Scammel Pioneer Tank Transporter with TRCU30 Trailer

IBG 1/72

The Scammell Pioneer was a British 6×4tractor unit used in World War II as an artillery tractor, recovery vehicle and tank transporter.

Tank transporter

Delivery of a production tank transporter
did not begin until 1937. This was equipped with a longer wheelbase for
an extended cab to accommodate the tank crew as passengers and larger
rear wheels than the artillery tractor and recovery vehicle variants. It
was designated Pioneer TRCU20.

20- and 30-ton (Pioneer TRMU30/TRCU30) tractor/trailer
combinations were delivered. In both cases, the trailer was more-or-less
fixed to the tractor, not demountable like modern semi-trailer trucks.
Hinged ramps were used to get the tank onto the trailer; if the tank
was immobilised, it could be pulled onto the trailer with the tractor
unit's winch.

Pioneer tractor/trailer combinations proved too tall to carry
higher profile US tanks under some British bridges, resulting in their
being superseded by the American Diamond T tank transporter from 1941 on. Despite this, it remained in production throughout the war, with 459 being produced. As a result of their tall profile the trailers proved undesirable
postwar and most were scrapped; the tractors were retained for use with
other trailers or sold into civilian use