Grunty Beddy - 250hp rig...how?

Work this one out.

This Bedford is powered by a Leyland 0400, yet this 'artic and trailer' rig developed nearly 250hp way back in '65, how did they do it?

Look hard at the pic, there are clues...

Ringfeder on the front and 250 hp KW on the front with a stiff bar

Powered trailer I reckon....no other reason to have a fuel tank on the trailer

It must be a powered trailer, question is how did they control it ? A lot of Kiwi trucks had tow couplings up front for shunting trailers into a tight spot.

Too easy for you guys, there's a Thames Trader Diesel mounted between the chassis rails of the trailer, with a twin disc torque converter and 2 speed auto.

In the cab was an extra instrument binnacle with rev counter, thottle toggle, start key etc. There were micro switches on the throttle and clutch to control the trailer engine speed.

Apparently the pluses were;
A tight turning circle because the trailer engine could push the rig. It was easy to back, just line the rig up and use the trailer engine to pull the rig backwards.
If the truck broke down the trailer could push you home.

The main drawback was trouble with the many solenoids because the trailer engine was close to the road, most of which were gravel, so dusty when dry and mucky when wet.

More powerful trucks pretty much spelled the end of the powered trailer concept...

Howdy Bruce,

Powertrans have been operating powered trailers in the North of WA for a few years using a Cummins combination system.
Cummins and Allison auto in the third trailer hooked up electronically with the tug.
Cool to watch taking off with smoke coming out of the trailer exhaust...if you dont know the setup its a real "what tha...."
Detroit are now joining in.. www.mtudda.com.au/index.php?id=33&item=143#d

Basil

Hi Basil,

There ya go, can't keep a good idea down!

I think the concept actually originated in Canada for powering logging trailers and the idea was picked by a visiting kiwi.

I reckon modern day electronics and fly by wire will make the concept much more practical these days than back in'65

Pretty sure that trailer killed a driver when it failed to decellerate in a bend on a gravel road.
Transport North Canterbury was a very innovative company.

I'm new and I know this is an old thread but, is there a second 400 motor in the rear trailer and if so, how is it controlled.