Saviem's fan club (Part 1)

[saviem]

Evening all,

Had a rather enjoyable Sunday outing at the Royal Air force Museum at RAF Cosford on Sunday, at the end of the Gravel Run, and the Shropshire Trundle.

Nice lorries, but more important super “proper” people.

Took along my “new…old girl”…a 1930 Star Flyer…(and she does)!!!

Dave the Renegade, and ROF, have kindly put up some pictures of her and her load, on the Gravel Run, and Welsh Border threads…

But a really great few hours…but these classics of the 70s…well I could go to work in one of those today!

Cheerio for now.

[fergie47]

Saw your wagon John, where have you been hiding that, what a fantastic rare ( very rare ) old beast, and that “load” is something else, nice one.

These pics have absolutely nothing to do with French lorries, but it’s a rare opportunity to see beneath the sea so to speak.
Lake Guerlidan is about an hour from us, its around 14 kms long (some lake) and varies in depth and width, its a 40km hike if you want to walk around it. They drain it every 12 / 15 years to inspect / repair the dams and turbines, but this will the last time as whatever they are doing they are modifying it so there will be no need to drain it anymore. The machinery is also going to be modified so its gonna be on Velcro, they’re gonna use a submersible in future to go down, un-zip it, and bring it up for maintenance. So this is the very last opportunity to see the lake bed dry, (well dry-ish the Nantes / Brest canal still runs through it) You can’t really get a scale for the thing from photo’s, it’s HUGE, but here a few shots of it…
Not sure how many litres it holds full up, but if it was Bolinger instead of water, it would keep Saviem happy for a few years.

[dave_the_renegade]

Saviem:
Evening all,

Had a rather enjoyable Sunday outing at the Royal Air force Museum at RAF Cosford on Sunday, at the end of the Gravel Run, and the Shropshire Trundle.

Nice lorries, but more important super “proper” people.

Took along my “new…old girl”…a 1930 Star Flyer…(and she does)!!!

Dave the Renegade, and ROF, have kindly put up some pictures of her and her load, on the Gravel Run, and Welsh Border threads…

But a really great few hours…but these classics of the 70s…well I could go to work in one of those today!

Cheerio for now.

[fergie47]

Couple of oldies

[harry_gill]

Fergie47:
Saw your wagon John, where have you been hiding that, what a fantastic rare ( very rare ) old beast, and that “load” is something else, nice one.

These pics have absolutely nothing to do with French lorries, but it’s a rare opportunity to see beneath the sea so to speak.
Lake Guerlidan is about an hour from us, its around 14 kms long (some lake) and varies in depth and width, its a 40km hike if you want to walk around it. They drain it every 12 / 15 years to inspect / repair the dams and turbines, but this will the last time as whatever they are doing they are modifying it so there will be no need to drain it anymore. The machinery is also going to be modified so its gonna be on Velcro, they’re gonna use a submersible in future to go down, un-zip it, and bring it up for maintenance. So this is the very last opportunity to see the lake bed dry, (well dry-ish the Nantes / Brest canal still runs through it) You can’t really get a scale for the thing from photo’s, it’s HUGE, but here a few shots of it…
Not sure how many litres it holds full up, but if it was Bolinger instead of water, it would keep Saviem happy for a few years.

Hiya,
I think our Kielder is a bit bigger 44.3 km around but I’ve never walked it.
thanks harry, long retired.

[dave_the_renegade]

harry_gill:

Fergie47:
Saw your wagon John, where have you been hiding that, what a fantastic rare ( very rare ) old beast, and that “load” is something else, nice one.

These pics have absolutely nothing to do with French lorries, but it’s a rare opportunity to see beneath the sea so to speak.
Lake Guerlidan is about an hour from us, its around 14 kms long (some lake) and varies in depth and width, its a 40km hike if you want to walk around it. They drain it every 12 / 15 years to inspect / repair the dams and turbines, but this will the last time as whatever they are doing they are modifying it so there will be no need to drain it anymore. The machinery is also going to be modified so its gonna be on Velcro, they’re gonna use a submersible in future to go down, un-zip it, and bring it up for maintenance. So this is the very last opportunity to see the lake bed dry, (well dry-ish the Nantes / Brest canal still runs through it) You can’t really get a scale for the thing from photo’s, it’s HUGE, but here a few shots of it…
Not sure how many litres it holds full up, but if it was Bolinger instead of water, it would keep Saviem happy for a few years.

