AEC Matador gun tractor

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

Rick,

The 1944 Manual was also released in April 1943, without the 'Air Publication' numbering in the top right corner. The contents of both the 1943 'modified for Aust' manual and the British April 1943 manual appear to be the same at first glance, so I don't know what the mods for Australia were. Any idea?

In any event, the 'Mod for Aust' would mean that the Matadors in Australia were a purchase from the UK, rather than refugee cargo as some of the OY Bedford appear to be. This would also support the idea that some of the (later) OY Bedfords were also a purchase, rather than all being refugee cargo.

The big difference between the Matador two manuals is the quality of paper: the Brit manual is on far better quality paper, with a hard card cover, compared to the 'austerity' paper and flimsy card cover used for the 'Modified for Australia' version.

There was also a small driver's handbook for the AEC Matador - my copy is also marked with the Air Publication number and is dated April 1944. All three of the publications I have were obtained in Australia, so all must have been supplied for use with the vehicles. Registrations are spread over two series, so I wonder if the Matadors arrived in Australia in two batches, several months apart? That might account for the 1943 v 1944 dated publications.

The cam pattern as pictured in the images in all the manuals is the Brit 'Mickey Mouse' ears black/green disruptive pattern.

Mike

Hi Mike,
The 'modified for Australia" reference might be something as simple as the lubrication specifications. Not sure if Australia used the same designations for its oils and greases at that time, but also the ambient temperatures would mean changes to oil grades. I will search out my Matador manual.

regards, Richard

[lynx42]

Here is a photo taken, I think, in Melbourne sent to me by Cam F. I think it is the Shrine of Remembrance is in the distant background. The T&G Building was on the corner of Collins and Russell Streets, and still is but now not used by T&G. The park is still there but I can't place the oberlisk.

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These two are painted different colours, the back one is darker.

Regards Rick.

[David Dunlop]

These AEC's remind me of the FWD Tractors. Were they winch equipped, aft of the cab?

David

[Neilie (RIP)]

Yes they were but unlike the Matadors, the winch protruded through the floor into the body thereby forcing the crew members sitting on the front bench to share leg-room with it.

Cheers,

Neil

[Mike Cecil]

Hi Rick,

Not Melbourne: Sydney, cnr Park & Elizabeth Streets, looking south east past the Hyde Park Oberlisk with Hyde Park's Anzac Memorial in the background. The corner now boasts a Starbucks at the base of a high-rise block in the position of the T&G building. You cannot get that same view now: the trees have all grown so much.

The guns are also interesting: these are 3-inch 20cwt AA guns on their mobile platforms, which were the predecessors of the 3.7-inch HAA guns. The lead gun appears to have a camouflage patter on the mudguard, which placed the parade into 1942 at least.

The Matadors appear to have the importation diamond still on the front left, and a Brit number I cannot read on the door, with the ARN of a 5-digit number on the front right.

On enlarging the image, it looks to me more like a trick of the light, Rick - they both appear to be the same colour. With the import 'diamond' still on them, this would be the colour they emerged from the AEC factory.

Mike

[lynx42]

Thanks for the correction Mike. I was not sure and was thrown by the T&G building and the shape of the Anzac Memorial. Not being a Sydneyite I had nothing else to compare too.

I should have been more observant as no trams ever went up Russell street.

Regards Rick