Commer Car 3 or 4 Ton Truck - WW1 Ambulance

**airdave** · #1 02-08-2015, 05:19 PM

This is a request for help to find the research,
rather than an actual "design" request.
I hope thats okay here?

I am starting a new project once I find the necessary research material.

Basically I need to learn more about the Commer Car RC 4 Ton Truck
(I think the 3 Ton RC is pretty much the same)
Weight designation is usually load capacity affected by the rear springs and axle.

Anyway, my project is a large scale World War 1 Horse Ambulance.
And I have chosen specifically the Commer Car Ambulance.
Built by Osborn & Co. of London, there were only four of these side loading Horse Ambulances.

I like the simplicity of the Box...the handpainted lettering on the sides...
and the solid wheels.
I also think the Commer Car is kind of cool looking.

This is a 3 Ton RC with a Bus Body.

I've already collected a number of photos and some drawings,
but I am looking for something better.
Plans or actual diagrams of the chassis would be good.
As would actual photos of parts...maybe from a restoration?

I don't need pics of the Horse Ambulance thanks.

And no, I am not interested in the RSPCA Ambulance or the Thorneycroft Swiveling Box Horse Ambulance.

**whulsey** · #2 02-08-2015, 05:41 PM

Hey went digging a bit. Do you have this? Commer Horse ambulance - Landships WW1 Forum

There's a side and overhead drawing of chassis and a photo of the horse ambulance a couple of post further down. Will keep digging.

**airdave** · #3 02-08-2015, 05:52 PM

I have been posting in that thread.

I have everything from that forum thread,
and from the guy who started that thread
and from the guy on AirfixTribute Forum who scratchbuilt a Commer Horse Ambulance.

I have also been to the Commer car website...got some detailed diagrams of engine, transmission and drivetrain.

I really need the RC Truck chassis itself.
The frame layout, suspension, etc.

**whulsey** · #4 02-08-2015, 06:04 PM

Oops, guess you started that thread. Here's the only thing else I've come across: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brizzle...n/photostream/

Its a WW1 period street photo with a Commer.

**airdave** · #5 02-08-2015, 06:12 PM

Not helpful... but that guy has got some fantastic in his collection!
Thank you for showing me that.
I'll have to go through his albums.

woohoo I love old photos!

**whulsey** · #6 02-08-2015, 06:45 PM

Not to be a downer, but your best bet is if you know someone in England that could get access to the bus and stick a camera under it. It seems that the owner brings it out to a lot of shows.

**airdave** · #7 02-08-2015, 10:10 PM

agreed

I already did some hunting with regard to that Bus.
But I have yet to determine the owners name or how to reach them.
I figured maybe there might be some restoration photos.
Keeping in mind that it was restored back pre-digital camera,
so the odds of a set of restoration photos aren't so good.

But if I could find out the owner, and where the Bus was kept,
maybe I could still get some photos.

**Karl** · #8 02-09-2015, 01:03 AM

Try contacting IWM Land warfare museum.

Land Warfare | Imperial War Museums

Although they do not appear to have one on show I do know they have a huge archive of documentation and photographs that may cover what you need.

**airdave** · #9 02-09-2015, 08:04 AM

Thanks Karl, I will contact them.

However, my past experience has proven that the Museums like to charge you hefty fees for single archive photos and other info. Its not always a rewarding effort.

**Don Boose** · #10 02-09-2015, 08:10 AM

Another excellent project, Dave. I regret that I have nothing useful to contribute about the appearance, construction, and history of this good-looking vehicle, but I wish you well and look forward to watching the project develop.

Don