New Volvo FH Bling-Fest

Posted on April 25, 2013 by admin

Hot off the press straight from Volvo Trucks UK for all your shiny lovers and show goers:

“With sales riding high, the new Volvo FH and FH16s will be in the spotlight on the Volvo Trucks stand (adjacent to the grandstand) at Truckfest Peterborough on 5th and 6th of May this year. Visitors will be able to check out the top spec interiors on the Globetrotter XL cabs and try out the seats for size as the cabs of all eight trucks on parade will be available for viewing. Highlight of the Volvo Trucks display will be two top spec FH16-750 6×2 tractor units. Their specifications are fully loaded and include a host of accessories and options to aid driver safety, comfort and security (Personal Protection Package).”

“In addition to the top-of-the-range FH16-750s, Volvo Trucks is showcasing five other new FH tractor units. As well as four 6x2s, the display also includes a 4×2 tractor. The latter is equipped with Volvo’s D13C, 13-litre engine rated at 500hp and – like the other trucks on display – Active Safety+, Audio Advanced (with sub-woofer) and the innovatory Parking Climate System. Volvo Trucks and Dealer staff will be on hand to answer questions and help visitors to the stand. Special prices on a wide selection from the Volvo Trucks merchandise collection will also apply during the show. The Volvo Trucks merchandise counter on the stand will be open during show hours.”

Peak Truck Show 2012 by James Cartwright

Posted on October 18, 2012 by admin

Once again I will hand you over to top guest writer and photographer, Mr James Cartwright. If you want to see the rest of Jimbo’s photos from the show, click HERE;

All that was needed after finishing work on the Friday evening was a dry and hold up free run up to the Peaktruck show held at the Uttoxeter racecourse. At a steady 50mph the 143 had no problems covering the distance in under 4 hrs. Even with the late arrival I was still able to get on to the site and park up for the evening, luckily the boys from McGawn Bros had kept me a space on the tarmac and with the bar still open a double result.

A bright start to the Saturday did much to improve the hangover which I always seem to wake up with when I come here! Saturday morning was taken up with giving the old Scania a clean and polish, you think I would’ve learnt to bring something smaller than a 8×4. Still not quite as much work as the trucks entered into the combination class, credit must go these guys. One of the best was the V-reg FH Volvo of MJS from Stoke on Trent along with its powder tanker.

The Peak shows are always very well supported by the local fleets from names such as Shirley’s, Mike Ponsonby and Stan Robinson. The Peak Truck Show was this year celebrating it’s 10th anniversary over the years shows have been held at a number of places, Belfast was a regular venue along with Carlisle and Penrith this helps to explain why Roy Gill and Sarah Mcgregor have always attracted many trucks from all over the country. Both Roy and Sarah used to run and show trucks one of the most well known was the Queen of Hearts (You must have a picture of this somewhere Ben can find mine think they are in the loft – I can’t find it!!) so with him being one of the judges you know you better have thing done right. You always are made to feel like old friends when you turn up no matter what time of day or night you finally manage to get there Sarah or Roy are always there to greet you this for me is what the truck shows are all about meeting friends new and old.

The weather both days was lovely and sunny which makes a change as we normally have to take cover from the rain at least once during the weekend here, moving the show to later in the year definitely helped with this. The truck of the show went to the T-cab of Bartletts which as the pictures show was as clean out side as it was in with its fully upholstered cab along with painted dash. From fully custom work to the restored 141 with tandem axle trailer you decide what looks the best. One of the nicest trucks for me was the Scania 560 of Dutch owner driver Peter van der Eijk as with most European trucks typically understated but still had plenty of detail.

The Saturday night is another sociable gathering with entertainment in the bar this year with a rock band in full swing. The CF DAF of Massey Feeds was looking spot on sitting next to the big cabbed Toplines and XF’s. There was a strong Scottish contingent with the R-cab from Laurelbank Nurseries, Gordon Steel and John Templeton’s Avatar. One of the furthest travelled must have been Brian McLennan of Peterhead with his brand new Scania. Judging takes place over both days, so there was plenty of cleaning still to be done with the results being given out on the Sunday afternoon.

The Mc Gawn Bros did well this year by taking top spot in a Best Fleet and combination classes to name just a few.

The 105 DAF from Smith of Bury did well in the traditional livery class who says red and green should never be seen! I even got a highly commended in the company owned class for the 143.

A final thanks must go to Sarah and Roy for organising another top show hopefully there will be plenty over the next few years.

What the FAP is That??!!

Posted on October 8, 2012 by admin

While wondering around the halls of the IAA Show in Hanover I came across what looked like an SK cabbed Mercedes, well from the side I was walking towards it anyway. It turns out that the 2 trucks in question were brand new Euro 5, FAP trucks. FAP are built in Serbia and extensively use old Mercedes cabs in their truck range. In fact if you scroll through the trucks pages on their website they use Merc badged trucks to show what they produce.. FAP is Serbia’s largest (and only??) commercial vehicle producer. Based in the Serbian town of Prijbol they employ something like 1200 people, making what look like rugged trucks for both private use and army use. FAP stands for Fabrika Automobila Priboj, just in case it comes up in a pub quiz! So if any of you die hard Merc SK fans have some spare cash, perhaps you need to pop to Serbia to get a brand new Euro 5 FAP…….If only they bought the rights to the 1 series Scania for their next truck range!!

IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2012

Posted on October 2, 2012 by admin

Just over a week ago on a wet and windy evening I landed back at Stansted Airport, complete with 5 blisters and a Bratwurst in my pocket. Last Monday I spent the whole day at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, well it should have been 9-5 but the German bus driver side swiped a car on the Autobahn on the way, so we were a whole 45 minutes later than planned! This therefore put me onto the Volvo stand 45 minutes after everyone else, so by the time I found it the Swedish stand was already heaving with people gathering to see the ugly but intriguing new Volvo FH. I for one sat and watched the launch of said new FH on the Internet the other week and have to say I was part of the large amount of you who think it is as ugly as the front end of a bus. But when the new Mercedes Actros arrived I was also very sceptical until I saw it in the flesh.

Having sat up high overlooking the Volvo stand for quite a while I did come to the very simple conclusion that the reason it is “ugly” is only due to the grill, the actual shape is very tidy. We are so used to the badges of trucks being on the grill, is it just the case that it’s different, that is the cause of the visual unlikenment! I’m sure you have seen the photo shopped pictures of the new FH with the Volvo badge mounted on the grill and I think it looks so much better. I think there will soon be an after market pack to change the front of your new Volvo if you so wish.

Other than the grill issue, the shape of the new Volvo on the outside is rather nice and it seems different. Amazing how designers can make a shed on wheels constantly seem so different from manufacturer to manufacturer! As for the interior, well it is rather comfy. Gone is that old FH feeling of the front of the truck closing in on you. It feels huge inside (a whole extra cubic metre of space), with big lockers above the windscreen along with a rather nice sunroof panel (actually a real escape hatch!), a swivel passenger seat, a table, the list goes on and what ever I write on here won’t really do it justice. It is a Volvo and the quality is Volvo. Designed with you in mind, its super practical but also can be super comfortable if required. My overall opinion of the New FH has been changed. I like it….a lot. Ugly or not, it’s a Volvo, it’s practical, it will earn you money and keep your drivers happy.

On with the show… The Iveco stand with it’s new crown of Truck of The Year, was amazing orange. The crazy Italians have gone a little colour crazy, but I will say zis once, the Iveco stable gets more appealing!! There you go SW I really did say it, the new Hi-Way Stralis is ok.

DAF also went with orange, but it kind of suits the new childlike, cartoon front end of the XF, only problem being is that it’s not a kids toy. The DAF XF is one of the most popular trucks in Europe but i’m afraid DAF haven’t impressed many people with the new look, I for one am not keen. Are they old Mercedes Actros headlights?! Perhaps some slightly older adolescence should be offered the sweet bag when the next update is due.

The Renault stand gave me the feeling that they were trying to divert your attention away from the fact their centre piece was a 22 year old French piece of art. Although the Magnum is still different to the rest, the fact that Renault had the most beautiful girls to attract you in, the trucks were the same as when I went to Hanover in 2010. I’m not sure how they can or will replace the Magnum, but I think a breath of fresh air is required in Renault land.

Hide it, talk it down, do what you like, what ever you do the R730 Scania is still a beautiful thing in my eyes. On show in a nearly white, silver it is still an awesome piece of kit. If you have not driven the current generation of Scania trucks, then before you slate them, take one for a drive. I still feel there is no truck with a better, more confident ride, backed up with the legendary V8, all its needs is a little something on the inside, but i’m not sure what.

The Daimler hall was so impressive it was untrue. The size of a couple of football pitches. From the small vans right up to the new Actros, buses and Unimogs, all models were available for you to get your sticky paws on.

The new Actros in all it’s guises is highly impressive and I have to say that it is still in my top 3. Lovely looking truck. They had a nice little Atego on the stand, but it has to be said that it does need it’s new cab, which will bring it in line with the new range and the new look. More to come on my thoughts of the Atego replacement.

This just leaves the MAN hall. There was tons of other stuff to tell you about at the show and I will get round to it, but I thought you’d be happy with a general sum up of all the major players. MAN, like their German rivals had a large display, with loads of trucks and lots of buses, as well as the South American Volkswagen trucks. The normal trucks on the stand were popular and each truck has a couple of MAN employees to help guide you round each truck and answer your questions. There was a big special TGS 40.540 tractor unit designed for off road heavy haul use, and I wish i’d taken a few more snaps of the chassis and springs as it was a monster.

Also, much to my delight and also my annoyance, the gorgeous little TGL 12.250 was one of the most popular trucks on the stand. For my older readers you know I love a TGL and in Germany they are super popular. This particular one is the new Euro 6 model that will be available from January 2013. A new interior along with the new look grill and bumper, will surely mean that this little Tonka continues to be a huge hit. I just wish I could buy one to join the club! …….Dear Father Christmas………

The whole show was knackering. There is so much to see, but despite the bus drivers best efforts I just about had enough time to see it all and go back and see my favourite bits a second time. Probably a good year to go too, what with the new Merc’s, the new Iveco, new look DAF and of course the completely new Volvo, it was a good day out despite the blisters. I have loads more pics, yes I do, click HERE to see them. Also I will put more stuff I saw at the show on the blog over the next few months. As well as the normal trucks, there are stands of trailers, vans, parts, etc etc etc. In 2014, treat yourself and go. You might even see a full size Lego truck!

Show Time – How things have changed…

Posted on September 23, 2012 by admin

So its 2 years after I last went to Germany, the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show at Hannover. It’s a bi-annual show that is the showcase for all the heavy vehicle and bus manufacturers along with all and sundry who make accessories and products associated with commercial vehicles. I’m flying this evening, have a might in a posh hotel then I’ll be at the show for 9am to spend the day looking about, where as I went in 2010 just for the day, I only had about 5 hours between my flights.

