Alcoa 17.5 Inch Rims

Posted on December 21, 2011 by admin

How on earth I have missed this I have no idea! It’s only thanks to my G’day Mate Julian from Australia sending me the Alcoa April 2011 Newsletter I found out. When I went to the IAA Show in Hanover at the end of 2010, I found (and fell in love with!!) a little white MAN TGL which had fitted a set of 17.5 Alcoa wheels. I hunted and hunted about and asked in my best German and could not get any answers. Please read the following short snippet from Alcoa’s April Newsletter;

From April 2011 onwards, the MAN TGL series can be ordered with Alcoa forged aluminium wheels. The 17.5” x 6.75” hub piloted 6 studs on 245 mm bolt circle wheel is available at MAN in two finishes: Brushed and Dura-Bright®. MAN is the first truck OEM offering this new Alcoa wheel for trucks of 6-12 tons GVW. The wheel can also be fitted on the MB Atego, but is not yet available at Mercedes-Benz. Retrofitting can be arranged via the Alcoa distributors. For mounting the wheel on 6-12 tons trucks from other brands, please seek the advice of the Alcoa Sales Managers or contact us on info.wheels@alcoa.com.

NEWS: Scania to Slow Production Rate

Posted on December 20, 2011 by admin

Is the current world climate begining to take a toll on truck buying? Seems that Scania think so. This is what todays’s press release has to say;

Scania foresees a continued slowdown in demand in various markets and, starting in January, will lower the production rate at its units in Europe and Latin America. This adjustment will be handled within the terms of existing flexibility agreements at the company. Economic worries in Europe and the world have made customers more hesitant about investing in new products. In November 2011, Scania cut back its production rate by about 15 percent at the global level, but since then demand has deteriorated further.

“The slowdown in Europe and the Middle East has continued. Meanwhile we are also seeing a lower rate of order bookings from other markets.” says Martin Lundstedt, Executive Vice President in charge of Scania’s sales and marketing.

In Brazil there is uncertainty about the market trend during the first half of 2012 in light of the transition to new Euro 5 emission legislation and the trend of global demand for agricultural products and other commodities. At the global level, Scania will lower its production rate by about 15 percent starting in January. The adjustment of production levels will occur at Scania’s production units in Europe and Latin America and will be handled within the terms of the existing flexibility agreements between the company and the respective trade unions.

“This implies that we must gradually adjust staffing, which unfortunately means that we will be unable to renew the contracts of more than 1,000 fixed term temporary employees in our global production network,” says Anders Nielsen, Executive Vice President in charge of Scania’s production and logistics.

As a result of the production cutback that Scania carried out in November, the contracts of 900 of a total of 1,400 fixed term temporary employees at European production units were not renewed. The adjustment that has now been decided will mean that most of the remaining number of fixed term temporary employees in Europe will be affected, along with a majority of the fixed term temporary employees in Latin America.
For nearly two years, Scania has been working with short and stable delivery times, approximately 8 weeks in Europe, with the aim of getting the right signals to the production network as early as possible when changes occur in order bookings. This minimises inventory build-up.

Thanks to Wilson Pra for the photo from Brazil’s Fenatran Show.

Axel Dubois Thermo Transit – Belgium

Posted on December 17, 2011 by admin

A few weeks back while I was traipsing through the undergrowth of the Internet at endless truck photo’s I came across what I can only describe as an almost perfect truck. you know how in your head you have a picture of what your perfect truck would be, the colours, the truck, the wheels and accessories, if you had your own truck you know how you make it look. Having had my own trucks before, I have a rough idea of what I like. Blues and whites for colours, with a few accessories but nothing over the top. I have owned an airbrushed truck before and in all honesty I don’t think I would do it again. I’d rather have a simple but affective paint job. I also like painted accessories rather than stainless steel ones, things such as light bars and I even tend to favour a painted wheel at the moment over a shiny set of Alcoa’s. Having said all this you will now have a better idea of why this truck seems to be almost my perfect truck.

As you can see it has everything I like. Even better that it’s on a V8 Scania! The truck belongs to a small Belgian haulier who goe’s by the name of Axel Dubois Thermo Transit. Where to start??! The simple but stunning paint job, the painted light bars, cab steps, grill and wheels, the few spot lights, grill lights, the light box on the headboard and the aftermarket sun-visor. All in all I don’t think I can say much more other than it is virtually perfect. Even coupled to it’s plain-ish white fridge trailer it still looks good. I guess some of you prefer a painted trailer rather than the white. I can’t say I disagree, but in some case’s such as this I think the plain trailer makes the tractor unit stand out more. On the other hand if you painted the trailer the same scheme as the cab it would look very very impressive, but would it be too much?? They do say you can have too much of a good thing! The truck runs all over Europe pulling it’s fridge trailer mainly, but I have seen photo’s of it pulling a Euro-liner as well.