Hiya,
I think our Kielder is a bit bigger 44.3 km around but I’ve never walked it.
thanks harry, long retired.

Kielder Water
Reservoir in England
Kielder Water is a large artificial reservoir in Northumberland in North East England. It is the largest artificial lake in the United Kingdom by capacity and it is surrounded by Kielder Forest, the largest man-made woodland in Europe. Wikipedia
Area: 10.86 km²
Length: 9.09 km
Width: 3.2 km
Shore length: 44.3 km
Inflow source: River Tyne
Cheers Dave.

[fergie47]

harry_gill:

Fergie47:
Saw your wagon John, where have you been hiding that, what a fantastic rare ( very rare ) old beast, and that “load” is something else, nice one.

These pics have absolutely nothing to do with French lorries, but it’s a rare opportunity to see beneath the sea so to speak.
Lake Guerlidan is about an hour from us, its around 14 kms long (some lake) and varies in depth and width, its a 40km hike if you want to walk around it. They drain it every 12 / 15 years to inspect / repair the dams and turbines, but this will the last time as whatever they are doing they are modifying it so there will be no need to drain it anymore. The machinery is also going to be modified so its gonna be on Velcro, they’re gonna use a submersible in future to go down, un-zip it, and bring it up for maintenance. So this is the very last opportunity to see the lake bed dry, (well dry-ish the Nantes / Brest canal still runs through it) You can’t really get a scale for the thing from photo’s, it’s HUGE, but here a few shots of it…
Not sure how many litres it holds full up, but if it was Bolinger instead of water, it would keep Saviem happy for a few years.

Hiya,
I think our Kielder is a bit bigger 44.3 km around but I’ve never walked it.
thanks harry, long retired.

Hello H… Do they drain it now and then ?

[harry_gill]

Fergie47:

harry_gill:

Fergie47:
Saw your wagon John, where have you been hiding that, what a fantastic rare ( very rare ) old beast, and that “load” is something else, nice one.

These pics have absolutely nothing to do with French lorries, but it’s a rare opportunity to see beneath the sea so to speak.
Lake Guerlidan is about an hour from us, its around 14 kms long (some lake) and varies in depth and width, its a 40km hike if you want to walk around it. They drain it every 12 / 15 years to inspect / repair the dams and turbines, but this will the last time as whatever they are doing they are modifying it so there will be no need to drain it anymore. The machinery is also going to be modified so its gonna be on Velcro, they’re gonna use a submersible in future to go down, un-zip it, and bring it up for maintenance. So this is the very last opportunity to see the lake bed dry, (well dry-ish the Nantes / Brest canal still runs through it) You can’t really get a scale for the thing from photo’s, it’s HUGE, but here a few shots of it…
Not sure how many litres it holds full up, but if it was Bolinger instead of water, it would keep Saviem happy for a few years.

Hiya,
I think our Kielder is a bit bigger 44.3 km around but I’ve never walked it.
thanks harry, long retired.

Hello H… Do they drain it now and then ?

Hiya,
I only remember the start and finish whether it could be drained or not, or for
that matter it would need to be, my only claim to fame was I attended the
official opening by HM the Queen, but have never been since.
thanks harry, long retired.

[maggied]

harry_gill:

Fergie47:

harry_gill:

Fergie47:
Saw your wagon John, where have you been hiding that, what a fantastic rare ( very rare ) old beast, and that “load” is something else, nice one.

