Blitz Semi Trailer

Brett Nicholls · #1 05-09-09, 14:26

The latest recovery.......Oh what a big day it's been

This one needs lots of work but is very original and fairly complete.

Brett Nicholls · #2 06-09-09, 05:23

A couple more .....

Brett Nicholls · #3 06-09-09, 05:34

It was even off loaded by a Blitz crane!..........Now all I want is a F60

Brett Nicholls · #4 06-09-09, 05:37

Does anyone have more detailed pictures or information on this type of trailer that would help me with it's restoration?. Thanks.

aj.lec · #5 06-09-09, 06:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brett Nicholls

It was even off loaded by a Blitz crane!..........Now all I want is a F60

In the 3rd picture you posted the truck is a chev c60s
I can help out with one of those

cantankrs · #6 06-09-09, 09:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brett Nicholls

It was even off loaded by a Blitz crane!..

Hi Brett,

Great find. Interested to see it restored.

Any chance of putting up some pics of the Blitz Crane? Also what would that crane be rated at? (Like sheds, one always seems to need a bigger crane!)

Thanks

Alex

Brett Nicholls · #7 07-09-09, 00:35

Hi Andrew and Alex,
Alex - The crane is rated to 1 ton at furthest reach and 5 ton close into the ram. I have attached one picture for now but I do have more at home and I will put them on tonight. I do have other crane pictures if you are interested.

Andrew - Thanks for the offer. Please let me know a little more about it. Thanks.

Regards,

Tony Smith · #8 07-09-09, 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by cantankrs

Hi Brett,

Any chance of putting up some pics of the Blitz Crane? Also what would that crane be rated at? (Like sheds, one always seems to need a bigger crane!)

Thanks

Alex

There is a bit of a write up on the Peter's Brothers cranes well down in the middle of this thread. The crane that Brett has shown is not unfortunately an original Blitz crane, but is off an International W9 Tractor and mounted on a 60S. That's not to say it isn't a damn handy bit of kit!

Tony Smith · #9 07-09-09, 14:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brett Nicholls

Hi Andrew and Alex,
Alex - The crane is rated to 1 ton at furthest reach and 5 ton close into the ram.

Brett, I don't know if you were trying to bend the jib on Laurie's crane, but the W9 is only rated to 3 ton!!

Compare the construction of the 5 ton CGT version, and you'll see the jib is much lighter.

serge · #10 07-09-09, 17:38

Hello

Last week was the great meeting of "LE PAS DE CALAIS LIBERE" in the north of FRANCE around the town of SOUCHEZ with near 341 vehicles. (An other little part was in BETHUNE). Among the trucks in the area of SOUCHEZ there was a wonderfull FORD CANADA F60T with a front axle that could be driven.
The trailer was not original but nearly the same shape that original trailer.

What I found strange on the cab number 13 was that on the bottom of the cab under the head light we could read FORD CANADA (like in the last cab) and in an other hand the metalic part under the little hood was welded as in the first cab number 13.. The position of the push barr was refered also to first model of these cab (behind the bumper).
The new owner told me that the tractor was store during 40 years and every month the engine was set 'in marche'
What do you think of the cab??

Regards Serge

Keith Webb · #11 07-09-09, 20:55

Hi Serge
The likely explanation for the pushbar location is the truck has had a rebuild at some stage. As for the welded upper bar under the hood, most of the 44/45 'FORD CANADA' CMPs to be found here in Australia are the same; it's only a few which have the bolt-in variety.

Quote:

Originally Posted by serge

What I found strange on the cab number 13 was that on the bottom of the cab under the head light we could read FORD CANADA (like in the last cab) and in an other hand the metalic part under the little hood was welded as in the first cab number 13.. The position of the push barr was refered also to first model of these cab (behind the bumper).
The new owner told me that the tractor was store during 40 years and every month the engine was set 'in marche'
What do you think of the cab??

Regards Serge

serge · #12 08-09-09, 18:19

HELLO KEITH

I thank you for your answer. Since long time I am enthousiast for these trucks and I own a great collection of pics. I believed to know all about these truck and every time I learn new informations. In France (and in EUROPE BELGIUM ,NEDERLAND and GREAT BRITAIN) most parts of CMP with cab number 13 are stamped FORD CANADA with the metalic part under the bonnet holded with nuts or are stamped FORD with the metallic part under the bonnet welded.

