Wigan Album
Transport
15 CommentsPhoto: Eddie.
Item #: 27118
Lovely coal wagon, nice one Eddie.
I very much doubt it would have been used on coal deliveries Garry, general haulage more like. Can you imagine getting that thing down the backs of terraced houses? And no power steering either. Any idea of the location mate?
It looks to me like it is parked up in Miry Lane just past the bottom of Prescott st.
Yes Jimmy you can see the railway bridge fence.
Your right Eddie a bit too big for house deliveries. I wasn't thinking straight.
What's the Letters E.R.F. stand for? I know that F is Foden!
Garry, Foden trucks was owned by two brothers, they split up and Eric Robert Foden started ERF trucks.
Cheers Jimmy.
If I could correct you slightly Jimmy, Edwin Richard Foden was the name of the man who founded E.R.F. He resigned his position as managing director at Foden's as he had grave concerns regarding the future of steam powered road vehicles. So in 1932 , at the tender age of 62, together with his son Dennis and two former colleagues , he commenced building diesel engined vehicles in a lean to conservatory in Elworth, a short distance from the old Foden works. A very forward thinking move as it turned out.
Ah so that's how Dennis Vehicles got it's name by Foden's son. Again well done Eddie.
As an aside Garry, and as you appear to have an interest in wagons, the cab design on this vehicle, KV , stands for Kleer Vue. I know, ridiculous, but true nonetheless. Considered futuristic in the mid 50's, it was one of the first commercial vehicles to employ curved glass. I believe it caused Triplex no end of production problems.
Come on Garry, stop messing about. Dennis vehicles have no connection whatsoever with either Foden or E.R.F.
You are correct Eddie, it was Edwin not Eric, I was told that ERF were the founders initials a long time ago.
I used to go to their old factory in Sandbach when it became a food warehouse.
You're right about the location Jimmy. The wagon's parked at the side of the site currently occupied by Tarmac concrete, on the corner of Prescott St.
Spot on Jimmy, ERF was named SUN works at Sandbatch.
Eddie, I note your comments and obvious H G V interests. The local manufacturers Leyland, Foden and Atkinson were all started producing steam wagons I served my time at Leyland in the " Boilershop" as an apprentice boilermaker, A throwback from the steam age 30 years earlier It later became known as the fabrication shop, I started my own business in 1963 and part of the business is producing chassis parts and components for vehicle conversions which we still do.I have had an invested interest in commercial vehicles over 65 years .both in manufacture and running them and I appreciate your comments