These pics have absolutely nothing to do with French lorries, but it’s a rare opportunity to see beneath the sea so to speak.
Lake Guerlidan is about an hour from us, its around 14 kms long (some lake) and varies in depth and width, its a 40km hike if you want to walk around it. They drain it every 12 / 15 years to inspect / repair the dams and turbines, but this will the last time as whatever they are doing they are modifying it so there will be no need to drain it anymore. The machinery is also going to be modified so its gonna be on Velcro, they’re gonna use a submersible in future to go down, un-zip it, and bring it up for maintenance. So this is the very last opportunity to see the lake bed dry, (well dry-ish the Nantes / Brest canal still runs through it) You can’t really get a scale for the thing from photo’s, it’s HUGE, but here a few shots of it…
Not sure how many litres it holds full up, but if it was Bolinger instead of water, it would keep Saviem happy for a few years.

Hiya,
I think our Kielder is a bit bigger 44.3 km around but I’ve never walked it.
thanks harry, long retired.

Hello H… Do they drain it now and then ?

Hiya,
I only remember the start and finish whether it could be drained or not, or for
that matter it would need to be, my only claim to fame was I attended the
official opening by HM the Queen, but have never been since.
thanks harry, long retired.

Hi Harry,

Was that Queen Victoria ?

Hope you are keeping well and the Malt hasn’t run out

Regards
Richard

[maggied]

Fergie47:
Couple of oldies

Hi Dave,

Great pics keep em coming.

I’ve sent you a pm

Kind regards
Richard

[harry_gill]

hiya,
Still solvent in the cocktail cabinet Richard and still drawing breath, I do
re-call it was Queen Elizabeth up at Kielder complete with the Duke yes
wearing his trademark mucky mac, you thought my memory had gone.
thanks harry, long retired.

[saviem]

Evening all,

Fergie, Lac Guerdilan, now there is an interesting story…

As you say the Nantes - Brest canal runs through it, (and over itself), so to speak.

Post WW11, the French developed a very strong strategy to generate as much own power as possible…wind…tidal barrage…nuclear…(were it that our own UK politicians had such foresight)…but they did not!

The turbines were hauled up by Bourgey -Montreuil chain drive ex USA Surplus Pacific tractors, (still Hall & Scott petrol powered), 6x4s with 120 tonne payloads, with a M26. A1 pushing at the rear. These outfits were known as “Le Grande Cirque”, and they really were…the trailers ran with a three axle jeep dolly, a three axle bogie, and a two axle “lorrie” on F24 rubber to which the pusher unit was coupled.

Supplementary equipment was hauled by Diamond T 981. M20 6x4s, some ■■■■■■■ 220 powered. These were coupled to ex USA Rogers 3 axle drawbar trailers. Some Federal 604 tractors were also used, with new ■■■■■■■ HB 600 power, (all of 150 hp)!!!

These interesting units and trailers were acquired via SNVS, (Service National de Ventes Surplus). One major move included Transports Farcat, and their Gothaer 48 wheeled trailer, again pulled by a PacificTR1. M26. Fuel consumption was so “dramatic” that a Berliet GDRAG drawbar outfit followed behind loaded with drums of petrol for the" thirsty beast".

French Heavy Haulage operations, (because of the dramatic rebuilding “push” post 1945, masterminded by EDF, (Electricitie de France), was a big business, and in terms of vehicle volume far larger than that in the UK,

But like in the UK operators were “inventive”, and created some amazing vehicles and trailers. I have written previously of my friendship with the owners of Transport Mayer of Metz. But I hold great regard for Transports Leyx, (later SCALES, AND SCALEX), STAG, (Societie Transports Automobiles de Genivilliers), and of course the French "Wynns, Dessirier H Zucconi. And I am sure that our friend Sammyopposite must have worked alongside some of these outfits in his career , on EDF, or GEC contracts, alongside some of their GBO, AND TBO Berliet, or Willeme TG powered outfits.

But Fergie, the installation on “your lake”, owes much to those brutal, low powered, low geared, never ever give up, ex US Surplus Pacific Hercules, and ■■■■■■■ powered outfits…and the men who operated them!!!

Thanks for the memories…and those pictures…think about the families who operated those locks…

I shall reflect with a large Bollinger…

Cheerio for now.

[retired_old_fart]

Saviem:
Evening all,

Had a rather enjoyable Sunday outing at the Royal Air force Museum at RAF Cosford on Sunday, at the end of the Gravel Run, and the Shropshire Trundle.

