the local level.
I look forward to seeing your latest creation
Patrick

[cliff]

Thanks Patrick. I have blown the photo that I have posted up as far as I can. It is a straight tube axle and does have the 'Aussie semi permanent' fifth wheel. I can get it to look the part but I always try and get as accurate as I can so If no info is found to give me details then I will just do my best and make it at least look right.

Thanks for your comments

cheers
Cliff

[Ponysoldier]

Hey Cliff
That what its all about us little builders gotta look out for
ourselfs
Patrick