military heavyweights

[Richard Farrant]

Originally posted by David_Hayward
Richard, I am coincidentally working on the '38 WD trials for VINTAGE ROADSCENE
It appears to be 6 x 6 drive to me, with that bulbous casing in front of the radiator, what do you think? Iam no expert so am putting this one out to discussion.

David,

I do not think the Scammell in your photo is 6x6. As the wheels are "spoked", you can see through them and I cannot see a hub large enough to contain a driveshaft. The "coffee pot" on top of the radiator does not denote it to be a 6x6, its purpose was to ensure the radiator core was cover with water at any angle of working. Even as a 6x4, with rear walking beams and a front axle pivoting transversly, the lorry could end up at exteme angles.

There were no 6x6 Pioneers in service as far as I am aware, there are pictures of one on test with Scammells though.

As for superceding the Turner horizontal winch for the Scammell vertical, my views based on experience, is that the Turner sat higher in the chassis, so got in the way of bodywork, but the main advantage of the Scammell winch is that it sits lower and less obtrusive and also has a very good laying on gear to stop the chance of the rope fouling up as it is wound on the drum.

Richard