RHD ERFs with 5MW cabs

[robert1952]

There’s been a fair bit of interest lately in this handsome manifestation of the Motor Panels cab. A number of right-hand-drive ERFs were produced with this metal cab for domestic use. Others went to Australia, New Zealand and other locations. Just to jog your memories: the 5MW had the front wheels set back from the bumper, whereas the 4MW cab had the wheels set forward and were nearly always mounted on 6x4 chassis. Most 5MWs were 4x2s but some 6x4s went to NZ, as we shall see. I’ll post some sets of pictures to whet the appetite. Perhaps some of you can fill in some details about engine and gearbox fitments where I am unable to supply the info. Robert

[robert1952]

I’ll kick off with a couple of ‘false friends’. These two units, below, both started life as LHD vehicles on international work. The Read unit was converted in-house to RHD when it came off international work and eventually received a B-series cab. It had a 240 Gardner.

The Cadwallader unit was converted to RHD after a fire, I believe. Robert

[robert1952]

And this one had 220 ■■■■■■■ with a 9-speed Fuller.

[robert1952]

[robert1952]

[robert1952]

[robert1952]

Here are some beauties from Beresford. As I understand it, they had 14 RHD 5MWs and 1 LHD 5MW (dealt with on the LHD thread). Robert

[robert1952]

[robert1952]

This New Zealand example was a bit unusual in that it had a180 Gardner and a 15-speed Fuller box. Robert

[robert1952]

[robert1952]

Some more New Zealand exports. Robert

[robert1952]

This one is still on the preservation circuit. I understand it has an A-series chassis, from new; and a 250 ■■■■■■■■ Robert

[robert1952]

This is the SAME unit as the last set, but in another livery. Robert

[robert1952]

This nicely liveried 5MW was operated by Stevenson. It had a ■■■■■■■ 250. Robert

[robert1952]

Turks of Sussex operated this one. And here are a couple of Turners pics too. Robert

[robert1952]

6x4s with the metal sleeper cab always seemed to have 4MW cabs in UK. However, some rather striking examples with 5MW cabs went out to New Zealand. Here are some examples. Robert

[robert1952]

And some more NZ 6x4 5MWs. Robert

[cav551]

Apologies don’t know how to link to another post correctly.

Turks Transport Benenden Kent LKM 777P. Posted in Kent Transport Thread page 12 by Lawrence 2765
It was certainly a ■■■■■■■■ but I don’t know any more.

download/file.php?id=38171&mode=view

[robert1952]

cav551:
Apologies don’t know how to link to another post correctly.

Turks Transport Benenden Kent LKM 777P. Posted in Kent Transport Thread page 12 by Lawrence 2765
It was certainly a ■■■■■■■■ but I don’t know any more.

download/file.php?id=38171&mode=view

Thanks for that. And yes, it was Turks of Benenden (I should know better, I remember the damned thing back in the '70s!). Cheers! Robert

[3300john]

Hiya Robert. the red and maroon shunt lorry(12 th picture down) was Mick Badderly from the Stoke area he
had at least 2. 5mw,s maybe 3. one was in a terrible crash near Jct 15 at Stoke, a Wilkinsons overnight crossed
the barrier and hit the 5mw on the front drivers corner. the driver(a young lad ) was killed instanly.
John