PAUL GEE's PHOTO COLLECTION (Part 1)

[bewick]

ramone:

240 Gardner:

DEANB:
Thanks Chris,nice pics again,would imagine the View Line was a pretty rare motor !

It was indeed - I’m pretty sure it was the first one ever restored, having had what was virtually a brand new cab built between 1987 and 1991:

Atkinson Viewlines by Chris Gardner, on Flickr
Atkinson Cabriolet! by Chris Gardner, on Flickr
BVB 457H Atkinson ‘Silver Knight’ T3046X by Chris Gardner, on Flickr
BVB 457H Atkinson ‘Silver Knight’ T3046X by Gardner 8LXB, on Flickr

I`m going to show my ignorance here , but what was the Viewliner all about ? Was it a new version of the Atki cab that never caught on or was it an alternative to say the Borderer cab ?

Apart from the RTITB were Pickfords the only other operator of the Viewline Atki ? Cheers Dennis.

[pollystag]

900X20:
Greetings,All.
Ref. the Scammell Reg. No. UYL 920,it looks familiar.I may be wrong but did it belong to the Union Cartage Company for a time? Be interesting to know.
Regards,900x20.

Hi mate,
found this on the net.

[punchy_dan]

Denzil I thought Derbyshire stone had a viewline ? May be old man windrush or phop know ?

[smallcoal]

Punchy Dan:
Denzil I thought Derbyshire stone had a viewline ? May be old man windrush or phop know ?

I got a pic on South Wales of your truck

[windrush]

Punchy Dan:
Denzil I thought Derbyshire stone had a viewline ? May be old man windrush or phop know ?

Oi, cheeky young pup! I’ve stuff in the freezer older than you Dan! Don’t remember a Derbyshire Stone Viewline but then I didn’t take much notice of what those inferior companies were operating… I THOUGHT that Dallas Transport ran some on low loader work but it seems they were ex Pickfords as well?

Pete.

[phop]

Danl you have the picture of the mark 1 Derbyshire stone liveried artic. The khaki 1 was driven by two of your near neighbours from Bonsall

[punchy_dan]

phop:
Danl you have the picture of the mark 1 Derbyshire stone liveried artic. The khaki 1 was driven by two of your near neighbours from Bonsall

No viewline then sam’l ? Ps I’ve joined neighbourhood watch, iam in charge of speeders and weight limit offenders

[silverdale]

DEANB:

ianto:
f88 /89 cab on a Scammel chassis ?

Spot on chap, think Heanor did it !

Thought it might be that great chimney on the building behind!!

[pete_359]

DEANB:
Hope you lot are paying attention,whats odd about this pic ■■?

0

hi DEANB,
As a kid.i loved the HHT.Many years later some of them worked in cardiff on the ely link road construction for sheppard hill,as seen in your photo.A few years after that a couple of them were owned by Short Bros plant and i regularly saw them moving slabs internally at port talbot.redcar and llanwern steelworks.An awesome machine,one of them,the final one built and caterpillar powered is currently being restored by heavy haulage legend Dave Weedon.
Regards Andrew.

[240_gardner]

Bewick:
Apart from the RTITB were Pickfords the only other operator of the Viewline Atki ? Cheers Dennis.

No Dennis, but Pickford’s were the only operator to have them in significant numbers. Bass Brewing had several, but. later converted them to standard cabs.

Names which spring to mind as having had at least one from new are, K&M Hauliers, Westfield Transport, D A Johnson of Maidstone, Robert Fletcher Paper, Kiwi Transport, Griffiths of Churchdown, Peterborough Heavy Haulage and ICI.

[240_gardner]

DEANB:

ramone:

240 Gardner:

DEANB:
Thanks Chris,nice pics again,would imagine the View Line was a pretty rare motor !

It was indeed - I’m pretty sure it was the first one ever restored, having had what was virtually a brand new cab built between 1987 and 1991:

I`m going to show my ignorance here , but what was the Viewliner all about ? Was it a new version of the Atki cab that never caught on or was it an alternative to say the Borderer cab ?

“ramone” i will join you i probably have read about them years ago ! Chris how many were made me old
mucker ! Paul still reads all the posts on here and sent this pic today !

0

Nice one, Dean (and Paul!)

A number of Pickford’s View-Lines were converted into wreckers at the end of their first lives, and some survive today.

[240_gardner]

ramone:
I`m going to show my ignorance here , but what was the Viewliner all about ? Was it a new version of the Atki cab that never caught on or was it an alternative to say the Borderer cab ?

