View allAll Photos Tagged 20Tons
PC200 is the 20tons class excavator manufactured by Japanese construction machine company , Komatsu.
I made the original version in 2018, but I gave some modifications since then.
The biggest change, in this version, is the cabin with 3 stud width instead of 4 stud width for better geometry.
PC200 is the 20tons class excavator manufactured by Japanese construction machine company , Komatsu.
I made the original version in 2018, but I gave some modifications since then.
The biggest change, in this version, is the cabin with 3 stud width instead of 4 stud width for better geometry.
PC200 is the 20tons class excavator manufactured by Japanese construction machine company , Komatsu.
I made the original version in 2018, but I gave some modifications since then.
The biggest change, in this version, is the cabin with 3 stud width instead of 4 stud width for better geometry.
Autoplant of Woodbridge, Suffolk Volvo FH16 6x4 tractor unit AY23WSZ seen heading away from the 2024 Hillhead Show with 20tons of Liebherr PR726 Dozer aboard its 4-axle Nooteboom trailer.
"Halberd" Armoured Half-Track Ammunition Trailer
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The M.P.M.T is a true workhorse of the Tarakian military, praised by all that use them, or have worked on them. Excelling at almost every job that is asked of it, however there are some tasks that are a bit too much, even for a vehicle as tried and tested as the M.P.M.T.
Lacking in only a few areas, such as load capacity, complete lack of crew protection, and a medium sized rear bed, which inhibits mounting larger, and heavier equipment. However, these problems aren't really focused on in any great detail, because the vehicle is so good at what it can do. Being able to mount a wide array of equipment and weapons, several of which would be vital to any fast moving front line during war time, questions have been raised about the conditions in which crews would be exposed to during these deployments. With zero crew protection, some have asked whether these vehicles are right for such hazardous roles.
Taking these concerns, the Tarakian military, as always, turned to it's ever reliable research and development department, which tried many different approaches to try and improve any area in which was deemed inadequate, but it quickly became apparent that in trying to make this vehicle an armoured front line unit, they would be taking away from what makes it so great to begin with.
So with this conclusion in hand, and on their own initiative, the personnel at the R&D department designed a new vehicle in an incredibly short amount of time, and presented both their findings, and their solution to the military. With cost not an issue, the military acquisition board were impressed with the findings, and the solution of the research team, and after some deliberating on the matter, gave them the green light for their new project.
Even though the designers had a free reign with this project, they wanted to keep it close to what crews love so much about the M.P.M.T, but also create a vehicle that had it's own characteristics and abilities, as well as creating a new vehicle that achieved what they were aiming for in the first place. The new vehicle, designated the Halberd, is a half-track design, which is the most popular of the M.P.M.T variants, due to it's load capacity, it's off-road performance, as well as it's ability to mount, and tow heavier equipment than the other two variants. Another feature of the M.P.M.T that the designers wanted to incorporate, was the many different variants, and given the longer, and wider rear bed of the Halberd, plus the greater load capacity, larger and heavier equipment can be mounted.
Weighing in at 25tons, the Halberd has fantastic crew protection, with the front, and sides of the crew cabin able to handle anything up to 20mm incoming fire comfortably. The rear of the crew cabin is open, but can be closed with a protective plate if necessary. Fitted with a 520hp turbocharged diesel engine, the Halberd can mount, and tow loads of up to 20tons each simultaneously, giving it the ability to mount all but the heaviest weapons, as well as carry vast amounts of supplies. An enormous fuel tank is located underneath the main bed, giving it an extended operational range. Also located under the main bed is a water tank for the crew, and a spare wheel. This unit can be operated by just one man, but different variants will have different personnel numbers.
This particular variant mounts a modified variant of the 106mm artillery piece from the "Ballista" 106mm Self Propelled Artillery, which has been rebored to 110mm, and paired with specially designed anti-tank ammunition of the same calibre. With an impressive rate of fire of 10 rounds a minute, this variant can project an incrediable amount of firepower. Ammunition is kept in an armoured compartment located at the rear of the vehicle, which has the same level of protection as the crew cabin. The fold down sides are also 20mm thick, and can be raised to give additional protection to the crew from small arms fire. Carrying 24 rounds, split into two types, which include an APHE round, and an APFSDS round. A high explosive round can also be carried when called for. Crew of this variant consists of a commander, a gunner, two loaders, and a driver.
Due to the relatively low on board ammunition storage, a specially designed trailer was built to be paired with this, and any weapon carrying Halberd variant, which carries up to 64 additional rounds, as well as other equipment and supplies.
"Halberd" Armoured Half-Track Ammunition Trailer
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The M.P.M.T is a true workhorse of the Tarakian military, praised by all that use them, or have worked on them. Excelling at almost every job that is asked of it, however there are some tasks that are a bit too much, even for a vehicle as tried and tested as the M.P.M.T.
Lacking in only a few areas, such as load capacity, complete lack of crew protection, and a medium sized rear bed, which inhibits mounting larger, and heavier equipment. However, these problems aren't really focused on in any great detail, because the vehicle is so good at what it can do. Being able to mount a wide array of equipment and weapons, several of which would be vital to any fast moving front line during war time, questions have been raised about the conditions in which crews would be exposed to during these deployments. With zero crew protection, some have asked whether these vehicles are right for such hazardous roles.
Taking these concerns, the Tarakian military, as always, turned to it's ever reliable research and development department, which tried many different approaches to try and improve any area in which was deemed inadequate, but it quickly became apparent that in trying to make this vehicle an armoured front line unit, they would be taking away from what makes it so great to begin with.
So with this conclusion in hand, and on their own initiative, the personnel at the R&D department designed a new vehicle in an incredibly short amount of time, and presented both their findings, and their solution to the military. With cost not an issue, the military acquisition board were impressed with the findings, and the solution of the research team, and after some deliberating on the matter, gave them the green light for their new project.
Even though the designers had a free reign with this project, they wanted to keep it close to what crews love so much about the M.P.M.T, but also create a vehicle that had it's own characteristics and abilities, as well as creating a new vehicle that achieved what they were aiming for in the first place. The new vehicle, designated the Halberd, is a half-track design, which is the most popular of the M.P.M.T variants, due to it's load capacity, it's off-road performance, as well as it's ability to mount, and tow heavier equipment than the other two variants. Another feature of the M.P.M.T that the designers wanted to incorporate, was the many different variants, and given the longer, and wider rear bed of the Halberd, plus the greater load capacity, larger and heavier equipment can be mounted.
Weighing in at 25tons, the Halberd has fantastic crew protection, with the front, and sides of the crew cabin able to handle anything up to 20mm incoming fire comfortably. The rear of the crew cabin is open, but can be closed with a protective plate if necessary. Fitted with a 520hp turbocharged diesel engine, the Halberd can mount, and tow loads of up to 20tons each simultaneously, giving it the ability to mount all but the heaviest weapons, as well as carry vast amounts of supplies. An enormous fuel tank is located underneath the main bed, giving it an extended operational range. Also located under the main bed is a water tank for the crew, and a spare wheel. This unit can be operated by just one man, but different variants will have different personnel numbers.
This particular variant mounts a modified variant of the 106mm artillery piece from the "Ballista" 106mm Self Propelled Artillery, which has been rebored to 110mm, and paired with specially designed anti-tank ammunition of the same calibre. With an impressive rate of fire of 10 rounds a minute, this variant can project an incrediable amount of firepower. Ammunition is kept in an armoured compartment located at the rear of the vehicle, which has the same level of protection as the crew cabin. The fold down sides are also 20mm thick, and can be raised to give additional protection to the crew from small arms fire. Carrying 24 rounds, split into two types, which include an APHE round, and an APFSDS round. A high explosive round can also be carried when called for. Crew of this variant consists of a commander, a gunner, two loaders, and a driver.
Due to the relatively low on board ammunition storage, a specially designed trailer was built to be paired with this, and any weapon carrying Halberd variant, which carries up to 64 additional rounds, as well as other equipment and supplies.
PC200 is the 20tons class excavator manufactured by Japanese construction machine company , Komatsu.
I made the original version in 2018, but I gave some modifications since then.
The biggest change, in this version, is the cabin with 3 stud width instead of 4 stud width for better geometry.
It's fabulous to see a Hydrocon 'Talisman' 10ton capacity mobile crane on the road in 2023.
