IBG | 72077 | Scammell Pioneer SV/2S Heavy Breakdown Tractor | 1:72

Plastic model kit of a British Scammel Pioneer SV/2S tractor.

Background information

The Scammell Pioneer was a British 6×4 tractor unit used in World War II as an artillery tractor, recovery vehicle and tank transporter.

Designed as a 6×4 off-road vehicle for use in Britain's colonies where metalled (sealed) roads were scarce, the Pioneer was first produced in 1927. Though not designed for military use, the British War Office purchased a single petrol engined example in 1932. Equipped as a tank transporter with a permanently coupled 18t semi-trailer, it was assigned to a training unit but did not initially catch on.[1] Additional transporters were not purchased until 1937

With the exception of the single 1932 tank transporter, all Pioneers purchased by the British Army were equipped with a 102 bhp Gardner 6-cylinder diesel engine, driving the rear wheels through a constant-mesh gearbox and fitted with a power take-off driving a Scammell winch.

The SV/2S

The Pioneer SV2S[4] had a simpler redesigned extending crane that provided greater lifting height. It was Introduced in 1938 and remained in production throughout the war, with a total of 1,975 built by the end of the war.

Among the Pioneer's equipment was a pair of tracks that could be fitted over the two rear wheels, converting it temporarily into a half-track and giving greater traction on soft ground.