Australian Army trailer Dolly
 

In WW2 most of the supplies were moved to Darwin with Ford semi trailers. These trailers were #7 McGrath (spell) trailers rated at 7 ton and had a 1941 Ford (Aust) tractor unit.

When the Army recieved Mack NR 10 & NR 12 10 ton 6X4 diesel trucks the #7 semi trailers were converted to 4 wheel standard trailers using a 'Dolly' which consisted of a sprung axle with a draw bar and sitting on top a 'semi-permanent' type turn table the same as that on the Tractor units and the Aussie CMP semi truck units. These were then towed by the Mack's as a standard trailer.

Can anyone help with any details of this 'Dolly' unit please or am I :dh: ?

Photo shows a Mack and #7 trailer like I have discribed above.

Dolly Unit
 

Ok if I understand this right the dolly unit was detachable
via a 5th wheel unit. The trailer bed is wood slats woven
with 3/4 inch channel iron. The slats should be 3 inches
wide.
Patrick

Re: Dolly Unit
 

The Dolly unit was detachable but instead of a modern type 'fifth wheel' unit it was a more semi permanent type that you had to partially dismantle to remove the trailer.

I have all the information I need on the trailer as I have already built one using photos and measurements supplied by Bob Mosley off a real one in South Australia. I just need info on the Dolly unit to get it more accurate and make it a normal towed trailer rather then a semi trailer. Mind You as no one seems to really know what it looks like if I make one that suits no one can tell me it is wrong :D

cheers
Cliff:salute:

PS> trailer boards (slats) are 5 to 6inches wide and not woven with channel iron.

axle types
 

Cliff
The US had two type of axles which could be be used
in this case one was the straight axle a beefed up
axle like the one used on the Mack in the picture.
The other was a regular rear axle that was gutted
This was considered a MWO (modfication work order)
and was done at the local level.
I look forward to seeing your latest creation
Patrick

Thanks Patrick. I have blown the photo that I have posted up as far as I can. It is a straight tube axle and does have the 'Aussie semi permanent' fifth wheel. I can get it to look the part but I always try and get as accurate as I can so If no info is found to give me details then I will just do my best and make it at least look right.

Thanks for your comments

cheers
Cliff :salute:

little builders
 

Hey Cliff
That what its all about us little builders gotta look out for
ourselfs
Patrick