This year I think there will be a lot that has changed. The very recent release of the new Volvo range. The new Mercedes Benz Actros is making it’s first IAA appearence, along with the face lifted DAF’s. How can I forget the newly crowned Truck of The Year, the Iveco Stralis Hi-Way. I’m also hoping to find some lovely German mini artic manufacturers!!

I will post up my findings over the next few weeks. I won’t be taking the lap top with me, so unless I can find some free wi-fi and I can work out how to blog on my phone you will just have to check the photo panel for any uploads or the twits on twitter.

Truckfest Original by James Cartwright

Posted on September 11, 2012 by admin

A misty morning start soon brightened up with sunshine and a quiet run up the A14 and A1 to the showground at Newark. I even managed to park in the exhibitors car park less of a walk to the gate for the old legs! With 400 plus trucks to see there would be plenty of walking left for the day. I was pleased to see the show trucks were all kept together unlike Peterborough where they seemed to be spread all over the showground. Credit must go to all of the drivers who had put in hours of hard work in getting their trucks ready for the weekend, most of which is in their own time at weekends leading up to the event. I have learnt this from previous experience!

There was a small gathering of motors painted by Stewart Bone who sadly died last month. Stewart was responsible for the paint work on many well known fleets from Northern England and Scotland, along with custom paint work on SNT Scania T-cab, Nichol Boilers 143, Longthorn’s T-cab and the last truck to be painted by him the DAF of Gordon Steel. As you can see his work was first class. Stewart will be sadly missed.

In amongst all of the big Swedes was Graham Turners fully restored ERF E series on the ERF revs stand which the family firm ran when it was new and is now a firm favourite on the retro circuit. A little disappointing that Iveco and Mercedes were the only manufacturers in attendance never the less the new Giga Space of Lomas Distribution stood head and shoulders above its predecessor.

The Kelsa stand had its normal high standard of light bars adorning new vehicles from the likes of owner driver Brian Mclennand and also the DAF CF510 from BJ Waters. Also on the stand was a favorite of mine the DAF of Paul Hinchcliffe painted in the same traditional colours of the old family firm with just a hint of custom work. To be honest I didn’t look at anything that was going on in the main arena as it is always the same things year after year. This may say more about me having been around truck shows for to long !!

Away from the main trade stand in amongst the lines of trucks is were the BBQ and partying is done over the weekend but still the lines of fleet trucks were gleaming in the sunshine. Amongst them was the well known DAF from Axminster Carpets which as the pictures show is as clean underneath as it is on top, thanks to the dedication of its driver Tony Moore. By the amount of general public wandering around the show it would have been a success no doubt helped by possibly the first sunny show of the season from the arrivals on Friday afternoon to the departure on the Sunday night. Inside the hall there were many stands selling models and a large area set aside for the radio controlled trucks which the modelers were only to pleased to show you how they worked. All in all a good day, roll on Uttoxeter next weekend!!

If you want to see the rest of James Newark photos then click HERE. Hopefully James will be up for doing a review of his Uttoxeter Show trip, I know he is taking something a little special so keep your fingers crossed.

Crowfield Classics

Posted on June 9, 2012 by admin

A rare sight in any ones book. These 2 classic Swedes were pride of place at yet another damp Crowfield Truck Rally, held last Sunday the 3rd June at the Orwell Truckstop, Ipswich. This event is organised by the East Coast Truckers and always attracts lots of visitors and entrants as it goes, but numbers are limited so the places fill up quickly.
The 2 trucks above are both well know in and around Suffolk. The H.C. Wilson Scania 141 was bought new and has been working with Wilson ever since and still does the odd days graft now and again. The Russell Davies Scania 110 is a bit rarer as it spends most of its days at the Ipswich transport museum, but does come out for the odd run during the summer. The truck was the first ever purchase for the Russell Davies fleet in 1974 and was sold on in 1977. The truck was bought again in 1985 and restored back to her original colours. She looks well, perhaps even better with a spread axle skelly trailer behind??? Just an idea.

This nice late DAF 3200 is in the colours of Suffolk haulier EJ Farrow. Nice, clean and simple, bearing the company details what more do you need? Although it does look a little small compared to it’s bigger younger brother parked alongside. While we’re on DAF, below is an earlier 2800, owned by another local haulier Neil Bomford.

Next up is Rowell’s Transport’s delightful Volvo F7 sleeper. I love this little Volvo, I used to see loads of them around the industrial estate’s of Braintree as a boy. A local haulier had quite a few and it was also the first truck I drove on my own across my cousins farm during harvest. Although my cousins version was an 8×4 tipper, but it still had the sleeper cab. This Rowell’s truck has been given plenty of love and care and now looks like new, a real credit to the owners. Traditional sign writing, original interior and even retro windscreen flags, I hope this little beastie got a trophy, it deserves it.

Finnaly we have Geoff Warrens customised Scania 142 with highroof and also another high roof classic in the shape of Terry Seaman’s big cabbed Foden. The Scania still works in the summer months but doesn’t tend to venture out to much in the winter. As for the Foden, that is still earning a crust and I actually saw it out on the road this week with a tipper trailer. It’s nice to see that a classic English truck can still earn a living and not be badly affected by the ever increasing emissions regulations. As far as I know farm yards are not yet under any sort of Low Emission Zone red tape!