The other thing I really like about the paint job is the big star on the side and the smaller stars dotted about on the midnight blue part of the cab. When I had my airbrushed Mercedes Atego I had stars and planets painted in the background and I think it looks good. It breaks up the big expanse of one colour. Also note the little Polar Bear and the painted A-frame holding the air lines. The painted wheels look great, although I do wonder if Mr Dubois had as much trouble making his white nut covers as I did when I was making white ones for my old Scania 141. At this point I would like to thank Patrick Pawluk from www.padborg-express.com for allowing me to use the above 2 photo’s. They are both Patrick’s own. To see more of his handy camera work go to Padborg-express.com when you have finished reading this. I don’t know who’s the next 3 photo’s are, so apologies for not crediting you if they are yours!

The trailer is also simple but effective. Lots of marker lights but not they are not over the top, the LED rear burger lights are great and oh so red when you see them in the dark. In these 2 photo’s the truck has a set of ally wheels, I wonder which came first the painted or the shiny? Did / does the trailer have painted wheels? One of you must know the answer? Leave a comment or email me: ben@truckblog.co.uk

All in all I think i’d be hard pressed to find a truck better suited to my requirements, unless of course I ever get round to owning my own truck again. I just hope Mr Dubois isn’t one to keep adding little bits to the truck. When you find drivers who keep adding bits to their truck, eventually it becomes to much and it starts to look too busy and over the top. If it stays like it is, then perfect! I best get pally with Axel Dubois so I can copy the paint job!! Would it suit my little 12 ton MAN TGL LX?? I’d be happy to try and find out that’s for sure………..As it goes I have sent Mr Dubois a friend request on Facebook, but had no acceptance yet, then again can you blame him??!!

Still No Activ Update!!

Posted on December 16, 2011 by admin

One of my drivers was told by the staff at Bremen based Activ Cars that they’d send soe photo’s to the blog soon………..nothing yet!

After a delivery not far from Activ Cars base in Bremen one of our drivers had 30 mins to spare so he called in at Activ HQ. After a lengthy conversation they decided that he’d be allowed to take some photo’s all the great blog cause, only for the decision to be overtuned by the boss as all the Mercedes trucks were all dirty and they would email over some new fleet photo’s once they had a few trucks back and they had been washed and brushed up. Now I suppose it could be true that at this time of year it can be difficult to get any fleet clean, so i’ll keep my fingers crossed for a Christmas holiday surprise! My driver did say there is an English man working in the office who seemed quite keen on the blog so hopefully one of these days he’ll make contact!!

For now i’ll just have to make do with the few photo’s they emailed a few years back, how hard done by am I!! If any of you have any contact with Activ Cars (they do come to all Airbus facilities in the UK each week) drivers or vehicles then email over your Activ Spots; ben@truckblog.co.uk

Freightline Europe Update

Posted on December 15, 2011 by admin

Last weekend I put a post on HERE about Dutch company Freightline Europe’s unfortunate mishap in the snow. Just thought you might like to know that once it was upright again the damage didn’t look to bad! I reckon they could fix it or put a new cab on and a body and use it again. I guess it depends on what the insurers say and if the chassis has had a twist! The big Scania’s next move is unknown, but i’m sure if Freightline Europe do put it back on the road, we’ll soon find out. Thanks to Neil Jarrold of www.euro-wheels.com for the photo!

Holidays are Coming!! Well Coles T-cab is…

Posted on December 13, 2011 by admin

I had a tip off this week that a Coca Cola Christmas truck would be making an appearence today at my local Sainsburys in Colchester. The store is about 500 yards from my house so I thought i’d pop along and get a snap afterwork only to be reminded by Mrs Blogger that I am out this eveing and won’t be coming home til after the truck has left. The photo above is one of 2 trucks on the Coca Cola Christmas truck tour. For full details of what stops are left on the tour, click HERE to go to the tour map. I would just like to say I do not know the people in the photo, they must have been next tin line to have their photo taken with the truck.

Yesterday I saw a photo on Facebook of the 2 trucks parked together and being an eagle eyed truck spotter I noticed the 2 registration numbers; V8 GNC and BU03 ZVC. To some of you they might not mean a lot but i recognised them to be Coles & Sons of Banbury’s, 2 Scania T-cabs. So after a little insider knowledge (thanks to a certain ex T-cab driver) he confirmed my suspictions.

