You have to admit that is a handsome looking Volvo, in my opinion still better looking than its new younger brother. This particular FH13 is piloted by one Phillip Westaby. A big fan of Twitter Mr Westaby joined the TB twitter feed and has since shared some tweets and a wicked little video, which is perfect for those us who don’t get out and about to much these days. Recorded by a windscreen mounted camera, sit back and enjoy 13 minutes of good music and some continental trucking. Do you want to follow Phillip on twitter?…….then click HERE.

Phillip’s twitter account, sums him up in one sentence: “I’m a happy lorry driver from Yorkshire who wanders around UK and Europe in my Volvo, getting married in march 2014!” Driving for Johnsons of Whixley on nursery duties, Phil gets abroad quite a bit, collecting and delivering greenery to and from the Continent. In the meantime he’s busy making us quality videos and sharing his thoughts on twitter. I’m already looking forward to the next video, even though Phil says he’s not much good, the video below is well edited and has some great tracks to listen too, including the ringtone on my mobile phone!!. Good work Mr Westaby, the sticker will be in the post as soon as the next batch arrive!!

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No the rooms are not to let for 50 Cents! A bit of break from the norm, but my dear Dad is trying to find a new tenant or buyer for his newly renovated warehouse. Check it out on Google Maps, although it looks better now thanks to a full renovation to repair damage and smarten the place up after the last tenants left.

Full Address: 10-12 Finch Drive, Springwood Industrial Estate, Braintree, CM7 2SF.

View Larger Map

The site is ideally located for road, sea and air connections. The site is also one of the only sites on Springwood Industrial Estate with on site parking for upto 6 articulated trucks outside. Also with the lorry park on the estate there is plenty of space for trucks and trailers. Distances to various destinations from the warehouse are as follows:

• Stansted Airport – 16 Miles
• Harwich International Port – 38 Miles
• Port of Felixstowe – 46 Miles
• M11 Motorway – 16 Miles
• M25 Motorway @ J28 - 25 Miles
• M25 Motorway @ J27 – 31 Miles
• Dover – 100 Miles

The official blurb that is available on Whybrow Property Consultants website states the following:

Warehouse Area: 9,842 sq. ft.
 
These prominent premises are found on the Springwood Industrial Estate to the west of Braintree town and a few minutes from the A120 where it is duelled westward to Stansted Airport and the M11 (J8).

This refurbished building has 2 main loading doors to the front with an additional forklift access to the side. It is of steel portal framework with steel cladding to walls and roof. Purpose built administrative area with storage above comprising Reception, kitchenette, Ladies and Gents WC’s and 4 offices. Suspended ceilings CAT 2 lighting, electric radiators, newly fitted vinyl and carpeting to floors. Recently re-decorated.

If you have any interest in said warehouse then please either contact Whybrow direct or you can contact me and I will pass on your details. My email address is: ben@truckblog.co.uk

When you get a photo like the one above, you have to start asking the age old questions;

Who? – Ashley Pearce
What? – Magirus Deutz 6×4 V10 ex German Army tractor units
Where? – The Netherlands
When? - Last week

Could have guessed Mr Pearce would be involved (it did come from his phone after all!). There’s a lot more to it than that but that’s a good start………..

These Magirus Deutz were being collected from the Netherlands on behalf of a very interesting man called Frank, who will be shipping them to Gambia for the next 20 years of their lives. They are ex German Army and of course are in excellent condition and have very very low mileage being in mind they were built in 1980. The main point behind it all is that they are basic. They can be maintained easily and can be repaired at the side of the road. Frank runs a business in Gambia that moves a lot of aggregate so he requires tipper trailers too. As I said the trucks were bought from a dealer in the Netherlands and Ashley and a couple of Franks henchmen went to collect them and drive them back to deepest Suffolk, UK to Franks hide away HQ. It just so happens that about an hour from Calais another dealer was selling a number of old tipper trailers that suited Franks strict requirements for African Trucking. After collecting the trailers it was back on the ferry from Calais to Dover. Did you spot them on their journey? I’d love to see any pics if you spotted the German invasion making its way back to Suffolk. Email me; ben@truckblog.co.uk

