Roy Larkin of www.historicroadways.co.uk fame recently sent Bigloryblog this excellent little publication on behalf of The Roads and Road Transport History Association which he tells me: "Is my first attempt at publishing a newsletter." Well a cracking start reckons BLB. It's full of fascinating material, quite a bit of bus stuff, but don't be put off as Roy has done a very interesting piece on the use of French omnibuses to carry troops up to the frontline during the Battle of Verdun in WWI.
In issue one there's also a fascinating story and picture sent in by Chris Salaman on recovery operations in the early days of the Dartford Tunnel. It seems that, amongst other things, they used this Euclid earthmover---but replaced its earth-scraper artic body with a crane. Lateral thinking or what...? And it could pretty much turn on a half-a-crown.
And here is Chris's picture of it. Meanwhile, for a quick pie, what other tight-turning vehicles did the Dartford Tunnel use for lighter vehicles.....?
Roy welcomes contributions and comments via e-mail on Roy.rrtha@historicroadways.co.uk
I found it a great read and can't wait for issue number two Roy!
And speaking of good reads, BLB's regular contributor Vic Hungerford in New Zealand has very kindly sent me a copy of "Foden in New Zealand" written by Graeme Carter and David Lowe. It's a beautifully illustrated and produced book with great stuff in it charting the life and times of Fodens in NZ up to the very last Alphas. I loved every minute of it. You can find out more about it by going to www.gtcarterbooks.co.nz (ISBN no 0-476-00486-1) or e-mail gtcarter@clearnet.nz
So why is Vic so interested in me having a copy? Because on the top right of page 43 there's a 'Mickey Mouse' Foden tanker he used to drive for Mobil. Vic tells me: "I know this is the actual,truck I drove as Mobil only ever bought one of them. I loved driving it, the sound that two-stroke motor made as you worked up and down the 12-speed gearbox was just magic!" Thanks for the book Vic...Mrs BLB has already banned me from reading it in bed---so it MUST be good!
Comments (3)
I'm glad you enjoyed the book, Brian. The same authors have also written a similar book, entitled "ERF in New Zealand"
Posted by Vic Hungerford | July 6, 2008 12:21 PM
Posted on July 6, 2008 12:21
I don't know the answer to the Dartford tunnel question, but anything for a pie, so I'll guess it would have been Scammells (Mechanical Horses, Scarabs etc). After all, nothing ever had a better turning circle than those amazing machines.
Posted by Vic Hungerford | July 6, 2008 12:27 PM
Posted on July 6, 2008 12:27
Fodens in New Zealand is stocked by the offical importers Nynehead Books - see www.nynehad-books.co.uk
Posted by robin pearson | September 22, 2008 9:58 PM
Posted on September 22, 2008 21:58