BigLorryBlog

Despite what you might think life as a journo isn't all ha, ha, hee, hee....So every now and again Biglorryblog tries to squeeze in a bit of 'me time'...and tomorrow is it. I've set myself up with a drive of this little beauty---the 700hp Oshkosh HET 8x8 tank transporter. And I'll obviously tell you all about it on BLB. But for the moment that's all for tonight from me. Stay tuned for terrific tales of tank transporters told tomorrow.

Biglorryblog's man 'North 'o' the Border' John Henderson has sent me this curiosity and message: "Hi Brian, No it's nothing to do with flying, just a rather tasty treat I recently purchased from a very smart food shop in Stonehaven. They say that more chocolate is sold during a recession/credit crunch, so to honour the trend I've recently been buying a fair share on my travels! (any excuse!) As well as having a truly eye catching wrapper, this milk hazelnut bar was just delicious and its made by a firm called Starbrook. Check out www.starbrook-airlines.com, their retro artwork is almost as good as the chocolate!  Cheers for now, John....and while I'm on the subject of trucks and chocolate, does anyone have a photo of the original DAF 2800 used in the first Yorkie advert?"

Well can anyone help John with this?

OK, for a quiche, what's the famous French landmark in this picture? Correct....a Mercedes Unimog! Well actually it was the metal structure behind it I was looking for but it's all too easy to be distracted when I tell you that Propreté de Paris---the road maintenance department of the municipal cleaning services which serves the French capital has bought no less than nine stunning 177hp Euro-4 Unimog U400s, complete with tunnel washing units in order to keep the 720,000m² of tunnel surfaces around the Périphérique clean. Hmmm do you think that includes the tunnel that Princess Diana......well you know....errr no better walk away from that one Biglorryblog.

The Périphérique? Surely BLB's most favourite road in France...not.  Is it me or do the locals deliberately try and stop the Brits from getting off at the required exit? Many years ago I was told by a long-serving Continental driver that he once hurled a tin of baked beans at a Renault driver who'd gone out of his way to block his progress. Apparently, once it bounced off his boot, said Renault driver suddenly displayed far better road manners....

Continue reading "Parisian road tunnels....no not that one says Biglorryblog. The ones that will be cleaned by a fleet of Unimogs! " »

Continue reading "Whoops apocalypse No:3,461....a Kiwi Kenworth has a nasty Krunch. Fortunately the driver's OK says Biglorryblog..." »

Have you noticed how Volvo FH16.660s are like buses? You wait a long time for one to turn up--then a whole shed-load of them appear all at once. At least that's how it seems to Biglorryblog who learns that  family-run mushroom compost haulier S W Adamson Transport, based in Middleham, North Yorkshire, is set to become one of the UK's largest operators of FH16's, have recently placed orders which will take their fleet of FH16-660's to eleven. And here they are, and what a fantastic line-up to boot! I can also tell you that the majority are tag-axle six-wheelers, specced for their improved manoeuvrability and traction. And all of them have been supplied by Crossroads Truck and Bus at Boroughbridge.

Owner Stuart Adamson tells me: "We specify the FH16-660 because they're on top of the job." Well I guess they would be---hauling mushroom compost! But I digress--and back to Stuart. "You have to control your costs and they give good fuel economy, there's no need for the driver to thrash them, and they take everything in their stride." Well BLB certainly isn't going to argue with that! Meanwhile, Stuart adds, "The 660 is great for looking after the drivers. It's an all-round winner. It has I-Shift, which is absolutely brilliant and with the high horsepower, there's even less gear changing, therefore less stress on the vehicles and drivers." Mmmmm......I can't see Stuart having too much of a problem with recruiting drivers. In fact he's probably got a waiting list that goes around the block. Anyway click through here for more....

Continue reading "Mushroom farming...you'll get a lightning-fast compost delivery service from SW Adamson, especially with their FH16s says Biglorryblog!" »

I suppose it's what happens when you live down-under. 'AtkiPete' Lynch has sent me this  picture of a terrific Aussie tractor and low-loader (AND a jeep dolly) and a cheery: "G'day Brian, glad the Army is keeping you on your toes. Here's a big Mack Trident (or even a Titan) that I spotted---well you couldn't very well miss it---on my way to work this morning. Cheers Pete."

Well all I can say is some people have all the luck---just click through here to see the kind of things Biglorryblog has to see in the morning.......

