A TRAILER built in Bowral will play a key role in Anzac Centennial celebrations.
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Last week the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company (RAAHC) took possession of their custom built trailer with which they will tow a restored 18 Pounder to Anzac celebrations around Australia.
The trailer was built over four weeks by Dean Trailers, which won a tender for the construction.
Managing Director of Dean Trailers, Chris Guy, said the main challenge was getting the weight distribution right.
"We did a lot of testing in the workshop with weights to achieve the right balance to ensure smooth towing," he said.
"There are no rules about how it should work, but we have a lot of experience with how these things go together and with various fabrication techniques."
Dean Trailers also built a winch system to load the limber and gun.
Mr Guy said he heard from the RAAHC the morning after they collected the trailer and loaded the gun onto it.
"I was very pleased to hear there were no issues with towing and that they were able to use cruise control without any issues," he said.
The Highland businesses associated with the manufacture, including A1 Marine Trim and Auto Upholstery which did the canopy and Bowral Signs which did the signage, have all been recognised on the canopy, which will be seen all over Australia.
"We take the view that every trailer we build sells another trailer, and this is more than the average trailer, so hopefully we will receive referrals," Mr Guy said.
The RAAHC aims to provide a living memorial to Australian Artillery by deploying the World War I Quick Firing 18 Pounder gun and team, complete with horse team and gun detachment, for commemorative events this year.
The Quick Firing (QF) 18 Pounder was the principle Field Gun of the British Army in World War I.
Its calibre of 84mm and shell weight made it more brutal and destructive than the French 75mm and German 77mm.
Its ammunition had the shell combined with the cartridge thus giving it the description of 'quick firing'.