I can’t say much about H.C. Wilson’s 2 classics as we all know they both enjoy a trip to a show, but are both very much thought of as working trucks. The 141 doesn’t do to too many days out, but N500 HCW still is called into action when ever required, usually for swapping with a break down or an MOT vehicle.

There were plenty of other trucks at Crowfield, but the increasingly popular classic’s that we see at our shows, need to be appreciated. If you click HERE you will go to my other photos from the show.

Truckfest Peterborough – 2012

Posted on May 14, 2012 by admin

Where to start?? Well it started as a shambles really. I, in my wisdom decided to go round Peterborough so I could enter from the North side, as I have spent the last 15 years arriving from the South. My advice? stick to what you know. The main car park fields were waterlogged so we were all being stuffed into every available gap. Then we were all directed to the gate directly across the swamp like car park. Having waded across with a number families and countless others loosing wellies and shoes to the mud, we got within 100 yards of the gate only to be told we had to walk back round to the other gate passed where we had just come from. Approx 100 others did this exercise round to Gate 5 but then no one else joined the queue….I think we were had. We then queued on the main road into the Showground for 40 minutes then we were finally allowed to enter. Of course for this privilege of no one knowing what was going on I was charged £17 entry, what do you get for your £17 entry? a free cuppa? a free programme?? A voucher for a burger??? Nothing. I think it’s high time that Live Promotions re thought their pricing. £17 is more expensive than my local world class Zoo!

Enough moaning, its the same every year. Next up and one of my main targets was the New Mercedes Actros. I was not alone, by 0915hrs all doors on the available Mercs were open and rapidly filling with people and potential buyers, young and old! I lined up and got myself in the Gigaspace. Gorgeous. For those of you who are sceptical of the new Big German having seen it in the press then let me assure you that in the flesh you’ll be impressed. Now that Mercedes are trying to use more car components in the trucks, the interior is looking very plush and is very similar to the car range. I learnt this thanks to the very helpful Nigel in the cab; The Bigspace cab is the same space as the current Megaspace but the Gigaspace is bigger still than both the Current Mega and the new Big. Crikey i’m all spaced out!! On the outside the big grill is very imposing but very smart. I really look forward to seeing the smarter fleets getting these trucks in their liveries. Firms like Pulleyn, Stobart (we’ve seen these already) and the likes of the Formula 1 Teams I think these smart Mercs will excel in promoting the image of who ever they are pulling for.

As for the rest of the trucks on show it was very difficult to decide what was best. As well as a few new trucks and some old favourites, some of the best trucks on show were the increasing numbers of retro trucks. I know we now have Retro Truck Shows, but the quality of these old girls is pretty amazing and nice to see. A number of F12 and F16 Volvo’s, some glorious Scania’s, 142′s, 143′s and of course a couple of 141′s. As well as a very British and very very tidy Seddon Atkinson that was getting lots of attention. Well done who ever owns it.

The usual displays occupied the arena. Arrivals of soap stars, motorbike displays and of course the ever impressive monster trucks. Good fun although no roll overs this year (a little disappointed!).

Along with all the big boys, there were also a handful of my favourites, some little Tonka Toys. I found Lewis Blakeys stunning DAF LF from Frank Hudsons fleet. Also I came across 2 other Hatcher cabbed DAF LF’s. One from H. Askeys fleet from Sheffield and one from AAA Couriers of Bradford. This driver was looking forward to a trip to the Champions league final in his smart little DAF.

There were obvioulsy many others around the Showground. A few more stunning big Scania’s, including the James Bond 007 themed R730 that belongs to scrap metal firm J Davidson. Loving the bullet holes and surely the best number plate at the show! Davidson’s R730 traing vehicle was also very clean and attracted plenty of photographers!!

Possibly the smartest tanker you’ll ever see. The driver must have forearms like Popeye, with all the polishing they must have done to get a ladder to look that shiny!! A real credit to the driver and the company and all on an 08 plate.

Other than that it was an ok show. I did miss the lovely Lisa Kelly from Ice Road Truckers. The weather stayed nice on Sunday which made a change. The only thing missing or so I though was the customised fleet of Coles & Sons of Banbury. Unusual not to have any trucks at the show. Well I was wrong. The one truck I missed was this stunning new addition to the Coles fleet. Matching the coolness of the figure painted on the side, Marlon Brando, this Scania oozed class. I’ve long been a fan of painting trucks and parts rather than shiny shiny. So it was a pleasure not to see a piece of stainless steel in sight. I absolutely love it. Coles Custom is as cool as it gets in my book and I was told it’s not even a V8! Brilliant, well done Coles I hoped you got your reward.

This photo belongs to the worlds photo library of trucks that you’ll find on www.euro-wheels.com , the one and only Neil Jarrold doesn’t miss a thing so I have to thank him very much for letting me use his photo of the Super Swede from Oxfordshire. There will be more of my finds at Truckfest on the blog in the near future. For now if you want to see a few more of my photos then click HERE.

Princess & The Giant

Posted on December 28, 2011 by admin

A Princess 32M and HC Wilsons European Giant that is! No delightful Christmas based fairy tale here, just a few Million GBP of top engineering. The Princess in our tale is The Princess 32M Luxury Cruising Yacht and the Giant is HC Wilson, European Giant, a V8 Scania 164 580hp. A good match perhaps, although the price difference between the 2 vehicles is fairly substantial. The fairy god mother marrying the two together is a monster Ainscough crane sat on the banks of the River Thames.

