Scammell Constructor

(Above) Ex-British Army (FV12102) 6X6 fifth wheel 30.5 ton tractor dating from the early 1950s (bout 50 of this model built). The Royal Engineers used it for hauling plant. Fittingly the vehicle is now used for recovery of plant machinery using its 15 ton winch. Rugby1999

(Above) Same vehicle from the rear. Apart from the ballast weight the vehicle is very original. To see a scratch built model of this vehicle as it would have looked originally click on 'Models' in the main menu.

(Above) Another (FV12102) 6X6 fifth wheel 30.5 ton tractor. Again still in use but this time converted to commercial vehicle recovery by Frodsham Motors on the South Coast of England.

(Above) Period photo of 6x6 Constructor in heavy haulage guise as operated by Pickfords. Most Heavy haulage variants had the much larger coach built cab which was more versatile for this type of work. Thanks to Roy Larkin for the photo

(Above) This shot gives you some idea of just what a Constructor was capable of pulling! Thanks again to Roy Larkin for the photo

(Above) Junior Constructor with a King 4-in-line semi-trailer. The Junior Constructor was so called because it didn't have a driven front axle. Thanks to David Bass for the photo from his collection. Davids father, Frank, was employed by Scammell for all of his working life.

(Above) Wimpey 6x6 Constructor for heavy haulage. Thanks to David Bass for the photo.

(Above) Andrew Wright came across this Scammell by chance on Anglesey.

(Above) Its a modified ex-RAF Constructor for towing plant dating from the 50s.

(Above) It looks like the body of an Explorer has been grafted on - not sure what the jib is from!

(Above) 'I worked as a diesel mechanic before coming to Canada 20 years ago. I was working in South Wales in the Rhondda Valley. The company that I worked for (Transport Repair Services, and I notice your Anglesey Constructor was also TRS), Bought this Scammell in 1985 from somewhere near London where it was being used, or rather the winch was, to spread garbage (rubbish). Ex RAF, RR diesel powered, the transfer case was cracked and repaired (we were in the business after all). We used it as a heavy recovery and Alun had it up to 33mph going downhill westbound approaching the Severn Bridge with a semi on the back. When I drove it, it was raining and I soon found that with air wipers, air brakes and air assisted stearing, the air receiver was way inadequate.' John Hopkins by email

Featured Constructor (Below) Some photos of a fabulous oil-field scammell Constructor owned by Gábor Szabó who lives in Hungary. A rare machine in private hands which he has owned since 1995 – it having only stopped work in 1992. Note off-set cab and ‘gin poles’ for loading heavy equipment using the winch. What a machine!