April 2008 Archives

You take the high-road and Biglorryblog will take the A9 up to Orkney--thanks to 'Mr Vintage and Classic Motor' Bob Tuck who has sent me this great selection of shots including the above picture of the road north of Inverness. Anyway, I'll let Bob tell the story: "Brian, seeing all those shots on Biglorryblog on the road from down-under made me want to go back down there although it's good to see that they do get bad weather in NZ as well as sunshine."

Bob gos on; "Antway I trawled through my archives and found some shots on the A9 north of Inverness from a few years back. I must have had some time to kill and wanted to practice my panning technique. You get a great mix in this part of the world as this is the only main road around."

He continues:"Mention of the A9 reminds me to mention the next issue of Truck & Driver which comes out on Thursday! A great story of a trip to Wick in a head turning XF105 plus an even greater story from Florida." And BLB need not tell you who wrote the stories...that's right, our Bobby!

Anyway keep clicking through here for more of his great shots from the A9.

Nice colour...says Rod Simmonds who took this shot down in New Zealand. And in case my beloved BLB Army has been wondering why I haven't featured Martin 'Keeper of the Flame' Phippard on Biglorryblog lately that's because he's been travelling. And he's sent me this e-mail: "Hi Brian,
Sorry for the long gap in our correspondence but we have been travelling the Aussie outback where, as you know, facilities are a little scarce!"

Martin continues: "Anyway I am using my mate's e-mail address just to let you know that while at the Kinleith mill in New Zealand earlier today I met, (very briefly!) Mariusz Koscinski [that's BLB's man in Poland] who was photographing the Pacific P10 in which I was riding! Small world eh? Best wishes for now from me and Pete Connock." Well come back safe guys---with lots of pictures for BLB naturally!

Having bullied Agent Reg for not sending me enough pictures of new Volvos he's come good by sending me this very nice shots of one of East Sussex Fire Authority's 14 new Euro-5 Volvo fire appliances, which will keep watch over the communities of East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove. This makes East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service the first service in the UK to use Euro-5 compliant FL-280 fire appliances.

The new fire appliances replace older Volvo FL6 models and a low-level 15-tonne chassis, a one-piece factory-made Volvo cab and the latest D7 280-bhp Euro-5 compliant engine. Now for a pie...what's that famous local building in the background.

And click through here for more details on the Volvos--and another picture too!

Now here's an interesting beastie. A Mack Qantum 10x4. And how does Biglorryblog come to have this picture. Well it's all down to 'AtkiPete' Lynch in Oz who tells me: "G'day Brian, Cam from Queensland runs a business building tilt trays (when not hanging around vintage truck auctions! ) and sent down some photos of his 'family-size' version."

And as BLB readers will know the Qantum is the Aussie-built Mack with a Renault cab atop a US-style driveline. Anyway Pete goes on to say: "Here are a couple of other photos in there, including an ACCO of course, to keep me happy.. "

Now click through here for a Western Star with a big CAT on the back....

Thanks to a recent post back from a BLB reader I Iearn that the Iran Khodro Industrial Group (click on here for its website)
offers a variety of trucks in that country based on both new (for example the latest Axor) and old (Benz) models including this wonderful LP 608, which if remember my old Merc badging correctly means it's a six-tonner with an 80hp engine.Now click through here for another bonneted favourite from Merc. (And well done the Iranians for keeping this bit of history going!)

I spoil you lot, you know that don't you? Or rather Biglorryblog's man down-under 'AtkiPete' Lynch does, as he's sent me this wonderful shot of an old bonneted LP 1418 Merc tractor and the words "Another old Benz photo for you, they sold lots of these during the 70's out here."

What an absolute gem. I wonder if the 'Brochure King' has any material on these bonneted beauties? I remember going to see the rigid version being assembly in Norfolk Virginia many, many years ago. Over to you Richard? Meanwhile, click through here for an altogether 'tougher' Mercedes!

Now when Biglorryblog gets an e-mail entitled: "DISASTER AREA FOR VOYEURISTIC HAULIERS" I do tend to open it with a degree of trepidation. (You've had 'those' kind of e-mails too eh?) However, I was pleasantly surprised to find in fact it relates to Egertons Recovery who have launched a new 'vehicle recovery gallery' section of their web site to the general public. According to the Manchester-based company :"This feature will be of great interest to vehicle recovery operatives and customers alike. It has already been inundated with hauliers from around the world who have a keen interest in heavy and commercial vehicle recovery.

