MORE INPUT FROM OUR MOST PROLIFIC AUSSIE CONTRIBUTOR ARRIVES TODAY.
DAN MARTIN FROM QUEENSLAND PENS A SHORT TOME REMINDING US OF THE VERY EARLY DAYS IN OZ WHEN EVEN BLACKWOOD HODGE HADN`T BEEN ESTABLISHED.
Down in Victoria earlier in the 20th Century, around 1915, an irrigation project was commenced within Lake Eildon Park, in the alpine region of that state.
Upsized in 1929 it was providing enough irrigation to water the untouched fertile northern plains of Victoria, but by 1935, and again in 1939, the capacity of the lake was increased to keep up with the supply required.
Once WW2 was out of the way, in 1951, it was decided to double the size of the lake and its dam, and also turn it into an hydro electric scheme.
Now we come to the nub of Dan`s tale…UTAH Construction*, and their massive fleet of Euclid earthmovers.
(*An old established US construction outfit, founded in 1900, running right through to 1976 when taken over by General Electric).
Now read on from Dan`s own notes, and sadly, view the one and only image we have of all those Eucs on that site…..
And the foto is….
…..its difficult to identify these units, even with the "bible" at hand, ie, Eric C. Orleman`s wonderful "Euclid 1924/68" book to refer to.
We thought intially that these two, purely on the design and shape of the swan-necks, were 2 of the only 4 units built of B50FDT with 102W bottom dumps. These being special as they were the first "twin-power" vehicles built by Euclid, but there is no sign of a "banjo" on the rear axle of the right hand unit, so we are stumped for now…..unless someone out there knows better !! Ed.
In response to our request from Dan for more info, he advised as follows…..
One foto, and a short story, we have another piece of the BH/Euc/Terex jigsaw in place, although the enigma over the bottom-dump`s true identity remains, and seriously annoys us !!!!
Many thanks to Dan for this latest contribution, long may he continue to send them our way. The Editors.
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