The Princess arrived at Excel London the last weekend before Christmas. The job was arranged by boat transportation specialist Abbey Transport from Norwich. Abbey and Wilson’s have always had a good working relationship, and as Abbey dont have a trailer large enough to carry the Princess, they use HC Wilson. Last year Wilson’s were only involved in removing the boat from the show hall back to the banks of the Thames, as the haulier who took the boat into the hall managed to have a little “incident” on the way in through the door. When the boat in question is 32m Long, 7.5m wide, 10.5m high and weighs in excess of 105 tons, a specialist truck and driver team are required; Que the Abbey and HC Wilson Transport combination.

The boat arrived in London in time to have the rest of it’s display built around it in time for the London Boat Show that starts at the Excel London on the 6th January 2012 and runs right through to the 15th January. First up, the 9 (I think) axle Ainscough crane lifts the Princess 32 clear out of the Thames and the then gently slews round to find the stillages that are already attached to HC Wilson 12 axle Scheuerle trailer. You can see the blue stillages clearly in the photo above. The boat is lowered into the stillages and thats where it will stay untill it is lifted back out into the Thames at the end of January. Once loaded onto the Wilson’s trailer it is only a short, although slow, drive across the Excel carparks to the the show hall. The total loaded drive is approx 200 yards.

The Princess 32 is a proper high class motor yacht, you just have to see the photo gallery on the Princess website to know what I mean. The boat will set you back some where between £6-£8 Million, depending on your spec of course. I think some one said at the 2011 show Princess sold 8 of these 32 metre super yachts, but don’t quote me! I am also informed by Mick Bond, the photographer and Wilson’s 2nd Man, that at full power the boat will use a 1000 litres of fuel an hour, that puts the big Scania V8 to shame! For now I will leave you with the rear view of the loaded truck, until the return leg back to the Thames at the end of January. The Scheuerle trailer is 2.75m wide so the full 7.5m width of the boat looks huge, in fact the whole boat looks huge, it really does look like a fish out of water doesn’t it. I have to say I think I prefer the blue paint scheme over the completely white boat we did in January.

Just so you don’t think i’m biased in any way, here is Abbey Tranport’s DAF being loaded with a slightly smaller boat.

TRUCK DAY in SAN GIACOMO DELLE SEGNATE

Posted on September 27, 2011 by admin

Thats Italy to you and me! Now I have been thinking of going to an Italian Truck Show next year and if i needed any more convincing Fabio Marzaduri on Facebook has probably just sealed it. I dont want to harp on for ages about truck show photo’s, but if you do a Google search you will easily find plenty of pics to look at. Out of them all there is one truck that stands out a mile, and its this stunning Scania R730 V8;

I dont really know what to say or where to start as the pictures say it all really. A bit over the top some might say, to much, whats the point, etc etc. If you forget all that and just look at the big Scania, you can’t disagree that it is pretty amazing. What call a Ferrari look rear bumper, totally new headlight set up and the paintwork, well again it is just amazing, just imagine its matching fridge trailer!! Not really my cup of tea the pink but some how it does seem to work. Even at night it just looks the business, agree or disagree?? leave your comments or email me with a better more amazing truck and I will put it on here, ben@truckblog.co.uk thanks to my Italian pal Fabio for the excellent photo’s. If you are a Facebook user his photo’s are worth a look.

New Mercedes Actros – Frankfurt 2011

Posted on September 14, 2011 by admin

If you weren’t aware, the IAA Show is currently underway in Frankfurt, Germany. Now I knew it was on, but I honestly thought it was a mainly car based show, I didn’t know there was going to be trucks too. Anyway I needn’t have worried about missing out, as the blog is spreading through the ranks, my cousin, the well know name in automotive photography, Mr Tim Andrew, was out in Frankfurt. While on his way to photograph the new Lambo and Porsche, what did he stumble upon, yes that Marmite of new trucks, The new Mercedes Benz Actros.

I think in my previous post about the new Actros I touched on its looks. Now we have had time to digest it, I still don’t think it is any clearer cut. As soon as I mention it anywhere, the instant response’s are, love it, hate it, love it, hate it, not necessarily it that order though!! In these photo’s i’m not that convinced that the silver/grey paint does it much justice, but the truck itself, the same as my opinion on Marmite….. I LOVE IT!! In fact why don’t we continue the whole Marmite theme, I can just picture said truck in black and yellow, it might just bring out the cab shape a bit more than the German grey/silver!!

There were lots of promises and and talk of what the actual interiour was going to have, be made of and look like. If we assume that these photo’s are taken in a production model (most demo trucks eventually get sold to us lot), then I think it’s fair to say it looks pretty damn good. With my basic car knowledge, I think the rumour of using car components for the interiour of the new range, is true. The switch’s, knob’s and dial’s all look like the car one’s, in fact the whole interiour looks like the car. Before it wins the truck of the Year award, we here at Truckblog would like to award it the award for the most Amount of Switches and Buttons on a dash board. I imagine there will be a more down to earth fleet spec type interiour aswell. This cab below must have the largest Gigaspace cab, as it looks to have the single occupancy cab set-up. I’m still hoping that there will be some sort of UK launch, which I can get along too. In the mean time keep your eye’s peeled for the new truck on the road. If you see one in company colours, please send me a picture, ben@truckblog.co.uk as it will be good to see how it looks in standard company livery as opposed to shiny truck show get up.