Best regards Serge

cantankrs · #13 09-09-09, 03:54

Hi Tony and Brett,

Thanks for your info. Interesting stuff.

Regards

Alex

Euan McDonald · #14 09-09-09, 12:06

Pics of Johns north south truck with folding boat trailer.

cliff · #15 09-09-09, 22:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Euan McDonald

Pics of Johns north south truck with folding boat trailer.

Boy I could have done with that photo of the trailer turn table when making my model of the Ford Semi on the North/South Military Highway.

Brett Nicholls · #16 10-09-09, 00:09

Hi Euan,
Thanks for the great pictures

. John's trailer looks very close (in construction) to the one recovered - I wish it was only in as good a condtion as john's. I'll send a PM. Thanks.
Regards,
Brett Nicholls.

Lionelgee · #17 10-09-09, 04:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Euan McDonald

Pics of Johns north south truck with folding boat trailer.

G'day Euan,

Just wonder what breed of truck is in the photo with the trailer hitched to it?

Kind Regards
Lionel

cliff · #18 10-09-09, 06:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lionelgee

G'day Euan,

Just wonder what breed of truck is in the photo with the trailer hitched to it?

Kind Regards
Lionel

1941 Ford Lionel. This is a good example of a cowl with windscreen import with local body fitted. Assembled (built) by Ford here in Aussie with all the mods required so they did not fall to pieces driving on the North/South Military Highway (now Stuart Highway) In the early days a brand new conventional looking truck could leave Alice Springs and arrive at Darwin missing doors, mudguards and bonnets as the road was so rough the bodies flexed enough for the steel to stress fracture and in the end fall off or get pulled off by the drivers.

Brett Nicholls · #19 10-09-09, 06:42

Hi Cliff,
Do you happen to have any pictures of this type of trailer? I have got three from the AWM but would like some for more detail to aid correct restoration. Thanks

.
Regards,
Brett Nicholls.

Bob McNeill · #20 10-09-09, 10:31

I might be wrong but didn,t Ian S bring one behind his Ford tractor to Canberra some years ago.

Keith Webb · #21 10-09-09, 10:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob McNeill

I might be wrong but didn,t Ian S bring one behind his Ford tractor to Canberra some years ago.

He even took it to Corowa one year a lonnnng time ago. And he still has it in Temora.

Lionelgee · #22 10-09-09, 12:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by cliff

Boy I could have done with that photo of the trailer turn table when making my model of the Ford Semi on the North/South Military Highway.

G'day Cliff, Thanks for the information - one of those F- word trucks. This would be a jail-bar type and did it come with a V8?

Also CMP trucks are cab over variety built especially for the military whereas my truck is a civilian pattern with the engine out the front. What sort of percentage would there have been in the Australian Armed Forces of CMP cab overs compared to long nose civilian types like my truck?

Kind Regards
Lionel

Keith Webb · #23 10-09-09, 12:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lionelgee

G'day Cliff, Thanks for the information - one of those F- word trucks. This would be a jail-bar type and did it come with a V8?

Also CMP trucks are cab over variety built especially for the military whereas my truck is a civilian pattern with the engine out the front. What sort of percentage would there have been in the Australian Armed Forces of CMP cab overs compared to long nose civilian types like my truck?

Kind Regards
Lionel

That's the '41 model. The Jailbar was '42 and on. A much nicer design in my opinion. And it did come with a V8. As a percentage I would think the normal control outnumber CMPs in Australian use. These were known as MCP, or modified conventional pattern vehicles.

Lionelgee · #24 10-09-09, 13:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Webb

That's the '41 model. The Jailbar was '42 and on. A much nicer design in my opinion. And it did come with a V8. As a percentage I would think the normal control outnumber CMPs in Australian use. These were known as MCP, or modified conventional pattern vehicles.

G'day Keith,

Thanks for the information...MCP aye. Did you think the '41 or the '42 was the nicer truck? So what sort of modifications apart from what Cliff mentioned earlier in this thread would be carried out on the MCPs? My '40 has the bog standard mudguards and has not been cut out for desert service.

