Britain’s great transporters in focus at VTS

Britain’s great transporters in focus at VTS 

Some of Britain’s most distinctive manufacturers of commercial road transport will feature at this year’s Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire, on 9-10 November.  

Celebrating a catalogue of milestones, the show will welcome enthusiasts from across the country, many of whom are dedicated to the rescue and restoration of commercial vehicles which were responsible for hauling all matter of important goods – from tanks and beer to timber and bricks. 

Scammell Lorries is a household name in the world of commercial transportation. It also played a significant role in the hauling of tanks during WW2 with its Pioneer model, remodelled as the Mountaineer dump truck after its wartime success. 

For retired lorry-builder and VTS committee member Jamie Shaw-Browne, his 1952 Mountaineer holds sentimental value, having formed part of his working fleet; and it will be one of the trucks on display. 

Purchased in 1974, Jamie says it was a beast of a thing. “Scammell built for drivers as much as the job the vehicle was designed to do. Mine is rather rusty now but in full working order,” he says. “It’s in need of a new cab and some tinwork – that’ll see it almost as good as new.” 

Also marking a milestone at the show is ERF, with the REVS society celebrating 50 years of the British manufacturer’s B series model. Introduced in 1974, the B series was built on the success of the manufacturer’s 1971 A series, most notably offering a steel/plastic (SP) tilting cab.  

Helping to mark the production milestone, Graeme Turner, a lifelong enthusiast and REVS member, will be displaying his restored 32t B series, complete with 250hp Cummins engine and SP sleeper cab.  

Purchased new in 1976 by his father, the two-axle tractor unit was put to work for 21 years as part of the family business’s haulage fleet; in its earlier years moving goods out of Preston Docks, before hauling beer for Whitbread Brewery. 

It was converted in 1983 to a to 38t gross weight, extending the wheelbase to achieve a 6x2 twin-steer tractor unit, powered by a 370hp Cummins engine – which it ran as until its retirement. 

Then, about 12 years ago, Graeme reconverted it back to its original specification and paintwork. “It’s the first truck we had that I slept in as a kid, and then it was the truck I drove for six months after passing my test,” he says. “So it felt right to restore it to its original glory.” 

Another incredible milestone being honoured is 85 years of the Bedford O series. 

For retired coachbuilder and longtime Bedford Enthusiasts Club member, Alan Robinson, shared ownership of a fully-restored 1946 Bedford O series tipper carries a sense of pride and a good story or two to share at this year’s show. 

Around 30 years ago he and his friend, Fred Webb, had the opportunity to buy an all but forgotten lorry. “It had been there for 20 plus years and was destined for scrap,” says Alan. “The rats and mice had chewed the wiring - but we put petrol in it, and it started.” 

Over a period of 23 years, it was brought gradually back to life; first stripping and shotblasting it at the coachworks. “It was missing its tailboard, so I made that,” says Alan. “A good friend, Peter Jeffery, did all the mechanical work. He stripped and modified the original 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine, to keep the originality but be able to run on modern fuel. It also needed new oil seals for the hydraulic tipper, and a paint job. 

“It’s only 28hp with no synchromesh gearbox or power steering, so it’s not a road run – we transport it to shows and enjoy that immensely.” 

Restoration is much about the preservation of people’s stories and history as it is the tinkering. “I tracked down the family of the original owner in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, who want to buy it should we ever want to sell it,” Alan explains. “It was wonderful. It gives you a sense of pride, preserving the past for the future.” 

• Tickets are available at: www.newarkvintagetractorshow.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/ 

Discounted day tickets are £15/adult (17+ years) until 1 November, increasing to £19 thereafter. Children and youths (16 years and under) enter for free.