Crikey! Can you imagine it, 2 of the best know airbrushed trucks in the country, V8 GNC being the one covered in artwork from the film Convoy. How Gary Coles plucked up the courage to have cab wrap applied to his pride and joy i’ll never know (but I have a rough idea!). I think more importantly put yourself in the shoes of the poor chap who’s task it will be to “un-wrap” the trucks at the end of the tour…..Good luck and a steady hand required me thinks!! Any way the trucks are covered head to toe in lights, just like the Americn trucks on the now legendary TV advert. I have to say they look quite good and judging by Mrs Bloggers comments, there were plenty of happy kids at Sainsburys this evening.

Because Mrs Blogger has had such a bad day, yet she still managed to get a photo for her beloved husband, I must put it on here as a form of Christmas dedication to my long suffering wife. So here it is and please bear in mind it was blowing a gale, she had our son in one hand and was carrying shopping and still managed to get this quick snap, thanks Wife x

For those of you who are even sadder than me, just to confirm that the trucks are Coles & Sons and have only been cab wrapped and not resprayed the only evidence I can supply is this rear view of the cab. If you look carefully, the panel between the stacks and the cab looks like a temporary arrangement and also you can still see the lovely blue of Coles trucks on the side air deflector. I guess it’s just to much faff to try and cover the honeycombed back of the Scania side deflector, fair play. The truck looks great and is fairly certainly bringing plenty of Christmas cheer to Supermarkets all over, just another treat / way to wind your kidies up before Christmas. Once again spare a thought for the un-wrapping man, i guess how well he does will depend if the trucks do the same again next year!!

Below is the same truck in it’s non Coca Cola guise. Have you seen these trucks this year? If so why not email me the evidence; ben@truckblog.co.uk

Happy Christmas To Me!!

Posted on December 11, 2011 by admin

Yes I treated myself to a little piece of Essex for Christmas. Well being an Essex boy for 30 of my 32 years I feel I am an honoury member! A few months back Ben Lord of Speedbird Promotions (the UK arm of Dutch model experts Tekno) sent out the details of impending release of an Essex International Scania 141, along with the related trucks of Kerbey Motors, a Scania R580 which is available now and a Scania 143 Streamline which is due for release in February. Either contact Kerbey Motors or Speedbird / Tekno UK and treat yourself.

This truck is based on VVW 909S, a Scania 141, restored and put on the show circuit by Michael Lacey and his uncle Bim Mountain. Michael’s father used to work for Essex back in the day. The model itself is a good replica, as you’d obviously expect, of the real truck, down to the smallest details. There is even a Michelin Man and a European Duck to stick on the roof and a nice acrylic blue sunvisor! If you would like one of these models, there are only a few left, so be quick. Get onto the Speedbird Promotions website and get it ordered!!

As for my model (certificate number 70) it will be joing my Tekno Astran 111 and at some point there will be a Middle East reunion on my kitchen side, if at the time i’m home alone I may even use my son’s sand pit, just for authenticity reason’s of course!! Below are the Tekno drawings for your enjoyment.

Just as a side note, if anyone has any Essex International Stories or photo’s they want to share, then please get emailing the blog; ben@truckblog.co.uk

Snow Time for Messing About

Posted on December 10, 2011 by admin

Now the winter is with us, a quick stark reminder to all of you on the road, PLEASE BE CAREFULL! We can all think we have been there and done that when it comes to snow and ice on the roads, but it’s no reason to be complacent. Remember it can still catch you out, as this Freightline Europe driver found out, reportedly without any injury.

This came up on Facebook the other weekend. The little report underneath said the driver was unhurt, but the truck, as you can see wasn’t. As for the drawbar trailer, it was left just as a chassis. The accident happened late one night in Norway. The Dutch registered Scania was loaded with drinks and lost control on a bend. By my reckoning the truck may have only fallen on one side then onto the roof, as the cab doesn’t look too badly damaged, but I may well be wrong. Whether your in Norway, Spain or Bulgaria, just remember it can happen to the best of us, slow or fast ice and snow is still slippery! Here is a photo of the Scania in all its glory, before it’s roll in the snow. Picture is from Freightline Europe’s website, which is worth a look even if it’s just for the Gallery pages.

