Don't you just hate it when this happens? Bob Tuck has just sent me this and says: "Brian, I know you're always testing us BLB readers as to our knowledge with the incentive of winning a pie (I'm still waiting for my last dozen that seem to be stuck in the post from you) but do you know what this is? Yes, we all know that you love the Scammell Crinklies so without winding in the magnifier knob, just what model is this?" Errr...yes of course I...umm...ahhh...know what this is...Oh flippin 'eck I can never remember whether it's a Trunker, Routeman, Highwayman, Railwayman---or even a 'Fancyman' for that matter....! So you'll just have to put me out of my misery Bob....and click through here for more...
Bob continues: "I think Robert Laidlaw (owner of Reids of Minishant) has sold this motor on since I took these shots a few years back but he made a great job of it. I think it started life in my part of the UK - North Yorkshire - with the name of SA Bell coming to mind as first owner but not too sure on that."
"And don't you just love the engine hump. They remind you of the modern day cab over Macks and the like - although they are even bigger me thinks. And how many lovers of the Scammell gate gearchange how there. At least you knew exactly where the next gear was."
"Happy Days...Bob" For you maybe but I stil can't remember the @#765$ing name of the truck. But then it did take me ages to get Cam McFadyen's name right so I guess there's stil time!
Bob
What say we call it a Handyman 2, Brian?
There's nothing wrong with gate gearchanges, after all Ferrari used them up to a couple of years ago. The first vehicle I drove with a gate gearchange was a 1933 Riley Kestrel and there was nothing wrong with that one, either, especially as it didn't have that new-fangled synchromesh stuff!
Oh BLB you're so close - Handyman. Wasn't the resin rocket Michelotti cheese grater cab one of the most stylish cabs ever? my second choice to the Foden Mickey Mouse.
This motor is an earley Scammell Handyman mark two. The later ones had the big S C A M M E L L on the grill, and the later ones still had rectangular headlights. It would have had a Gardner or possibly a 680 Leyland. I don't think the Rolls powered Handymen had arived yet.