Scammell: Scarab
Note: This is a sub-section of Scammell.
1948 - 1967
The Scammell Scarab is a British 3-wheeled tractor unit produced by the truck manufacturer Scammell between 1948 and 1967. Its name derived from the rounded bonnet that resembled the elytra (wing covers) of a Scarab beetle. It was extremely popular with British Railways and other companies who made deliveries within built-up areas.
The Scarab was the successor to the Mechanical Horse and production began in 1948.
The Scarab featured the same successful automatic coupling from the Mechanical Horse but now used the Scammell 2,090cc side-valve engine in both the 3 ton and 6 ton versions.
A diesel version was also introduced with a Perkins engine. The Scarab's cab was more rounded and made from steel and with the engine being mounted lower than in the Mechanical Horse the Scarab was much more stable.
The railways for which this style of vehicle was originally designed continued to be a primary customer, although there were many other users, the manoeuvrability proving popular for companies operating in city environments.
Production of the Scarab ceased in 1967 and was replaced with the Townsman.
A four wheel version of the Scarab was produced, although problems with the cooling system meant only around 200 were produced, the majority of which were exported to South Africa
Scammell Lorries produced approximately 30,000 Mechanical Horses of all types; of these, about 30 original Mechanical Horses, 60 Scarabs, and 30 Townsman are known to survive together with 3 Karrier Cobs and two Jen Tugs.
See Also
Sources of Information
- [1] Wikipedia