The Original “EDZ 450″

Posted on December 6, 2011 by admin

A few weeks back I put some photo’s of MW Taskers new Scania R560 here on the blog. Everyone said how good the truck looks etc etc, but a few of you asked why does a brand new truck, deep in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, have a set of Northern Irish numbers plates, EDZ 450?? and why does the second truck on the Tasker fleet have a similar plate? Keep reading and I will explain all. Firstly here is a photo of the original EDZ 450, a real, true legend of the international trucking world!!

Back in 1995 a certain Michael Tasker was on the look out for a 2nd hand left hand drive V8 to purchase. What should he stumble upon, but what appeared to be an ex Ralph Davies Scania 143 450hp. Scania, check. V8, check. LHD, check. Tag axle, check. Ally wheels, exhaust stacks, extra lights, check check check. Perfect. So off to Holyhead to view the truck.

Holyhead?? Yes the truck was, at the time, owned by an Owner Driver in Holyhead who went by the name of ED. Are you working it out for your self?? Yes you guessed it, the reg number came from it’s Holyhead owner. EDZ 450 translates to Ed’s 450hp Scania. Thats it. Simple when you know isn’t it?! No real reason for Tasker to have the plate except that it was the reg on the truck when he bought back in ’95 and has kept it on a truck ever since. The simple reason for Tasker’s second truck to have the plate HDZ 450, is purely and simply that is was the closest match to EDZ. So now you know why a Suffolk owner driver has always had a Northern Irish plate. Do you know who owner driver Ed from Holyhead is or was? Then email me, ben@truckblog.co.uk or leave a comment.

The next part of the story was a little rumour that Tasker can’t quite remember the details of. The faded memory is that this truck never actually made it on to the Ralph Davies fleet. Is it possible it was fully specced up but the order was cancelled and the truck was sold on. To me, i’m not sure I can quite believe it, but every story has to start from some where. If the truck was finished to Ralph Davies spec, including stacks, lights, wheels, why at that late late stage of new vehicle delivery would it have been cancelled?? No ideas? no me either. Can you help shed any light on the rumour? is there any way of telling if it ever was a Ralph Davies truck? Please feel free to leave your comments or email me, ben@truckblog.co.uk and in return i’ll leave you with a photo of the latest EDZ 450.

Old Cloggie Scania Still Working

Posted on December 4, 2011 by admin

This old girl is still working for a living over in the Netherlands. Spotted last week by HC Wilson driver Jon Pryke at Ritchie Brothers Auction site in Moerdijk. It looks to me like a bonnetted 110 (Scania that is!), but you may want to correct me. The truck has been restored and has a lovely new looking interiour and a good paint job. Pulling a 3 axle Nooteboom semi low loader, it was in Moerdijk loading some used plant. The old boy driving it, didn’t get why Jon wanted to click a couple of photos, as it’s just a working truck! Lovely to see these old trucks still out and about working, what ever country your in. Have you seen an oldie still doing a days graft? email me; ben@truckblog.co.uk or leave your comments below.

Deutrans Volvo F88

Posted on December 2, 2011 by admin

Back in September 2010 I popped off to Hanover for the day to the IAA Show. A good day a out Hanover’s equivalent of the NEC. One of the halls had a load of old classics in, so as you can expect I had a wonder round and came across a Deutrans Volvo F88. I had only ever seen models and photos of a Deutrans truck, so seeing one in the flesh was fairly impressive, with the bright orange paint work. It was only recently that Neil Jarrold from www.euro-wheels said; “I’ve got an original just like that” So here it is;

Not knowing a lot about the company I have just been on the Deutrans Website, which give’s a lot of info and some good photos too. This little statement is from Wikipedia, so is free for you all to find;

“After the Second World War, the Soviet military administration in urgent need of a shipping company that took care of reparations and the removal of all foreign trade shipments between the Soviet occupation zone in Germany, later, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and the Soviet Union safe. Therefore, the “Derutra” on
26 March 1946 in East Berlin re-established. She acted initially as a carrier, ie they vermakelte freight orders to the now established state-owned road transport companies. The vehicles had to be satisfied with what had been left intact the machinery of war or give up what the Soviets from their military stocks were
prepared. By 1950, the VVB (combination of state-owned enterprises) established German shipping. Her were under the VEB (state-owned enterprise) German shipping in the various districts, which in turn has its own fleet. The German shipping was responsible above all, the inter-zone traffic and the handling of shipments into the so-called non-socialist countries. But in all activities, the problem of obtaining suitable truck. The commercial vehicle industry in the GDR was still in its infancy, and until 1952 was the first with the IFA H6 serious truck on the market. But in
1959 the Schwerlastwagenbau in the GDR was completely suspended. So there was only the import, and if possible from the “brother countries”. But besides the Skoda from Czechoslovakia and the rest of the Eastern bloc could offer no useful first
truck.

