Bramah Joseph Diplock

Bramah Joseph Diplock (27 April 1857 – 9 August 1918)[1] was an English inventor who invented the pedrail wheel in 1903[2][3] and the pedrail chaintrack, a type of caterpillar track, in 1910.

A pedrail tractor engaged in war office trials. Diplock stands left in group.
A locomotive fitted with Diplock's pedrail wheels, 7 February 1904 The New York Times.
Prototype Pedrail troop transport developed as an offshoot of the Landship Committee.

Diplock was born in Chelsea, London to Thomas Bramah Diplock, a coroner, and Eleanor Diplock.[4][5]

Pedrail Transport Company

Diplock founded the Pedrail Transport Company of Fulham, which at the outbreak of World War I was the only British company still manufacturing "caterpillar" continuous tracks.[6] A demonstration of the system's ability to support a large load for trench warfare was made on 16 February 1915 to Winston Churchill, and may have been influential in the development of the tank.[7]

Diplock Glacier in Antarctica is named after him.

See also

Notes
  1. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995
  2. Motor Vehicles for Business Purposes by A. J. Wallistayler p.271
  3. Popular Science Sep 1933, p.96
  4. England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975
  5. England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915
  6. Men, ideas, and tanks by J. P. Harris, p.18
  7. Men, ideas, and tanks by J. P. Harris, p.19


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