This fine machine new in March 1970 and based around a LAD cabbed Albion Clydesdale and built by Lambert Engineering of Coatbridge, Scotland, made good progress from Huddersfield to Wakefield on this years Halloween Run despite weighing in around 20tons and only having a Leyland 400 based power plant with around 140bhp to call on.
Saturday in an effort to convert a friend to the "dark-side" of transit; becoming a bus foamer, him and I spent the rest of the afternoon at MUNI's West Portal station at the west end of the Market Street Rapid Transit Tunnel. During this hour or so rush we photographed transit in two different forms in every which way. Buses, and Light-Rail. It was interesting to see the interactions between the people and the two forms of transit as people were bustling everywhere as well as autos which were constantly dodging the moving buildings.
Of interest and what is neat about this location in San Francisco is the fact that its in a residential neighborhood with some mixed retail, and the fact that this is a cul-de-sac in one of the most dense cities in the world. It was very neat to watch, photograph and make the connections between people and transit. Every MUNI vehicle that passed us was packed and the trains - which my friend liked - were aplenty, as were my babies - these big, beautiful coaches.
I hope to open his eyes a bit more and change the misconceptions about buses in the mass transit arena. Buses are an integral part of moving people, while rail is nice, a bus system must be in place to feed into and support it when the need arises - which is often in this city - MUNI's four divisions can keep even the most "hard-core" and novice transit fan enthused for hours on end. Or in my case, my lifetime.
© D. Felice Strong-Baker Photo, All Rights Reserved.
PC200 is the 20tons class excavator manufactured by Japanese construction machine company , Komatsu.
I made the original version in 2018, but I gave some modifications since then.
The biggest change, in this version, is the cabin with 3 stud width instead of 4 stud width for better geometry.
PC200 is the 20tons class excavator manufactured by Japanese construction machine company , Komatsu.
I made the original version in 2018, but I gave some modifications since then.
The biggest change, in this version, is the cabin with 3 stud width instead of 4 stud width for better geometry.
PC200 is the 20tons class excavator manufactured by Japanese construction machine company , Komatsu.
I made the original version in 2018, but I gave some modifications since then.
The biggest change, in this version, is the cabin with 3 stud width instead of 4 stud width for better geometry.
The Panzer IV could well be described as the workhorse of the German Pamzer arm. Classed originally as a close-support tank for panzer regiments its short, stubby 75mm gun fired high explosive and smoke rounds as required. At around 18 tons it was the heaviest front line tank in German service at the outbreak of war but, apart from the suspension, bore a strong family likeness to the Panzer III. Various improvements were introduced over the years but the most significant, dating from the winter of 1941/1942, was the fitting of the much longer 75mm KwK 40 which, at a stroke, made the Panzer IV one of the most powerful tanks on the battlefield.
British troops first encountered this improved model in the Western Desert in the summer of 1942 and dubbed it the 'Mark IV Special' and soon learned to respect it. It was a measure of the good basic design that the Panzer IV underwent this major change, and others involving additional armour, without suffering any loss of performance or reduction in crew; something that no contemporary British or American tank could manage. There are those who believe that if the Germans had continued to develop the Panzer IV and increase production they might have stood a better chance against Allied tanks than the small quantities of heavier machines that they did produce.
Our exhibit was completed as an Ausf D, with 30mm extra armour on the superstructure front and 20mm armour on the hull and superstructure sides before it even left the factory. In 1943 additional armour was put on the front and the original 75mm KwK L/24 replaced with the KwK 40 L/43 and this may well have been as part of the development of these various changes. It was used as a driving instruction vehicle. Plate 292 in the 'Encyclopedia of German Tanks' shows an N.S.K.K. Pz. Kpfw. IV D/H, possibly the Museum exhibit.
Served with Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrerkorps (N.S.K.K.) (National Socialist Motor Corps).
Precise Name: Panzerkampfwagen IV Aus D
Other Name: SdKfz 161, 4 und 5 Serie BW
DESCRIPTION
The Panzer IV was the backbone of the German Panzer forces during World War II, despite being overshadowed by the more glamorous Panther and Tiger tanks. Approximately 8,540 gun tanks were manufactured between 1937 and 1945 in ten major variants. In addition the Panzer IV chassis was used for command tanks, tank destroyers, armoured recovery vehicles, bridge layers, assault guns and as a self-propelled mount for howitzers and anti-aircraft guns.
Continually modified, the gun tank remained in production throughout the war. Its’ armour was repeatedly upgraded and it was rearmed twice with successively more powerful 7.5cm guns. The changes increased its’ weight from 18.4 tons in 1937 to 25 tons in 1944 without a commensurate increase in engine power, reducing mobility and agility.
By 1945 the Panzer IV had reached the end of its’ development potential. That it was possible to upgrade the tank repeatedly is a tribute to the flexibility of the design and the foresight of the Krupp designers. Key factors were the ability of the suspension to carry additional weight and the choice of a large diameter for the turret ring making it relatively easy to fit larger guns.
The Panzer IV was conceived in 1934 as a ‘medium support tank’, to complement the lighter Panzer III. It was armed with the short 7.5cm KwK 37 that was only 24 calibres long. This gun fired an explosive shell, useful for attacking infantry, anti-tank guns, fortifications and buildings. Developed under the code name of ‘Battalion Commander’s Vehicle’ (Battallionsfuhrerwagen or BW) by the Krupp concern in Essen it was to be provided for one quarter of the Panzer Companies, the others having the Panzer III (see E1951.28 Panzerkampfwagen Aus L).
Panzer IV production was concentrated at the Krupp works in Magdeburg; later in the war Panzer IVs were also built by a new tank plant at St Valentin in Austria.
The first version of the Panzer IV, the Ausfuhrung (Aus) A was issued in 1937. The next three models, the Aus B, C and D were built in small numbers between October 1939 and May 1941. By the time of the invasion of France 280 Panzer IV gun tanks were serving with the German Army.
The Museum’s exhibit was built as a Panzer IV Aus D and was originally armed with the short 7.5cm KwK 37 gun. Compared to the preceding Aus C the Aus D had thicker armour on the hull sides and rear and a modified main gun mounting. The hull was constructed by welding flat plates together. A Maybach petrol engine drove a six speed synchromesh gearbox. Steering was via a Krupp-Wilson ‘clutch and brake system’. The tank’s suspension consists of four bogies on each side. Each bogie has two pairs of small wheels, carried on elliptical springs.
The Museum’s vehicle was further upgraded by the addition of more armour plates to the hull front and turret, before it had left the factory. Further improvements were fitted in 1943: the short 7.5cm KwK 37 (muzzle velocity 450 metres/sec, range 6,500 metres) was replaced by a high velocity long gun, the 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 (muzzle velocity 920 metres/sec, range 8,100 metres) and even more armour added to the hull. The tank was further improved by the installation of spaced armour (or schurzen) around the sides and back of the turret. Schurzen provided protection against the shaped charges contained in infantry anti-tank rockets and demolition charges. Some late model Panzer IVs carried additional schurzen on the hull sides to protect the hull and running gear.
After all these changes the Museum’s Panzer IV more closely resembles an Aus G rather than the Aus D that it really is! Numerous upgrades were added to many early Panzer IVs in varying combinations, a process that can make it difficult to identify the precise Ausfuhrung of a particular tank.
The Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrerkorps, (NSKK or National Socialist Motor Vehicle Training Corps) used the Tank Museum’s Panzer IV Aus D as a driver-training tank; nothing is known of its earlier military career.
A total of 229 Panzer IV Aus D were built between October 1939 and May 1941. They had disappeared from combat units by the middle of 1944.
The Panzer IV Aus D was superseded by the:
• Aus E with a redesigned turret, introduced in September 1940
• Aus F1 fitted with thicker armour and wider tracks, produced between April 1941 and March 1942
• Aus F2 that introduced the high velocity 7.5cm gun 43 calibres long, creating a vehicle that was superior to any contemporary British, American or Russian tank; produced between March and July 1942 this tank was called the ‘Mark IV Special’ by the British 8th Army in Libya
• Aus G with an even more powerful 7.5cm gun 48 calibres long (muzzle velocity 990 metres/sec), fitted with turret and side skirts or schurzen, manufactured from May 1942 to June 1943
• Aus H, an Aus G with a new transmission and additional armour, built from April 1943 until June 1944
• Aus J introduced in 1944 with many changes that were intended to simplify manufacture, production ended in March 1945
The most produced version was the Aus H, 3,744 of which were made between April 1943 and July 1944.
