The Scammell Automatic Coupling

Scammell automatic couplings were used by several British truck manufacturers in the 50s and 60s. The tractor unit simply reversed under the semi-trailer and the landing gear folded up between the tractors chassis rails. It was then only necessary to connect wiring for the lights and brake lines if fitted.

This is what the coupling looked like on the chassis of the tractor. This also shows the rails on the chassis which the trailer part of the system ran up to engage.

Here is the trailer part.The flanged wheels at the top roll up the rails and the large wheels sit on the ground to support the trailer's weight. As you can see the pivot (turntable) is at the top above the small wheels.When coupling, it was necessary to push under the trailer (especially if fully loaded) with some force to prevent the truck (tractor) from stalling. Stalling could have dire consequences..............

Town Milk in Masterton had Bedfords with Scammell couplings. The S Bedford (petrol powered) in this photo was coupling up to a trailer full of glass bottled, wire crated milk when the truck stalled at the critical point, i.e.just as the landing wheels had folded up. The driver immediately hit the brakes, but finished up in this precarious position.
Getting out of the predicament was a tricky exercise as large jacks or forklifts were not readily available in Masterton at this time (mid 60s).