Home

THE MELLOR BROTHERS TRACTIVE EFFORT

  
     
 

    
  Adding effervescence to the long range trucking scene of the 1960s is this Watford built Scammell Crusader 4x2 tractor unit in Corona markings operated by Coleford based Beecham Foods Group. The rare white metal kit is by Motorway kits of Stroud. In the left of the background is another model made from a white metal Motorway kit, this time a Foden S80. Unlike the Tilcon tipper pictured in the aggregates feature though, this articulated lorry tractor is in the livery of BRS Western Ltd, a native of Gloucester St Oswalds market site.  
 

    
  Adding effervescence to the long range trucking scene of the 1960s is this Watford built Scammell Crusader 4x2 tractor unit in Corona markings operated by Coleford based Beecham Foods Group. The rare white metal kit is by Motorway kits of Stroud. In the left of the background is another model made from a white metal Motorway kit, this time a Foden S80. Unlike the Tilcon tipper pictured in the aggregates feature though, this articulated lorry tractor is in the livery of BRS Western Ltd, a native of Gloucester St Oswalds market site.  
 

    
  Constructed from the most recent Corgi Roadscene range are two tractor units from the C.M. Downton Fleet. The Volvo FH12 6x2 on the left is modified, now having the correct cab height. The FM on the right is created from smaller sections of cab. Both vehicles are yet to receive their full lettering.  
 

    
  Constructed from the most recent Corgi Roadscene range are two tractor units from the C.M. Downton Fleet. The Volvo FH12 6x2 on the left is modified, now having the correct cab height. The FM on the right is created from smaller sections of cab. Both vehicles are yet to receive their full lettering.  
 

    
Fully completed and lettered by August 2010 meanwhile was this DAF 6x4 in the very latest Downton colours.


Fully completed and lettered by August 2010 meanwhile was this DAF 6x4 in the very latest Downton colours.


  The Cheltenham GWR Modeller's Exhibition of April 2009 saw the presentation of these two Renault Magnum tractor units, the blue and cream vehicle on the left being rebuilt to new specifications from the commercially available model of Crediton based U03 CXP on the right.  
 

    
  The Cheltenham GWR Modeller's Exhibition of April 2009 saw the presentation of these two Renault Magnum tractor units, the blue and cream vehicle on the left being rebuilt to new specifications from the commercially available model of Crediton based U03 CXP on the right. 

Only introduced in 2009, the Corgi Roadscene model of the 6x2 Renault Magnum is the first ever in 4mm scale and has been long awaited by road transport modellers and represents the latest version of a vehicle that has evolved steadily over the years.  As such it was a prime candidate for back-engineering to the 4x2 version used by the late John Golding.  Like the Volvo FH in his Wotton Under Edge based fleet, this hauled heavy and awkward loads around both Britain and Europe - hence lefthookers often being favoured.

With the model dismantled, the grille panel was removed and wings narrowed and reprofiled on the lower edges with a styling groove cut into the metal.  Roadscene trucks mostly comprise cab lower half and chassis die cast as one item.  An overlay of plastic chassis fittings have realistic patterned wing castings while the chassis undersides are matched with steering axle and suspension parts, rear differential, batteries, fuel and hydraulic tanks.   The whole assembly was then held together with fine threaded screws. Midlift axle (centre steering ) and final axle sections were then dismantled and resized while the fifth wheel mounting frame is shortened and positioned in front of the rear axle ( as original on mid lift axle ) A hand held twist drill was passed down the frame hole into the chassis and out through the plastic base.  Once enlarged, this hole allowed a threaded screw to hold the assembly together. Correctly sized wheels also replaced those supplied. 

One feature that has to be especially borne in mind when converting a Roadscene Renault Magnum is that the cab doors, windscreen front and sides on top of the die cast elements are moulded in perspex that are not only held in place with one roof mounted rivet but will become transparent if paint stripper is applied.  However, nail varnish remover on a cotton bud can be used to remove existing lettering and artwork.

Two converted Roadscene Renault Magnums - a 4x2 with a wood load and a "light" 6x2  - are seen below in completed John Golding livery.

