



The 15 cwt CS8 Morris-Commercial was first developed in 1934. Great Britain’s War Department had the need for a general purpose vehicle. Using the specs outlined by the War Department, the Morris Car Company designed a truck using many of the components from their 1933 civilian ‘C series’ range. The newly designed truck was designated CS8, (S denoting 6 cylinder and 8 denoting an approximate 8’ wheel base) it had a short stubby appearance with a high ground clearance. It became the workhorse of the British Army. The original design CS8 evolved into three Series, the Mark I, II & III. The CS8 continued development and production through 1942, being produced under contract by various British manufacturers. The CS8 was replaced in 1942 by a 4 cylinder variant designated the C4. The early CS8 has a small windscreen and canvas doors. These were replaced by a full windscreen and metal skinned half doors in 1941. The CS8 was powered by a 6 cylinder 25 HP side valve engine. The CS8 was adapted to many different uses during it’s life. Examples include a water tanker, petrol hauler, compressor truck, office truck and wireless truck. There was even a production of 100 armored cars designated CS9 based on the lengthened chassis of the CS8. ![]() It is a project that I have thought about for years. I read a book about the British Army in North Africa many years ago and the soldiers in the book were radio men. Their vehicle was a Morris like the ones that are pictured here. I have always admired the unusual lines of the truck and thought it would be an interesting project. ![]() After Lanny made my Marmon Herrington armored car and I did my SAS Jeep, I began to think even more about the Morris project. I really wanted to create one of the radio vehicles from that book. It would look much like the one at left. ![]() As the background paragraph above alludes to, there were a lot of variants of this vehicle and you could probably spend a lifetime modeling them all. The thing that will probably keep this project on the drawing board is the wheels. I simply don't have anything suitable. If anyone sees a busted Hasbro M8 lying around at a garage sale or something (and it still has the wheels) grab it for me, they would be perfect. ![]() Here's the same vehicle as above in model form. I think this is 1/35th, but I am not sure. I know one thing though, I am going to make one of these one day. I have some Brits that need a ride like this. Well, guys...that's all for tonight. Hope these shots got someone enthusiastic about a project they have been thinking about for a long time. Until next time, have a good one!
8 Comments
Panzercommander (HOH)
9/14/2010 02:38:24 pm
Cool update Point Man!
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okimbored
9/14/2010 09:38:22 pm
sounds like it's time for a North Africa dio
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Panzercommander (HOH)
9/15/2010 03:57:33 am
You bet it is OK!
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I was just accepted into the School of Economics and Business at Humboldt Universitat in Berlin, where I will be receiving a Master of Science in Economics and Management Science, thus FINALLY receiving the applied mathematical and economics training I had hoped for at New York University. Despite the lack of exclamation points, I'm Mr. Excited! On top of refreshing my German language skills, I'll probably have to learn Russian unless I can find a German-speaking Orthodox Church in Berlin. Thank you to my family and friends for all of the prayers! Love you all!
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4/30/2011 09:53:45 pm
How long ago did they live? What were they like? Were they really dim witted brutes who were outwitted by our ancestors, and doomed to extinction?
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8/2/2012 07:17:55 am
You have brought up a quite excellent details , regards for the post.
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Hi There,
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