Description
In 1929, Scammell designed and manufactured the "100 Tonner" low loader. Only two were produced; the first was delivered to Marston Road Services, Liverpool, for the transportation of steam engines to Liverpool docks. Scammell were also looking for new markets, and diversified into four- and six-wheel rigid (nonarticulated) designs. The 'Rigid Six-wheeler' found some success and, with its balloon tyres, at last permitted sustained high-speed, long-distance road operation. In the late 1940s, the Mechanical Horse was superseded by the Scammell Scarab.
The Scarab retained the Automatic Coupling system, but now used the Scammell 2090cc side valve engine in both the 3 and 6 ton versions A Perkins Diesel was also introduced. The Scarab featured a more rounded cab, made from steel instead of wood and the engine was mounted lower to increase stability. The main customers continued to be the Railways. Of the 30000 Mechanical Horse varieties made only about 30 Mechanical Horse, 60 Scarab and 30 Townsmen remain. Englisch papers