Nice lorries, but more important super “proper” people.

Took along my “new…old girl”…a 1930 Star Flyer…(and she does)!!!

Dave the Renegade, and ROF, have kindly put up some pictures of her and her load, on the Gravel Run, and Welsh Border threads…

But a really great few hours…but these classics of the 70s…well I could go to work in one of those today!

Cheerio for now.

Well, well, mon brave, I hadn’t realised it was you I was talking to about that superb Star Flyer. I had not seen one before, indeed, I had not even heard of the makers. She certainly is a lovely example of a 1930s lorry and is a credit to you and it’s former owners. Have you any history?

[buzzer]

You could tell that Star flyer belonged to Saviem as it had mud all up the wheels so must have done a load of spuds of the field before loading the house hold removal ! Buzzer.

[jazzandy]

Just in case you were worried that I never drove anything French, here’s a photo of an old girl I drove up and down the UK in the mid 70’s giving away free Pernod at county shows, and also touring holiday camps with a disco show for them. Happy days indeed!

[oiltreader]

That is a fine looking wagon Mr Saviem, also thanks to Dave the Renegade for presenting some fine pics of said machine, related adverts which hopefully are of some interest.
Oily

[saviem]

Evening all,

Oilly, those are super old Star advertisments. I`ve one from 1929 in the Commercial Motor, listing the 9 key advantages of running a Star Flyer…Not many were convinced, Star only built 63 in 1930!

Buzzer, she has not, (as yet) been on a spud field…but all the lanes around the farm are a tad “agricultural”, so mud, and marks on the sidewalls are unavoidable. As is meeting the obligatory “Chelsea Tractor” en route to the Barn Conversions, driven forwards with great velocity…and if they have to reverse …into each bank with equal force…(The very competent young lady who drives a rear steer Scania Milk Collection tanker and I often exchange hilarious stories of meeting said “new country people”)…Particularly at weekends!

I have to say your stock looks good , credit to you, did you buy anything at the Carriage sales?

Jazzandy, You really have a distinguished driving career, (and my envy, that you were able to drive one of those RATP Paris buses around). The best I could manage was lounging on the rear “observation deck”…wondering how on earth I could find another to get me back to my digs! How to discover Paris in a panic!!..

Sometimes it was very late when I got home…and my colleagues, the next day attributed my tiredness to suspected “L`amour”…but I knew that it was incompetence in interpretating the bus timetable and routes…But those drivers were never ever as smart as our own British PSV lads…a fact I often stressed in conversation…made me terribly popular!

Tommorow I have to fit the last pane of 4mm glass in the Greenhouse…perhaps a project too far for my skills as a Glazier…my frequent trips to the local glasss supplier seem to keep their staff amused…but its a B… when the dam stuff will not cut cleanly…obviously poor quality glass!

Cheerio for now.

9

[buzzer]

Hi Saviem, did not manage to get what I wanted at Reading carriage sales as a mate of mine started the bidding early on and did not want to bid against him, wish I had now as it is now being retailed by some one else now. The cattle are doing just fine and just three more to calve down. As for the pigs they have been humanely dispatched, three have been butchered and sold on the rest made 570lb of prime sausages as per pictures.
Glad you are taking life a little easier nowadays, as we get older all of us find we just cant do the same jobs with such ease as we once were capable of. Just remember that the Bollinger is for evening consumption, once you start taking a tipple at midday well this really could have bad repercussions, all the best and keep putting those memories on here as you have a great following now, all the best Buzzer.

[jazzandy]

The bus was a Renault TN6F of 1933. Originally it had a Renault six cylinder petrol engine which started on 24 volts and continually flattened batteries. In Paris they started them with a battery pack which got over this problem. Unfortunately we were using it so much that we blew the engine and she was fitted with a Perkins P6 which was a ■■■■ sight noisier but more reliable.
We affectionally called her Ratrap!

[robert1952]

One for ‘Saviem’! Quintessentially French, and of its time. The Bernard is an artic with a tilt. I’ve only scanned a detail because the picture is too big. Robert