But first, 1954, the DEUTRANS – International Freight
Forwarding was founded. This acted as a pure forwarder and instructed the
state-owned road transport companies, the German Reichsbahn, but also shipping
with the transport execution. They tried to handle the bulk of the shipments by rail.
In the 1960s, but also had to recognize the GDR leadership, that you do not follow the
international trend to road transport could be closed longer. The procurement of
appropriate vehicles proved to be a serious problem in terms of foreign exchange
for the chronically strapped East Germany. That each invested would pay more
than market value, could anyone seriously imagine that time. First they tried to conduct
business on the basis of compensation. The East German industry would
actively trade relations with Sweden. What could be better than to swap
machines for Swedish Volvo Truck?”

That was all translated from German I think, so apologies for the slightly dodgy grammer! No different to my normal standard!! Hopefully this may spark a few response’s to Deutrans, if you have any thing to add please email me ben@truckblog.co.uk or leave your comments here. Another good photo from Neil Jarrold, head over to www.euro-wheels.com to see many many more!!

Astran Scania 143 Tekno Model

Posted on December 1, 2011 by admin

For some of you who were not lucky enough to get your hands on the 1st Astran Tekno model, the Scania 111, you may have you chance again to own an Astran Tekno collectors item. After a brief chat with Astran MD, Kevin Letham, he tell’s me there are just a few 1/50 scale models left on the pre-order list. Currently the models are due to finally arrive from the Tekno factory in February and i’m told they make excellent Valentines gifts!!. If you want to be in with the chance of getting your hands on one of only 450 models, email kevin@astran-cargo.com and title your email “Scania 143 Tekno Model”.

The truck in production is a Scania 143 Streamline, complete with tilt trailer as driven by Trevor Dodwell and as featured in my top 3 Astran Liveried trucks of all time. This particular truck, M509 WCK, ended up being at the top of my top 3, read all about it by clicking HERE.

First new “Euro VI” Mercedes-Benz Actros delivered to France

Posted on November 27, 2011 by admin

The 1st new shape Euro VI Mercedes Benz Actros has been delivered to Transalliance in France. The truck was handed over as the 1st in an order of 500 trucks, to be delivered over the next few months. Transalliance is one of the largest logistics companies in Europe. Its fleet comprises 3200 vehicles, including 700 trucks from Mercedes-Benz.

This comes from the press release: The new Mercedes-Benz Actros is the first truck to be designed specifically for the Euro VI standard, which will become mandatory in 2014. Its pollutant emissions have been reduced to a barely detectable range. The new Actros model also sets benchmarks in terms of fuel consumption: in comparison to the established Actros, the new Actros designed to Euro VI standard results in a further 3-4 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

“For us, economy, safe driving dynamics and greater comfort for the driver are the most important characteristics of a truck. We are proud to have the first Mercedes-Benz Actros with Euro VI technology in our fleet,” declared Alexandre Michel from Transalliance. “Our efforts to support and actively promote future-oriented technologies are also being showcased in the technology days which we are currently staging at Transalliance. This event offers customers and employees an opportunity to catch up on the state of the art in our business.”

New SportsMAN for German Football Team

Posted on November 27, 2011 by admin

This little MAN TGL LX tractor and trailer have just gone into service, selling footballing merchandise at home and away games for German football champions Borussia Dortmund. The MAN press release states; “The semitrailer tractor has been specially adapted by the Munich Dax-30 Group to the club’s requirements and designed in the club’s colors. Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga team has been traveling to its games in an exclusive MAN coach for around ten years. “

The press releasegoes on to say; Andreas Lampersbach, Head of MAN SE’s Corporate Communications, added: “Our partnership with Borussia Dortmund is going very well for us. Following the new Team Coach and the Champion Mobile, the Fan Shop on wheels is the third customized vehicle that our engineers have put on the road for BVB.”