And BLB has given it the quick once over and can confirm that it features images and descriptions of some of the more interesting recoveries that Egertons have undertaken in recent times, in a unique ‘step by step’ format, which can be viewed as individual images, or in a slideshow format. There's a rather interesting one featuring a load of steel that slipped forward Fortunately from what I can see it only dented the back of the cab.

Meanwhile, what's going on with this Nobby Dangerousdangle eh? Click through here to find out...

I know the Americans get a lot of stick regarding their green footprint---but as Biglorryblog is getting rather tired of telling you, there are truck and van companies doing something about reducing their emissions. Take FedEx for example, its existing hybrid-electric truck fleet has already more than two million miles of service under its belt. And along the way it's helped to improve fuel economy by 42%, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 30% and cut particulate pollution by 96%.

Now I know what you're thinking...two million miles for a company with as many commercial vehicles as FedEx is small beer. Maybe so, but from little acorns etc, etc....And in the meantime FedEx is putting a further 75 hybrid vehicles into service in the US and Europe and will soon have more than 170 hybrid vehicles around the globe, including the largest fleet of commercial hybrid trucks in North America, which comprise nearly one-third of the deployed North American hybrid market.

Indeed FedEx is the first company in its industry to introduce hybrid vans into its fleet, and now works with a diverse group of manufacturers, including Eaton Corporation, Isuzu and Iveco. It's also to purchase 20 vehicles that use an Azure Dynamics hybrid system and Ford gasoline engine and chassis, representing one of the first gasoline hybrid-electric delivery trucks in commercial use.

Click through here for more...

I read with some wry amusement that Bromsgrove-based Waldrons Transport "Disregarded the debate over the different technologies used to achieve Euro 4 emissions limits, when choosing its latest truck." About time somebody did reckons Biglorryblog.

However, all is not what it seems dear BLB readers as this story is based on a press release from Mercedes and naturally they've put a little bit of 'spin' on it. For example, while it's perfectly true to say that Waldrons was driven by a simple desire to have a V8 in its new truck----naturally the PR people at Mercedes can't help mentioning the fact that while "Two truck manufacturers champion the rival EGR system, which needs no additives, it's only in their six-cylinder engines---and neither has yet produced a Euro-4 V8 that can run without AdBlue. And as Waldron's insists on V8 power for its top-weight tractor fleet, EGR is simply not an option."

Or to put it another way, seeing as Waldron's wanted a V8 they had a simple choice. A Scania with SCR or a Mercedes with...errr...SCR.

And in the end they went for the V8-powered Actros 2555, which like all Euro-4 and 5 Mercedes trucks, uses Selective Catalytic Reduction and AdBlue to clean its exhaust emissions. However, BLB can't help wondering what would have been the outcome if Scania had got its eagerly-awaited EGR V8, which it's promising to have in time for Euro-5, ready now. And there's also talk (though for the moment it IS only talk) of MAN's mighty 680 V8 'Big-Banger' getting EGR for Euro-5. We'll have to wait and see.

Meanwhile click through here for a bit more on Waldron's very smart Actros---with some nice Kelsa bling in the front guys!

Since we have had a few hearses on here over the last few weeks, I thought I would keep up the trend. Besides I think it’s sort of justified, after all, you can argue that they are commercial vehicles. Well they carry boxes anyway.

58 Superior Pontiac Criterion ambulance in Nevada.

1953 Pontiac combination

Some sad bastard thought this looked like the Ghost Busters ambulance (which was of course a 1959 Miller-Meteor Cadillac Futura, and not a ’66 Olds 98.

Click below for plenty more old hearses

While BLB is out helping man the barricades at the Park Lane fuel protest, those of us left behind back at base continue to provide the regular service. We didn't think you'd want to wait for these pictures of an (almost) extra-terrestrial heavy haulage job.

Following Biglorryblog’s recent posting on articulated fork-lift trucks I am grateful to Andy ‘Geezah’ Bootles for sending me these two links of promo videos for two different makes on YouTube, which show them in action. Neat is all I can say. However, while articulated fork-lifts are news to me, ‘Road Rat’ has castigated me by saying: "B&Q has had 'Bendi' fork trucks for years, bless…you don't get out that much." To which I can only reply, I guess you're right RR, I guess you’re right.