The final discussion point from these wonderfull photo’s came from GW, my boss. He has a problem with anything with more tahn 3 steps to heaven. I have to say that 5 steps up into the cab does, seem a little excessive. But my defence was, if your on long haul, you wont be getting in and out the cab all the time, GW responded with “Yes, but you still have to get in and out the cab 10 times, when you reach your delivery point”. I’d be interested to hear your views, leave your comments below or send me an email; ben@truckblog.co.uk If you have a cab like this new Actros do you really care if you have to climb 5 steps?

As you can see below, my old 2004 Actros, also had 5 steps to heaven, as the new one does. That just shows that I didn’t really notice the amount of steps. It wasn’t til I saw the photo again, that I realised the old had the 5 steps too. Case closed?? We’ll see what you have to say.

Mid America Truck Show 2001 (for Lisa Kelly!)

Posted on September 4, 2011 by admin

Those of you who follow truckbloguk on twitter you might well have realised that we are now being followed by, Ice Road Trucking royalty, Lisa Kelly. After I tweeted her (ooh-er!) to see if she’d follow the blog, she duly obliged. So as an odd dedication, I thought i’d do an American truck based post and as yet I don’t think I have ever said to much about my Mid America Truck Show Experience.

Back in the year 2001, when I was a mere whipper snapper, I went to my one and ony American truck show to date. The Mid American Truck Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Part of the main reason for going, other than my slight enthusiasm for a truck, I went out to meet with Panelite. Now for those of you who are saying, Whooooooo?? Panelite were the leading US aftermarket light supplier. You know all the extra orange lights US trucks have, most of them were down to Panelite. At the time the company was run by the founder and his wife, but in the last few years, due to family differences the company is no more, very sad. I am told by a very reliable source that the rights to production and all other copyrights have been bought by a Canadian company, so hopefully the products will be back on your American shelves before long. The reason I went was, at the time I had been talking with Panelite about starting a European dealership as this was something they were supposedly keen to do, but due to many reasons, not that i really understood them all, it never happened. Shame. Look how successful Kelsa and Spot-On have become.

Here are a couple of the then, Panelite show trucks.

I did think on the way to the show, how would they light the trucks up to show the lights. At that point i hadn’t seen trucks plugged into the mains before, once again I guess the American started the trend. One of each of the main American truck’s were represented, such as the Kenworth, Freightliner and Peterbilt above, all kitted out with every possible stainless steel accessorie that you can imagine. The rest of the show was just a impressive as the Panelite stand. It was just amazing really, for those of you who just think its another truck show, your wrong. All I can suggest is that at some point you make the effort to get yourself to the US of A for a show and I highly highly reccomend the MATS.
Out side the is the Truck Beauty Contest. This is really the same sort of standard of trucks as you get at the Nordic Trophy. The trucks were just amazing. Everything was polished stainless steel and great paint jobs. The owner drivers must put so much effort in, they deserve a trophy each! This was the first place I saw wooden floors inside truck cabs! This Kenworth was a prime example of the standard.

As over here, an awful lot of owner drivers have their own trailers and these too are treated to the custom treatment. The highlight of these trailer’s, for me, are the quilted effect rear doors, just wicked, although I imagine following along behind them with the Nevada sun shining at its peak, must test the best of sunglasses!!

A chunky spud of a tipper.

Last of all for those of you haven’t been to the States, one of the best things about travelling about the Interstates is seeing thr trucks in their natural environment. In a lot of states cars still have lower speed limits than cars. Most American trucks will purr along at 70 or 80mph. So you can be driving along and all you can see in your rear view mirror rapidly gaining on you are sights like this;

Lady Louise is a Real Western Star

Posted on August 30, 2011 by admin

Here we go with a good old reminisce!! Now if you are a regular facebooker and are part of the mighty www.euro-wheels.com gang or a friend of the man behind it Neil Jarrold, you’ll be aware that a certain Lady has been back on the scene. Now when I was a boy growing up around trucks, vans, forklifts and every thing else that goes with a father who ran an ANC franchise (now FedEx UK) from 1982, one of the original 11 depots who started nationwide, you soon grow an interest on where you spend your evenings and weekends. Much like the Wilson brothers I now work for. During these early years my Dad did every thing he could to make sure I enjoyed every minute of it, probably as he could tell I was interested and yes I do blame my upbringing on my now unhealthy obsession for trucks!!
Back When ANC started alot of the franchisee’s already had existing business, such as Wyvern Cargo and Geoff Byfords own, Byfords Cargo Express (not sure if I have the name right?). My dad always told me bits an piece’s about Mr Byford. Imagine my excitement when I was told Geoff was behind CDC, where I used to spend my pocket money on cab flags and mini scarves! Then the old chap told me that Geoff had bought an American truck. I couldn’t wait to see it.
This is it, probably one of the first photo’s of Lady Louise in the UK before she became Lady Louise. I think it was only a week or 2 after she had arrived, My parents went upto Geoff’s place in Barrow (where CDC still are), for what I seem to remember was some sort of ANC meeting perhaps, other wise I can’t really see why else my mother went!!