Continue reading "A great Big Mack to go in the morning...lucky if you live down-under says Biglorryblog!" »

Biglorryblog was only just wondering the other day "What's happened to my most favourite Russian anorak---Vladmir Chekhuta? Oh how I've missed his stories and pictures of new Russian trucks." Well wouldn't you know it, Vladimir is back with a photo and this message which I received today: "Hello Brian, I just got this pic of new Ukraine truck, the KRAZ-7238C4. Before they launched this lorry KRAZ only produced bonneted hood trucks."

Well they've certainly made up for the time gap, because Vladimir tells me that the 385hp Cummins ISMe-powered ' 72.38' six-wheeler is "The first cabover 25-tonne tipper from KRAZ." He then goes on to say, "I don't know where they got the cab---they may have bought it in from China as that's where many of the ex-USSR vehicle makers get theirs from. However, I think it looks like the MAN F2000 cab.Best regards, Vladimir." And I think you're absolutely right too. It IS the old MAN cab.

 Meanwhile, just to remind all BLB readers of the terrific pictures that Vladimir has sent me in the past here's a terrific MZKT-6527 oilfield truck in Kazakhstan with what looks like an old Iveco TurboStar cab (which was also used by MAZ) wouldn't you say? But for the real 'Czar' of oilfield trucks click through here now!

Continue reading "Russian trucks on Biglorryblog. Vladimir is back after a long absence and with a brand new Kraz tipper!" »

Avast behind! Word reaches Biglorryblog that 'heads turned' recently in the heart of old Stockholm as the latest Ericsson Volvo Open 70 yacht was hauled through the town by a new flagship Volvo FH16. Blimey it must have been a high-tide then to end up in the middle of the city! Fortunately, Christina Ohlsson-Jones, the lady responsible for the Volvo Ocean Race at Volvo Trucks.tells Biglorryblog to 'Calm down Dear...it's only a corporate sponsorship opportunity ....' that and the fact that  "Ericsson is putting a massive effort into the Volvo Ocean Race. For us organisers it feels good to be able to assist with the transportation of their yacht. It is also a great opportunity for us to show off our brand new truck too." And why not? The Fh16.660 is the perfect Viking long-boat hauler...Now click through here for more.

Continue reading "Volvo Ocean Racer...Ericsson Open 70 yacht...FH16.660, now that I DO understand says Biglorryblog..." »

This knackered LDV Convoy was pictured in a North London residential street a few months ago - and at the time was still a road-going vehicle (despite the dodgy headlight alignment).

The LDV is one of a handful of similarly aged vehicles owned by the same company that are parked on the same street. I've got a feeling that they've been pissing off the local residents somewhat, and it would appear that some of them have been taking out their frustration on the vans. The last time I saw this LDV it had the following sign in its windscreen:  "Seeing as you enjoy smashing up my vehicles, I have decided to leave you this one as a present".

I wonder how many patients the Slovakian health service has lost on account of running crap ambulances. Personally I think I would rather walk!

This communist relic was photographed last week on the outskirts of Bratislava. Does anyone know what it is - or how old it might be?

Any information on this Tatra would be good too.

Biglorryblog never ceases to be amazed by the 'pull' of Eddie Stobart AKA "Britain's favourite Road Haulier--The Sun" Why do I say that? Because long after I've posted a blog on Steady Eddie I get comments requesting: 'Can you get me a list of the entire fleet so I can find out if my daughter's name is on it...etc, etc' Well no, but not because I don't want to. Rather to be given a list of all the names of the Eddie Stobart trucks you have to enter the 'inner sanctum'.

Or to put it another way join the Eddie Stobart Fan Club which costs £12 a year but for that you get the complete fleet list in a special handbook, a Spotter's Book where you can tick off the names you spy out on the road, special discounts on Eddie merchandise and so on. You can also log-on to the special members section of the company website which has extra information, competitions, and so on. Plus you can enter your 'fleet spots' on the site as there's a special on-line spotters league.  Hmmm, now where's my flask of Bovril?

And how does one become a member of the Eddie Stobart Fan Club? Click through here and Biglorryblog will reveal all!

Continue reading "Eddie Stobart Fan Club. This is how you become an Official Eddie Spotter says Biglorryblog!" »

Continue reading "More mystery trucks on Biglorryblog. And a major pie giveaway if you can guess what they are!" »

Continue reading "Body tanning..on the back of a lorry? You've got to be kidding says Biglorryblog..." »

Where there's muck there's brass tha' knows! Word reaches Biglorryblog that Leeds-based TCL Transport Engineers recently won an exclusive contract from Yorkshire Water, via parent company Kelda plc/Welsh Water to supply it with vacuum waste tankers for the next five years. And here's one of the first ones to go into service.  But what caught my eye was this typically-tyke-like understatement written on the door...

