5thwheel:
What was the final curtain for Smith’s an why did they close ? Bewick
Hi Fergie I was just sitting here wi a wee dram waiting to see what Santy is going to leave me !! and I was wondering well when did SOM finally finish and what was the final wind down period --notice given to the staff ect. & so on . All the Best Bewick.
Bewick. Enjoy your wee dram, and have another on me !!!
Really not sure about the answer to that, I left in the mid '70’s and it was still going strong then. Hopefully someone will come along with a definate finish time.
Happy new year, steady on the drams !!!
Hi all, like Fergie47 ( Hi Dave ) i too worked for Smiths out of Southampton for a few years in the early 70,s
What a great company to work for. It was only my 2nd driving job having got my HGV licence in 1971. ( and still doing it )
When sent to Scotch for the first time in my Big J with a 180 Gardner, i felt as if i was going to burst with pride.
Merry christmas to you all.
5thwheel:
What was the final curtain for Smith’s an why did they close ? Bewick
Hi Fergie I was just sitting here wi a wee dram waiting to see what Santy is going to leave me !! and I was wondering well when did SOM finally finish and what was the final wind down period --notice given to the staff ect. & so on . All the Best Bewick.
Bewick. Enjoy your wee dram, and have another on me !!!
Really not sure about the answer to that, I left in the mid '70’s and it was still going strong then. Hopefully someone will come along with a definate finish time.
Happy new year, steady on the drams !!!
Hi Fergie have you had a nice Christmas ? This Conermara Irish whisky sure warms the cockles !!! Next question on SOM — Did they take deliveries of Big Js right up until production ceased at Fallings Park ? An earlier thread referred to leaving Southampton in a Big J with a Gardner 180 Lxb ! I always seemed to re-call SOM Big Js being fitted with ■■■■■■■ engines ! All the Best for 2010 Bewick.
Hi Bewick, Smiths had a mixed fleet in Southampton. Most of the Guys had ■■■■■■■ engines and some had the Gardner.
We also had some ERF,s and i,m sure they had 240 Gardners in them. ( Used to smoke like hell on a cold morning )
Fergie47…Dave do you remember the one ERF rigid in Soton, i,m sure that had a 120 (did they do one?) or 150 Gardner,
Tony.
We at Manchester SoM,had a mixed bag of engined Guy’s,although most were indeed 240 Gardners,although we had 2 or 3 Guy’s that were 120 Gardners on contract to OCL containers,painted in white and pale blue,what terrible machines,that A74 never seemed to end they were so slow,50 MPH was max speed if I remember!!
I remember Harold Gilmore[Manchester Manager] driving me over to Newton Le Willows Branch to collect a new motor being brought down piggy back from Falkirk,I had only started with them a week earlier[having left Humber McVeighs @ Salford],it was a Big J with a 240 in it,I drove it back to Manchester,what a flying machine,I had never experienced so much power having had a 150 Atki @ HMcVeigh’s,a great machine,and to top it all the new Guy was given to me as my motor on nights,Falkirk and back,5 nights a week,before coming off nights I ended up with a 240 engined ERF,far more comfort than the Guy.
When I went tramping,I lost the ERF and was given a Guy 220 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ a Fuller splitter box,another flying machine! great days!!
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all Forum members!
Nights to Falkirk David, that would have been to B.A then aye ■■
I did a very short spell on nights out of Southampton doing a change over at Aldrige depot.
Was tramping most of the time leaving Soton. with ISR, the Cape fruit out of the docks and Guernsey tomatoes out of Weymouth,
which we used to load and go to Scotch with on a Saturday,stopping overnight at Penkridge or Newton Le Willows.
Usually tipped Glasgow or Newbridge, then to Maddiston and maybe spend a day or two loading trailers for the trunks out of
Grangemouth.
Finally used to get a load home,only to get it nicked from us at Newton depot ( for their trunk )when calling in for Diesel.
Great days and a great experience for me as a novice as i was then.
Happy new year to you all.
Mappo : I remember seeing Smith’s motors around Aldridge, but can’t recall where there depot was. Do you still remember? I always liked their livery though, not too flash, yet striking. I put this model in a diorama I am building, based in the Thames Valley area, but with a bit of “poetic licence” they could have been passing through!
Nice ERF,I dont know how exact you modellers are,only the fuel tanks and chassis should be painted in red[same as road wheels],likewise the trailer chassis
Hi 5thwheel It was me (BigG-Unit) not Mappo that posted the model. Please don’t take Mappo to task, he gets enough stick on the Southampton thread, poor chap. Thanks for pointing out the wrong paintwork, something I had not realised. The model is as bought, made by Lledo, so it,s as it came. I do a bit of chopping on some models, later cabs, different liveries and so on, but they are part of an overall project. I am building a diorama depicting rail and road traffic at the end of the '60s…ish, an interesting period (I thought) decline of rail to road, etc. Think I might have bit off more than I can chew though! as I’ve been trying now for about 4 years, and seem to have less spare time now than ever! So I personally am only looking for a general overall view, but I know proper modelers have very strong feelings on detail. That said, I think this particular problem should be rectified and will bare it in mind to do at some time in the future. Thanks again for your input I do appreciate people passing on their knowledge, in fact it was when searching for info that I came upon this sight in the first place.