Summary text by Mike Garth V1.0
VEHICLES Features
Full Tracked
Tracks/Wheels
Gun - 75 mm KwK 40 L/43
Armament - Main Weapon Type
2* MG 34 7.92 mm Machine Guns
Armament - Secondary Weapon Type
Maybach HL120TRM
Engine
6 Forward, 1 Reverse
Transmission
Leaf spring
Suspension
Vehicle Statistics
5
Number (Crew)
20tons
Weight (Overall)
40kph
Maximum (Speed - Road)
Petrol
Type (Fuel)
50.00mm
Maximum (Armour Thickness)
75mm
Calibre (Main Gun)
300bhp
Power (Engine Output)
Volume (Fuel)
200km
Radius (Range)
80rounds
Number (Projectile)
5.92m
Length (Overall)
2.84m
Width (Overall)
2.68
Height (Overall)
The Panzer IV could well be described as the workhorse of the German Pamzer arm. Classed originally as a close-support tank for panzer regiments its short, stubby 75mm gun fired high explosive and smoke rounds as required. At around 18 tons it was the heaviest front line tank in German service at the outbreak of war but, apart from the suspension, bore a strong family likeness to the Panzer III. Various improvements were introduced over the years but the most significant, dating from the winter of 1941/1942, was the fitting of the much longer 75mm KwK 40 which, at a stroke, made the Panzer IV one of the most powerful tanks on the battlefield.
British troops first encountered this improved model in the Western Desert in the summer of 1942 and dubbed it the 'Mark IV Special' and soon learned to respect it. It was a measure of the good basic design that the Panzer IV underwent this major change, and others involving additional armour, without suffering any loss of performance or reduction in crew; something that no contemporary British or American tank could manage. There are those who believe that if the Germans had continued to develop the Panzer IV and increase production they might have stood a better chance against Allied tanks than the small quantities of heavier machines that they did produce.
Our exhibit was completed as an Ausf D, with 30mm extra armour on the superstructure front and 20mm armour on the hull and superstructure sides before it even left the factory. In 1943 additional armour was put on the front and the original 75mm KwK L/24 replaced with the KwK 40 L/43 and this may well have been as part of the development of these various changes. It was used as a driving instruction vehicle. Plate 292 in the 'Encyclopedia of German Tanks' shows an N.S.K.K. Pz. Kpfw. IV D/H, possibly the Museum exhibit.
Served with Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrerkorps (N.S.K.K.) (National Socialist Motor Corps).
Precise Name: Panzerkampfwagen IV Aus D
Other Name: SdKfz 161, 4 und 5 Serie BW
DESCRIPTION
The Panzer IV was the backbone of the German Panzer forces during World War II, despite being overshadowed by the more glamorous Panther and Tiger tanks. Approximately 8,540 gun tanks were manufactured between 1937 and 1945 in ten major variants. In addition the Panzer IV chassis was used for command tanks, tank destroyers, armoured recovery vehicles, bridge layers, assault guns and as a self-propelled mount for howitzers and anti-aircraft guns.
Continually modified, the gun tank remained in production throughout the war. Its’ armour was repeatedly upgraded and it was rearmed twice with successively more powerful 7.5cm guns. The changes increased its’ weight from 18.4 tons in 1937 to 25 tons in 1944 without a commensurate increase in engine power, reducing mobility and agility.
By 1945 the Panzer IV had reached the end of its’ development potential. That it was possible to upgrade the tank repeatedly is a tribute to the flexibility of the design and the foresight of the Krupp designers. Key factors were the ability of the suspension to carry additional weight and the choice of a large diameter for the turret ring making it relatively easy to fit larger guns.
The Panzer IV was conceived in 1934 as a ‘medium support tank’, to complement the lighter Panzer III. It was armed with the short 7.5cm KwK 37 that was only 24 calibres long. This gun fired an explosive shell, useful for attacking infantry, anti-tank guns, fortifications and buildings. Developed under the code name of ‘Battalion Commander’s Vehicle’ (Battallionsfuhrerwagen or BW) by the Krupp concern in Essen it was to be provided for one quarter of the Panzer Companies, the others having the Panzer III (see E1951.28 Panzerkampfwagen Aus L).
Panzer IV production was concentrated at the Krupp works in Magdeburg; later in the war Panzer IVs were also built by a new tank plant at St Valentin in Austria.
The first version of the Panzer IV, the Ausfuhrung (Aus) A was issued in 1937. The next three models, the Aus B, C and D were built in small numbers between October 1939 and May 1941. By the time of the invasion of France 280 Panzer IV gun tanks were serving with the German Army.
The Museum’s exhibit was built as a Panzer IV Aus D and was originally armed with the short 7.5cm KwK 37 gun. Compared to the preceding Aus C the Aus D had thicker armour on the hull sides and rear and a modified main gun mounting. The hull was constructed by welding flat plates together. A Maybach petrol engine drove a six speed synchromesh gearbox. Steering was via a Krupp-Wilson ‘clutch and brake system’. The tank’s suspension consists of four bogies on each side. Each bogie has two pairs of small wheels, carried on elliptical springs.
The Museum’s vehicle was further upgraded by the addition of more armour plates to the hull front and turret, before it had left the factory. Further improvements were fitted in 1943: the short 7.5cm KwK 37 (muzzle velocity 450 metres/sec, range 6,500 metres) was replaced by a high velocity long gun, the 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 (muzzle velocity 920 metres/sec, range 8,100 metres) and even more armour added to the hull. The tank was further improved by the installation of spaced armour (or schurzen) around the sides and back of the turret. Schurzen provided protection against the shaped charges contained in infantry anti-tank rockets and demolition charges. Some late model Panzer IVs carried additional schurzen on the hull sides to protect the hull and running gear.
After all these changes the Museum’s Panzer IV more closely resembles an Aus G rather than the Aus D that it really is! Numerous upgrades were added to many early Panzer IVs in varying combinations, a process that can make it difficult to identify the precise Ausfuhrung of a particular tank.
The Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrerkorps, (NSKK or National Socialist Motor Vehicle Training Corps) used the Tank Museum’s Panzer IV Aus D as a driver-training tank; nothing is known of its earlier military career.
A total of 229 Panzer IV Aus D were built between October 1939 and May 1941. They had disappeared from combat units by the middle of 1944.
The Panzer IV Aus D was superseded by the:
• Aus E with a redesigned turret, introduced in September 1940
• Aus F1 fitted with thicker armour and wider tracks, produced between April 1941 and March 1942
• Aus F2 that introduced the high velocity 7.5cm gun 43 calibres long, creating a vehicle that was superior to any contemporary British, American or Russian tank; produced between March and July 1942 this tank was called the ‘Mark IV Special’ by the British 8th Army in Libya
• Aus G with an even more powerful 7.5cm gun 48 calibres long (muzzle velocity 990 metres/sec), fitted with turret and side skirts or schurzen, manufactured from May 1942 to June 1943
• Aus H, an Aus G with a new transmission and additional armour, built from April 1943 until June 1944
• Aus J introduced in 1944 with many changes that were intended to simplify manufacture, production ended in March 1945
The most produced version was the Aus H, 3,744 of which were made between April 1943 and July 1944.
Summary text by Mike Garth V1.0
VEHICLES Features
Full Tracked
Tracks/Wheels
Gun - 75 mm KwK 40 L/43
Armament - Main Weapon Type
2* MG 34 7.92 mm Machine Guns
Armament - Secondary Weapon Type
Maybach HL120TRM
Engine
6 Forward, 1 Reverse
Transmission
Leaf spring
Suspension
Vehicle Statistics
5
Number (Crew)
20tons
Weight (Overall)
40kph
Maximum (Speed - Road)
Petrol
Type (Fuel)
50.00mm
Maximum (Armour Thickness)
75mm
Calibre (Main Gun)
300bhp
Power (Engine Output)
Volume (Fuel)
200km
Radius (Range)
80rounds
Number (Projectile)
5.92m
Length (Overall)
2.84m
Width (Overall)
2.68
Height (Overall)
It's fabulous to see a Hydrocon 'Talisman' 10ton capacity mobile crane on the road in 2023.