Here's the Flexi narrow-aisle forklift:

Not for the first time has Biglorryblog had good reason to 'Big-Up' the Loading Ramp section of the excellent Volvo Trucks website, and especially its Operator Gallery section. And I can recommend the latest truck of the month photo from Horour Aolls Vilhelmsson who took this shot of the 'Pretty in Pink' FH in Iceland.

And then there's this one by Rober Deda of Finland of what appears to be an Aussie FH16 Roadtrain. Now click through here for a fantastic FH from Denmark

This might look like two skellies parked in tandem. It's actually one great big one. AtkiPete Lynch in Oz has sent me this shot of a twin trailer combo and says: "G'day Brian, here's a 'big' container B-Double, permitted to carry two 40 footers in the area near the Melbourne docks. Runs behind a bogie-drive prime mover, about 80-tonnes all up. Will get you a picture of one on the road next time I am down there. Cheers Pete."

And in the meantime here's a nice shot of 'normal' container artic with a renault Premium in front. Looks like one of Tom Cunningham's? (That's the photo, not the truck!)

Who was it that said they wanted to "...wrest Biglorryblog away from the Aussies and Kiwis?" Some hope---they've already taken over! And why not which such great trucks. Anyroadup here are some shots of the stock truck Sunday on the Bombay range taken by Rod Simmonds, starting with this Isuzu waggon and drag working for Tauranga Livestock.

Now a venerable FH12...looks like it's done some work in its lifetime with Rotorua Livestock.

Now here's another Swede belonging to Limehaul Limited of Tekuiti. Looks in fine fettle. Now click through here for an immaculate Daf..and a most unlikely 'David and Goliath' drag-race!

That Bob Tuck, he doesn't half get to see some strange things. Like this rather tasteful Gothic hearse, complete with glass bonnet and other fancy things. Anyway I'll let Bob explain: " Hi Brian, I saw this in Whitby the other morning and I think this is the first time I've ever felt like photographing a hearse as I've never seen anything like it." And neither have I admits BLB--looks like a cross between the Munstermobile and the 'Creepy Coupe' from Wacky Races!

Bob adds: "The TLC seems to be a personalised registration number although its taxed as an Austin Historic Vehicle. The steering wheel & horn push looked like one from an Austin Westminster - from the 1960s (showing my age if I can recognise something like that)."

And now for something I didn't know because Bob also says: "Whitby is of course known as Captain Cook's home port and with the link through Bram Stoker's Dracula, it's a haven for Goths. There's a big Goth gathering this weekend at Whitby thus the reason why TLC is in town methinks."

Well you wouldn't want to be hit by this thing, considering the bonnet emblem you'd end up being eviscerated! And how's about this (then) for an indicator?

And how about this for a headboard?

Now click through here for a nice picture postcard of Whitby and a slap up fish supper!

Biglorryblog regular Russell B. Hurley has sent me these two shots of this venerable Scammell S26 'DROPS' vehicle he encountered recently. Along with the pictures he also sent me this e-mail: "Hi, I was parked up at the Swansea services on the M4, and guess what turned up? Why it was a piece of classic military hardware - a Scammell S26! Of course, I had to take some pics and mail them to BLB!!!"

And Russell did more than that, he even took a nice little video and if you click on this link you'll be able to see it too! Moreover, he goes on to say; "Note the switch to 'warp speed Captain!!!' parking brake lever, rear windscreen wipers and lack of tachograph...The only '26' clip on youtube that I can find!"

And BLB definitely recommends Russell's video walk-around. The army guys clearly were more than happy to let him do it too!

Where would Biglorryblog be without his beloved army of readers? And that includes Dean Whitmore, who's sent me these fantastic pictures of wonderful Kirow girder carriers. Anyway I'll let Dean tell you all about it as he's sent me an e-mail to go with them;" Hello Brian, As a keen reader of your blog I thought you and your readers may be interested in the three photos attached."

"They show a specialised heavy bridge girder transporter. The '900' on the front refers to its maximum payload of 900 tonnes. In this shot it's half loaded[!] with a 50m girder that weighs in at a mere 450 tonnes...." I like the 'mere' bit, nice touch---anyway Dean goes on to say:

"I took the picture in China where I am working on the construction of the new High Speed Railway network. As you will see in the third photograph the girders are used to build the lines' viaducts. I don't know anything else of the provenance of these Kirow machines---maybe other readers will be able to add more information if you decide to publish the pictures."