Can anyone shed any light on the “Munich Dax-30 Group”?? I have heard of them before, they obviously do plenty of truck and vehicle conversions, but when I type it into Google, it just comes back with everything related to the German Stock Exchange! Any ideas, then email me; ben@truckblog.co.uk

SCOOP!! New Mercedes Benz Actros named Truck of The Year 2012

Posted on November 25, 2011 by admin

Congratulations!! Well deserved in my opinion. Whether you love it or hate it you can’t deny either way it is the most striking looking truck sine the launch of the Renault Magnum. Agree or disagree? Leave a comment or send me an email; ben@truckblog.co.uk

New Ozzie Mini Artic is Nearly Ready

Posted on November 24, 2011 by admin

Remember a little while back I introduced you too a new mate of mine from Australia, Julian Baker. He runs a mini artic around Australia delivering cars under the wing of Ceva Logistics. He currently has a new UD tractor unit in the making. Once again I will leave you in his capable hands, so sit back open a stubbie, chuck another shrimp on the barbie and enjoy reading what Julian has to say;

The new one is a UD too but is quite interesting. In conjunction with the manufacture we have transplanted a 15 inch diff and housing to replace the 13 inch original. The hubs and drums are interchangeable. The project has been delayed and delayed due to sourcing appropriate ratios ex Japan, as the 15 inch was normally on 22.5 inch wheels in Australia, not 17.5. This truck has 4.111 ratio with 0.78 overdrive 6 speed. Also the local senior UD management and Japanese engineering staff had been stalling approval for a few years. I have a friend who heads up UD engineering for Australia/New Zealand. We share a passion for the small, high horsepower tow vehicle but he has struggled to get traction on this project until recently. This type of vehicle sits conveniently in a GVM range that doesn’t require a speed limiter and doesn’t require a log book/work diary (driving hours) when without a trailer. Combined with the low clearance, high manouverability, low loading height and relatively high payload with high GCM we reckon the variant can be a real money making proposition. This little fella is the first UD to be painted Ceva Burgundy on the line too.

The stronger diff will complement the already upgraded gearbox, tail shaft, universals, clutch and engine in the new model. The end result is the higher GCM with a higher torque engine. The new truck will also have far greater redundancy in the driveline. The old MK265 has done a wonderful job, but as it is approaching 1 million kms, all major components have been replaced at least once. I generally sit around 20 tonne but have gone to Melbourne-Perth, Brisbane-Melbourne and numerous Melbourne-Adelaide/Sydneys a tonne or two over. Like the rest of the world we have a love of the SUV and unnecessarily large cars in Australia. Although still far more modest than the Yanks.

It is a little bit of a shame the modified truck isn’t the new, new model with a completely new cab and engine. As Volvo have owned UD for a few years the development of a new medium range took place. The new engine is 280 hp (vs 260) and 883nm (vs 794), still on 235/75 17.5 rubber. GVM is up to 11 tonne and GCM with the big diff will be 23 tonne. I know these numbers aren’t enormous compared to a TGL, LF45 or the 12 tonne Atego sold in Germany with the big rear axle, but Jap trucks are the norm down here. They have sufficient cooling capacity and Jap trucks always deliver what they promise. It’s sort of like ‘under promise, over deliver’.

Anyway, I’m still thrilled my big axle idea has been implemented. The little buggar is going to cost me a fortune as I’ve got a bit carried away with the accessories, but it’s coming along nicely. Things left to do are the bull bar and driving lights (very similar to the old truck), Ceva livery (I’m thinking of putting a big UD logo on the back window too, and maybe my football teams logo:-)), rectangular alloy fuel tanks with matching separate third hydraulic tank, the Alcoas off the old truck with a polish, chrome axle end trims on the drive, nut covers, water tank, tool box, proper drive tyres and leather upholstery. The tanks are 560mm wide x 510mm high, they should really finish the little banger off. They will send me broke alone!! I am a huge fan of the mini prime-mover, this will be my third. Chassis height and tare weight with my trailer are unique. My total tare weight is comparable to the Ceva 6 car trailers my mates tow alone. Therefore my fuel consumption is 0.4-0.7 kms per litre better. It doesn’t sound much, but can be over $100/day if running highway kms. The other blokes are pulling their 6-9 tonne prime-movers for no extra income. Purchase price, and maintenance are slightly less, but these little trucks are a five year proposition towing trailers, not 8 like they old one is.

Of course comfort and cabin room are not comparable in any way to European trucks. I have flirted with buying a MAN for 10 years but LEs then TGLs are like rocking horse droppings here. DAF LF45s don’t cool and Ivecos are terribly unreliable in Aussie conditions. Benz don’t bring Ategos to Australia running on 17.5 inch rims, and the chassis height of the 19.5 inch trucks is pretty high. Avia have been introduced recently but a 4.5 litre engine is reason enough not to consider them. Probably the main reason I haven’t taken the MAN plunge though is the odd stud pattern on the wheels. My current setup runs the same Alcoa 17.5 x 6.75 rims throughout. Even the 8 stud used by DAF and AVIA could be replicated here, but the MAN pattern would be custom custom.

