Owned and restored by Lawrence Mortimer from Kiddeminster
This Scammell Mechanical Horse is believed to last wartime army 6 tonne example left. Following its life in the army, it was sold to a private company with other army examples, however this one was the only one to retain its original Scammell petrol engine. All other purchased were converted to electric running on batteries. There are other 3 tonne examples but this is believed to be only army 6 tonne to exist.
Everything has been stripped down to the bare chassis to create a workplan. The chassis had corroded in several areas including the chassis rail which is curved at the rear for the loading of the trailers. The engine & Gearbox have been removed for assessment but will need to be sent away for any work required. In the meantime, corroded chassis sections have been cut out and replaced with new fabricated sections and the paint process started. The metal framework and control gear has been stripped and is being cleaned, repaired and replaced as necessary. New wooden cab frame panels are being drawn out to order new materials.
The next stage is to continue to build up chassis framework and start to reattach control gear for coupling system. Another hurdle to overcome will be to establish a replacement for the current wheels and tyres which are no longer in production. Engine overhaul will need to be completed as well as the fabricating and fitting new wooden cab frames/panels & doors.
The Scammell mechanical horse has been key in the British Transport sector from manufacturing through to home deliveries. Used by a multitude of different companies for a vast range of roles with very little acknowledgement or known about in the transport world, this is the only example left of an army issue mechanical horse and will be restored to show what it's role was in the British Army.