Franks love of the Magirus ex army trucks comes from the fact that they are German and they do as they say on the tin! As you can imagine trucking across Gambia requires something that can handle the many unmade roads and the rains that come in the wet season. Having a high ground clearence is essential and also the age old ability of being able to be repaired with a minimal amount of local faciities. Frank says that the Africans can fix anything or make any part that is required, all you need is some form of a donar part and some tools. How many modern day vehicles can say that?? Much like the golden days of Middle East trucking when trucks could be repaired with basic mechanical knowledge and not a dealership or expensive bill insight! One of the aging Magirus dropped a cylinder or 3 on one journey across Gambia. So the driver blocked off the 3 faulty ones and trucked back to the depot on just 7 of 10 cylinders, again with anything newer than 1990 you wouldn’t even think about trying it.

The trucks are 6×4′s with diff locks on each axle. They also come with spare wheel carriers fixed behind the cab with a small crane to lift and lower the wheels. Air cooled engines, steel sprung suspension and even gun holders (all removed before shipping to africa), a varied array of chassis mouted lockers and a dash board full of switchs and buttons labelled in German, mean these old girls really are top spec for trucking in Africa. Also in Franks conversion and pre-shipping yard were a couple of ex British Army 6×4 Seddon Atkinsons. These have turned out to be a labour of love and for the forseable future no more will be purchased. Since Gambia left the British Empire in 1965 all vehicles have to be Left Hand Drive, so the the first thing to do was to convert the Atkinsons from RHD to LHD, not to difficult but still a ball-ache when the German trucks are already LHD. Next the Seddons Atkinsons are standard road spec, so the air tanks and underslung exhaust have to be removed and redirected to a purpose built frame behind the cab, to try and improve the ground clearence. Again not a difficult job but one that can be avoided by buying the German trucks. Still the big Seddon looks great and ready for the African roads, in its natty orange paint work and illegal to use in the UK train horns!

I often wonder what will happen in the countries that recieve all of Europes old trucks when we run out of the correct vintage. There isn’t an endless supply of mechanicaly simple and computer free trucks to ship around the world, so whats going to happen? I have no idea what will happen in the future, but for now Frank says the value of the simple trucks is far greater than anything newer. In fact newer trucks are getting cheaper as they are unwanted in such countries as Gambia. The way forward for now is computer free trucking and what better place to find well kept, low mileage trucks than the huge supplies of ex military vehicles available. The Dutch dealer that Frank bought these 4 trucks from had 54 of these 6×4 Maggies for sale at Christmas, now he has none. 50 were sold in one go to a Nigerian buyer and then these 4 are bound for Gambia. Hopefully Frank is going to send some more pics as and when the trucks reach Gambia and also of some of the things still running around out there. For now it seems Africas roads will continue to be filled with older rather than newer trucks, but for those who love their trucks and enjoying doing repairs and tinkering with engines then perhaps its the place to be.

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.”

As I am the lucky keeper of Uncle Dicks 1969 diary, here’s today’s entry from back then – Yes Dick Snow of Astran / Middle East run fame!

“Left Lebring (Austria) and arrived at Spiefeld at 1030. Crossed border into Jugoslavia and parked up waiting for Belgian drivers. Hope they are going to arrive by Wednesday (23rd April) latest. Had shorts on today.”

You can also find Uncle Dicks diary in Ashley Coghills awesome Astran book, The Long Haul Pioneers. Click HERE to order your copy now!

Ages ago I found a photo of this little MAN and I just had to find out more. Its taken 2-3 years of searching without much luck, except repeatedly finding the same photo! Then on March 29th came a message on the TB Facebook page, from none other than Florian Zeltwanger…….yes the driver of said Custom MAN TGL LX of course.