Not long after the truck was sent off to the paint shop to be prepared for a good few years fund raising, even appearing on the well loved childrens programme Blue Peter. Now if Geoff is reading this, you’ll have to correct me if i’m wrong. I think I travelled up to Lady Louise’s 1st Truckfest on the Friday before, actually in the truck with Geoff at the helm. Now if this is the correct year or not i’m not sure, but my Dad and I had an early start and I was having the Friday off school, that wouldn’t be allowed now!! We went off to Barrow in Suffolk to meet up with Geoff. From there Geoff said I was riding with him and my dad followed us up to Peterborough in the car. From then on it was a great day. TV shoots, photo shoots, everyone waving. Ending up with parking Lady Louise in one of the cow sheds at the show ground and I insisted to my Dad that we couldn’t leave until I had given her a wipe down with a polishing cloth. After that it was a summer of rolling posters for Geoff to take to all the shows he and the truck went too. Any way enough of my reminiscing trip, here are a few of my Polaroid photo’s of the day. Even now she looks great!

I’m not sure who this dodgy haircutted character is!!

Actually seeing that photo, must mean I took some of my own photo’s, seeing as I was carrying some form of a camera, no idea where they are though!!

Bonnie Scania for Bonnie Scotland

Posted on July 21, 2011 by admin

…….and you wont find a better one! Remember I was the owner of a rather nice, plain classic Scania 141. Lovely. When I was the owner I did get a lot of comments about how nice a truck it was and how smart she looked. I tried to keep her in tip top condition but I can not and have no intention of telling you any thing but she is in even better condition now with her new owner, both in appearence and mechanically. I think it is fair to say I am very jealous and at the same time very pleased with what John Scott has done with said truck. I think really he has achieved what i couldn’t due to, er, er well due to funding shall we say! John is the owner of JST Services from Ayr, Scotland. He is a top man and clearly loves his trucks. When i saw the Volvo F16 he owns i knew the 141 was going to an excellent new home. Look at her now.

Looks good. I’m not the only one who is impressed. The judges at the recent Ayr Road Run were also so impressed they awarded John and the 141 1st Prize. The next show visit will be to Truckfest Scotland and hopefully one or 2 shows further South. When I sold her to Mr Scott she had been sat in the shed for a year and we were both unsure of what toll this had had. As we all know old trucks aren’t good at sitting in sheds and not being used. It seems that the sitting about probably caused some sort of overheating problem, but also i was shocked when John told me the truck had no thermostat, yes i did fall off my chair!! Along with the bits and pieces that did need doing John did other bits and pieces that weren’t essential but made the truck into a “like new to drive” machine that it is now. I had always wanted to give the gearbox the once over, but here is the extensive list of renovations that have been done;

Engine was overheating, after investigation found no thermostat in it, but the real problem was the 141’s have to be filled with water from the bottom which was then done and a new t’stat fitted.
Injectors all removed and serviced
Oil pressure checked
New gearknob
Various new ball joints and pins in gearlinkeage.
Renew off-side rear spring hanger and pin.
Renew two air valves that were leaking.
Remove rearwings and fit plastic with Scania emblem mudflaps.
MOT
Fit UK style tachograph.
All oils changed and filters.
Fit two new trackrod ends
Adjust clutch, not clearing gears.
Fit new door rubbers.
Fit fog and reverse lights.
Make new catwalk and steps.
Fit paddy style headboard.
Fit 8 Cibie Oscar spotlights.
Fit Scania netal sunvisor.
Fit extra marker lights.
Split upright exhausts and remove baffles for extra Brum-Brummmmmmm.
Strip all rubber and glass and completely repaint.

You may have noticed the new gearknob. I have the scar on my right palm from where it broke…….I will treasure it!! As you can see she hasn’t been left wanting for any thing. Pleased to see the snow chains are still there though. Also i’m so so pleased that those ghastly chequer plate mudwings i had made have been binned.

I think i need to see her in the flesh and perhaps i may even be granted a drive???!! Just imagine the ggggrrrroooowwwlll now she is baffle free. Hopefully she may get a trailer one day. I think John could be in for a few more trophies. Looking at the 2 Gunnings Motors trucks you wouldn’t bet against it.

Also just for my own curiousity as i haven’t done this yet, here are both the before and after photos. I still prefer the new colour scheme!urio

If you see John and the truck out and about on the road or if you already have, then please email me the photo’s, ben@truckblog.co.uk

East Coast Truckers Charity Convoy Under Threat

Posted on July 11, 2011 by admin

Now, if you live any where in East Anglia then you are probably more than aware of the East Coast Truckers Convoy. If you don’t know what the convoy is all about, here it is; This convoy is all in aid of charity and has been going since 1986. In its 25 year life the convoy has traveled 1700 miles, contained 2200 trucks, carried 2300 children, been seen by 1,875,000 people and now the Convoy is likely to be axed due to red tape. Around 80 trucks take children with special needs to Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park and Great Yarmouth for the day. Thousands of people line the route from County Hall Norwich to the seafront at Gt. Yarmouth via Pleasurewood Hills. It makes the children’s day to see everyone waving them on from any vantage point en route. The ECTC needs your support;

Click HERE to go to the online petition page and add your name.

Now to get the details right i am going to copy and paste the words from the East Coast Truckers Chairman, Rob Billman;

“On the 16th of May I attended a meeting with NCC, Norfolk police and the highways agency. Nothing unusual. A meeting that I would attend every year before the Convoy. It was at this time that I was told that Norfolk police could not supply an escort group for the convoy anymore. But they were willing to work out an alternative solution. They’re solution was for an 85 truck convoy to depart onto the roads of Norfolk with no escort meaning that the convoy would have to obey the highway code. This would cause chaos. This would also create risk of other road users getting caught up within the convoy creating a risk to the safety of the trucks and the precious cargo they would be carrying. To add to this, this would have the potential of extending the journey times excessively, thus causing undue stress on the children. I said that I would not allow this to happen.

