Rod Simmonds has sent me this snap from New Zealand along with a couple more shots which Biglorryblog will post in a short while. But back to the above picture. A rather strange promo rig for Cave Wood (the pioneering Continental operator that was bought and transformed into Geodis many years ago). Rod thinks it comes from Truckfest in 1991. I'm not so sure. So are there any takers on that or does anyone know any better? And I can see it's a Guy but what type? Advance BLB anorak army if you will...
I remember seeing this Guy at various events around 1989-91. I think it was sold off when Cave Wood changed hands.
It's a while since I've seen it, but I recall that it was a Warrior with an AV470 engine, and had been restored after being using as a site shunter somewhere in Germany.
I seem to remember that the trailer was acquired separately by an enthusiast in Leicestershire, for conversion to rally accomodation.
The event I particularly recall seeing it at was the Classic Commercial Motor Show at Crickstop (the former George's Cafe)
This is a Guy Warrior, and if I remember correctly it is powered by a Leyland 400 engine. The Warrior was the lighter weight alternative to the maximum weight Invincible tractor unit.
TRX 28D was a very popular visitor to the classic truck shows in the 1980's and early 90's, and I recall that the lorry had been stationed in Germany at one point before being brought home for restoration by Cavewood. I think they sold it on about 10 years ago and it's not so wideley seen now.
I would guess that the shot was taken at the Classic Commercial Motor Show back in the days when that was held at BP's Truckstop at Crick. I think the Commercial Vehicle and Road Transport Club made use of the trailer as their "Rally Control."
Incidentally the CVRTC have announced that there will be no Classic Commercial Motor Show in 2008, which for me is a bit like Christmas being cancelled!
On reflection, I'd concur with Richard on the engine!
Thanks mate! - I will do the Guys, (not in the biblical sense obviously) and you do the Atki's!!!
Glad to see its so popular.
I went to a few truck shows, classic runs, etc while in Blighty on a 3 year beer tasting tour so not 100% where Guy pic was taken. Brands Hatch truck racing/Truckfest SouthWest/Peterborough, Coventry truck show?
Will look thru more show boxes to see what else i did all those years ago!
A bit late, but for those interested. The old Guy was born in 1966 and was originally registered as MKX 91 D. It had a very chequered history. Although it was only plated at 20 tons GTW, it had a Leylong 400 engine, 6 speed box and eaton 2 speed axle. But only a very short wheelbase, not suited to solo operations in the wet. Top speed about 70 mph.
It was driven for most of its former life by a Fred Smith. He had a heavy right foot and one wet evening, going to fast solo back from Felixstowe, he spun it and finished up in a barn with the barn on top of the cab.
Put back to service again it was as reliable as ever, even pulling French trailers loaded with 20 tons only down the road a little. In those days it was said the manufacturers built in a 50% overload factor. Thus 7 tonners were always good for 10 tons!!
Around 1971 the old girl was sent to Germany where it worked as a shunter in the Lansing forklift factory. After 15 years she was thought to be too tired, returned to England and after only a few bits and a repaint was mated to a Crane Fruehauf box and used for promotions.
Unfortunately the old log book and registration had expired so Swansea issued a new number.
Hope this is interesting.
My Guy Warrior from Cavewood Days, I know all about this Truck i used to run it for them.
have loads of photos and History, was used on Paris Trunk in it's Heyday. Keith White, 077733 29424, keith@keithwhite.uk.com