Moving big stuff is as interesting and challenging a job today as it was more than 50 years ago when this film was made. Human beings can create some pretty massive and heavy things and lots of times we create them in one place and need to get them to another. That’s where engineers, riggers, and heavy hauling companies come into the scene and if you are into any of that stuff, you’ve got to watch this film. Titled, “Measured For Transport” and made in England back in ’62 you will see the process used to get a 123-ton electrical transformer more than 300 miles across the country to the power station it needs to be at. Trains and trucks are used to complete the job but that’s over simplifying it a lot.
There was one railroad line which ran to the area they needed to go and it was developed for mining trains according to the video. They sent guys out and surveyed the whole line, took measurements, and made sure that this thing was going to fit through the tunnels and between whatever rail-side obstructions existed at that time. Once they got it to the closest spot to the power station it would be trucks stepping in to complete the job. The trucks used are the legendary British Scammel “Super Constructor” models. Three of them push and pull the load to the power station and they look good doing it.
Scammel trucks were some of the baddest in the world during their day. Born out of the military and using six wheel drive, they were famous for their strength, toughness, and rugged nature. We love them because they were ugly in their own great way, along with all of the other attributes.
Today they would use satellite imagery and and other whiz-bang stuff but in 1962 that was not an option. This is a video about brains, manpower, and thinking out a job before you do it. We loved every second, especially the clarity of the picture and the very British narration.
The beautiful countryside, the trucks and trains. The moving methods were different, yet so much the same as those used when I worked in the factory.
Another intensive screw-over session begins…. sounds like every morning at work.