Hi Everyone,

I was wondering something about the British Austin Tilly vehicle. While it seems to have been present nearly everywhere during the war I don't recall ever seeing a photo of it hauling a trailer of any sort.

Was this machine too light to be used as a mover for much of anything other than what it could hold? The British 10CWT trailer, despite being largely constructed of wood, still seems to be a bit much (in my thinking) for the little truck to manage. The British Airborne trailer would seem like a good fit but I don't know about it's usage outside the Airborne duties.

Does anyone know about this amazing little truck's towing duties if any?

thanks,
Jim

I found a post on the Maple Leaf forum stating that the Austin Tilly did not have a tow hook. However one of the posters commented he had seen a picture of a Austin towing a trailer, but had no idea how it was done.

Those are nifty little trucks, but not designed for much more than light duty.

Thanks for the reply! I was thinking that might be the case. Given it's small size and 10 horsepower rating I didn't think that it would be a candidate for much towing duty. Great little machines though and seemingly quite popular.


thanks,
Jim

The "10 HP" actually had a 21 horsepower engine
The "number + HP" designations define the power in some kind of roundabout way, the official tax rating was 9.996 hp.

The Austin 'Tilly' was based on the Austin 10
which had a Austin Ten-Four 1125 cc engine:
Configuration straight-4
Displacement 1,125 cc (69 cu in)[1]
Cylinder bore 63.5 mm (2.50 in)[1]
Piston stroke 89 mm (3.5 in)[1]
Block material cast iron, the crankshaft carried on three bearings, the pistons of low expansion aluminium alloy[1]
Head material detachable
Valvetrain side-valve

Fuel system carburettor supplied by petrol pump, induction and exhaust manifolds cast in one piece to provide a hot spot. ignition by coil and battery[1]
Fuel type petrol supplied by pump from a 6 gallons tank at the rear of the car[1]
Oil system by gearwheel pump forced to crankshaft, camshaft and big end bearings[1]
Cooling system fan and thermosyphon, automatic thermostat[1]
Output
Power output 21 bhp (16 kW; 21 PS) @ 3,400 rpm[1]
20 bhp (15 kW; 20 PS) @ 2,600 rpm[2]
Tax rating: 9.996 hp[1]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilly_(vehicle)
and
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_10

Maybe this page could provide something useful:
http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/trailers.htm

Maybe go for a "what-if" rolling on two motorcycle wheels,
similar to the German Infanteriekarren

This trailer was built to be towed by an Austin Chummy
http://www.southernsevens.co.uk/lightweight-austin-seven-trailer-built-towed-chummy-includes-towbar-towing-vehicle/

The Austin Chummy was based on the Austin 7 (or was it just a nickname??) which was a smaller car than the Austin 10.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_7

Austin 10 RAF Staff car hauling a 1930's trailer:


/ Robin

If accuracy is not an issue, you can hitch it to a what-if custom-built camper trailer



https://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?t=257303

H.P.