Kind Regards
Lionel

Keith Webb · #25 10-09-09, 13:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lionelgee

G'day Keith,

Thanks for the information...MCP aye. Did you think the '41 or the '42 was the nicer truck? So what sort of modifications apart from what Cliff mentioned earlier in this thread would be carried out on the MCPs? My '40 has the bog standard mudguards and has not been cut out for desert service.

Kind Regards
Lionel

Sorry Lionel, that was ambiguous wasn't it. I prefer the '41 version.

Military things varied but typically in the hard top version the roof hatch and opening windscreens, rifle clips, provision for water bag holder on the passenger door on some, different lighting - the Aussie '42 used CMP side lights. Often they were fitted with single 18" wheels too.
Then there were the 4X4 and 6X6 Marmon-Herrington conversions.
I'm sure Tony Smith has more info.

Lionelgee · #26 10-09-09, 13:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brett Nicholls

The latest recovery.......Oh what a big day it's been

This one needs lots of work but is very original and fairly complete.

G'day Brett,

I just found these photos of a Blitz Semi in trouble... from the AWM

Described as....ID Number: 089715
Physical description: Black & white
Summary: TARAKAN ISLAND, BORNEO, 1945-05-12. AN 8 WHEELER SEMI TRAILER BOGGED ON THE ANZAC HIGHWAY.
Copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
Copyright holder: Copyright Expired
Related subject: Wet weather; Trailers
Related place: Borneo; Tarakan

Related conflict: Second World War, 1939-1945

Photo Two
Blitz trailer getting painted with Red Lead
ID Number: 119886
Maker: Rainsford, Keith Carr
Physical description: Black & white
Summary: LABUAN ISLAND, NORTH WEST BORNEO 1945-10-06. THE CAMP OF 2/72ND LIGHT AID DETACHMENT ATTACHED TO THE 2/24TH FIELD PARK COMPANY. A SEMI TRAILER BEING PAINTED WITH RED LEAD IS ON THE RAMP. SX27206 CAPTAIN A. C. J. BRUCE, COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE 2/72ND LIGHT AID DETACHMENT IS ON THE LEFT.
Copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
Copyright holder: Copyright Expired
Related subject: Trucks; Vehicle maintenance
Related unit: 2/24 Field Park Company; 2/72 Light Aid Detachment
Related place: Labuan; North Borneo

Related conflict: Second World War, 1939-1945

Photo Three

ID Number: 113543
Physical description: Black & white
Summary: LABUAN ISLAND. 1945-08-08. CORPORAL D. HAYDEN CHECKING THE LASHINGS ON A SEMI TRAILER LOAD OF FOLDING BOAT FRAMES IN THE STORAGE AREA OF BRIDGING PLATOON, 2/24TH FIELD PARK COMPANY, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ENGINEERS.
Copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
Copyright holder: Copyright Expired
Related subject: Trailers
Related unit: 2/24 Field Park Company
Related place: Labuan

Related conflict: Second World War, 1939-1945

Photo Four
ID Number: 113544
Physical description: Black & white
Summary: LABUAN ISLAND. 1945-08-08. CORPORAL D. HAYDEN CHECKING THE LASHINGS ON A SEMI TRAILER LOAD OF FOLDING BOAT FRAMES IN THE STORAGE AREA OF BRIDGING PLATOON, 2/24TH FIELD PARK COMPANY, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ENGINEERS.
Copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
Copyright holder: Copyright Expired
Related subject: Trailers
Related unit: 2/24 Field Park Company
Related place: Labuan

Related conflict: Second World War, 1939-1945

Kind Regards
Lionel

cliff · #27 10-09-09, 22:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lionelgee

This would be a jail-bar type and did it come with a V8?

The jailbar Ford was 1942 on but unlike Keith I prefer the pre-Jailbar Fords. While Ford did have a 6 cylinder motor the flathead/sidevalve V8 predominated and I can only think of a few Ford models I have seen with the 6 cylinder fitted and they were low profile military models, not MCP vehicles but I believe a lot of MCP Fords with the 6 cylinder motor were supplied to Russia as Lend Lease.