Well Dean, as you'd expect from Biglorryblog I've done a lot of extensive research (OK I admit it I just googled 'Kirow') but I've managed to find a bit about them so click through here to find out what I came up with--and a picture of a rather weird 'slag carrier'!

Thirty years in the business and you can still learn something new every day....And what is it that Biglorryblog has stumbled across that's new to the old duffer? How about narrow-aisle, articulated high-reach lift trucks? Did you ever hear of such a thing?

Well it seems that Narrow Aisle Flexi makes them in the UK---and they've just sold a bunch of them to a Romanian company. However, what interests me is the actual 'articulated' mechanism. Look closely at this picture and in particular at the front bit. What you see (or at least what I ASSUME you see) is a set of front wheels that can rotate 90º either side around a central pivot point in order to pick-up or drop off the pallet which is seen here raised to the top of the mast.

According to the PR blurb it seems that, thanks to its heavy duty mast, the HiMAX will lift palletised loads to 10.8-metres, while a specially-developed tilting and side-shifting fork carriage eliminates mast deflection at the highest lift heights.

Mmmm...turning the pallet when it's that high up (assuming you can turn it when it's raised and not have to do it at ground level) must put quite a strain on the 'artic' pivot mechanism---presumably because it would be multiplied by the torque effect of the turning mast...?

Of course I'm only guessing here but anyone with experience of these things is most welcome to post a comment and explain all...and possibly fill in the gaps in BLB's ignorance too! Anyway click through here to read more on this amazing machine and why it scores in narrow-aisle work!

Like the Grand Old Duke of York, Biglorryblog's 'Man in New Zealand' Rod Simmonds has marched right up to the top of the hill to take this selection of hard-charging Kiwi trucks and here they come now...looks like a Jap (can't identify it) neck-and-neck with a Daf, overtaking a Scania....come on the white truck!

Giddyup the Mainfreight Freightliner Argosy..you can do it says Biglorryblog! (And you'll see an even nicer one later on!)

Now here's a nice-looking International cabover, your don't see too many of those around. I remember driving on in the States some time ago on a Cummins 'jaunt'. Had a Cummins 11-litre with short-throw, stubby-lever, Fuller Roadranger gearbox--drive OK.

Ahhh...a venerable Kenworth...bet you can hear the engine working when it's on full bore!

Here's another Kay-whopper, this time the 'industry standard' K104 waggon and drag. Smart outfit. Now click through here for that previously-promised Mainfreight Argosy, a saucy number plate and what that nasty Rod has been doing to poor Mariusz...!

Rod 'The crafty Kiwi' Simmonds has been out and about snapping trucks climbing his favourite gradient in New Zealand, not least as fellow Biglorryblog contributor, and BLB's man in Poland Mariusz Kościński is over staying with him. Anyroadup Rod tells me Marisuz has been having a whale of a time. However, back to the serious subject of trucks 'running up that hill' starting with this classic timber carrying Kenworth.

Followed by this Linfox-liveried Freightliner Business Class tractor with a curtainsider B-double in tow.

And now for that rather rare, but favourite truck of BLB, the Mack Qantum (there's no 'q' in it), the Aussie-built, Premium cabbed Bulldog with a US engine under the hood. Click through here for more...

Biglorryblog's man 'North 'o' the Border' and 'tidy' roadtester for Transport News John Henderson has obviously taken the bait regarding my recent blog on Andy Stewart and 'A Scottish Soldier'. He's e-mailed me to say: "Morning Brian, I'm not going to get started about The White Heather Club, I'd rather go on about some other 'Scottish Soldiers' that have graced our country's roads!"

John says:" Attached are a couple of relevant shots. The Daniel Stewart AEC was caught in Leith circa April 1966, by an old friend, the late Joe Donaldson who was snapping trucks long before it became a 'normal pastime.' Looking at the Mandator's miniscule mirrors, this drop required more than a little skill on the part of the driver."

You're not kidding John! Now click through here for some colour shots of a 'Scottish Solder' Daf too!

This morning you very own Blogmeister has been doing some special blind-spot mirror tests with the good folk at Firmin Transport and Brigade Electronics. However, the venue for the actual event was at Lenham Storage---just down the road from Firmins on the A20 where we were guests of Lenham's Ops Director Andy Fulcher, a great bloke and very obliging host in helping us up set up the necessary viewing grids in his yard.