  
 

    
Two converted Roadscene Renault Magnums - a 4x2 with a wood load and a "light" 6x2 - are seen below in completed John Golding livery.


Late 2009 also saw the completion of the Scammell Contractor 6x4 model to augment the John Golding fleet.


Late 2009 also saw the completion of the Scammell Contractor 6x4 model to augment the John Golding fleet. The red balls on rods on either side of the bonnet are to help the driver judge the position of the front of the tractor.


Late 2009 also saw the completion of the Scammell Contractor 6x4 model to augment the John Golding fleet. The red balls on rods on either side of the bonnet are to help the driver judge the position of the front of the tractor.


Late 2009 also saw the completion of the Scammell Contractor 6x4 model to augment the John Golding fleet.  The red balls on rods on either side of the bonnet are to help the driver judge the position of the front of the tractor.                                                                                                               


This Seddon Atkinson 4x2 - registration LBD 624 X - carries the red and white colours of Haven Haulage based at Bristol Road, Cam which further advertises itself as a mobile home and caravan contractor.


This Seddon Atkinson 4x2 - registration LBD 624 X - carries the red and white colours of Haven Haulage based at Bristol Road, Cam which further advertises itself as a mobile home and caravan contractor.


New at Lydney in September 2009 meanwhile was this DAF 95XF 6x2 with a super space cab in the black and yellow markings of Cheltenham based Ralph Davies. The resin Transport Images cab is mounted on an Oxford die cast chassis modified from a DAF 105 XF and is coupled to a rigid bodied trailer in the latest company livery.


New at Lydney in September 2009 meanwhile was this DAF 95XF 6x2 with a super space cab in the black and yellow markings of Cheltenham based Ralph Davies.  The resin Transport Images cab is mounted on an Oxford die cast chassis modified from a DAF 105 XF and is coupled to a rigid bodied trailer in the latest company livery.


Combining a Renault Magnum cab with an American built Mack engine is this Ralph Davies 4x2 tractor about to leave the Layby Diorama with a rigid trailer painted in the older livery with a lorry crossing a white Europe surrounded by blue sea.


Combining a Renault Magnum cab with an American built Mack engine is this Ralph Davies 4x2 tractor about to leave the Layby Diorama with a rigid trailer painted in the older livery with a Volvo lorry crossing a white Europe surrounded by blue sea.


Continuing the dark achromatic theme of Ralph Davies liveries is this highly detailed Volvo FH16 6x2 - registered as K 777 RDF and named Lady Paula - once again coupled to the new-look artwork trailer.


Continuing the dark achromatic theme of Ralph Davies liveries is this highly detailed Volvo FH16 6x2  - registered as K 777 RDF and named Lady Paula - once again coupled to the new-look  artwork trailer.


Nobody in the transport business ever got rich from hauling fresh air and this 4x2 Mercedes tractor - bearing the registration R 999 RDF and named Lady Diana - is enterprisingly coupled to a refrigerated trailer advertising its load of McCain Oven Chips. Also sharing a greater amount of red in its livery is a Ralph Davies Scania 6x2.


Nobody in the transport business ever got rich from hauling fresh air and this 4x2 Mercedes tractor - bearing the registration R 999 RDF and named Lady Diana - is enterprisingly coupled to a refrigerated trailer advertising its load of McCain Oven Chips.  Also sharing a greater amount of red in its livery is a Ralph Davies Scania 6x2.


Nobody in the transport business ever got rich from hauling fresh air and this 4x2 Mercedes tractor - bearing the registration R 999 RDF and named Lady Diana - is enterprisingly coupled to a refrigerated trailer advertising its load of McCain Oven Chips. Also sharing a greater amount of red in its livery is a Ralph Davies Scania 6x2.



Below meanwhile is one of six new Volvo FH16-540 STGO Cat 2 rated 6x2 tractor units operated by  Ralph Davies International  in the blue and white markings of Nuffield Hospitals.  
These tag axle units are contracted to haul air conditioned mobile Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) screening clinics between the private hospitals and were specified for optimum manoeuvrability and traction while delivering and collecting the scanners to and from hospital grounds where they are parked during use.  When on the road, the MRI clinics and their 6x2s have an overall length of 23.5 metres and a gross weight of 71.5 tonnes.