I don’t have reference material to hand right now, but the Autumn 1966 edition of the Atkinson house magazine, ‘Rangeability’, explained the thinking behind the ‘View-Line’:

a) improved maintenance access without resorting to a tilt cab (“one of the troublesome fads which plague the industry from time to time”)
b) improved driver comfort and visibility
c) freedom of front axle location to meet axle spacing requirements in export markets (it was even suggested that it might go to Australia!!!)

On a) yes it was better in some respects, and you could fold out the rear cab wings on the prototype and sit on the axle whilst working on the engine, most of which was beneath the cab rather than inside it

b) MUCH more spacious inside than a Mk.1 (it pre-dated the Mk.2 cab by a couple of years), not to mention the steering wheel and pedals being in line (don’t laugh please), and with power steering and air handbrake as standard (1966 remember), and there was even cab suspension and a driver’s suspension seat. Much quieter inside, too, than a Mk.1, and the visibility was, obviously, fantastic. If you couldn’t manoeuvre one of those, then it was time to pack up.

C) no comment!! Although, the Kiwi Transport example was exported to NZ when the owner went home, and it was operated out there for a while.

It seems to have been intended as the premium cab for tractors, although operator resistance to the initial design saw the traditional (dummy) radiator reinstated on production versions. The Mk.2 cab was first shown 12 months later at the 1967 Scottish Show, although the 1968 Earls Court Show saw a big push for View-Lines, with two complete tractors and a View-Line 6x2 tractor with no cab on show, compared with just the one Mk.2.

Operators had other ideas, of course, and it sold in only small numbers. The View-Line cab was actually the standard fitment on 6x4 tractors in 1968/9, but the Mk.2 cab could be had as an option for £150 less. Some at the factory reckoned that they built 200, but I would suggest 50 was probably nearer the mark - I should total up the ones I know about, one day!

What I can tell you, though, is that I owned mine for 19 years, and still regret parting with it. It was very comfortable and quite quiet for its day, and I had only one unbearably hot day in it in all that time.

[frankydobo]

Interesting what you say about the Viewline 240, however a little is written about this in the Vintage Road Scene mag titled The Rare Ones. He writes that the 1968 Show was expected to be about the unveiling of the Viewline but the five page Atkinson Press release has the first three pages as he says ’ press release treat us to the underwhelming news about the MkII being the standard offering’ and it isn’t until page four the Viewline is mentioned but hardly goes over board on how much of a ‘ahead of its time’ vehicle this was so he concluded that Atkinson by the time the 68 show had arrived had also had reservations about the Viewline despite the fact they changed the original style grille for the old exposed rad look because of the many voices opposed to the look without the big radiator and yet it seemed these ‘customers’ didn’t buy the tractor with the dummy rad after all and so not many were sold or it seems built.

The final puzzler was the Australian built cab six wheel tipper and drawbar parked outside the show, which looked absolutely great so why didn’t Atkinson push this model as a new UK release instead of the Viewline. I have to say reading the whole article on the Atkinson marque in the mag the author did seem to have bit of a downer on Atkinson seeing the company as, and pretty much similar to other British manufacturers at the time, lacking in style and imagination and turning out old stuff just slightly tweaked and following a course which would eventually lead to the later takeover. Had Atkinson by this time got themselves into a rut or like other makers just couldn’t see the wood for the Scandinavian trees! Cheers Franky.

[me_paul_101]

I’m in need of some info so have PM’d you DEANB…

[bewick]

240 Gardner:

Bewick:
Apart from the RTITB were Pickfords the only other operator of the Viewline Atki ? Cheers Dennis.

No Dennis, but Pickford’s were the only operator to have them in significant numbers. Bass Brewing had several, but. later converted them to standard cabs.

Names which spring to mind as having had at least one from new are, K&M Hauliers, Westfield Transport, D A Johnson of Maidstone, Robert Fletcher Paper, Kiwi Transport, Griffiths of Churchdown, Peterborough Heavy Haulage and ICI.

Thanks for the info Chris and yes I remember now about the Robert Fletcher motor as we saw it about being in the same trade so to speak ! PS are you getting booked up for Christmas functions ? Cheers Dennis.

[moomooland]

Bewick:
Thanks for the info Chris and yes I remember now about the Robert Fletcher motor as we saw it about being in the same trade so to speak ! Cheers Dennis.

Registered new on the 28th of January 1969 Robert Fletcher Paper Mills Ltd of Greenfield Near Oldham operated this Atkinson Viewline 4x2 tractor unit Reg No WWT 909G.

