.
This youtube album of BRS pics on Middle-East work might go some way to explaining the day-cabbed BRS Crusaders in Tehran further up this page:
Back then we were being asked to Back British
I really tried, I looked at Crusaders & Marathons and although they were cheap as chips compared to a good motor, it just didn’t make sense as an owner-driver to trust them.
For Example, the Middle East Spec 6x4 Marathon I had specced up after visits to Southall to see all the options was £8,000 in 75/76
The LHD V10 LPS Merc with the 320bhp motor on an M plate was £12,000, a third more money but in reality worth every penny as nothing ever failed and I never ever worried about breaking down, and no comparison on build quality.
My current car a 1989 C230 Kompressor Merc is similar, over 30 years old but can’t think of anything to replace it with that would improve my driving experience
whisperingsmith:
Back then we were being asked to Back British
I really tried, I looked at Crusaders & Marathons and although they were cheap as chips compared to a good motor, it just didn’t make sense as an owner-driver to trust them.
For Example, the Middle East Spec 6x4 Marathon I had specced up after visits to Southall to see all the options was £8,000 in 75/76
The LHD V10 LPS Merc with the 320bhp motor on an M plate was £12,000, a third more money but in reality worth every penny as nothing ever failed and I never ever worried about breaking down, and no comparison on build quality.My current car a 1989 C230 Kompressor Merc is similar, over 30 years old but can’t think of anything to replace it with that would improve my driving experience
Fair comment. Mercs were often criticised for their performance in those days but they were known to be very reliable. Crusaders were not that reliable, if the accounts on this forum are to be believed. It was Rolls Royce Eagle that let it down I think. If Scammell had put a ■■■■■■■ in it from the start, instead of the Detroit followed by the Rolls it might have been a different story. Your Merc still had 40 bhp more for a start! And it had LHD which is a significant advantage on M/E work (try driving from Ankara to Pozanti with a RHD - can’t see to overtake!) whereas you could only have a LHD Crusader in 6x4 configuration. As for the car: well, I drive a BMW, my Maxi having broken down in '83.
ERF-NGC-European:
“whisperingsmith” Back then we were being asked to Back British
I really tried, I looked at Crusaders & Marathons and although they were cheap as chips compared to a good motor, it just didn’t make sense as an owner-driver to trust them.
For Example, the Middle East Spec 6x4 Marathon I had specced up after visits to Southall to see all the options was £8,000 in 75/76
The LHD V10 LPS Merc with the 320bhp motor on an M plate was £12,000, a third more money but in reality worth every penny as nothing ever failed and I never ever worried about breaking down, and no comparison on build quality.My current car a 1989 C230 Kompressor Merc is similar, over 30 years old but can’t think of anything to replace it with that would improve my driving experience
Fair comment. Mercs were often criticised for their performance in those days but they were known to be very reliable. Crusaders were not that reliable, if the accounts on this forum are to be believed. It was Rolls Royce Eagle that let it down I think. If Scammell had put a ■■■■■■■ in it from the start, instead of the Detroit followed by the Rolls it might have been a different story. Your Merc still had 40 bhp more for a start! And it had LHD which is a significant advantage on M/E work (try driving from Ankara to Pozanti with a RHD - can’t see to overtake!) whereas you could only have a LHD Crusader in 6x4 configuration. As for the car: well, I drive a BMW, my Maxi having broken down in '83.
Very odd that Scammell never built the Crusader with a tilting cab. Must have been a nightmare to work on if you had a breakdown.
Intresting comments “whisperingsmith” about the Merc that V10 was a powerhouse back then.
DEANB:
ERF-NGC-European:
“whisperingsmith” Back then we were being asked to Back British
I really tried, I looked at Crusaders & Marathons and although they were cheap as chips compared to a good motor, it just didn’t make sense as an owner-driver to trust them.