Anyway as Biglorryblog looks around the place what does he see but this brilliant white beauty! Yes an immaculate Seddon Atkinson Strato (which should keep 'AtkiPete' Lynch happy) now earning an honest living at Lenham--and it definitely wins BLB's coveted 'Shunter of the Month' award. Although the side-badges had gone it's got a Cummins and what looks like a Twin Spiltter behind it too. 'Local intelligence' tells me it's an ex-Royal Mail machine. It's certainly a fleet spec motor as exemplified by the simple 'open' first step with no surround (which invariably got whacked anyway).

Meanwhile, further sauntering around the site (in high-vis vest and keeping to the well-marked-out pedestrian walkways) I spot this rather smart Maggie waiting to be tipped which should keep 'The Boss' happy too. I haven't heard or received any e-mails of pictures from 'His Grumpiness' lately, so I trust he's still well. The front of the big renault had a nice touch to it as well..

Now click through here for a terrifically-tall Eurotopper Volvo and a great classic Yankee pickup!

Yes I know what you're going to say: "Biglorryblog, you big liar! You told us you don't like motor racing!!! " And it's true I don't. But I could hardly resists a picture of a big red truck now could I?Anyway here's the low-down. Iveco has supplied a 500hp Stralis Active Space Super³ tractor unit to Fiorano Ferrari – an exclusive owners programme managed by Ferrari GB.How so you ask?

Well it's being delivered to Ferrari GB as part of Iveco’s official role as a technical supplier to Ferrari, a fellow Fiat Group company. It'll be used with a specialist 13.6m trailer to transport the only fleet of Ferrari F430 road cars and race-prepared 360 Challenge cars outside Italy. This high-value fleet will be used at racing circuits across the UK and Europe, with Fiorano Ferrari members enjoying one-to-one professional coaching from experienced Ferrari instructors.

This Stralis is powered by a 500hp Cursor 13 with 2,300 'throbby' Nm of torque which is infintely better than that over-priced, overblown, and over-here red car next to it (but that's just my opinion!)

Meanwhile, click through here for news of lots of yellow Iveco lorries that have gone to Dunlop Motorsport---see what I did there eh? Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry?

If you are anything like me, then you've probably spent many a sleepless night pondering over what would happen if you didn't properly vent a sealed storage tank before emtying it. Well wonder no more!

Commercial Motor's operations editor can empty a can of goulash soup at a similar pace!

Well I have seen some crap homemade pickup truck conversions in our time, but this really is the worst. What was this person thinking?
Check out the plywood flatbed on what I believe used to be a Toyota Corolla estate. Look at the joists underneath it and the crude metal rods supposedly attaching it to the roof of the car. This really is the worst commercial vehicle I have ever seen.
In the words of Jeremy Clarkson (talking about a Toyota Yaris at the time), how many volts of electricity would you have to have pumped through your testicles before you would drive one of these?

Now here's one for the old 'Crane King Cog' himself. On my way to work this morning Biglorryblog stopped off at the Tutt Hill filling station on the A20 to get some diesel and looking across the road what should I see but one of Milbank Truck's finest hard at work. Hello, says BLB---that's one of Ashley's mates. And the Volvo FM crane waggon goes by the proud name of 'Zeus'. And, if I recall correctly, Ashley told me all the Milbank waggons have similar names from Greek mythology or whatever.

Not sure what it was doing, I think it was either putting up, or taking down a sign for 'The Woolpack' pub---perhaps you can chat to you mucker Ash and find out what they were up to down in BLB territory! Now click through here for a close-up of Zeus.

You've read "Crap Cars" and "My Dad Had One Of Those", now Biglorryblog can reveal the ultimate for armchair petrol heads (with the odd diesel-head thrown in too) for here comes the ultimate luxury model ... "My Dad Wished He Had One Of Those". Yes this new book from the people who brought you those previous two gems celebrates those objects of desire that gave your Dad a faraway look in his eyes...(Hmmm, I'm not sure it was a car that gave my Dad a faraway look...more likely to be a copy of the Times crossword and a large glass of red.)

Still I digress, and for those of you whose father hankered after something more than just a pint of bitter, or a new bit for his Black & Decker power drill (and certainly more than his Mk2 Ford Cortina or Austin Princess) here's the perfect book to cheer him up. It's co-written by Richard Porter, script editor for Top Gear and author of "Crap Cars" ['A must-read' BLB] and Giles Chapman author, of "My Dad Had One Of Those" ['A laugh out-loud embarrassment on public transport' BLB], "The Worst Cars Ever Sold" and a leading authority on the history, industry and culture of the motor car so between them they should know what they're talking about...meanwhile, as you can imagine, 'Clutchslip' is already busy blagging a review copy!