Quote:

Also CMP trucks are cab over variety built especially for the military whereas my truck is a civilian pattern with the engine out the front. What sort of percentage would there have been in the Australian Armed Forces of CMP cab overs compared to long nose civilian types like my truck?

Again as Keith said Modified Civilian Pattern (MCP) vehicles of all makes including your Chev would have been more numerous then the CMP's.

Keith Webb · #28 10-09-09, 22:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by cliff

The jailbar Ford was 1942 on but unlike Keith I prefer the pre-Jailbar Fords.

Yes, that's what I've been trying to say... I like the '41 pre-jailbar ones!

cliff · #29 11-09-09, 03:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lionelgee

G'day Brett,

I just found these photos of a Blitz Semi in trouble... from the AWM

Described as....ID Number: 089715
Physical description: Black & white
Summary: TARAKAN ISLAND, BORNEO, 1945-05-12. AN 8 WHEELER SEMI TRAILER BOGGED ON THE ANZAC HIGHWAY.
Copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
Copyright holder: Copyright Expired
Related subject: Wet weather; Trailers
Related place: Borneo; Tarakan

Related conflict: Second World War, 1939-1945

Photo Two
Blitz trailer getting painted with Red Lead
ID Number: 119886
Maker: Rainsford, Keith Carr
Physical description: Black & white
Summary: LABUAN ISLAND, NORTH WEST BORNEO 1945-10-06. THE CAMP OF 2/72ND LIGHT AID DETACHMENT ATTACHED TO THE 2/24TH FIELD PARK COMPANY. A SEMI TRAILER BEING PAINTED WITH RED LEAD IS ON THE RAMP. SX27206 CAPTAIN A. C. J. BRUCE, COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE 2/72ND LIGHT AID DETACHMENT IS ON THE LEFT.
Copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
Copyright holder: Copyright Expired
Related subject: Trucks; Vehicle maintenance
Related unit: 2/24 Field Park Company; 2/72 Light Aid Detachment
Related place: Labuan; North Borneo

Related conflict: Second World War, 1939-1945

Photo Three

ID Number: 113543
Physical description: Black & white
Summary: LABUAN ISLAND. 1945-08-08. CORPORAL D. HAYDEN CHECKING THE LASHINGS ON A SEMI TRAILER LOAD OF FOLDING BOAT FRAMES IN THE STORAGE AREA OF BRIDGING PLATOON, 2/24TH FIELD PARK COMPANY, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ENGINEERS.
Copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
Copyright holder: Copyright Expired
Related subject: Trailers
Related unit: 2/24 Field Park Company
Related place: Labuan

Related conflict: Second World War, 1939-1945

Photo Four
ID Number: 113544
Physical description: Black & white
Summary: LABUAN ISLAND. 1945-08-08. CORPORAL D. HAYDEN CHECKING THE LASHINGS ON A SEMI TRAILER LOAD OF FOLDING BOAT FRAMES IN THE STORAGE AREA OF BRIDGING PLATOON, 2/24TH FIELD PARK COMPANY, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ENGINEERS.
Copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
Copyright holder: Copyright Expired
Related subject: Trailers
Related unit: 2/24 Field Park Company
Related place: Labuan

Related conflict: Second World War, 1939-1945

Kind Regards
Lionel

first photo is of a single axle bow fronted trailer like those fitted to the MCP tractors with a CMP as the tractor. Rest are the normal 2 axle trailer built for the CMP tractors in particular. If I recall correctly Holden made the twin axle trailers.

Quote:

My '40 has the bog standard mudguards and has not been cut out for desert service.

The cut out guards were not just for desert use Lionel but were for clearance when the 18 inch Military split rim and tyres were fitted. Your's was probably fitted with civilian wheels and tyres from new so there was no need to cut the guards out for extra clearance.

Quote:

Yes, that's what I've been trying to say... I like the '41 pre-jailbar ones!

OK I read it wrong so it must be another case of "Great Minds Think Alike!"

Brett Nicholls · #30 11-09-09, 14:27

Hi Lionel,
Thanks heaps

for the AWM references and pictures. Surprising there's little pictorial reference to the twin axel and single axel trailers considering the quanities of them made. Still the pictures are of great help

. Thanks again.
Regards,
Brett Nicholls.