We at Manchester SoM,had a mixed bag of engined Guy’s,although most were indeed 240 Gardners,although we had 2 or 3 Guy’s that were 120 Gardners on contract to OCL containers,painted in white and pale blue,what terrible machines,that A74 never seemed to end they were so slow,50 MPH was max speed if I remember!!
I remember Harold Gilmore[Manchester Manager] driving me over to Newton Le Willows Branch to collect a new motor being brought down piggy back from Falkirk,I had only started with them a week earlier[having left Humber McVeighs @ Salford],it was a Big J with a 240 in it,I drove it back to Manchester,what a flying machine,I had never experienced so much power having had a 150 Atki @ HMcVeigh’s,a great machine,and to top it all the new Guy was given to me as my motor on nights,Falkirk and back,5 nights a week,before coming off nights I ended up with a 240 engined ERF,far more comfort than the Guy.
When I went tramping,I lost the ERF and was given a Guy 220 ■■■■■■■■■■■■ a Fuller splitter box,another flying machine! great days!!
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all Forum members!
Rgds,
David
Happy Christmas 5th Wheel but with regard to 8Lxbs in Big Js !are you sure you haven’t been on the Easy Start ? Smiths were a United Group co. in their latter years and they woudn’t have been willing to have paid a premium for a Gardner 8 cyl when a ■■■■■■■ 220 would do the same job ! and also the 9ft 6ins wheelbase of the Guy did not lend itself to the ideal chassis for that engine although I did see a Seddon tractor 32:4 fitted with an 8lxbI never saw a Guy but I could be 100% wrong ! As for a 120 Gardner in an ERF tractor !!! New can of WD40 please !!! LX150 Yes but not a 120 !! they were 16ton GVW rigid engines!!! Don’t take the criticism personal like ! I am only stimulating healthy debate ---- Maybe an ex SOM engineer or an ex Guy chap could clarify !!! All the best for 2010 Bewick.
BigG-unit…Hi mate, glad to see that someone recognises the hard time i sometimes get on the
Soton. thread.
Regarding Smiths Aldridge depot it was on Redhouse Industrial Estate off Middlemoor lane i think,
i,m sure that others will confirm.
I appreciate that you did,nt make that model but it definitely needs a cross over the front of the sheet.
It also and more importantly needs a fly sheet on mate. Not quite a sackable offence, but almost.
Good luck with your project
Tony
BigG-Unit:
Hi 5thwheel It was me (BigG-Unit) not Mappo that posted the model. Please don’t take Mappo to task, he gets enough stick on the Southampton thread, poor chap. Thanks for pointing out the wrong paintwork, something I had not realised. The model is as bought, made by Lledo, so it,s as it came. I do a bit of chopping on some models, later cabs, different liveries and so on, but they are part of an overall project. I am building a diorama depicting rail and road traffic at the end of the '60s…ish, an interesting period (I thought) decline of rail to road, etc. Think I might have bit off more than I can chew though! as I’ve been trying now for about 4 years, and seem to have less spare time now than ever! So I personally am only looking for a general overall view, but I know proper modelers have very strong feelings on detail. That said, I think this particular problem should be rectified and will bare it in mind to do at some time in the future. Thanks again for your input I do appreciate people passing on their knowledge, in fact it was when searching for info that I came upon this sight in the first place.
This motor needs tipping and re-loading with 2 ten ton coils ex Gartcosh !!! cheers Bewick.
BigG-Unit:
Hi 5thwheel It was me (BigG-Unit) not Mappo that posted the model. Please don’t take Mappo to task, he gets enough stick on the Southampton thread, poor chap. Thanks for pointing out the wrong paintwork, something I had not realised. The model is as bought, made by Lledo, so it,s as it came. I do a bit of chopping on some models, later cabs, different liveries and so on, but they are part of an overall project. I am building a diorama depicting rail and road traffic at the end of the '60s…ish, an interesting period (I thought) decline of rail to road, etc. Think I might have bit off more than I can chew though! as I’ve been trying now for about 4 years, and seem to have less spare time now than ever! So I personally am only looking for a general overall view, but I know proper modelers have very strong feelings on detail. That said, I think this particular problem should be rectified and will bare it in mind to do at some time in the future. Thanks again for your input I do appreciate people passing on their knowledge, in fact it was when searching for info that I came upon this sight in the first place.
This motor needs tipping and re-loading with 2 ten ton coils ex Gartcosh !!! cheers Bewick.
BigG-Unit:
Hi 5thwheel It was me (BigG-Unit) not Mappo that posted the model. Please don’t take Mappo to task, he gets enough stick on the Southampton thread, poor chap. Thanks for pointing out the wrong paintwork, something I had not realised. The model is as bought, made by Lledo, so it,s as it came. I do a bit of chopping on some models, later cabs, different liveries and so on, but they are part of an overall project. I am building a diorama depicting rail and road traffic at the end of the '60s…ish, an interesting period (I thought) decline of rail to road, etc. Think I might have bit off more than I can chew though! as I’ve been trying now for about 4 years, and seem to have less spare time now than ever! So I personally am only looking for a general overall view, but I know proper modelers have very strong feelings on detail. That said, I think this particular problem should be rectified and will bare it in mind to do at some time in the future. Thanks again for your input I do appreciate people passing on their knowledge, in fact it was when searching for info that I came upon this sight in the first place.