So the bottom line was that I said, no police, no convoy. I have a duty of care to all those involved in this event, I saw no other option. Various other issues were brought up within this meeting regarding health and safety, the fact that the convoy stands with a 25 year accident free record apparently doesn’t count for much. Many phone calls were made between myself and Norfolk police over the next week. On the Saturday evening, I called a meeting of the Charities Trustees and guests. This meeting was to discuss my decisions and the way forward. A final plan was formed for one last attempt at trying to get this years convoy a police escort group. We had to finalise a plan, the media were already on the case and I was due in at Radio Norfolk on the Monday morning.

At 3pm on Sunday the 22nd a final agreement was made between myself and Assistant Chief Constable Wilkins. We finally had a convoy for this year. The limitations are as follows;
Each truck will only carry :1 driver, 1 child, 1 carer. No exceptions.
A maximum speed limit of 30mph
A fair result I think.

Rob.”

So there you go, now you may be thinking this all sounds like fun, but what is it like actually out there on the road with the convoy, well here is a video, not only does it look very well organised, but you have to admit it is an impressive sight too;

Right, what the ECTC needs you to do is, add your name to the online petition to keep the convoy going. To read more click HERE to go to the petition’s website. Why should such a successful event that raises thousands and thousands of Pounds for charity also become a victim of our great Country’s endless side show of red tape, ruining good things for good people?? This convoy just cant end, this year it is safe, but without your signatures of support there is a real danger that the 2012 convoy won’t take place, so please register your support.
Click HERE to go to the online petition page and add your name.

Truckfest Peterborough 2011

Posted on May 15, 2011 by admin

I have been waiting for the inspiration to write a report about Truckfest but i just cant find it! Truckfest was Truckfest thats it. In my opinion the sooner Live Promotions realise that Truckfest is just another Truckfest the better. The show never changes, its the same format every year and i cant see it ever changing abd don’t ever get me started on the £17 yes £17 entry fee. You get to the gate part with your £17 then you walk through and get asked if you want to buy a programme for £5. So for 1 adult entering the show you can spend £22 before you even get 10ft in the gate, the worst point being you get NOTHING what so ever for your entry fee, disgraceful. There is one reason i didnt take my son to his first Truckfest, its the same reason i didnt waste another day of my wifes life at Truckfest, IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE!!! Live promotions are you reading?? I dont think i would mind the fee if you got some thing for it, some thing new in the arena perhaps, yes you guessed it, Monster Trucks, Stunt Display Bikes, Recovery Display etc etc. Good displays yes and highly entertaining, especially when one of the Monster trucks overturned!! Any way can some one please change the format next year or lower the entry fee???

Now as for the trucks, again a lot of the same, but there were all good. Lots of shiny metal and a few new vehicles that almost made the fee worth while, no actually perhaps not. Here are a few of my highlights in no particular order;

Cracking new Parkers Horse Box

These 2 are still top of my Vintage list.

Did this one used to be red and from Swanley??

Nice to see this old girl has gone to a good home and will be kept in a tip top condition for the rest of her days.

This Swedish registered beastie was last seen by me in Hannover last year!

As some one recently said, it seemed as though the show should have been Scania-fest this year! Fingers crossed next year they may be a slight change to the set up.

Euro Wheels

Posted on October 14, 2010 by admin

Are you trying to tell me you’ve never been to www.euro-wheels.com? This website has over 100,000 truck pictures to look through. All taken by one man him self, Neil Jarrold. From the 1970′s right through to today, every picture you see on www.euro-wheels.com is his own.

Taking in regular car journeys across Europe and visiting many shows during the year Neil, snaps away to his hearts content all for our enjoyment!! Most recently a road trip to this years Nordic Trophy in Sweden. If you are tempted by the the picture below, the click here to go to the site………….. just make sure you have a few hours or days to spare, once you start its hard to stop!

Spotted: Atego Artic

Posted on October 9, 2010 by admin

As you surely can have guessed i sniffed out another Atego Artic at the IAA Show. This little beauty was parked out in the rain (criminal!). Although it wasn’t on a stand it was there on before of German trailer manufacturer, Schutz. The trailer was typical German engineering, very tidy and well thought through. Made for a good photo or 2 even in the rain!!

Super Tipper!

Posted on October 6, 2010 by admin

Now as an ex 8 wheel tipper driver, i could have only dreamed of such a motor. My dear old Iveco, T7 GBF, is a mere baby when in power terms. This beast has 510hp and a V8. I’m not sure this modern marvel will meet the magical tare weight of 12 ton, to get a 20 ton payload in the UK. It is probably best designed for the 50 ton european market, or what ever the 8×4′s can run at over there. Never the less it was a mean piece of German enginering and it got a lot of interest. I’d happily give it a thrash around the muck tip of GB Finch to test it in the real world of UK muck away work………….

Classis Mercedes @ IAA

Posted on October 4, 2010 by admin

As well as all the new stuff at the IAA there was a hall full of classic trucks and buses. All sorts from old Henschel’s, to DAF’s, to Volvo’s and all in excellent condition as you would expect. This Mercedes was exceptional. The interiour was as new didn’t look like the seats had been sat on, it was only a few photo’s on a board that made me realise that it had been out on the open road! Having messed about the iphone i found an app that lets you take old looking photo’s, i think it came out quite well, even if i do say so myself!! i’ll await Mr Argent’s comments.

Truck Blog UK

email: ben@truckblog.co.uk

Category Archives: Show News