Space and Time

With the events of the world making things just that little bit less busy for a few weeks, John Murphy used the time well, cracking on with the rebuild of his awesome Daf 2800 ATi Space Cab

- Richard Stanier

At a glance

Make & model Daf F241 2800 ATi Space Cab

Engine DKXE 11.6-litre turbo intercooled

Power 288hp @ 1800rpm

Torque 1300Nm @ 1250rpm

Gearbox ZF 16-speed Ecosplit synchromesh

Operator Redgate Holdings, Manchester

Back in September’s T&D we reported from Redgate Holdings’ immaculate new premises in West Gorton, Manchester, where a newly restored but not quite finished Daf 2800 ATi Space Cab caught our attention among their superb, and ever expanding preserved fleet. We met up with Redgate’s John Murphy once more to get the story behind this special truck.

John’s affinity with Daf trucks goes back to the early days of his career in transport and the first eight-wheeler he operated; a S-registered FAD 2205 model which is fondly remembered apart from issues with the problematic rear bogie.

Back then, Daf used a 2255T double-drive bogie which featured two “camel-back” springs which were used in a fashion unique to Daf to locate the outer ends of the axles, dispensing with the need for additional radius rods. This set up provided for a good degree of articulation but could prove disconcerting when worn. “The first sign of a problem was your mirrors getting muddied”, laughs John, “That was the axles moving away from the chassis!”