The era of the solid-tyre vehicle is perhaps the most exciting period of road transport.

It encompasses the development of the motor vehicle from the horse-drawn cart to the Scammell 100-Tonner of 1929.

1900 to 1925 provided the transition from horse and steam to internal combustion and the development and establishment of the motor industry.

The Great War of 1914/18 was the first war to utilise motor lorries in any number, following the use of a few steamers in the Boer War and provided the surplus vehicles and skills that were to provide the backbone of the modern road transport industry.

It is also a period difficult to research. Many records were lost with company take-overs, particularly nationalisation and company closures. Photography was rare compared to today and lorries were not seen as particularly photogenic, so few records survive.

Any help from individuals or companies, whether own-account or hire and reward, with unearthing records, photographs, postcards or information regarding this period of lorry and transport development would be much appreciated.

CONTENTS

The First World War

The War Office Subsidy Schemes

History of a Leyland RAF Type

Scammell 100-Tonner

Travelling Workshops

Holt Caterpillars

Origins of Bulk Milk by Road

Ole Bill

(more to follow)