Powered by a Gardner 180 engine it is seen here in 1969 heading along Manchester Road Mossley towards Greenfield with one of Robert Fletcher’s Leyland Comets in hot pursuit.

After it’s life at Fletcher’s WWT 909G was sold on to J Barrett Haulage of Delph Nr Oldham who attached a sleeper cab and ran it for quite a number of years as can be seen in this picture below…

Photograph courtesy of Ian Broadbent.

WWT 909G was saved for preservation and came up for sale in April 2016 at Protruck Auctions Doncaster along with this Foden.

[deanb]

Spud1960:

DEANB:

ianto:
f88 /89 cab on a Scammel chassis ?

Spot on chap, think Heanor did it !

The built a few over the years, badged them as HHT

Cheers “Spud1960”

Bewick:
Apart from the RTITB were Pickfords the only other operator of the Viewline Atki ? Cheers Dennis.

pollystag:

900X20:
Greetings,All.
Ref. the Scammell Reg. No. UYL 920,it looks familiar.I may be wrong but did it belong to the Union Cartage Company for a time? Be interesting to know.
Regards,900x20.

Hi mate,
found this on the net.

Thanks for the pic “pollystag”

Punchy Dan:
Denzil I thought Derbyshire stone had a viewline ? May be old man windrush or phop know ?

windrush:

Punchy Dan:
Denzil I thought Derbyshire stone had a viewline ? May be old man windrush or phop know ?

Oi, cheeky young pup! I’ve stuff in the freezer older than you Dan! Don’t remember a Derbyshire Stone Viewline but then I didn’t take much notice of what those inferior companies were operating… I THOUGHT that Dallas Transport ran some on low loader work but it seems they were ex Pickfords as well?

Pete.

phop:
Danl you have the picture of the mark 1 Derbyshire stone liveried artic. The khaki 1 was driven by two of your near neighbours from Bonsall

Thanks for comment “phop”

Punchy Dan:

phop:
Danl you have the picture of the mark 1 Derbyshire stone liveried artic. The khaki 1 was driven by two of your near neighbours from Bonsall

No viewline then sam’l ? Ps I’ve joined neighbourhood watch, iam in charge of speeders and weight limit offenders

Silverdale:

DEANB:

ianto:
f88 /89 cab on a Scammel chassis ?

Spot on chap, think Heanor did it !

Thought it might be that great chimney on the building behind!!

pete 359:

DEANB:
Hope you lot are paying attention,whats odd about this pic ■■?

0

hi DEANB,
As a kid.i loved the HHT.Many years later some of them worked in cardiff on the ely link road construction for sheppard hill,as seen in your photo.A few years after that a couple of them were owned by Short Bros plant and i regularly saw them moving slabs internally at port talbot.redcar and llanwern steelworks.An awesome machine,one of them,the final one built and caterpillar powered is currently being restored by heavy haulage legend Dave Weedon.
Regards Andrew.

Yes i have another pic of one in another companies colours somewhere !

240 Gardner:
I don’t have reference material to hand right now, but the Autumn 1966 edition of the Atkinson house magazine, ‘Rangeability’, explained the thinking behind the ‘View-Line’:

a) improved maintenance access without resorting to a tilt cab (“one of the troublesome fads which plague the industry from time to time”)
b) improved driver comfort and visibility
c) freedom of front axle location to meet axle spacing requirements in export markets (it was even suggested that it might go to Australia!!!)

On a) yes it was better in some respects, and you could fold out the rear cab wings on the prototype and sit on the axle whilst working on the engine, most of which was beneath the cab rather than inside it

b) MUCH more spacious inside than a Mk.1 (it pre-dated the Mk.2 cab by a couple of years), not to mention the steering wheel and pedals being in line (don’t laugh please), and with power steering and air handbrake as standard (1966 remember), and there was even cab suspension and a driver’s suspension seat. Much quieter inside, too, than a Mk.1, and the visibility was, obviously, fantastic. If you couldn’t manoeuvre one of those, then it was time to pack up.

C) no comment!! Although, the Kiwi Transport example was exported to NZ when the owner went home, and it was operated out there for a while.

It seems to have been intended as the premium cab for tractors, although operator resistance to the initial design saw the traditional (dummy) radiator reinstated on production versions. The Mk.2 cab was first shown 12 months later at the 1967 Scottish Show, although the 1968 Earls Court Show saw a big push for View-Lines, with two complete tractors and a View-Line 6x2 tractor with no cab on show, compared with just the one Mk.2.