Well I'll go to the foot of our stars...now click through here for another splendid 'Waster'

Continue reading "Yorkshire Water..there's nowt like it reckons Biglorryblog especially in a TCL tanker!" »

 

 

Continue reading "Volvo Trucks' new FH...and a VN-880 too on Biglorryblog courtesy of Martin P" »

The other day I blogged about my visit to the Shuttleworth Collection and how good it was for vintage plane/truck/car buffs. I also asked you the following questions regarding this Gloster Gladiator namely a) What was the name given to the three Sea Gladiators that provided the early air defence at Malta?  and b) Look behind the right-hand undercarriage strut and you'll see a curved metal casting resting against the wall by the door...what is it from? Well most people got the first one (Faith, Hope and Charity) but only one person got question b) right.

So step forward Robert Winkelmann (AKA 'The Winkster') who had trouble posting his answer all the way from San Franciso in California (so I've done it for him). He tells Biglorryblog; "I claim a pie for the curved object leaning against the wall. It's the main suspension element for the Westland Lysander [correctamundo!]. As a 15 year old Sea Cadet in 1943 I spent 2 weeks at Yeovilton working in the hangar assisting the Fleet Air Arm Mechanics do retraction tests on Wildcats. This involved winding up the gear 28 turns with a hand crank in the cockpit, something I find hard to imagine pilots doing after taking off from a carrier in the heat of battle.As a treat I was given a ride in a Lysander, my first flight in a military plane, an experience which led to stint, ('45 - '48) in the Navy as an Airframes Mechanic.."

Well done Robert and if you click through here you'll find a fascinating resume of what happened to him when he emigrated to the USA..and a picture of a Firefly too!

Continue reading "Gladiators, Fireflys, Mossies, Mustangs, Sea Otters and Spitfires...they're all on Biglorryblog thanks to 'The Winkster'! " »

Pay attention! 'The Boss' has communicated with me and says: "BLB, shame our British manufacturers didn't look out the window and didn't see the writing on the wall. Couldn't look into the future, made the mistake of not considering the driver as important." And as if to prove his point he's sent me these terrific selection of classic 70s waggons, some of which led to the demise of the UK industry...I'll leave you to work out which ones. Meanwhile The Boss concludes: "Trust you didn't spend the day at a rain sodden Truckfest..."

Well if nothing else this should please Pete Lynch in Oz..though not too many UK drivers I'd wager.

Mmmm..well even I wouldn't 'dis' this one. But compared to the Continentals I guess it was lacking...

And this was the one that started it all..never mind F86 it was the F88 and F89 that really put the cat amongst the turkeys...Now click through here for more from The Boss..

Continue reading "The demise of the UK truck industry...Biglorryblog asks, what did we do before the Continentals?" »

And that cab seems like it could be from a Renault Premium...but it's like no Renault you've ever seen before. So what on earth are they? Well click through here and Biglorryblog will put you out of your misery.

Continue reading "Nicholas Tractomas heavy-haulage artics for ROTRAN. Biglorryblog has been wandering down the assembly line." »

Roy Larkin of www.historicroadways.co.uk fame recently sent Bigloryblog this excellent little publication on behalf of The Roads and Road Transport History Association which he tells me: "Is my first attempt at publishing a newsletter." Well a cracking start reckons BLB. It's full of fascinating material, quite a bit of bus stuff, but don't be put off as Roy has done a very interesting piece on the use of French omnibuses to carry troops up to the frontline during the Battle of Verdun in WWI.

In issue one there's also a fascinating story and picture sent in by Chris Salaman on recovery operations in the early days of the Dartford Tunnel. It seems that, amongst other things, they used this Euclid earthmover---but replaced its earth-scraper artic body with a crane. Lateral thinking or what...? And it could pretty much turn on a half-a-crown.

And here is Chris's picture of it. Meanwhile, for a quick pie, what other tight-turning vehicles did the Dartford Tunnel use for lighter vehicles.....?

Roy welcomes contributions and comments via e-mail on Roy.rrtha@historicroadways.co.uk

I found it a great read and can't wait for issue number two Roy! 

Continue reading "Historic trucks and buses in a terrific newsletter from Roy Larkin, and a book on Fodens in New Zealand . Have you got your copy asks Biglorryblog?" »