Topic: Solved TGF-207: Butlin's holidays camp train, Skegness, 1938-9.

[targhediferro]

I don't know much about this vehicle...even if I have an idea about the base.  What I know is where and when this picture was taken, so tell me these informations and you'll get a point.

[D-type]

Butlin's holiday camp, Skegness, 1947

[targhediferro]

Very well and fast...but I have a different year. Locked for you.

[D-type]

No idea - 1955?

[targhediferro]

no, earlier.

[D-type]

This can go on for ever - 1951?

[Bill Murray]

Is this puzzle still locked??

Bill

[targhediferro]

One more chance for D-type, than unlocked.
Earlier than 1947.

[D-type]

Well, Butlins at Skegness opened in 1936, closed in 1939 and reopened in 1946.  I'll go for 1938

[targhediferro]

Ok, it's enough for me. The picture is from 1939 but it's possible the train was yet working in 1938. I suppose the base is an Austin Seven, but I found no way to check it. A point for you.

[Bill Murray]

A bit frustrating this one..........

The photo was taken on August 05 1939 by Felix Mann/Picture Post/ Getty Studios in the locale mentioned.

Here is another photo of the tractor vehicle with a different  trailer at the same place and full of sailors.

I could not find a name for the maker of the tractor.  It did appear in several sites attached to a history of "Bond Minicars" but they did not seem to be in business until after WWII and also seemed to only build 3 wheelers.

Bill

[D-type]

I wonder, would the picture of the trailer full of sailors have been taken after the MoD had taken over the camp?

It  has an Austin 7 'look' about it.  But, would an Austin 7 have been 'man enough' to haul a road train.  Maybe  its big brother, the Austin 12?

Just speculating

[ropat53]

This is what it says below the picture with the sailors:

"Navy recruits riding in car and trailer at the HMS Royal Arthur training centre formerly Butlin’s
holiday camp, Skegness. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images). 22nd February 1940"


It looks small enough to be an Austin 7 and judging by the grille a Ruby.

[nicanary]

I assumed, like some of us, that it was probably a Ruby, but I also agree that maybe it was not powerful enough for the job. So perhaps it's an Austin Big Seven, all 900cc of power.