This fine machine new in March 1970 and based around a LAD cabbed Albion Clydesdale and built by Lambert Engineering of Coatbridge, Scotland, made good progress from Huddersfield to Wakefield on this years Halloween Run despite weighing in around 20tons and only having a Leyland 400 based power plant with around 140bhp to call on.
Free download under CC Attribution ( CC BY 4.0) Please credit the artist and rawpixel.com.
Higher resolutions with no attribution required can be downloaded: www.rawpixel.com/category/public_domain
The Panzer IV could well be described as the workhorse of the German Pamzer arm. Classed originally as a close-support tank for panzer regiments its short, stubby 75mm gun fired high explosive and smoke rounds as required. At around 18 tons it was the heaviest front line tank in German service at the outbreak of war but, apart from the suspension, bore a strong family likeness to the Panzer III. Various improvements were introduced over the years but the most significant, dating from the winter of 1941/1942, was the fitting of the much longer 75mm KwK 40 which, at a stroke, made the Panzer IV one of the most powerful tanks on the battlefield.
British troops first encountered this improved model in the Western Desert in the summer of 1942 and dubbed it the 'Mark IV Special' and soon learned to respect it. It was a measure of the good basic design that the Panzer IV underwent this major change, and others involving additional armour, without suffering any loss of performance or reduction in crew; something that no contemporary British or American tank could manage. There are those who believe that if the Germans had continued to develop the Panzer IV and increase production they might have stood a better chance against Allied tanks than the small quantities of heavier machines that they did produce.
Our exhibit was completed as an Ausf D, with 30mm extra armour on the superstructure front and 20mm armour on the hull and superstructure sides before it even left the factory. In 1943 additional armour was put on the front and the original 75mm KwK L/24 replaced with the KwK 40 L/43 and this may well have been as part of the development of these various changes. It was used as a driving instruction vehicle. Plate 292 in the 'Encyclopedia of German Tanks' shows an N.S.K.K. Pz. Kpfw. IV D/H, possibly the Museum exhibit.
Served with Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrerkorps (N.S.K.K.) (National Socialist Motor Corps).
Precise Name: Panzerkampfwagen IV Aus D
Other Name: SdKfz 161, 4 und 5 Serie BW
DESCRIPTION
The Panzer IV was the backbone of the German Panzer forces during World War II, despite being overshadowed by the more glamorous Panther and Tiger tanks. Approximately 8,540 gun tanks were manufactured between 1937 and 1945 in ten major variants. In addition the Panzer IV chassis was used for command tanks, tank destroyers, armoured recovery vehicles, bridge layers, assault guns and as a self-propelled mount for howitzers and anti-aircraft guns.
Continually modified, the gun tank remained in production throughout the war. Its’ armour was repeatedly upgraded and it was rearmed twice with successively more powerful 7.5cm guns. The changes increased its’ weight from 18.4 tons in 1937 to 25 tons in 1944 without a commensurate increase in engine power, reducing mobility and agility.
By 1945 the Panzer IV had reached the end of its’ development potential. That it was possible to upgrade the tank repeatedly is a tribute to the flexibility of the design and the foresight of the Krupp designers. Key factors were the ability of the suspension to carry additional weight and the choice of a large diameter for the turret ring making it relatively easy to fit larger guns.
The Panzer IV was conceived in 1934 as a ‘medium support tank’, to complement the lighter Panzer III. It was armed with the short 7.5cm KwK 37 that was only 24 calibres long. This gun fired an explosive shell, useful for attacking infantry, anti-tank guns, fortifications and buildings. Developed under the code name of ‘Battalion Commander’s Vehicle’ (Battallionsfuhrerwagen or BW) by the Krupp concern in Essen it was to be provided for one quarter of the Panzer Companies, the others having the Panzer III (see E1951.28 Panzerkampfwagen Aus L).
Panzer IV production was concentrated at the Krupp works in Magdeburg; later in the war Panzer IVs were also built by a new tank plant at St Valentin in Austria.
The first version of the Panzer IV, the Ausfuhrung (Aus) A was issued in 1937. The next three models, the Aus B, C and D were built in small numbers between October 1939 and May 1941. By the time of the invasion of France 280 Panzer IV gun tanks were serving with the German Army.
The Museum’s exhibit was built as a Panzer IV Aus D and was originally armed with the short 7.5cm KwK 37 gun. Compared to the preceding Aus C the Aus D had thicker armour on the hull sides and rear and a modified main gun mounting. The hull was constructed by welding flat plates together. A Maybach petrol engine drove a six speed synchromesh gearbox. Steering was via a Krupp-Wilson ‘clutch and brake system’. The tank’s suspension consists of four bogies on each side. Each bogie has two pairs of small wheels, carried on elliptical springs.
The Museum’s vehicle was further upgraded by the addition of more armour plates to the hull front and turret, before it had left the factory. Further improvements were fitted in 1943: the short 7.5cm KwK 37 (muzzle velocity 450 metres/sec, range 6,500 metres) was replaced by a high velocity long gun, the 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 (muzzle velocity 920 metres/sec, range 8,100 metres) and even more armour added to the hull. The tank was further improved by the installation of spaced armour (or schurzen) around the sides and back of the turret. Schurzen provided protection against the shaped charges contained in infantry anti-tank rockets and demolition charges. Some late model Panzer IVs carried additional schurzen on the hull sides to protect the hull and running gear.
After all these changes the Museum’s Panzer IV more closely resembles an Aus G rather than the Aus D that it really is! Numerous upgrades were added to many early Panzer IVs in varying combinations, a process that can make it difficult to identify the precise Ausfuhrung of a particular tank.
The Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrerkorps, (NSKK or National Socialist Motor Vehicle Training Corps) used the Tank Museum’s Panzer IV Aus D as a driver-training tank; nothing is known of its earlier military career.
A total of 229 Panzer IV Aus D were built between October 1939 and May 1941. They had disappeared from combat units by the middle of 1944.
The Panzer IV Aus D was superseded by the:
• Aus E with a redesigned turret, introduced in September 1940
• Aus F1 fitted with thicker armour and wider tracks, produced between April 1941 and March 1942
• Aus F2 that introduced the high velocity 7.5cm gun 43 calibres long, creating a vehicle that was superior to any contemporary British, American or Russian tank; produced between March and July 1942 this tank was called the ‘Mark IV Special’ by the British 8th Army in Libya
• Aus G with an even more powerful 7.5cm gun 48 calibres long (muzzle velocity 990 metres/sec), fitted with turret and side skirts or schurzen, manufactured from May 1942 to June 1943
• Aus H, an Aus G with a new transmission and additional armour, built from April 1943 until June 1944
• Aus J introduced in 1944 with many changes that were intended to simplify manufacture, production ended in March 1945
The most produced version was the Aus H, 3,744 of which were made between April 1943 and July 1944.
Summary text by Mike Garth V1.0
VEHICLES Features
Full Tracked
Tracks/Wheels
Gun - 75 mm KwK 40 L/43
Armament - Main Weapon Type
2* MG 34 7.92 mm Machine Guns
Armament - Secondary Weapon Type
Maybach HL120TRM
Engine
6 Forward, 1 Reverse
Transmission
Leaf spring
Suspension
Vehicle Statistics
5
Number (Crew)
20tons
Weight (Overall)
40kph
Maximum (Speed - Road)
Petrol
Type (Fuel)
50.00mm
Maximum (Armour Thickness)
75mm
Calibre (Main Gun)
300bhp
Power (Engine Output)
Volume (Fuel)
200km
Radius (Range)
80rounds
Number (Projectile)
5.92m
Length (Overall)
2.84m
Width (Overall)
2.68
Height (Overall)
Peter & David Cosby's very impressive Scania R620 recovery vehicle with Century 1075 Rotator and HHU underlift is seen righting an ERF EC11 and fridge trailer loaded with around 20tons of waste paper.
The whole recovery process was explained, set up & carried out as the appreciative crowd looked on and the Scania utilised just one of its six winches to complete a very impressive demonstation.
The most informative -and well presented- commentary made this operation the highlight of the very enjoyable Boniface Interstater anniversary event.
Thanks very much to all concerned if you happen to read this..
