Scheuerle Fahrzeugfabrik GmbH

SCHEUERLE moves Ramses to his new home

Just as his role as ruler in the past proved to be very significant, the same can be said of statue of the legendary Egyptian Pharaoh, Ramses II. The 3,200-year old granite statue, weighing around 100 tons and 11 metres high, had to be transported from the Cairo city centre to the Pyramids of Gizeh. In future, it will be the main attraction at the new Egyptian Museum – the world´s largest museum of Egyptian antiquities. The reason for this spectacular undertaking was the increasing negative effects of corrosion that this cultural monument was subjected to through smog and dirt in the centre of the Egyptian capital. This delicate task of transportation was mastered using heavy load vehicles from the special vehicle manufacturer, Pfedelbach-based SCHEUERLE.



For the route, the colossus was placed in a specially adapted construction which moves via a turntable frame on two SCHEUERLE heavy load combinations. The vehicle units, which were bought by the Egyptian special transport company, NOSCO, have steered pendulum axles with hydraulic axle compensation that ensure gentle and smooth transportation of the valuable freight. Due to the all-wheel steering, the entire vehicle combination was so manoeuvrable that it could safely make its way through the congested Cairo streets to its final destination in the Valley of the Kings in spite of the enormous size of its cargo.



In order that the transport could be carried out smoothly and eliminate any potential problems, as well as providing the monument with the highest possible level of safety, a meticulously planned preparatory phase was implemented. An exact copy of the statue was made with which the NOSCO transportation specialists were able to simulate the transport procedure in authentic conditions. Only after a successful completion of this test was the go-ahead given to move the 3,200-year old Ramses statue.



For Ramses, this year is not the first time that heavy load vehicles from SCHEUERLE have been used to ensure a safe method of transportation as shown by a previous undertaking which was carried out in 1960. At that time, part of a statue from the Abu Simbel temple built by Ramses II had to be moved in a similarly spectacular operation.



About Ramses:

Ramses II, who reigned during the 19th dynasty of the 12th century BC, was known as Ramses the Great. During his 67-year rule, Egypt experienced an extraordinary economic and cultural period of glory. The Pharaoh died in 1225 BC. His statue was found in 1882 in the Temple of Ptah in Sakkarah, part of the former Egyptian capital of Memphis.



Photos:



Photo 1 - The Move:

The 3,200-year old granite statue of the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II, weighing around 100 tons, was transported from Cairo city centre to the Valley of the Kings using heavy load vehicles from SCHEUERLE.



Photo 2 – Trial Run:

In order to leave nothing to chance, a specially made copy of the Ramses II statue was transported.



Photo 3 – 1960:

Back in 1960, a similarly spectacular operation was carried out with a SCHEUERLE heavy load trailer. It was used to move part of a statue from the Abu Simbel temple built by Ramses II.



More Information:

SCHEUERLE Fahrzeugfabrik GmbH

Öhringer Str. 16

74629 Pfedelbach / Germany

Tel. +49 7941/-691-0

Mobil +49 171 / 873 0916

info@scheuerle.com

www.scheuerle.com



Press Office:

Yource GmbH - Lothar Riesenegger

Magirusstraße 33

89079 Ulm / Germany

Tel. +49 731 / 96 287 82

Mobil +49 171 / 873 0916

lothar.riesenegger@yource.de

www.yource.de



SCHEUERLE Fahrzeugfabrik GmbH:

Transporters from SCHEUERLE are recognised across the world for their advanced technology and special product quality. Reliability in daily use, high load capacity and a long service life make the vehicles a very important component of modern logistical operations. The history of vehicle technology for heavy transport vehicles is closely connected with the name of SCHEUERLE and the company has a well-earned reputation of linking tradition and innovation. Together with KAMAG Transporttechnik in Ulm and NICOLAS Industries in Champs-sur-Yonne, France, SCHEUERLE belongs to the group of companies owned by the Heilbronn industrialist, Otto Rettenmaier. Within the group, the TII – Transporter Industry International heavy-load division is global market leader.