I have recently come back to Melbourne from almost two years fly-in/fly-out in Tasmania. The little truck didn’t come home once. It was my home during the week. In Australia we have an ADR (Australian Design Rule) which grants the bunk in a truck to be a ‘registered sleeping compartment’. The little bunk in the MK has had this accreditation since this cabin was introduced in the mid 90s and until recently was the only narrow Jap cab to be approved. The Isuzu narrow extended cab now complies. You do not have this cab in the UK I believe. Isuzu UK either sell the narrow cab with no bunk, or the wide cab with a bunk. Anyway, I have wrap around curtains and my passenger seat folds flat so I sleep well. An extra foot of bunk and a foot more head room would be very well received though. And more storage space!!! New truck will be two seater with proper consol vs three seater with shallow consol in the back of the middle seat.

Top 3 Astran Liveried Trucks – NVW 484P

Posted on November 20, 2011 by admin

Right through this little trio of my Top 3 Astran liveried trucks of all time, I have stated that the 3 were in no particular order, but as it’s my rules I can change them when I like. In my opinion this is the greatest Astran liveried truck of all time….NVW 484P, Scania 140 V8 6×4. You can’t get a better looking truck than this…….can you??

WARNING I WILL BE GETTING ALL ROMANTIC SHORTLY!! This photo comes to me care of the one and only author of “The Long Haul Pioneers“, Sir Ashley Coghill, but the photo it’s self is taken by Destination Doha assistant director Simon Normanton, what a truly great photo. Would a clear modern day digital photo give quite as much atmosphere as this?? I think not.

Where to start with my reasonings behind this being my 3rd choice in my top 3 Astran trucks of all time. As in Part One and Part Two of my choices, I can’t do much more than to ask you to take a good hard look at the photo, it’s all there. I guess really my choice of NVW 484P is pretty well based on it pulling this trailer in Destination Doha (where did this trailer end up?). Its got every thing that it should have (ready??); it’s dirty, roughed up wheels and mud flaps, roof rack and air con box, leaking fuel cap, TIR and GB on the bumper, dust pouring from the wheels, legendary driver and I know I can’t put it on here but I can just hear Dave Poulton talking away in the cab in DD and being able to hear the V8 just purring away as they head ever East. Being an ex owner of a Scania 141, for all you Scania fans who haven’t driven a 140 or a 141, you just have too. The shear joy of pressing the starter button and getting that first growl of the day, is just amazing! I think what ever the previous day had thrown at me in the depths of the desert, pressing that button the morning after a crap day must be so so reassuring. By the way right now I am wishing I had done the ME in this truck, just purrrrfect! Look out for the first time in blog history I’m going to use the same photo twice!

This photo was taken during the filming of Destination Doha. Ashley Coghill says;

“Dave Poulton at the wheel thundering across Jordan’s infamous H4 desert route to Saudi Arabia. Simon Normanton was assistant director for the BBC film Destination Doha and took many stills during the making of the film. This image has to be THE best and most iconic shot of a Scania 140 in full flight!”

It’s a brave man who will disagree with Ashley. I think of top of it being the best photo of a Scania 140 in full flight I think it also sums up the whole Middle East run. Hard trucks, hard men doing a hard job. We can all get a bit blase these days looking at the great romance of it all, but please please dont forget it wasn’t all glory. As the very proud owner of the late great Dick Snow’s diary (luckily for me he was a relation of mine), as used in Ashley’s book, you get a feel that some of the daily entries were written with great feeling.The endless days sat in a scorching hot desert at a customs post, having run out of food. Driving up a solid ice road, in the pitch dark up a mountain in darkest Turkey. These trucks were made for the job and hopefully to make it that much easier for all those legendary men who did one of the toughest jobs in the world at the time. In all honesty if we were to still use the same roads today, can you honestly say for what ever reason that a modern Scania V8 R730, would be able to cope with the Ice clad mountains and roadless deserts?? Again I think not. The computers wouldn’t keep up and there would be no chance of doing day to day running repairs and as for all the dust getting in every sensor imaginable, need I go on? The old 140′s or 141′s can also push on at 60mph if required and have no didgtach that are going to beep at you left right and centre.

This is photo is credited to the man himself Dave Poulton, but not from Destination Doha! Even in this pic you can see “the look”, the 6×4 always looks more trucky than a 4×2. Seen here pulling a tilt through Turkey. Note the lack of bumper spots and the sand shovel in the cab ladder. Case closed, Best Astran Liveried truck ever!! (In my opinion anyway!)