The Panzer IV could well be described as the workhorse of the German Pamzer arm. Classed originally as a close-support tank for panzer regiments its short, stubby 75mm gun fired high explosive and smoke rounds as required. At around 18 tons it was the heaviest front line tank in German service at the outbreak of war but, apart from the suspension, bore a strong family likeness to the Panzer III. Various improvements were introduced over the years but the most significant, dating from the winter of 1941/1942, was the fitting of the much longer 75mm KwK 40 which, at a stroke, made the Panzer IV one of the most powerful tanks on the battlefield.
British troops first encountered this improved model in the Western Desert in the summer of 1942 and dubbed it the 'Mark IV Special' and soon learned to respect it. It was a measure of the good basic design that the Panzer IV underwent this major change, and others involving additional armour, without suffering any loss of performance or reduction in crew; something that no contemporary British or American tank could manage. There are those who believe that if the Germans had continued to develop the Panzer IV and increase production they might have stood a better chance against Allied tanks than the small quantities of heavier machines that they did produce.
Our exhibit was completed as an Ausf D, with 30mm extra armour on the superstructure front and 20mm armour on the hull and superstructure sides before it even left the factory. In 1943 additional armour was put on the front and the original 75mm KwK L/24 replaced with the KwK 40 L/43 and this may well have been as part of the development of these various changes. It was used as a driving instruction vehicle. Plate 292 in the 'Encyclopedia of German Tanks' shows an N.S.K.K. Pz. Kpfw. IV D/H, possibly the Museum exhibit.
Served with Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrerkorps (N.S.K.K.) (National Socialist Motor Corps).
Precise Name: Panzerkampfwagen IV Aus D
Other Name: SdKfz 161, 4 und 5 Serie BW
DESCRIPTION
The Panzer IV was the backbone of the German Panzer forces during World War II, despite being overshadowed by the more glamorous Panther and Tiger tanks. Approximately 8,540 gun tanks were manufactured between 1937 and 1945 in ten major variants. In addition the Panzer IV chassis was used for command tanks, tank destroyers, armoured recovery vehicles, bridge layers, assault guns and as a self-propelled mount for howitzers and anti-aircraft guns.
Continually modified, the gun tank remained in production throughout the war. Its’ armour was repeatedly upgraded and it was rearmed twice with successively more powerful 7.5cm guns. The changes increased its’ weight from 18.4 tons in 1937 to 25 tons in 1944 without a commensurate increase in engine power, reducing mobility and agility.
By 1945 the Panzer IV had reached the end of its’ development potential. That it was possible to upgrade the tank repeatedly is a tribute to the flexibility of the design and the foresight of the Krupp designers. Key factors were the ability of the suspension to carry additional weight and the choice of a large diameter for the turret ring making it relatively easy to fit larger guns.
The Panzer IV was conceived in 1934 as a ‘medium support tank’, to complement the lighter Panzer III. It was armed with the short 7.5cm KwK 37 that was only 24 calibres long. This gun fired an explosive shell, useful for attacking infantry, anti-tank guns, fortifications and buildings. Developed under the code name of ‘Battalion Commander’s Vehicle’ (Battallionsfuhrerwagen or BW) by the Krupp concern in Essen it was to be provided for one quarter of the Panzer Companies, the others having the Panzer III (see E1951.28 Panzerkampfwagen Aus L).
Panzer IV production was concentrated at the Krupp works in Magdeburg; later in the war Panzer IVs were also built by a new tank plant at St Valentin in Austria.
The first version of the Panzer IV, the Ausfuhrung (Aus) A was issued in 1937. The next three models, the Aus B, C and D were built in small numbers between October 1939 and May 1941. By the time of the invasion of France 280 Panzer IV gun tanks were serving with the German Army.
The Museum’s exhibit was built as a Panzer IV Aus D and was originally armed with the short 7.5cm KwK 37 gun. Compared to the preceding Aus C the Aus D had thicker armour on the hull sides and rear and a modified main gun mounting. The hull was constructed by welding flat plates together. A Maybach petrol engine drove a six speed synchromesh gearbox. Steering was via a Krupp-Wilson ‘clutch and brake system’. The tank’s suspension consists of four bogies on each side. Each bogie has two pairs of small wheels, carried on elliptical springs.
The Museum’s vehicle was further upgraded by the addition of more armour plates to the hull front and turret, before it had left the factory. Further improvements were fitted in 1943: the short 7.5cm KwK 37 (muzzle velocity 450 metres/sec, range 6,500 metres) was replaced by a high velocity long gun, the 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 (muzzle velocity 920 metres/sec, range 8,100 metres) and even more armour added to the hull. The tank was further improved by the installation of spaced armour (or schurzen) around the sides and back of the turret. Schurzen provided protection against the shaped charges contained in infantry anti-tank rockets and demolition charges. Some late model Panzer IVs carried additional schurzen on the hull sides to protect the hull and running gear.
After all these changes the Museum’s Panzer IV more closely resembles an Aus G rather than the Aus D that it really is! Numerous upgrades were added to many early Panzer IVs in varying combinations, a process that can make it difficult to identify the precise Ausfuhrung of a particular tank.
The Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrerkorps, (NSKK or National Socialist Motor Vehicle Training Corps) used the Tank Museum’s Panzer IV Aus D as a driver-training tank; nothing is known of its earlier military career.
A total of 229 Panzer IV Aus D were built between October 1939 and May 1941. They had disappeared from combat units by the middle of 1944.
The Panzer IV Aus D was superseded by the:
• Aus E with a redesigned turret, introduced in September 1940
• Aus F1 fitted with thicker armour and wider tracks, produced between April 1941 and March 1942
• Aus F2 that introduced the high velocity 7.5cm gun 43 calibres long, creating a vehicle that was superior to any contemporary British, American or Russian tank; produced between March and July 1942 this tank was called the ‘Mark IV Special’ by the British 8th Army in Libya
• Aus G with an even more powerful 7.5cm gun 48 calibres long (muzzle velocity 990 metres/sec), fitted with turret and side skirts or schurzen, manufactured from May 1942 to June 1943
• Aus H, an Aus G with a new transmission and additional armour, built from April 1943 until June 1944
• Aus J introduced in 1944 with many changes that were intended to simplify manufacture, production ended in March 1945
The most produced version was the Aus H, 3,744 of which were made between April 1943 and July 1944.
Summary text by Mike Garth V1.0
VEHICLES Features
Full Tracked
Tracks/Wheels
Gun - 75 mm KwK 40 L/43
Armament - Main Weapon Type
2* MG 34 7.92 mm Machine Guns
Armament - Secondary Weapon Type
Maybach HL120TRM
Engine
6 Forward, 1 Reverse
Transmission
Leaf spring
Suspension
Vehicle Statistics
5
Number (Crew)
20tons
Weight (Overall)
40kph
Maximum (Speed - Road)
Petrol
Type (Fuel)
50.00mm
Maximum (Armour Thickness)
75mm
Calibre (Main Gun)
300bhp
Power (Engine Output)
Volume (Fuel)
200km
Radius (Range)
80rounds
Number (Projectile)
5.92m
Length (Overall)
2.84m
Width (Overall)
2.68
Height (Overall)
The Panzer IV could well be described as the workhorse of the German Pamzer arm. Classed originally as a close-support tank for panzer regiments its short, stubby 75mm gun fired high explosive and smoke rounds as required. At around 18 tons it was the heaviest front line tank in German service at the outbreak of war but, apart from the suspension, bore a strong family likeness to the Panzer III. Various improvements were introduced over the years but the most significant, dating from the winter of 1941/1942, was the fitting of the much longer 75mm KwK 40 which, at a stroke, made the Panzer IV one of the most powerful tanks on the battlefield.
British troops first encountered this improved model in the Western Desert in the summer of 1942 and dubbed it the 'Mark IV Special' and soon learned to respect it. It was a measure of the good basic design that the Panzer IV underwent this major change, and others involving additional armour, without suffering any loss of performance or reduction in crew; something that no contemporary British or American tank could manage. There are those who believe that if the Germans had continued to develop the Panzer IV and increase production they might have stood a better chance against Allied tanks than the small quantities of heavier machines that they did produce.
