Scammell (Leyland) Contractors in Australian Service?

[Mike Cecil]

Nice pics,

The nomenclature of the 'Contractor' reflected the fact that it was used for both the 35 ton plant trailer and the 60 ton tank transporter. Both trailers were used in South Vietnam, though I think the early Steco prototype (the one sent to SVN) had to have the goose neck winched back into position by the tractor, rather than have its own hydraulics.

The M577A1 ACV on the back is an interesting one. Do you know an approx date and unit for it, per chance?

Mike C

[Mike Cecil]

I'd have to hunt that ARN up, but the interviews and the trials reports stated that it was winch-lowered and winch-raised, as I state in some detail in Mud and Dust pages 231-232. The Steco prototype, along with the one of the trials Contractors, was sent to SVN because of the shortage of low loader transport. To help relieve that problem, one phase of the user trials for both 'vehicles' took place in SVN, rather than in Australia.

Mike

[Philliphastings]

Hi Diana,

I think you will find markings from either the Perth Logistics unit or 22 Construction Squadron under the paint on the Leyland/Scammel contractor I sold. (I still have the battery Key and ignition key somewhere safe - just not sure where)

A friend in the local Military vehicle club used to work on it when it was still in service. He remembered hVing to repair the transmission housing with helicoils and sure enough - one of the spare transmissions here still has that repair showing.

I sold my series 2A 88' GS yesterday which was also an ex 22 construction Squadron vehicle by coincidence.

Being an ex 26 Transport Squadron tyre biter I had secretly hoped there may have been some 158 Tank Transporter Troop markings somewhere under the paint. Both were part of 9Transport Regiment.

158 were heavy users ofthe Leyland/Scammels for Cent then Leopard carting as well as misc plant and heavy loads

Cheers

Phill