For Example, the Middle East Spec 6x4 Marathon I had specced up after visits to Southall to see all the options was £8,000 in 75/76
The LHD V10 LPS Merc with the 320bhp motor on an M plate was £12,000, a third more money but in reality worth every penny as nothing ever failed and I never ever worried about breaking down, and no comparison on build quality.My current car a 1989 C230 Kompressor Merc is similar, over 30 years old but can’t think of anything to replace it with that would improve my driving experience
Fair comment. Mercs were often criticised for their performance in those days but they were known to be very reliable. Crusaders were not that reliable, if the accounts on this forum are to be believed. It was Rolls Royce Eagle that let it down I think. If Scammell had put a ■■■■■■■ in it from the start, instead of the Detroit followed by the Rolls it might have been a different story. Your Merc still had 40 bhp more for a start! And it had LHD which is a significant advantage on M/E work (try driving from Ankara to Pozanti with a RHD - can’t see to overtake!) whereas you could only have a LHD Crusader in 6x4 configuration. As for the car: well, I drive a BMW, my Maxi having broken down in '83.
Very odd that Scammell never built the Crusader with a tilting cab. Must have been a nightmare to work on if you had a breakdown.
Intresting comments “whisperingsmith” about the Merc that V10 was a powerhouse back then.
Apparently, the swing-out radiator on the Crusader gave surprisingly good access by some accounts. The Military put up with them so they can’t have been too bad. The chassis were over-engineered if anything, being Scammells so from the waist down they would have been up to desert bashing.
ERF-NGC-European:
DEANB:
ERF-NGC-European:
“whisperingsmith” Back then we were being asked to Back British
I really tried, I looked at Crusaders & Marathons and although they were cheap as chips compared to a good motor, it just didn’t make sense as an owner-driver to trust them.
For Example, the Middle East Spec 6x4 Marathon I had specced up after visits to Southall to see all the options was £8,000 in 75/76
The LHD V10 LPS Merc with the 320bhp motor on an M plate was £12,000, a third more money but in reality worth every penny as nothing ever failed and I never ever worried about breaking down, and no comparison on build quality.My current car a 1989 C230 Kompressor Merc is similar, over 30 years old but can’t think of anything to replace it with that would improve my driving experience
Fair comment. Mercs were often criticised for their performance in those days but they were known to be very reliable. Crusaders were not that reliable, if the accounts on this forum are to be believed. It was Rolls Royce Eagle that let it down I think. If Scammell had put a ■■■■■■■ in it from the start, instead of the Detroit followed by the Rolls it might have been a different story. Your Merc still had 40 bhp more for a start! And it had LHD which is a significant advantage on M/E work (try driving from Ankara to Pozanti with a RHD - can’t see to overtake!) whereas you could only have a LHD Crusader in 6x4 configuration. As for the car: well, I drive a BMW, my Maxi having broken down in '83.
Very odd that Scammell never built the Crusader with a tilting cab. Must have been a nightmare to work on if you had a breakdown.
Intresting comments “whisperingsmith” about the Merc that V10 was a powerhouse back then.
Apparently, the swing-out radiator on the Crusader gave surprisingly good access by some accounts. The Military put up with them so they can’t have been too bad. The chassis were over-engineered if anything, being Scammells so from the waist down they would have been up to desert bashing.
Not convinced the Military would worry about downtime /ease of access for major service/overhaul?
essexpete:
ERF-NGC-European:
DEANB:
ERF-NGC-European:
“whisperingsmith” Back then we were being asked to Back British
I really tried, I looked at Crusaders & Marathons and although they were cheap as chips compared to a good motor, it just didn’t make sense as an owner-driver to trust them.