Our exhibit was completed as an Ausf D, with 30mm extra armour on the superstructure front and 20mm armour on the hull and superstructure sides before it even left the factory. In 1943 additional armour was put on the front and the original 75mm KwK L/24 replaced with the KwK 40 L/43 and this may well have been as part of the development of these various changes. It was used as a driving instruction vehicle. Plate 292 in the 'Encyclopedia of German Tanks' shows an N.S.K.K. Pz. Kpfw. IV D/H, possibly the Museum exhibit.
Served with Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrerkorps (N.S.K.K.) (National Socialist Motor Corps).
Precise Name: Panzerkampfwagen IV Aus D
Other Name: SdKfz 161, 4 und 5 Serie BW
DESCRIPTION
The Panzer IV was the backbone of the German Panzer forces during World War II, despite being overshadowed by the more glamorous Panther and Tiger tanks. Approximately 8,540 gun tanks were manufactured between 1937 and 1945 in ten major variants. In addition the Panzer IV chassis was used for command tanks, tank destroyers, armoured recovery vehicles, bridge layers, assault guns and as a self-propelled mount for howitzers and anti-aircraft guns.
Continually modified, the gun tank remained in production throughout the war. Its’ armour was repeatedly upgraded and it was rearmed twice with successively more powerful 7.5cm guns. The changes increased its’ weight from 18.4 tons in 1937 to 25 tons in 1944 without a commensurate increase in engine power, reducing mobility and agility.
By 1945 the Panzer IV had reached the end of its’ development potential. That it was possible to upgrade the tank repeatedly is a tribute to the flexibility of the design and the foresight of the Krupp designers. Key factors were the ability of the suspension to carry additional weight and the choice of a large diameter for the turret ring making it relatively easy to fit larger guns.
The Panzer IV was conceived in 1934 as a ‘medium support tank’, to complement the lighter Panzer III. It was armed with the short 7.5cm KwK 37 that was only 24 calibres long. This gun fired an explosive shell, useful for attacking infantry, anti-tank guns, fortifications and buildings. Developed under the code name of ‘Battalion Commander’s Vehicle’ (Battallionsfuhrerwagen or BW) by the Krupp concern in Essen it was to be provided for one quarter of the Panzer Companies, the others having the Panzer III (see E1951.28 Panzerkampfwagen Aus L).
Panzer IV production was concentrated at the Krupp works in Magdeburg; later in the war Panzer IVs were also built by a new tank plant at St Valentin in Austria.
The first version of the Panzer IV, the Ausfuhrung (Aus) A was issued in 1937. The next three models, the Aus B, C and D were built in small numbers between October 1939 and May 1941. By the time of the invasion of France 280 Panzer IV gun tanks were serving with the German Army.
The Museum’s exhibit was built as a Panzer IV Aus D and was originally armed with the short 7.5cm KwK 37 gun. Compared to the preceding Aus C the Aus D had thicker armour on the hull sides and rear and a modified main gun mounting. The hull was constructed by welding flat plates together. A Maybach petrol engine drove a six speed synchromesh gearbox. Steering was via a Krupp-Wilson ‘clutch and brake system’. The tank’s suspension consists of four bogies on each side. Each bogie has two pairs of small wheels, carried on elliptical springs.
The Museum’s vehicle was further upgraded by the addition of more armour plates to the hull front and turret, before it had left the factory. Further improvements were fitted in 1943: the short 7.5cm KwK 37 (muzzle velocity 450 metres/sec, range 6,500 metres) was replaced by a high velocity long gun, the 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 (muzzle velocity 920 metres/sec, range 8,100 metres) and even more armour added to the hull. The tank was further improved by the installation of spaced armour (or schurzen) around the sides and back of the turret. Schurzen provided protection against the shaped charges contained in infantry anti-tank rockets and demolition charges. Some late model Panzer IVs carried additional schurzen on the hull sides to protect the hull and running gear.
After all these changes the Museum’s Panzer IV more closely resembles an Aus G rather than the Aus D that it really is! Numerous upgrades were added to many early Panzer IVs in varying combinations, a process that can make it difficult to identify the precise Ausfuhrung of a particular tank.
The Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrerkorps, (NSKK or National Socialist Motor Vehicle Training Corps) used the Tank Museum’s Panzer IV Aus D as a driver-training tank; nothing is known of its earlier military career.
A total of 229 Panzer IV Aus D were built between October 1939 and May 1941. They had disappeared from combat units by the middle of 1944.
The Panzer IV Aus D was superseded by the:
• Aus E with a redesigned turret, introduced in September 1940
• Aus F1 fitted with thicker armour and wider tracks, produced between April 1941 and March 1942
• Aus F2 that introduced the high velocity 7.5cm gun 43 calibres long, creating a vehicle that was superior to any contemporary British, American or Russian tank; produced between March and July 1942 this tank was called the ‘Mark IV Special’ by the British 8th Army in Libya
• Aus G with an even more powerful 7.5cm gun 48 calibres long (muzzle velocity 990 metres/sec), fitted with turret and side skirts or schurzen, manufactured from May 1942 to June 1943
• Aus H, an Aus G with a new transmission and additional armour, built from April 1943 until June 1944
• Aus J introduced in 1944 with many changes that were intended to simplify manufacture, production ended in March 1945
The most produced version was the Aus H, 3,744 of which were made between April 1943 and July 1944.
Summary text by Mike Garth V1.0
VEHICLES Features
Full Tracked
Tracks/Wheels
Gun - 75 mm KwK 40 L/43
Armament - Main Weapon Type
2* MG 34 7.92 mm Machine Guns
Armament - Secondary Weapon Type
Maybach HL120TRM
Engine
6 Forward, 1 Reverse
Transmission
Leaf spring
Suspension
Vehicle Statistics
5
Number (Crew)
20tons
Weight (Overall)
40kph
Maximum (Speed - Road)
Petrol
Type (Fuel)
50.00mm
Maximum (Armour Thickness)
75mm
Calibre (Main Gun)
300bhp
Power (Engine Output)
Volume (Fuel)
200km
Radius (Range)
80rounds
Number (Projectile)
5.92m
Length (Overall)
2.84m
Width (Overall)
2.68
Height (Overall)
This line was a standard gauge railway intended as a very low-cost scheme so always a light railway. Costs were well in excess of those budgeted and income was a lot lower than hoped for. Opened in 1876 and operated it from the start by the GWR. Eventually being purchased outright by them in 1880. It made a loss almost throughout its life, closing in 1963 to passengers, pre-Beeching, but it remained open to serve the United Dairy's at Hemyock until 1975.
The valley of the River Culm was an attractive, but remote and declining area in the early nineteenth century, containing the villages of Uffculme, Culmstock and Hemyock. The Bristol and Exeter Railway (B&ER) opened its main line in 1844 with a station at Tiverton Road (later Tiverton Junction), and local people observed the improvements in the local economy of places effectively served by the railway, and the decline of places that were by-passed. The small communities in the Culm Valley fell into the latter category.
An engineer called Arthur Cadlick Pain, born 1844, had become interested in the concept of a low-cost railway on his return from working overseas, following the enactment of the Railway Construction Facilities Act, 1864, which authorised railway construction without the necessity of an Act of Parliament if no affected landowner objected. The Regulation of Railways Act 1868 authorised the construction of a light railway—the first use of the term—subject to conditions that might be imposed by the board of Trade.
He discussed the idea of a light railway with Henry S Ellis, a director of the B&ER; Pain suggested a low-cost line as a steam—or possibly horse operated—tramway running in or alongside the roadway, to serve the Culm Valley settlements. There were to be no stations, but the train would simply stop at road crossings. Such a line might be narrow gauge if the business was expected to be light; and by securing the enthusiasm of local people for the improvement of the district, land acquisition costs might be low. The line would be on the standard gauge.
A public meeting was held at Uffculme on 15 May 1872 and the idea was received with enthusiasm, and on 19 June at another meeting he reported that he had prepared plans and a prospectus. There was some discussion about the location of the Hemyock terminus, in case extension to the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) were later required: Honiton is about ten miles away, but over challenging terrain. There were two objections to the scheme among many positive opinions.