The trucks have to be at their destination hospital by 6 am. It then takes 2 hours to set-up the trailer by removing protective covers and extending the sides. The mobile scanners need to be operational by 8 am and usually work a 12 hour day. After an 8 pm finish, the trailer is set up for the move to the next hospital, which is made overnight.

Although, as the company name suggests, Ralph Davies International is well known for its TIR operations, travelling further than most Continental hauliers, it's now building a name in the UK for specialist services such as the scanner transport contract.

MD and company founder Ralph Davies says that the company has operated Volvos since 1991 when the Cheltenham-based company bought two Volvo F10 Globetrotter-cabbed tractor units. Since then, they've bought more than 200 of them. And for the past two years, all RD's new trucks have been specified with Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox.

As Ralph says, “In haulage you have to move with the times and be versatile. We looked for new work in the U.K. and only 15% of our work is now overseas. This is what got me into my first contract of this type. We also worked very closely with the supplying dealer, Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Wales and West, who advised on all aspects of specifying the trucks for such a special operation. We ran with existing Volvo’s at the start of the contract in 2007 and as we only keep trucks for a maximum of 4 years, they’ve now been replaced with the new one’s you see. Image is such an important factor and the Volvo’s really look the part. They’re top class.”

                                     


Below meanwhile is a Ralph Davies Volvo FH16 6x2 in the blue and white colours of Nuffield Hospitals. These units are contracted to haul mobile screening clinics between the private hospitals with tight deadlines for early morning set-ups.


Also new at Lydney but typical of the Stroud Valleys were these two tractor units in the markings of H. Wiggall. The Scania 6x2 ( left top and right above) is a Carama / Corgi conversion while the two axle Mercedes-Benz has a Corgi Roadscene chassis with a Transport Images resin cab.


Also new at Lydney but typical of the Stroud Valleys were these two tractor units in the markings of H. Wiggall. The Scania 6x2 ( left top and right above) is a Carama / Corgi conversion while the two axle Mercedes-Benz has a Corgi Roadscene chassis with a Transport Images resin cab.


Also new at Lydney but typical of the Stroud Valleys were these two tractor units in the markings of H. Wiggall.  The Scania 6x2 ( left top and right above) is a Carama / Corgi conversion while the two axle Mercedes-Benz  has a Corgi Roadscene chassis with a Transport Images resin cab.

On show at Kemble in 2010 meanwhile was this Volvo FH 6x2 - converted from the Lledo model - in the colours of John Wheeler of Stonehouse Trading Estate.


On show at Kemble in 2010 meanwhile was this Volvo FH 6x2 - converted from the Lledo model - in the colours of John Wheeler of Stonehouse Trading Estate.

Adapted from the Langley model was this representation of Leyland T45 Freighter 4x2 tractor unit owned by M.J. Ellis of Cambridge, Gloucestershire, bearing the grey and white livery of contract customer Lister Petter of Dursley. Which reminds me of a joke:

Adapted from the Langley model was this representation of Leyland T45 Freighter 4x2 tractor unit owned by M.J. Ellis of Cambridge, Gloucestershire, bearing the grey and white livery of contract customer Lister Petter of Dursley.  Which reminds me of a joke:

"Last night I went out with a girl who works for a diesel manufacturing member of the Hawker Siddelely group of companies."

"Oh yes? Petter?"

"No, it was only a first date!"

Also belonging to Stroud District - but more specifically to the flood plain of the River Severn - is this two axle Foden S80 tractor in the red, white but mainly blue of the Southern Division of Trent Wharfage Ltd based at Sharpness Docks. As well as the registration plate MAD 639P, Paul Mellor's steady hand has added the telephone number Sharpness 461 and Telex (remember that?) 43378 to the cabside.


Also belonging to Stroud District - but more specifically to the flood plain of the River Severn - is this two axle Foden S80 tractor in the red, white but mainly blue of the Southern Division of Trent Wharfage Ltd based at Sharpness Docks.  As well as the registration plate MAD 639P, Paul Mellor's steady hand has added the telephone number Sharpness 461 and Telex (remember that?) 43378 to the cabside.