This motor needs tipping and re-loading with 2 ten ton coils ex Gartcosh !!! cheers Bewick.
BigG-Unit:
Hi 5thwheel It was me (BigG-Unit) not Mappo that posted the model. Please don’t take Mappo to task, he gets enough stick on the Southampton thread, poor chap. Thanks for pointing out the wrong paintwork, something I had not realised. The model is as bought, made by Lledo, so it,s as it came. I do a bit of chopping on some models, later cabs, different liveries and so on, but they are part of an overall project. I am building a diorama depicting rail and road traffic at the end of the '60s…ish, an interesting period (I thought) decline of rail to road, etc. Think I might have bit off more than I can chew though! as I’ve been trying now for about 4 years, and seem to have less spare time now than ever! So I personally am only looking for a general overall view, but I know proper modelers have very strong feelings on detail. That said, I think this particular problem should be rectified and will bare it in mind to do at some time in the future. Thanks again for your input I do appreciate people passing on their knowledge, in fact it was when searching for info that I came upon this sight in the first place.
This motor needs tipping and re-loading with 2 ten ton coils ex Gartcosh !!! cheers Bewick.
BigG-Unit:
Hi 5thwheel It was me (BigG-Unit) not Mappo that posted the model. Please don’t take Mappo to task, he gets enough stick on the Southampton thread, poor chap. Thanks for pointing out the wrong paintwork, something I had not realised. The model is as bought, made by Lledo, so it,s as it came. I do a bit of chopping on some models, later cabs, different liveries and so on, but they are part of an overall project. I am building a diorama depicting rail and road traffic at the end of the '60s…ish, an interesting period (I thought) decline of rail to road, etc. Think I might have bit off more than I can chew though! as I’ve been trying now for about 4 years, and seem to have less spare time now than ever! So I personally am only looking for a general overall view, but I know proper modelers have very strong feelings on detail. That said, I think this particular problem should be rectified and will bare it in mind to do at some time in the future. Thanks again for your input I do appreciate people passing on their knowledge, in fact it was when searching for info that I came upon this sight in the first place.
This motor needs tipping and re-loading with 2 ten ton coils ex Gartcosh !!! cheers Bewick.
BigG-Unit:
Hi 5thwheel It was me (BigG-Unit) not Mappo that posted the model. Please don’t take Mappo to task, he gets enough stick on the Southampton thread, poor chap. Thanks for pointing out the wrong paintwork, something I had not realised. The model is as bought, made by Lledo, so it,s as it came. I do a bit of chopping on some models, later cabs, different liveries and so on, but they are part of an overall project. I am building a diorama depicting rail and road traffic at the end of the '60s…ish, an interesting period (I thought) decline of rail to road, etc. Think I might have bit off more than I can chew though! as I’ve been trying now for about 4 years, and seem to have less spare time now than ever! So I personally am only looking for a general overall view, but I know proper modelers have very strong feelings on detail. That said, I think this particular problem should be rectified and will bare it in mind to do at some time in the future. Thanks again for your input I do appreciate people passing on their knowledge, in fact it was when searching for info that I came upon this sight in the first place.
This motor needs tipping and re-loading with 2 ten ton coils ex Gartcosh !!! cheers Bewick.
BigG-Unit:
Hi 5thwheel It was me (BigG-Unit) not Mappo that posted the model. Please don’t take Mappo to task, he gets enough stick on the Southampton thread, poor chap. Thanks for pointing out the wrong paintwork, something I had not realised. The model is as bought, made by Lledo, so it,s as it came. I do a bit of chopping on some models, later cabs, different liveries and so on, but they are part of an overall project. I am building a diorama depicting rail and road traffic at the end of the '60s…ish, an interesting period (I thought) decline of rail to road, etc. Think I might have bit off more than I can chew though! as I’ve been trying now for about 4 years, and seem to have less spare time now than ever! So I personally am only looking for a general overall view, but I know proper modelers have very strong feelings on detail. That said, I think this particular problem should be rectified and will bare it in mind to do at some time in the future. Thanks again for your input I do appreciate people passing on their knowledge, in fact it was when searching for info that I came upon this sight in the first place.
This motor needs tipping and re-loading with 2 ten ton coils ex Gartcosh !!! cheers Bewick.
I always liked their livery though, not too flash, yet striking. I put this model in a diorama I am building, based in the Thames Valley area, but with a bit of “poetic licence” they could have been passing through! 
So I personally am only looking for a general overall view, but I know proper modelers have very strong feelings on detail. That said, I think this particular problem should be rectified and will bare it in mind to do at some time in the future. Thanks again for your input I do appreciate people passing on their knowledge, in fact it was when searching for info that I came upon this sight in the first place. 