Considering its 6.5 years old and has over 650,000km on the clock it is still in great shape. After a few messages this is what Herr Zeltwanger had to say about the MAN in his life:

“Beuchtung Lichtleisten und Innenausbau hab ich alles Selber gemacht. Der Rammbügel ist noch vom Vorgängerauto ein Atego und der Dachbügel von Jumbo-Fischer. Das Steinschlagschtzgitter hab ich selber gebaut. Im Innenraum ist alles selber Lackiert und bezogen, nur die Sitzbezüge und das Lenkrad hat ein bekannter von mir mit Leder bezogen. Das Airbrush machte ein Lackierer aus unserer nachbarschaft. gruß”

And if your like me and your English is still far better than your German then this is the straight up translation:

“I did everything myself Beuchtung Strip lights and interior design. The front bar is an Atego and the roof Temple of Jumbo-Fischer from the previous car. I myself built the Steinschlagschtzgitter (Stone guard?). Inside, everything is itself painted and covered, only a well known by me with leather has taken the seat covers and the steering wheel. A student from our neighborhood made the Airbrush.”

Like it or loath it, you have to agree the customisation is pretty awesome. The interior is great, all colour coded, although the green paintwork isn’t my colour but still the whole job is einfach toll! Is there another TGL like it any where else?? I did see an all red inside and out TGL LX tilt which I think was from Czech Republic. If you have seen it or you’ve seen Herr Zeltwangers wunderbare Deutsche deichsel any where then please email me photos, i’d love to see them. Vielen Dank to Florian and I hope you will show me more photos of your little truck. All photos are HERE.

Email me: ben@truckblog.co.uk

Hello guys. Three years ago I wrote a book called ‘NOT ALL SUNSHINE AND SAND’, a series of tales about my time in road transport including the Middle East run in the 70s. Most have been very complimentary about it. However all copies were sold out and a new publisher said they were very interested on re-publishing, this time in paperback. So on April 20th, next month, the book is being released by Old Pond Publishing at the exorbitant price of £7.95. !!!

Email. Info@oldpond.com
Phone. 01473 238200

If you decide to buy it then I hope you enjoy it. The stories are mostly humorous, but some are serious and some almost life and death.

By
Paul Rowlands

In 2010 my Dad (Tim Rigby) decided that he needed a new ride. He was watching 5 ex Soonius Transport BV Scania R620′s 3 of them were 2007 and the other 2 were 2008. In december 2010 there was one left, Dad decided to bite the bullet and go ahead and buy a 2 year old Scania R620 from VSB Holland.

The truck soon started work, by having the headlights changed from normal ones to xenon headlights. In the new year Dad had the truck in VSB’s workshop to have work done on it, they first started off by cutting the diesel tanks and making them smaller because when we put mega wheels on it the tanks would be dragging on the ground. When VSB put the tanks back on they looked like cheese blocks so we had them curved to the mudguards so it looked flush. Week by week the lorry started to take place, with its new red and cream leather interior, its checker plate over the cat walk to make it all smooth. A big design of the truck was the front grill. When Dad brought it, it had the first R series front grill, but Dad wanted to be different so he decided to have a new shaped front grill fitted to give it that brand new look. So in mid 2011 dad took his Scania 164 and his trailer out to bring the truck home, unfortunately it didn’t quite fit in the trailer, but was it unfortunate? So the lorry had to stay at VSB but Dad thought he would have more work done to it. We added a Swedish spec bumper with more lights than black pool illuminations!!! People who know dad he likes his lights. To finish the truck off we had air horns fitted, but instead of a 6mm air pipe we had a 8mm pipe fitted for extra noise!!, Alcoa wheels and a vision alert light bar, but this wasn’t an ordinary light bar, when you flashed the lights the beacons would come on as well.

Nearly at the end of the year we decided to drive out there and drive the truck back. Dad brought it home to show my mum and the rest of the family, they loved it. It was time to paint it, the truck was white anyway so we decided to go with black and white. We had the grill and other bites and pieces painted white that were green. The writing was in black also the checker plate and some few other things. We had to re register the truck as well because it was on dutch plates. What a job that was, first we had to change the speedo because it was just in miles but they wanted miles and Kilometres, then we had to measure the the wheels bases and other sorts of annoying things. Finally we were ready to roll after nearly 2 years all the hard work we put into it we were ready to hit the road and see the faces turn. One more thing we had it remapped to 700hp and 3000nm of torque, for people who know Dover, we came out of Dover coming up Jubilee Way with 44ton on….we never left the limiter, when you are going along like that you know you have a good truck.