Also belonging to Stroud District - but more specifically to the flood plain of the River Severn - is this two axle Foden S80 tractor in the red, white but mainly blue of the Southern Division of Trent Wharfage Ltd based at Sharpness Docks. As well as the registration plate MAD 639P, Paul Mellor's steady hand has added the telephone number Sharpness 461 and Telex (remember that?) 43378 to the cabside.


Proudly wearing the green and red colours of Barry Jeffrey Transport based at Mickleton near Chipping Campden is this three axled Volvo tractor which could easily be hauling a bulk tipper trailer, tautliner curtainside or refrigerated load.


Proudly wearing the green and red colours of Barry Jeffrey Transport based at Mickleton near Chipping Campden is this three axled Volvo tractor which could easily be hauling a bulk tipper trailer, tautliner curtainside or refrigerated load.


Proudly wearing the green and red colours of Barry Jeffrey Transport based at Mickleton near Chipping Campden is this three axled Volvo tractor which could easily be hauling a bulk tipper trailer, tautliner curtainside or refrigerated load.


Representing Harold Read of Longhope ERF ECM 6x2 tractor WX 53 ATY is this model marrying a Transport Images all-resin cab with a chassis featuring hand made components.


Representing Harold Read of Longhope ERF ECM 6x2 tractor WX 53 ATY is this model marrying a Transport Images all-resin cab with a chassis featuring hand made components.


Representing Harold Read of Longhope ERF ECM 6x2 tractor WX 53 ATY is this model marrying a Transport Images all-resin cab with a chassis featuring hand made components.


The Mellor Brother's long term interest in the Moreton C. Cullimore fleet is reflected in these two 6x2 tractor units - Mr Justice Starleigh ( above ) being a DAF 105XF while The Guvnor ( below ) is a Scania vehicle.


The Mellor Brother's long term interest in the Moreton C. Cullimore fleet is reflected in these two 6x2 tractor units - Mr Justice Starleigh ( above ) being a DAF 105XF while The Guvnor ( below )  is a Scania vehicle.     

Charles Dickens described the judge in the Pickwick Papers thus:

 "Mr. Justice Starleigh was a most particularly short man, and so fat that he seemed all face and waistcoat. He rolled in upon two little turned legs, and having bobbed gravely to the bar, who bobbed gravely to him, put his little legs underneath his table, and his little three-cornered hat upon it, and when Mr. Justice Starleigh had done this, all you could see of him was two queer little eyes, one broad pink face, and somewhere about half of a very big and very comical-looking wig."                                                                                                                                         


The Mellor Brother's long term interest in the Moreton C. Cullimore fleet is reflected in these two 6x2 tractor units - Mr Justice Starleigh ( above ) being a DAF 105XF while The Guvnor ( below ) is a Scania vehicle.


Under construction in August 2010 was this Foden FE two axle tipper heavily adapted from the Langley S20 kit and destined to be yet another member of the Cullimore fleet.

Under construction in August 2010 was this Foden FE two axle tipper heavily adapted from the Langley S20 kit and destined to be yet another member of the Cullimore fleet.

The Scania T in Smiths livery pictured below meanwhile was made from a collection of die cast parts.


The Scania T in Smiths livery pictured below meanwhile was made from a collection of die cast parts.


The Scania T in Smiths livery pictured below meanwhile was made from a collection of die cast parts.


The Scania T in Smiths livery pictured below meanwhile was made from a collection of die cast parts.

Also due to be completed in the colours of Eastington based Smiths is this very powerful MAN 8x4 tractor converted from another die cast model with detailing such as the silver tool box behind the cab.

Also due to be completed in the colours of Eastington based Smiths is this very powerful MAN 8x4 tractor converted from another die cast model with detailing such as the silver tool box behind the cab.

Also due to be completed in the colours of Eastington based Smiths is this very powerful MAN 8x4 tractor converted from another die cast model with detailing such as the silver tool box behind the cab.