For Example, the Middle East Spec 6x4 Marathon I had specced up after visits to Southall to see all the options was £8,000 in 75/76
The LHD V10 LPS Merc with the 320bhp motor on an M plate was £12,000, a third more money but in reality worth every penny as nothing ever failed and I never ever worried about breaking down, and no comparison on build quality.My current car a 1989 C230 Kompressor Merc is similar, over 30 years old but can’t think of anything to replace it with that would improve my driving experience
Fair comment. Mercs were often criticised for their performance in those days but they were known to be very reliable. Crusaders were not that reliable, if the accounts on this forum are to be believed. It was Rolls Royce Eagle that let it down I think. If Scammell had put a ■■■■■■■ in it from the start, instead of the Detroit followed by the Rolls it might have been a different story. Your Merc still had 40 bhp more for a start! And it had LHD which is a significant advantage on M/E work (try driving from Ankara to Pozanti with a RHD - can’t see to overtake!) whereas you could only have a LHD Crusader in 6x4 configuration. As for the car: well, I drive a BMW, my Maxi having broken down in '83.
Very odd that Scammell never built the Crusader with a tilting cab. Must have been a nightmare to work on if you had a breakdown.
Intresting comments “whisperingsmith” about the Merc that V10 was a powerhouse back then.
Apparently, the swing-out radiator on the Crusader gave surprisingly good access by some accounts. The Military put up with them so they can’t have been too bad. The chassis were over-engineered if anything, being Scammells so from the waist down they would have been up to desert bashing.
Not convinced the Military would worry about downtime /ease of access for major service/overhaul?
Point taken. But they should have been, considering that it was tax-payers’ money they were squandering!
vwvanman0:
0From a fb middle east group, lone crusader with some Europeans.
Steve
Good pic. 
I wonder who operated it.
Apparently this one did Middle East too. It’s a late Crusader (on a V-plate) with a relatively late 12m tilt (tri-axle with side bars) so it could well have been performing well into the '80s. Do we know who operated it?
Ps spot the Scania visor 
mother trucker:
S J BECKWITH CHELMSFORD ran a few,a lot of them had a home made sleeper pod on them copied of the original .they were made from fibre glass cast in a mould and done in there own workshop done by a chap called PETER cant rember his second name who worked for them on a self employed basis
S J Beckwith indeed had Crusaders. Beckwith were originally based in Eastwood nr Southend on sea. In the 60s and early 70s they were very much a Bedford fleet. They specialised particularly in hauling bricks and blocks before the days of mechanical/hydraulic handling. Their Bedfords were painted in the local Blacksmith’s workshop. The same blacksmith, Ned Ford, often carried out repairs. SJ was sadly killed in a driving accident during the war. His eldest son, Sid, was demobbed early from military service to keep the family business going. Eventually 2 of Sid’s brothers John and Ron entered the business. Sid relocated to Chelmsford and the younger brothers went on their own. Sid’s son Roy entered the business and eventually took the helm. I see Sid’s youngest brother Ron quite regularly, an amazing gent for his years.
essexpete:
mother trucker:
S J BECKWITH CHELMSFORD ran a few,a lot of them had a home made sleeper pod on them copied of the original .they were made from fibre glass cast in a mould and done in there own workshop done by a chap called PETER cant rember his second name who worked for them on a self employed basisS J Beckwith indeed had Crusaders. Beckwith were originally based in Eastwood nr Southend on sea. In the 60s and eay 70s they were very much a Bedford fleet. They specialised particularly in hauling bricks and blocks before the days of mechanical/hydraulic handling. Their Bedfords were painted in the local Blacksmith’s workshop. The same blacksmith, Ned Ford, often carried out repairs. SJ was sadly killed in a driving accident during the war. His eldest son, Sid, was demobbed early from military service to keep the family business going. Eventually 2 of Sid’s brothers John and Ron entered the business. Sid relocated to Chelmsford and the younger brothers went on their own. Sid’s son Roy entered the business and eventually took the helm. I see Sid’s youngest brother Ron quite regularly, an amazing gent for his years.
Plenty of pics on this thread of Beckwith’s Crusaders. Page 15 for a start! 
ERF-NGC-European:
Apparently this one did Middle East too. It’s a late Crusader (on a V-plate) with a relatively late 12m tilt (tri-axle with side bars) so it could well have been performing well into the '80s. Do we know who operated it?Ps spot the Scania visor
0
Hi All
The story of JMVs restoration is here trucknetuk.com/phpBB/viewto … 5&t=152671
Going to try and get her back on the road this summer.
