Queen Mary trailer facts for kids
A Queen Mary trailer was a special type of large trailer used in Britain. It was designed to carry and move aircraft, especially during and after World War II. These trailers were built by a company called Tasker Trailers in Andover. They were pulled by powerful trucks made by Bedford or Crossley Motors.
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What is a Queen Mary Trailer?
The Queen Mary trailer was a unique vehicle. It was built specifically for moving large aircraft parts. Imagine trying to move a huge airplane wing! This trailer made it possible.
How it was Built
The design of the Queen Mary trailer was very clever. It had several special features:
- Very Low Floor: The trailer's floor was extremely low to the ground. It was usually only about 12 inches (300 mm) high. This made it much easier to load large and awkward aircraft parts.
- Single Axle: It used only one axle. This helped keep the trailer's height very low.
- Wheels on the Sides: The wheels were placed on the outside of the main loading area. This created a wide, flat space in the middle. This space was perfect for carrying airplane parts.
- Side Rails: Special rails ran along the sides of the trailer. These rails helped hold aircraft wings upright. The wings would rest safely on their front edges.
- Carrying Capacity: The trailer could carry about 5 tons (around 4,500 kg) of weight. This weight needed to be spread out evenly across the trailer.
Why the Name "Queen Mary"?
The name "Queen Mary" probably came from its very long size. It was so long that people compared it to the famous ocean liner, RMS Queen Mary. Just like the ship, the trailer was known for its impressive length.
Who Used Queen Mary Trailers?
These trailers were very important during and after World War II.
Military Use
Nearly 4,000 of these special vehicles were used by the British military. The Royal Air Force (RAF) used them a lot. The Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm also used them. They were essential for moving damaged aircraft or new planes. Other countries in the Commonwealth, like New Zealand, also used them for their air forces.
Civilian Use
After the war, some Queen Mary trailers were used by civilian companies. For example, Silver City Airways used them. They helped move aircraft for civilian purposes too.
