Juddian:
Kempston:
Juddian:
Yes I used these routes too, the southwest one rang a few bells, down past the crooked billet pub.
Times i’ve had breakfast at the Maple Cross cafe, or if heading for Harrow area the little place at Bushey Arches that specialised in the best dog rolls and tea in the country, right beside Jaques of Watford heavy haulage yard.
i just been looking,would this be the spot ? goo.gl/maps/PypxHZYE13TRiumy8
Lawrence Dunbar:
0Well in 1962/3 I did quite a few loads from Wright Andersons Gateshead down to Gatwick Airport, Some of these were 40Ft beams 3 tonne each and there was three to a load, I used to use the A10 in those days into London finding somewhere to park up was difficult sometimes. Then down the A 23 at the crack of dawn onto the job, You had to have a amber flahing light when going on site, It was quick tip as the lads were all Geordies lodging there, The good old days, The beams were very similar to these on Smilers ERF, I had a Mk 5 AEC When doing the Gatwick job, Regards Larry.
bloody hell! what was that like to drive? looks a right beast 
carryfast-yeti:
Lawrence Dunbar:
Well in 1962/3 I did quite a few loads from Wright Andersons Gateshead down to Gatwick Airport, Some of these were 40Ft beams 3 tonne each and there was three to a load, I used to use the A10 in those days into London finding somewhere to park up was difficult sometimes. Then down the A 23 at the crack of dawn onto the job, You had to have a amber flahing light when going on site, It was quick tip as the lads were all Geordies lodging there, The good old days, The beams were very similar to these on Smilers ERF, I had a Mk 5 AEC When doing the Gatwick job, Regards Larry.bloody hell! what was that like to drive? looks a right beast
No probs, 6 LW Gardner half decent brakes , This was new to Marston Bricks, IIRC IN 1946, This was one of my late great Uncle Isaac Smiles first wagons, Who went on to build the Smiles for Miles famous north east family firms. Regards Lawrence Smiles Dunbar.
Lawrence Dunbar:
0Well in 1962/3 I did quite a few loads from Wright Andersons Gateshead down to Gatwick Airport, Some of these were 40Ft beams 3 tonne each and there was three to a load, I used to use the A10 in those days into London finding somewhere to park up was difficult sometimes. Then down the A 23 at the crack of dawn onto the job, You had to have a amber flahing light when going on site, It was quick tip as the lads were all Geordies lodging there, The good old days, The beams were very similar to these on Smilers ERF, I had a Mk 5 AEC When doing the Gatwick job, Regards Larry.
Even back then I find it hard to believe that that load could’ve been moved on an eight wheeler with such a large overhang both ends. I’d have thought the o.b. Would’ve been all over that.
Kempston:
Lawrence Dunbar:
0Well in 1962/3 I did quite a few loads from Wright Andersons Gateshead down to Gatwick Airport, Some of these were 40Ft beams 3 tonne each and there was three to a load, I used to use the A10 in those days into London finding somewhere to park up was difficult sometimes. Then down the A 23 at the crack of dawn onto the job, You had to have a amber flahing light when going on site, It was quick tip as the lads were all Geordies lodging there, The good old days, The beams were very similar to these on Smilers ERF, I had a Mk 5 AEC When doing the Gatwick job, Regards Larry.Even back then I find it hard to believe that that load could’ve been moved on an eight wheeler with such a large overhang both ends. I’d have thought the o.b. Would’ve been all over that.
I don’t think it was that uncommon. I’ve seen lots of pics over the years of '50s rigid-eights carrying similar loads. Somewhere floating about there are pictures of Maudslay Trustys with spectacular loads similar to the one above. Ro
![scan0483[1].jpg](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/uploads/trucknetuk/original/3X/d/c/dc09f125b70cfeeea5e7d3f0c805e834b9559d8e.jpeg)
Lawrence Dunbar:
0
I’ve seen this photo before, it’s even more ridiculous 
Kempston:
Lawrence Dunbar:
0I’ve seen this photo before, it’s even more ridiculous
Moving large indivisible loads was obviously the flaw in the old rigid 8 and micro artic based transport industry of the day.That small artic with a 75ft load is a liability the rest looks not much better.
For Brighton I used to go from the end of the M1 at Mill Hill, right along the circular then Shephards Bush and over Wandsworth Bridge. From there it was straight forward run through Tooting Bec, Streatham and on to Purley way, still took a good five and a half to six hours from Warrington depending on the traffic.
Coming back from Kent it would be for me, either A2 to Blackwall Tunnel then cut through Bethnal green to Hollaway road, up archway, north circular and M1 at Mill Hill.
Dartford Tunnel and up to Enfield/Watford then M1 was no quicker I found especially if it was half day closing on a Wednesday.