Operators had other ideas, of course, and it sold in only small numbers. The View-Line cab was actually the standard fitment on 6x4 tractors in 1968/9, but the Mk.2 cab could be had as an option for £150 less. Some at the factory reckoned that they built 200, but I would suggest 50 was probably nearer the mark - I should total up the ones I know about, one day!

What I can tell you, though, is that I owned mine for 19 years, and still regret parting with it. It was very comfortable and quite quiet for its day, and I had only one unbearably hot day in it in all that time.

Some intresting stuff there Chris ! Intresting that you mention the factory reckon that they built 200 but
you reckon 50 was a more realistic figure ! Robert makes you wonder about the NGC figures ■■?

Frankydobo:
Interesting what you say about the Viewline 240, however a little is written about this in the Vintage Road Scene mag titled The Rare Ones. He writes that the 1968 Show was expected to be about the unveiling of the Viewline but the five page Atkinson Press release has the first three pages as he says ’ press release treat us to the underwhelming news about the MkII being the standard offering’ and it isn’t until page four the Viewline is mentioned but hardly goes over board on how much of a ‘ahead of its time’ vehicle this was so he concluded that Atkinson by the time the 68 show had arrived had also had reservations about the Viewline despite the fact they changed the original style grille for the old exposed rad look because of the many voices opposed to the look without the big radiator and yet it seemed these ‘customers’ didn’t buy the tractor with the dummy rad after all and so not many were sold or it seems built.

The final puzzler was the Australian built cab six wheel tipper and drawbar parked outside the show, which looked absolutely great so why didn’t Atkinson push this model as a new UK release instead of the Viewline. I have to say reading the whole article on the Atkinson marque in the mag the author did seem to have bit of a downer on Atkinson seeing the company as, and pretty much similar to other British manufacturers at the time, lacking in style and imagination and turning out old stuff just slightly tweaked and following a course which would eventually lead to the later takeover. Had Atkinson by this time got themselves into a rut or like other makers just couldn’t see the wood for the Scandinavian trees! Cheers Franky.

Thanks Franky,some intresting stuff there ! is there a thread dedicated to the Viewline ■■?

Me.Paul.101:
I’m in need of some info so have PM’d you DEANB…

PM’d back !

moomooland:

Bewick:
Thanks for the info Chris and yes I remember now about the Robert Fletcher motor as we saw it about being in the same trade so to speak ! Cheers Dennis.

2Registered new on the 28th of January 1969 Robert Fletcher Paper Mills Ltd of Greenfield Near Oldham operated this Atkinson Viewline 4x2 tractor unit Reg No WWT 909G.

Powered by a Gardner 180 engine it is seen here in 1969 heading along Manchester Road Mossley towards Greenfield with one of Robert Fletcher’s Leyland Comets in hot pursuit.

After it’s life at Fletcher’s WWT 909G was sold on to J Barrett Haulage of Delph Nr Oldham who attached a sleeper cab and ran it for quite a number of years as can be seen in this picture below…

1Photograph courtesy of Ian Broadbent.

0WWT 909G was saved for preservation and came up for sale in April 2016 at Protruck Auctions Doncaster along with this Foden.

Good stuff Paul ! Some nice pics there. Looking at them with such a big windscreen i wonder if they
suffered more than most trucks from windscreen failiures,cracking,stone chips etc ■■?

[grumpy_old_man]

I think…nay, I know I would want to be wearing a seatbelt in one of yon viewline machines.

[240_gardner]

grumpy old man:
I think…nay, I know I would want to be wearing a seatbelt in one of yon viewline machines.

As it happens, mine was fitted with seatbelts from new! Although I threw them away when it was rebuilt

But think about it for a moment, sitting in a suspension seat and wearing a static seatbelt attached to the cab frame, and not the seat…

[240_gardner]

DEANB:
Good stuff Paul ! Some nice pics there. Looking at them with such a big windscreen i wonder if they
suffered more than most trucks from windscreen failiures,cracking,stone chips etc ■■?

Funnily enough, I once bought the cab from an ex-Pickford’s machine, available because it had suffered a smashed screen and its owner was unable to source a replacement - I didn’t like to mention that I had a brand new one stored safely in my dad’s garage

They resorted to fitting a Mk.2 cab, but that wasn’t straightforward because the front axle position was different, as you can see here:

WGC625G by keith halstead, on Flickr

And in original form:

Pickford’s WGC 625G by The Sweeney, on Flickr