The Construction Facilities Act authorised construction of a light railway provided that no affected landowner objected to the scheme, but here there were two; the provisional directors decided to apply for an Act of Parliament for their line, although that would incur considerable expense, in order to get compulsory acquisition of land. (The objectors soon withdrew their objection, but notice of the fact was received too late to avoid the Parliamentary process.[1]) Pain calculated that the line could be built for £3,000 a mile. Enthusiasm was high and a meeting on 18 November 1872 set the process in motion. Pain was soon appointed Engineer to the company for a fee of £1,125, to be taken in shares.
The B&ER were supportive, and agreed to work the line, but they required a number of conditions that had not been expected: there must be proper station accommodation for passengers, with platforms, and for goods, with covered loading accommodation; bridges at the Turnpike road were to be of stone or brick, not timber; and a much improved track specification was required, with 15 inches of ballast.
However, they agreed to work the line for 50% of receipts, and they would contribute £105 towards the Parliamentary expenses of obtaining the Act. They might agree to buy the line later for a small premium, but the line was not to be extended (presumably towards the LSWR) without their agreement.
Pain managed to persuade the Board of Trade to relax its customary dislike of level crossings, provided the train speed was limited to 16 mph.
The Bill was presented to Parliament, and it passed, gaining its Act on 15 May 1873. The Culm Valley Light Railway was now incorporated, with a capital of £25,000.
The next stage was to get the money for the construction. A share prospectus was issued on 25 September 1873, stating that "The works being so unusually light, the Railway will be opened in about six months after it is commenced". Moreover "It is nearly sure to prove a safe investment for capital at a rate of interest of between five and six per cent."[4] Pain was quoted as saying
"I might safely say that if people living in the locality do not look sharp, they will get no shares at all. The capital is small and there are many gentlemen of influence around willing to take shares ... I know of no line which has been received with so much public approval"
In the event about a third of the subscribed capital was local. The B&ER subscribed £4,000.
Invitations to tender for the construction were soon issued, in ten separate sections, the intention being to enable small local contractors to participate; in the event that expectation was little justified. Contracts were not to be let until all the capital had been subscribed, but that too was soon abandoned. D A Jardine of Hawarden in North Wales was awarded most of the heavy contracts for the earthworks and track laying. The total of awarded tenders came to £18,497 10s 7d.
The B&ER, evidently believing the claim about a six months' construction period, quickly set about constructing locomotives and rolling stock to operate the line.
By September 1874, Pain was obliged to report that progress on construction had been consistently slow, and Jardine was warned that if this was not quickly accelerated, his contract would be terminated. He failed to act as required, and the work was transferred to Richard Broome. He needed the services of a locomotive to assist with the construction work, and one was hired in from Henry Hind & Son of Nottingham, but this proved catastrophically unreliable.
Broome was informed on 24 April 1875 that the company was running out of money; unpaid calls amounted to £1,212—about 5%. The Company, and not Broome, had been paying the locomotive hire charges and it is likely that they had taken responsibility for a number of other costs not properly specified in Pain's contract arrangements. The financial crisis could be averted, they felt, if the line could soon be opened, on 17 July. In fact inspections showed that the line was far from ready, and a desperate plea was made to the B&ER to purchase the uncompleted line from the Company at once; the B&ER declined.
Colonel Yolland of the Board of Trade was asked to make a formal inspection of the line with a view to opening, and he visited on 14 July. He found many areas of dissatisfaction and refused authority to open.
More delay was incurred and Pain was given an ultimatum to complete by the year end; this passed and the company was borrowing increasing sums of money, now beyond the authorised limit. Yolland was asked to inspect the line again on 12 February 1876; he found a number of issues still outstanding and refused opening. However on 20 May Yolland made another inspection, and this time he found the line ready, subject to operation on the one engine in steam principle, and a speed limit of 15 mph.
The B&ER had amalgamated with the Great Western Railway (GWR) on 1 January, and as a new partner, the GWR was less tolerant of the little Company's shortcomings. Accordingly in the discussion that now took place about working the line, the Company discovered that the GWR expected that station buildings to be furnished; in addition there was a long list of items that needed to be completed before the line was usable. There was a considerable gap between the GWR's expectations and what Pain thought was reasonable, but on 27 May 1876 a special train passed up the line, depositing at the general stations stationmasters, clerks, porters and the necessary appliances for business.
Opening at last
On Monday 29 May 1876 the line opened. Instead of taking six months to build, the construction had taken two and a half years, and the expenditure had exceeded £46,000[6] compared with the estimated cost of £22,500. Expenditure on infrastructure had been £42,903, and the cost overrun was attributed by the Board to the increased cost or rails, the failure of the contractor to complete the works, necessitating the Company to execute some of the works directly, and the increased cost of purchasing land.[1]
A formal opening was organised for Thursday 1 June 1876, with a grand lunch, rural sports and pastimes, and a ball.
The line in operation
There were five mixed (passenger and goods) trains each way daily, operated by the GWR. Two locomotives worked on the line; they were nos. 114 and 115 built by the B&ER specially for the line; they were 0-6-0T weighing 20tons 8cwt, with 3ft 6in wheels and a water tube boiler. In view of the apparent urgency for providing them at the time of obtaining the authorising Act, other locomotive construction had been delayed, a fact that remained a point of contention with the GWR. Pain now complained to the GWR that the locomotives were excessively heavy; he was probably prompted to do so by damage to the track, which was exceptionally light in construction. As the locomotives were now two years old, the GWR were not sympathetic to the complaint; however the trailing wheels of the locomotives were decoupled, making them 0-4-2T.
The Taunton to Exeter line had been converted to mixed gauge earlier in 1876, so that there was no break of gauge at the junction station.
Money problems
The financial performance of the line was extremely disappointing, with an income of about £4 a week. The directors had borrowed additional money on overdraft against their personal guarantees, and there was no income to pay the interest on that debt. A number of measures were considered, including issuing additional share capital, and it was no surprise when almost no interest was shown in buying into a loss-making business.
The GWR were still dissatisfied with the facilities provided at the stations, and with the standard of the track, and this issue continued as a point of conflict. The Company had wished the GWR to take over the line, but the GWR were not prepared to consider that. In the face of shortage of money Pain gave notice in June 1877 to the GWR that he would discontinue maintenance of the line, leaving the GWR to take care of the matters. It appears that he did not actually do this.
The following months were a continuous series of difficulties over money; even quite small financial obligations posed insuperable challenges. A number of quite fantastical proposals were dreamed up, including sale to the LSWR, and using the line as the springboard for a new independent GWR route to London. The directors' personal guarantees of the overdraft emphasised the crisis. This dragged on through 1879 and it was obvious that the only way out was for the GWR to be persuaded to buy the line—at any price. The appropriate price was low and it took some time for the shareholders to come to terms with the loss of value of their investment, but agreement was formalised on 5 August 1880, from which date the line was owned by the Great Western Railway.[2][1] The final meeting of the Company, no longer the owner of a railway, took place on 3 November 1882.[note 3] The shareholders had received 5½% of their investment back.
In Great Western ownership
Accordingly without much enthusiasm the Great Western Railway now owned the little railway. Pain's dream of a very low-cost branch line with minimal station facilities and light track and rolling stock had been frustrated by the Board of Trade (personified by Yolland) and the GWR's attitude, which was that the line was defective in falling short of proper GWR standards for a branch line. They soon replaced the original locomotives with two 2-4-0T locomotives that had been built as broad gauge machines for the South Devon Railway, but not actually put into service. Completed at Swindon as standard gauge engines they were numbered 1298 and 1300.
Refrigeration became a practical process in the 1870s and it had the result of enabling cheap imported butter, undercutting what could be produced in home dairies. This had the effect of spurring mechanical production methods and the Culm Valley Dairy Company was established at Hemyock in 1884. The quality of the product was much in demand and the Company despatched butter throughout England. Skimmed milk was a by-product of the process, and it was useful in pig husbandry, so that piggeries were established in the area also. Suddenly there was a focus of industry and agriculture on the line, and in 1890 the factory moved to larger premises next to Hemyock station. Quarry stone was also sent from Hemyock in later years.
In 1915 the United Dairies Company was formed, and it set about acquiring local dairy businesses. It took over the Hemyock plant the following year, and started sending liquid milk to London in ever increasing volumes; in addition condensed milk and dried milk were transported away, and coal was an inwards traffic.