Speaking of which while I was at it, I asked Ashley Coghill for his top 3. You will need to refer to your copy of his book “The Long Haul Pioneers“. His choices are;

3) JLL 686K – Scania 140 Roadtrain
2) 10 RMY – GUY Warrior
1) NVW 484P – Scania 140 6×4

Again an excellent top 3, glad we agree on one truck at least! It would be great if you all wanted to leave your top 3 as comments on this one, come on if you haven’t before then leave a comment now, you have got this far after all!! If not you can email me, ben@truckblog.co.uk

Scania are a Game Bunch!

Posted on November 17, 2011 by admin

Finally Scania have taken a step forward in the world of computer gaming. For all those gamers out there, young or old, you can now buy a game where you can actually drive a Scania badged truck, not just a non-badged looky-likey. This is what the Scania press release says;

Scania has given the Czech computer games publisher SCS Software the right to use its brand in the Trucks & Trailers simulation game.

Trucks & Trailers is currently available in editions for the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Russia, UK and the Nordic countries. See www.trucks-and-trailers.com. In September, SCS Software’s CEO Pavel Šebor was invited to DemoCentre in Södertälje and for the first time in his life drove an actual real truck, a 60 ton, V8 R730.

The game looks quite good and as always they do look more and more realistic. There are many different editions to choose from. It is possible to buy a version based on your country (in most cases), including a Right Drive UK Edition. So get it on your Christmas list, and you can enjoy the pleasure of driving the roads of the UK and Europe, a lot cheaper than buying your own truck!! You can also see a short video of the game on you tube;

Top 3 Astran Liveried Trucks – M509 WCK

Posted on November 13, 2011 by admin

Next in my top 3 Astran trucks of all time is this beast of a Scania 143 Streamline, driven by Trevor Dodwell I do believe. As I said in Part 1, the top 3 is in no particular order, it would be to hard to choose between them!! I think for me, Astran trucks are Scania’s. I know Mercedes and Volvo were both regular Middle Easters for Astran, but if you look at the fleet list out of a total of 58 trucks, 40 were Scania. Even though this is an Owner driver truck, to me it’s still one of the top 3 all time great Astran trucks.

Bull bar, extra spots, roof rack, headboard, un-polished ally wheels, big tanks, ruffed up rear mudguards, Arabic script and, and, wait for it….its got that look!! in huge doses for that matter. I can just see this old girl hurteling along the dusty desert road, lights a blaze, camels parting like the red sea, as the growl of the big V8 heads ever Eastwards. I think also this is obviously the new version of the old 140′s and 141′s, so if Astran had kept their own fleet in the 90′s there would have been a fleet of these, just imagine!

I actually emailed Trevor Dodwell about this truck, and he sent me a photo he has above his desk, this is below. I think this truck was for sale in Ireland since Trevor had it, although there was a little confusion over it, but any way if it was this truck I was oh so close to snapping it up and in all honesty I wish I had. The wife has promised to but me a new truck one day, when she does, the 143 Streamline will be it and it will take a lot of convincing not to paint it up as this truck. Here is Trevors photo;

So there it is, this is my number 2 truck in the all time top 3 Astran trucks. A second Scania, your right, but then again when you think of Astran what truck do you think of? Email me, ben@truckblog.co.uk or leave a comment. There is one more truck to come in this little mini series, what will it be? whats your choice? If you follow the blog on twitter (@truckbloguk) then you may already know my 3rd and final choice. Also while I remember the top 3 photos are courtesy of Mr Nick Garlick.

The Truck That Guy Built (sort of!)

Posted on November 11, 2011 by admin

Sorry Mick, I couldn’t resist the title! Surely eveyone one knows of Moody International? Smart European fridge operator from Grimsby and now top 2nd hand truck dealer as well. After a recent bit of contact, Mr Mick Moody told me of a very smart Scania 143 500 LHD Streamline he is now restoring. The truck is ex Wittwer Transport from Switzerland.

Although the truck was already in pretty good shape, it has been stripped right down to it’s bear bones and touched up and resprayed back into what I remember as original Moody International livery. Hopefully Mick will send me some more photo’s as the project nears completion. So far it’s been expertly rebuilt by the one and only Guy Martin, you know “The Boat That Guy Built” on TV? hence the dodgy blog title. Anyway it certainly looks good so far, looking forward to the finished result. The only I don’t know is if it’s just for show or if it will be back on the road paying for it’s restoration.