Eight Wheelers
"Rigid 8s"
The eight-wheeler was once a common sight on British roads, and evolved to combat the Governments Construction & Use Regulations introduced in the early 1930's. Until this date the Steam Wagon was generally very competitive to petrol and diesel engined vehicles for commercial transport. As these rules were unique to Britain, eight wheel rigids were not found in other European countries or the USA in large numbers.
In the Construction & Use Regulations the weight carried by commercial vehicles was restricted by axle numbers - thus a 2 axle vehicle could have a maximum weight of 12 tons, three axle 19 tons, and four axle or tractor and trailer combination 22 tons. By 1933 financial penalties were imposed on vehicle weights, and as most steam vehicles by the nature of their construction were heavier, their load carrying capacity was diminished, which together with the advance in diesel oil engines brought about their demise.
Well known steam manufacturers such as Foden and Sentinel were forced to enter the petrol/oil engine lorry market, though Sentinel at first brought out an 8 wheel steam lorry, which could carry a 14 ton payload.
Almost all major manufacturers of "heavyweight" commercial chassis brought out 8 wheel designs; one of the first being AEC with its Mammoth Major series.
Eight wheelers then reigned supreme until the late fifties, but changes in working practises led to increased use of tractor/trailer combinations which offered better loading/off loading advantages, as tractors could be despatched elsewhere and trailers left to be collected later. The advent of the first motorways meant greater flexibility was required, and the wheel turned full circle again to favour tractor units which are the work horse of British haulers today.
Sadly those eight leggers seen today are mostly as preserved vehicles at rallies, though the breed lives on as specialist vehicles its stronghold being as bulk tippers and refuse vehicles. As there is no true "British" truck builders any more, foreign manufacturers such as Volvo, Mercedes and MAN have also entered our market.
Strangely the armed forces were not too keen on eight wheelers, preferring the 6x4 combination for its heavier vehicles until more recent times when Foden and Leyland-Daf have supplied vehicles.
