AEC Matador O854 tanker

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

What can we say please about this postwar rebuild? See bottom photo please!

[Richard Farrant]

Originally posted by David_Hayward
What can we say please about this postwar rebuild? Does it look as though it is a wartime fuel tanker or chassis/cab with new body?

So far as I can tell these had a long life postwar in civvy service.

David,

It looks like the chassis has been cut back to the spring hangers and the pump gear compartment on the rear of the refueller tank has been removed.

[Les Freathy]

I agree with Richard on this one David, the tank appears to be original but note the securing locks, on the original there were 5 with metal straps over the top of the tank secured both sides this photo only shows 4 and no straps plus the large filling caps on the top are none original. The more one looks at it the more differences one can see, do you know if it was intended to be a chemical tanker or maybe the first stages of a tar sprayer without the spreader fitted on the rear
Les

[Grant Bowker]

There seems to be an unusual amount of space between the tank and the cab shield. Comments?

Around here most tar sprayers have some means of heating the tar, either oil or propane fired (not nearly enough heat available from the engine coolant). I don't see signs of anything like that, either as the burner or the circulating system, but as you said, there's no spray bar either. Also some of the fancier rigs are/were set up with a road speed sensing wheel to adjust the application rate.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Does this help?

[Les Freathy]

AH AH we can see the straps on this shot, but what is all that gubbings under the tank and at the bottom of the cab shield part of it looks like pump control gear but that tube projecting from the shield is a puzzle plus where did the other photo go to

[Richard Farrant]

Originally posted by Les Freathy
AH AH we can see the straps on this shot, but what is all that gubbings under the tank and at the bottom of the cab shield part of it looks like pump control gear but that tube projecting from the shield is a puzzle plus where did the other photo go to

Les,

The shield is a firewall fitted as part of Petroleum Regulations, The black / dark cylindrical "tube" that appears to project from the firewall is the air reservoir. The long tubes either side of the tank are for hose stowage. I also ask where the original photo went.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Thanks! The original, large format and hi-res photos will be in the book but I am ever mindful of posting too many attached photos online on this forum.

[cliff]

Originally posted by David_Hayward
Thanks! The original, large format and hi-res photos will be in the book but I am ever mindful of posting too many attached photos online on this forum.

While I respect your view David I too find it annoying to come back to a thread and finding the photos missing. Perhaps you could put a low res copy in place of the high res one but please leave the photos in the thread if possible.

Cheers
Cliff

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Fair comment, so here's the original. They are lo-res anyway. However I was concerned about removing either of them as they were posted by way of an appeal for information and I have solid commercial reasons of course since they will be in the book. No disrespect was intended in any way. Having said that two of the photos in the new book are available as hi-res in VINTAGE ROADSCENE magazine just out so there is justification for leaving these photos here.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Here's another shot (O?853 tractor this time) which you have seen before, and wondered what anyone has to say please? Note no headlamps!!

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

It was rude of me not to thank you for your kind assistance and comments which I have taken on board. I am very grateful as usual.

[Les Freathy]

whilst digging and delving in my den so to speak i came across these two adverts which awnser some of the queries as to the use of the tankers. Next question is who were the end users, i have a gut feeling that the likes of construction companies would be one but as the advert states also milk, beer and chemicals, it would be interesting to find a photo of one of the customers
cheers
Les

[Les Freathy]

Note that the cabs differ , one has the early type roof

[Les Freathy]

Whoops seems like the scanning got its knickers in a twist, this should be correct note the date of thses sales 1948 and 49

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Les, have you got the orginals that could perhaps be lent for scanning please ? Or can you hi-res scan yourself please? I have seen some post-war bus/coach adverts but we have not found any post-war military vehicle adverts except for the one in the new issue of VINTAGE ROADSCENE.

I take it that the low-roof is the early model? I always associate the 853 and I suppose now the 854 with the dome roof.

[Les Freathy]

No problem David but mine are laser scans and believe it or not they came out better than the original newsprint in the comm, motor, i will send them over if you want them
cheers
Les

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Thanks! If you find any more please let me know. They must have been in CM but we have yet to find any, other than the buses and coaches adverts.