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The next major vehicle project that WITPG proposes to undertake is the renovation of an ex-military Bedford TL
6-wheel tipper, registration number C137 VOY, which had been donated to the
Group by contractors Angus MacDonald Plant Hire (known locally as ‘Furan’).
When the firm purchased the Bedford TL, second-hand, it was suggested that
it was a very rare model – one of only two operational TLs in Britain.
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After working on various
contracts throughout the island, the engine eventually blew and it stood
outside Angus MacDonald’s garage in Back, Lewis, for some time (where it
is shown in the photograph). Currently it is lying in Upper Coll,
Lewis, though local contractors Duncan Mackay & Sons have kindly offered
temporary storage for it at their yard in Parkend near Stornoway, where
it will be taken in due course.
The
Bedford TL outside Macdonald’s Garage |
Recognising its rarity and
the importance of securing the survival of the Bedford TL in this country,
the Western Isles Transport Preservation Group is proposing to carry out
substantial renovation work to the vehicle, which it is estimated may cost
up to £40,000. The Group are currently drawing up a Heritage Lottery
funding application for this purpose and will also be looking at other
initiatives to help support this worthwhile project.
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Since these photographs were
taken, the vehicle has unfortunately depreciated significantly, and it
is becoming increasingly important that we now arrest this decline as
soon as possible and bring the lorry back to full working order so that
this rare Bedford can continue to be enjoyed by plant and transport
enthusiasts.
The red Bedford TL 3-axle
is shown here at work on the new
sports
running track in Stornoway
in 1996. |
The proposed work will
include: replacing the engine; reconditioning the gearbox; providing a new
brakes system; fitting a new cab; obtaining a replacement tipping box; and
purchasing a set of 10 new tyres.
If anyone has further
information on this vehicle (C137 VOY), or indeed on any other surviving
Bedford TLs, we would be very happy to hear from you. Equally, if you are
able to support the project in any capacity, please get in touch by emailing
us at:
witpg@aol.com |
