In 1934 AEC added an “auxiliary axle” to their six-wheeler goods model to increase the lorry’s payload and the archetypal British heavy goods vehicle was born.
With a lightweight platform body and Duramin cab the Mk II Mammoth Major which superseded the Mk I in 1935 could carry a legal payload of 16 tons which expressed as a percentage of its gross weight is 73%—————————the very latest modern artic might just achieve a ratio of 68% so modern day engineers have still some way to go to match what was accomplished by AEC over 70 years ago!
Sixteen tons of housebricks works out at about 8,000 bricks all loaded and unloaded by hand, no wonder people were fitter in those days.
The original painting in oils on 20″×30″ canvas was painted over twenty years ago for my first transport calendar and then sold to an AEC enthusiast.
A painting like this of your favourite vehicle, British or American, in oils on canvas or board would cost about £1500.
E-mail mike@transportartist .co.uk to commission your own unique work of art by one of Britain’s leading transport artists.
Another fantastic piece Mike. I like the slightly looser feel in the background of this one which seems to give it a nice foggy day vibe. Incredible work.
Hi Ken you’re right if I painted this today it would turn out quite different.
Comments
Super work. The AEC’s were (and still are) my favorite chassis
yes, remember seeing these trundling around when I was a lad! great painting.
I know, it seems like yesterday mate.
– Mike Jeffries
Excellent work Mike
Thank you Steve I’m glad you like it.
– Mike Jeffries
Another fantastic piece Mike. I like the slightly looser feel in the background of this one which seems to give it a nice foggy day vibe. Incredible work.
Hi Ken you’re right if I painted this today it would turn out quite different.
– Mike Jeffries
Excellent painting Mike, I remember these too. – Ted
They were SOME machine, two gearsticks which were used like a modern splitter box but both sliding mesh crash- boxes.
– Mike Jeffries
Ground transportation vehicles built prior to and including 1949
Your cohosts Cee and Chris
Love your picture, brings back great memories!