Stacked it:
ERF-NGC-European:
Apparently this one did Middle East too. It’s a late Crusader (on a V-plate) with a relatively late 12m tilt (tri-axle with side bars) so it could well have been performing well into the '80s. Do we know who operated it?Ps spot the Scania visor
0
Hi All
The story of JMVs restoration is here trucknetuk.com/phpBB/viewto … 5&t=152671
Going to try and get her back on the road this summer.
Ah! So it’s THAT one!
ERF-NGC-European:
Apparently this one did Middle East too. It’s a late Crusader (on a V-plate) with a relatively late 12m tilt (tri-axle with side bars) so it could well have been performing well into the '80s. Do we know who operated it?Ps spot the Scania visor
0
What about the bumper? Is it off a Mk.1 Atki?
DEANB:
ERF-NGC-European:
Yet another Crusader on Middle-East work!NMP
https://www.trucknetuk.com/phpBB/download/file.php?id=331446&mode=view
Dont recall seeing that company before Ro ? Thats what you call a belly tank !
Just come across an old (2008) reference to Top Hat Transport on page 1 of the ohs transport thread. Don’t know if it will jog anyones memory about Top Hat:
"ohs transport
Postby bigwheelsjohn » Sun Mar 09, 2008 9:44 pm
hi to you , on the topic of ohs trans, myself and andy mc maclaine were the first two drivers to be hired by orhan sertel, the turkish owner of ohs. freddy mellem and jock bell,george fardell, and nick carter and howard leigton and jimmy beigent joined later. we had some great drivers on the fieet. i was the first driver to start running down to pakistan taking supplies to the british construction marples ridgeway, who were building a large elevated highway linking iran with pakistan. we all were running to iran , syria, jordon, iraq, and kuwait , i’ve stacks of photo’s and will post them on the site later. i spent nearly 8 years with ohs, and met many many drivers from astran,davis turner,cardiff international,top hat trans. and so many other out fits that were running to middle east, meeting up in places such as the londra mocamp at istanbul and the national at belgrade and the telex motel in ankara was always a good laugh and good places to pick info on route problems etc. i’m new guy to the site so i would welcome any messages etc. and of course so sorry to hear about howard leighton…one of the best!! i’m curranty driving for a west country outfit trucking hanging meat to europe , but still have many memories of the days trucking to middle east…we were a breed apart!! john lewis "
beegee:
DEANB:
ERF-NGC-European:
Yet another Crusader on Middle-East work!NMP
https://www.trucknetuk.com/phpBB/download/file.php?id=331446&mode=view
Dont recall seeing that company before Ro ? Thats what you call a belly tank !
Just come across an old (2008) reference to Top Hat Transport on page 1 of the ohs transport thread. Don’t know if it will jog anyones memory about Top Hat:
"ohs transportPostby bigwheelsjohn » Sun Mar 09, 2008 9:44 pm
hi to you , on the topic of ohs trans, myself and andy mc maclaine were the first two drivers to be hired by orhan sertel, the turkish owner of ohs. freddy mellem and jock bell,george fardell, and nick carter and howard leigton and jimmy beigent joined later. we had some great drivers on the fieet. i was the first driver to start running down to pakistan taking supplies to the british construction marples ridgeway, who were building a large elevated highway linking iran with pakistan. we all were running to iran , syria, jordon, iraq, and kuwait , i’ve stacks of photo’s and will post them on the site later. i spent nearly 8 years with ohs, and met many many drivers from astran,davis turner,cardiff international,top hat trans. and so many other out fits that were running to middle east, meeting up in places such as the londra mocamp at istanbul and the national at belgrade and the telex motel in ankara was always a good laugh and good places to pick info on route problems etc. i’m new guy to the site so i would welcome any messages etc. and of course so sorry to hear about howard leighton…one of the best!! i’m curranty driving for a west country outfit trucking hanging meat to europe , but still have many memories of the days trucking to middle east…we were a breed apart!! john lewis "
Well spotted and connected! Thank you.