When it comes to the history of ultra-heavy haulage in the UK, the number six has often had some significance. In the immediate post-war period, Wynns infamously rebuilt six ex-military Pacific M26 ‘Dragon Wagons’ as heavy prime movers. These were to have a major impact, both visual and functional, on the heavy haulage that was required to rebuild the country after the conflict. Then, in the late 1970s, Scammell produced six Mark 2 Contractors, with pivotal design input from Stan Anderson, Wynns’ chief fleet engineer at the time. Again these gave – and, in some cases, still provide – sterling service, with many anecdotal accounts of moving gross weights that far exceed the design ratings.

Fast-forward to the present day, and we are witnessing an example of a premier transport engineering company building, in house, six specialist prime movers (Trojan) to meet the specific needs which are unique to this industry. ALE, the Hixon, Stafford-based heavy transportation and engineering company has just revealed to the public its latest solution for providing traction for moving massive, indivisible loads for the foreseeable future.