07-Mar-2008, 10:19 AM
Jim, I mention the HS 1500 because at the end of the Centurian Seven contract the MOS placed the HS1500 order with Leylands, I believe for a substantial number of units.
The idea was that the vehicle comprised a power unit which was detatchable by the 32 bolts and bayonet type connectors. The front units were compatible and of various types - Grenade Launcher - Post Office - Machine Gun Unit - Workshop etc. The thinking was that, under battle conditions, a rear drive unit could be substituted onto any disabled vehicle. If a Launcher lost its power unit, one could be taken from , say the Cooking Unit, to restore its mobility. and so on.
I don`t know what the final outcome was for the contract. Shortly after that the factory was offered for sale, and was bought back by Leylands, creating on its way a number of problems due to duplication of departments and personnel.
At that point I became involved in the establishment of the Engine Factory from Northgate to Spurrier Works - but thats another story.
The idea was that the vehicle comprised a power unit which was detatchable by the 32 bolts and bayonet type connectors. The front units were compatible and of various types - Grenade Launcher - Post Office - Machine Gun Unit - Workshop etc. The thinking was that, under battle conditions, a rear drive unit could be substituted onto any disabled vehicle. If a Launcher lost its power unit, one could be taken from , say the Cooking Unit, to restore its mobility. and so on.
I don`t know what the final outcome was for the contract. Shortly after that the factory was offered for sale, and was bought back by Leylands, creating on its way a number of problems due to duplication of departments and personnel.
At that point I became involved in the establishment of the Engine Factory from Northgate to Spurrier Works - but thats another story.