SHELVOKE DEMPSTER ERA (1983-1991) Shelvoke Dempster front load packer body on a twin-steer Volvo chassis When in 1983 the company was bought by Dempster and became known as Shelvoke Dempster, front loaders joined the company's range of vehicles. Vehicles produced under the RouteChief-RouteKing names were also introduced, using the swing-link packer method of their identical American counterparts. These had all-steel bodies, as the need to reduce gross vehicle weight was no longer seen as a priority. Routecheif swing-link system mirrored that used on American Dempster Route King/Route Chief bodies Shelvoker Dempster Routecheif on three-axle 'PT' Series chassis 'P' Series Revopaks were continued with Dempster body and slightly modified tailgate Rear views of later 'P' Series Revopaks. Tandem axle 'PT' (at right) rated to 22 tons GVW The Dempster association would prove to be short-lived one, as the firm was sold once again in 1988 to private interests, and ceased operation altogether in 1991. Thus ended a nearly seventy year run as a producer of the highest quality refuse vehicles, in many cases hand-built to meet the demanding needs of the industry. Above all, it was for their standards of engineering excellence that Shelvoke & Drewry contributed to advances in the design and operation of refuse collection vehicles. The extraordinary success of the Freighter, which remained in production for thirty years, established a company that although not producing the cheapest vehicles, was regarded by many as "the best." ABOUT THE AUTHORS Brian Carpenter was a Shelvoke & Drewry apprentice from 1953 to 1960, and was employed by the company until the autumn of 1962. His father and uncle were also closely connected with the company. Having received a sound technical education, he had a long and fulfilling career in the British engineering industry. In 2003, he created The Unofficial Shelvoke & Drewry Site, as a tribute to all those who employed their efforts and skills to create the great manufacturing company. The website has proved to be an invaluable resource in preserving the memory of SD, as well as providing a place where former employees may keep in touch with one another. Additionally, Brian has in recent years organized several Shelvoke & Drewy meetings within commercial truck shows, at which some of the few preserved examples of SD vehicles have been displayed. His efforts have insured that Shelvoke & Drewry will be rightfully remembered for their important contributions to the commercial/refuse vehicle industry. Eric Voytko is the author of Classic Refuse Trucks, an online chronicle of the history of refuse collection equipment from around the world OTHER RESOURCES "KALEIDOSCOPE OF SHELVOKE & DREWRY; Six Decades of Specialised Lorries" by Nick Baldwin & William Negus is an exhaustive history of SD from 1922 through 1980. The 97 page book also contains numerous photos and illustrations. SD VIDEO: CRT contributor Jaap Mikkers has provided two full-length SD Factory films produced for the Revopak, which may be viewed (in several parts each) on You Tube. Click here to browse the complete SD Video Playlist 10/1/04 (Revised 1/17/10) © 2004, 2010 Eric Voytko and Brian Carpenter All Rights Reserved Photos from factory brochures/advertisements except as noted Logos shown are the trademarks of respective manufacturers