Passenger traffic, never very heavy, remained broadly constant. The 1920 timetable shows four journeys each way, most of the trains being mixed. The first train from Tiverton Junction to Hemyock, at 9.0 a.m., was allowed 65 minutes for the journey of 7½ miles, time being included for shunting sidings on the way.
In the 1920s the GWR began to examine the cost base of rural branch lines; in 1925 receipts on the line were £22,609 against costs of £7,587. A GWR report recommended closure of the passenger service and limiting the branch activity to handling goods during a single working shift, and heavily reducing facilities on the line. The report was not acted on, and conversely a new halt, Coldharbour, was opened in January 1929. Later in 1929 it was agreed to spend money improving facilities on the branch, and in particular making it fit for standard rolling stock. The original loading gauge had been somewhat limited. However "main line" coaching stock was never used, and the imperative for this may have been the foreseen introduction of six-wheel milk tank wagons, then being trialled elsewhere on the GWR. These were introduced on the branch in 1932. The tanks were glass-lined and cork-insulated; the Dairy Company owned the tank and the GWR owned the underframe and running gear
Contemplating electrification of the main line, a 1929 report considered electrifying the branch too, or using "petrol cars" on it, but electrification never became a serious possibility. A number of alternative locomotives were used on the line in this period, most of them having come to the GWR from other independent lightly engineered lines. In 1932 the 4800 class of 0-4-2T locomotives started to be delivered, and variants of the class and the similar 5800 type dominated the subsequent history of the line.
Whitehall Halt was opened on 27 February 1933.
After nationalisation in 1948, the railway continued pretty much unchanged in the custody of British Railways. However in 1950 the two ancient passenger coaches were replaced by two bogie coaches from the former Barry Railway. The slow speed on the line was inadequate to re-charge the lighting batteries on the coaches, so they were converted from to gas lighting, and were the last gas-lit coaching vehicles on British Railways. The coaches acted as guards' brake vehicles and Messenger suggests that the passenger service would have been terminated if they had not been used; five passengers a day were recorded as using Hemyock station a few years later.
Passenger usage continued to decline and early in 1962 notice of intention to discontinue the passenger service was given. In the last months the Barry Railway passenger coaches themselves had to be replaced, and two ex London and North Eastern Railway vehicles were found; Messenger says that they were run to Exeter once a week to charge their batteries. The last passenger train ran on 7 September 1963. No replacement bus service was considered necessary.
Freight only
The following Monday a 204 hp diesel locomotive operated the remaining goods traffic on the line, and was the general motive power subsequently. General freight continued for a while, but that too was discontinued on 6 September 1965. However, the line continued to serve the dairy at Hemyock until 31 October 1975. Class 25 diesel locomotives were used in the final months. From the following day the line was closed.
The line today
Today the line forms some popular riverside walks at various points along the valley. The station sites have been redeveloped.
Model railway[edit]
A model railway of the line from Tiverton Junction to Hemyock is displayed at Coldharbour Mill, Uffculme, one of the halts on the route.
Topography[edit]
The line was 7 miles 27 chains in length; single track throughout, it fell consistently from Hemyock to Tiverton Junction, with two short rising lengths; the steepest gradient was 1 in 66. Stations on the line were:
Hemyock
Whitehall Siding; and halt opened 27 February 1933
Culmstock
Uffculme
Cold Harbour Siding; and Coldharbour Halt (also spelt Cold Harbour Halt) opened 23 February 1929
Tiverton Junction, on the main line.
The line approached Tiverton Junction station in a southward direction]
Colonel Yolland described the track as originally provided:
The width of the line at formation level is 11 feet on the embankments and 12 feet in cuttings. The gauges were 4 feet 8½ inches. The permanent way consists of flat-bottomed or Vignoles patterned rail stated to weigh 40 lbs per lineal yard in lengths of 15 feet, 17 feet 6 inches, and 21 feet, laid on transverse sleepers of half-round Baltic timber creosoted (4½ in.), and 9 feet long placed at an average distance of three feet apart, centre to centre, except that on some of the sharpest curves an extra sleeper has been inserted under every 21 feet length of rail. No chairs are made use of, but the rail is fastened to the transverse sleepers by a fang-bolt with a clip under the head, overlapping the flange of the rail on one side, and by a wrought iron spike on the other side. On the sharpest curves a wrought iron plate is laid between the rail and the sleeper, with holes punched in it, through which the fang-bolt and spike are driven; the joints of the rails are fastened with wrought iron fish-plates and bolts, and secured to the sleepers with a fang-bolt and clip on each side of the rail. The ballast is of gravel, a small proportion of sand; it was required according to the contract, to be eight inches deep under the sleepers, but is stated to average about one foot. No engine turn table has been provided. The line has a very large number of sharp curves having radii of 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 chains. The steepest incline is 1 in 66.
Tiverton Junction
Hemyock
Text Courtesy of
13t 5 Plank Open China Clay No. B743169 and 20t Brake Van No. 954681 stand on display at Torrington old station on the London & South Western Railway from Barnstaple
This small lighterage tug 'Plashy' built in 1951/20tons for the Port of London Authority is still in every day use with Parker Marine Transport Ltd on the Thames,remarkable for a vessel of this age.
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One 20ft FCL loaded 500drums with 20tons.
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Peter & David Cosby's very impressive Scania R620 recovery vehicle with Century 1075 Rotator & HHU underlift is seen having just righted an ERF EC11 and fridge trailer loaded with around 20tons of waste paper.
The whole recovery process was explained, set up & carried out as the appreciative crowd looked on and the Scania utilised just one of its six winches to complete a very impressive demonstation.
The most informative -and well presented- commentary made this operation the highlight of the very enjoyable Boniface Interstater anniversary event.
Thanks very much to all concerned for a great day out if you happen to read this.
Used TEREX mobile crane TFC45
Brand: TEREX
Model: TFC45
Year: 2010
Lifting weight: 45ton
Hour: 3000
Condition: good
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Origin: France
Warranty: one year
after sales service: yes
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Products
We are mainly engaged in the sales and export of following used or reconstruction machinery.
Cranes:
For cranes, there are truck cranes, crawler cranes, rough terrain crane with capacity ranging from 20tons to 300tons.
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F. Hibberd & Co. Planet shunter 0-4-0DM No. 3832 and BR Standard 20 tons brake van No. B954757 stand on display at Bideford old station on the North Devon Railway from Barnstaple
Strumpshaw Steam Engine Rally 2022.
Fowler Ploughing Engine 20-tons 'Libra', works No 15341 built in 1919 reg no BL 8620.
Fowler Ploughing Engine 20-tons 'Aries', works No 15340 built in 1919 reg no BL 8619.
Strumpshaw Steam Engine Rally 2022.
Fowler Ploughing Engine 20-tons 'Aries', works No 15340 built in 1919 reg no BL 8619.
Strumpshaw Steam Engine Rally 2022.
Fowler Ploughing Engine 20-tons 'Aries', works No 15340 built in 1919 reg no BL 8619.
Strumpshaw Steam Engine Rally 2022.
Fowler Ploughing Engine 20-tons 'Aries', works No 15340 built in 1919 reg no BL 8619.
Strumpshaw Steam Engine Rally 2022.
Fowler Ploughing Engine 20-tons 'Libra', works No 15341 built in 1919 reg no BL 8620.
Fowler Ploughing Engine 20-tons 'Aries', works No 15340 built in 1919 reg no BL 8619.
Strumpshaw Steam Engine Rally 2022.
Fowler Ploughing Engine 20-tons 'Libra', works No 15341 built in 1919 reg no BL 8620.
This morning I happened upon two men and a big rig with a flat bed trailer. Their job was to load and haul 2 20 ton rollers which had been used for a big asphalt paving project. I was amazed at the grace and economy of effort with which they worked. The hardly spoke to each other belying the fact that they had done this many times before together. In less that 30 minutes they came and went with 40 tons of steel.
Strumpshaw Steam Engine Rally 2022.
Fowler Ploughing Engine 20-tons 'Libra', works No 15341 built in 1919 reg no BL 8620.
Strumpshaw Steam Engine Rally 2022.
Fowler Ploughing Engine 20-tons 'Libra', works No 15341 built in 1919 reg no BL 8620.
Strumpshaw Steam Engine Rally 2022.
Fowler Ploughing Engine 20-tons 'Libra', works No 15341 built in 1919 reg no BL 8620.
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