Today I saw something that I'd not seen in ages....

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vernon

Harder than Ronnie Pickering
Location
Meanwood, Leeds
An electric milk float.

Delivering milk in Kirkstall, Leeds.

I can't remember when I last saw one on the road.

When I was a kid in Darlington, the Co-op operated a large fleet of electric milk floats and there were one or two independent dairies operating them. Where have they all gone?
 

Night Train

Maker of Things
They were the idea vehicle for the job but many people buying their milk at the supermarket and not having doorstep delivery and, I think, dairy companies stopped investing in the maintenance of the vehicles believing that diesel transits were the better option at the time killed off the service and the need for the electric milkfloat.

There a re a few survivors still about, some have been brought up to date with modern motors, controllers and batteries like this one on Ebay recently.

Others are broken up for the valuable scrap.
I have a motor and a reversing switch from two different milkfloats in my workshop for use in my electric car project.

I would like to have an electric milkfloat to play with but I would also need a three phase supply for the charger.
 

potsy

Rambler
Location
My Armchair
In my first job we had an electric milk float, that we used to take product from the factory to the warehouse 500 yards away.
It was my favourite part of the day :thumbsup:
 

Night Train

Maker of Things
I grew up with these on the streets.
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A friend of my Dad started a Thai restaurant and was doing home deliveries with one. He originally bought it to replace the horse and cart he was using for his rag and bone round and decided it would be ideal for the restaurant business.

I never knew they came in four wheel versions until they were no longer on the road.
 

HovR

Über Member
Location
Plymouth
There's an electric float that still delivers fairly locally to me. I see it most days on my commute. It wasn't long ago that the milkman who delivers down my street used a float - However now it has been replaced with a van. :sad:
 
OP
OP
vernon

vernon

Harder than Ronnie Pickering
Location
Meanwood, Leeds
I never knew they came in four wheel versions until they were no longer on the road.

I never knew that there were three wheeled versions until now.

However, I used to fantasise about owning a Scammel Scarab.

madge-scarab-2010-08-01.jpg


In fact I still would like to own one
 

Night Train

Maker of Things
I never knew that there were three wheeled versions until now.

However, I used to fantasise about owning a Scammel Scarab.

madge-scarab-2010-08-01.jpg


In fact I still would like to own one
I love them, and all things Scammell.

Arch is after me getting one to restore.:thumbsup:

I always fancied one of the Dartford Tunnel recovery versions, only two made IIRC.
6976592943_d4dae5592e_m.jpg

dartford-tx.jpg
 

martint235

Dog on a bike
Location
Welling
Still got one down my way in SE London. He doesn't deliver milk until about 11am though which could be why they are disappearing.
 
OP
OP
vernon

vernon

Harder than Ronnie Pickering
Location
Meanwood, Leeds
Arch is after me getting one to restore.:thumbsup:

Here's a diesel project for sale at £3950

2722531.jpg


And the accompanying text:

scammell scarab 6tonner 1967 diesel.
owing to ill health i am selling my scarab
rolling chassis fully restored its even drivable
cab @tinwork require restoration not to big a job
if you are handy ex ransom bearing of newark
seems to be very low mileage for further info
give me a ring for a chat or come and have a look
kettles allways on these are becoming rarer so grab
yourself a bargain. £3950 ovno

That roughly half the cost of a BSA Gold Star - another object of desire.....
 
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