But after 740000km my mum was diagnosed with cancer again, Dad was forced to sell his truck and trailers to send mum to a private clinic in Germany. A quote from Dad:

“I was in a bad way when my wife got cancer again because she had just got the all clear, i had to sell my truck to send her to germany for private treatment, my heart was broken when i had to sell my new lorry because i haven’t even been driving it for a year yet and all the hard work that me and my son and VSB put into it. I was heartbroken. So i phoned up Simon Wilson and offered it to him and sure enough he accepted the offer and that was it, my dream was gone. I bought this lorry because i knew that it would last me 10 years or so and i had designed it the way i wanted it and because of the front air suspension it drove like a car, this was going to be my last truck. But you cant put a price on a life. I am glad my pride and joy went to a good place and i hope that i will see it again”

By Jack Rigby

Finally the new member of the all new Mercedes Benz line up I have been waiting for! I can’t say too much about it apart from what has been released in the press release today. I LOVE IT! The joys of “Cut & Paste” will become apparent right now – from the MB press release:

With the arrival of the new Atego, the medium-duty short-radius distribution truck in the 6.5 t to 16 t GVWR segment, the new truck generation from Mercedes-Benz is now complete. In appearance, too, the new Atego fits neatly into a line-up that already includes the Mercedes-Benz Actros, Antos and Arocs model series. A new bumper design with integrated daytime running lamps (an LED version is available as an option) defines the characteristic face of the Atego and, for all its clear individual identity, marks it out immediately as a member of today’s Mercedes-Benz truck family.

Inside the Atego cab, the driver will find a completely redesigned interior with a cockpit design that, in terms of styling and functionality, has been aligned with that of the Actros, Antos and Arocs. The central instrument with its large, clear graphic display, a multifunction steering wheel as standard – optionally available in leather, seats in a new design featuring integrated head restraints and armrests (in conjunction with Mercedes PowerShift 3) and a one-piece 7-zone cold foam mattress as an option are just a few examples of what to expect in the new Atego. To cope with the challenges posed by the growing complexity of short-radius distribution operations, the new Atego offers the possibility of integrating multimedia devices, along with the added functionality provided by the new electric/electronics concept.

With a comprehensive range of improvements to its chassis, rear suspension and cab mounting, along with a new steering system, the new Atego sets new standards for driving dynamics, handling safety and comfort. A total of 42 different model variants, covering a wide range of wheelbase lengths, three cab lengths and all-wheel-drive versions, meet all customer needs and requirement profiles in the short-radius distribution segment.

■ Seven Euro VI engines with four or six cylinders and between 115 kW (156 hp) and 220 kW (299 hp), delivering significantly improved economy

■ Redesigned comfort cab provides a workplace with perfect ergonomics for the driver in four different variants

■ Stability Control Assist and daytime running lamps as standard

■ New Mercedes PowerShift 3 eight-speed automatic transmission for engines from 175 kW (238 hp) to 220 kW (299 hp)

■ Optional permanent magnet retarder provides wear-free braking as further support to new exhaust brake

■ New suspension combines maximum handling safety with good comfort

■ Extends benchmark position in the segment from 6.5 t to 16 t perm. GVW

The fourth and last member of the Mercedes-Benz truck family to undergo a complete makeover is the new Mercedes-Benz Atego with Euro VI, now coming on stage to continue its successful career as a bestseller in the short-radius distribution segment from 6.5 to 16 t permissible gross vehicle weight (perm. GVW).

This new version of the European market-leading Mercedes-Benz Atego retains its benchmark position in the light- and medium weight truck segment with regard to quality, reliability, repair and maintenance costs as well as durability. Indeed, this lead has now been extended even further by the introduction of numerous innovations in relation to the drive system, chassis and cab.

To see some more press photos from the Daimler Group, please click HERE.
I can’t wait to see this little beauty, but then again by noow you should have all worked out that I am probably the only truckie who loves Tonka toys more than thumping great artics. Any way hopefully i’ll bring you more on the New Atego over the next few months. Thanks Mercedes Benz….