Ruddy hooligans! Still it's all in a day's work for those crazy chaps from the Repsol Ralliart team who have extended their lead in the Dakar Series----Central Europe Rally which was created when they had to abandon the original Dakar Rally earlier this year. Anyroadup Biglorryblog learns that as of April 22 Stéphane Peterhansel and his co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret (you can guess where they come from) came through the punishing conditions of the third day to strengthen their lead at the top of the provisional standings with their Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Evolution MPR13.

However, Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart's day was marred by a freak accident which led to the early retirement of team members Hiroshi Masuoka and Pascal Maimon (Japan/France). Apparently, while the crew was changing a tyre on the morning's stage, a rival competitor ran over the French co-driver's left foot. X-rays later revealed a fractured ankle bone and he was forced to withdraw....one wonders what he said to the 'rival competitor'. "That's alright old boy, couldn't helped, accidents will happen, golly but that smarts, I don't suppose you've got an ankle brace with you by any chance old chap? No? Ah well I'll just have to hop for a while....no, no, don't worry, it's perfectly alright honestly." Or perhaps not....

Anyway click through here to see another picture of the Mitsubishi rally special...and BLB wishes Pascal "Bon Chance" and le recovery rapide...

There was Biglorryblog, on the last day of the CV Show at Brum last week, walking in from the N3 car park when I spied a line-up of smart new tippers including this Iveco Trakker belonging to none other than legendary Scottish tipper operator Yuill & Dodds. And get the name on the front...

Anyway for some reason it got me thinking about the old Andy Stewart song: "The Scottish Soldier" so I thought I'd come up with my own Biglorryblog lyrics.

There was an 'Outlaw', a Scottish 'Outlaw'
Who tippered far away, and bulkered far away
There was non bolder, on the hard shoulder
He's tipped in many a pit, and fought and won.

He's seen the glory, and told the story
Of Kerax glorious, and MANs victorious
But now he's sighing, his heart is crying
To leave this car park of Birmingham.....and at that point I ran out of steam (and all the makes of old Yuill &B Dodds tippers too!) Anyway if you happen to have any old pictures of Yuill & Dodds tippers then send them to me and I'll try and do better next time!

Meanwhile, for a pie, or should that be for a haggis?...What 'green hills' did the Scottish Soldier want to leave to return to his homeland? And what famous Scots TV Show did Andy Stewart front up? John Henderson you should get this with your eyes closed!

Meanwhile click through here for something completely different....

I’m glad this one had a badge on the front, or else I wouldn’t have had a clue what I was looking at.
The unusual looking vehicle is a Coleman, and was photographed in Colorado – which is apparently where it was manufactured. But that’s about all I know about it. Does anyone have any more information? Like how long they made these oddities for, what year this one hails from, and what that white stuff is in the back?
As usual your comments will be welcomed.

I thought it was about time we had a Big Swede on Biglorryblog so Agent Reg has duly obliged by sending me this shot of 'Mountain Crusader' the smart new FH16 Volvo that's just entered service with Lawsons Haulage based in Cockermouth in Cumbria. In fact Agent Reg tells me: "It's their 4th 16-litre Volvo to join the fleet in 16 years--the company has also operated Volvos since 1964." So that makes them one of Volvo's longest serving customers I'd say and what impeccable taste on heavy hitters too.

Indeed director Raymond Lawson tells BLB: “We continue to specify Volvo because it's the best spec on the market for a double-drive tractor. It gives us everything we want – the D16 engine is very reliable and less prone to wear and tear than other trucks. We specified a manual gearbox as this gives us better control when operating at high gross weights and it is best suited to heavy haulage. It’s good for pulling anywhere – out of quarries at 100-tonnes or coping with icy roads. Nothing is a problem for this truck!”

And what a smart livery too...and click through here for a closer look!

Now here's an interesting little story that shines a light on energy savings. Reed Boardall Group, one of the UK's largest temperature controlled fleets, delivering goods worth around £10m has just carried out a major fleet replacement programme that includes 62 new trailers and 40 new MAN tractors. Oh really I hear you ask? Well stick with Biglorryblog because here's where it gets interesting.

Of the trailers, 50 are single deck with a 26-pallet capacity while the remaining 12 are 40-pallet double-deck trailers with lifting decks – a concept which Reed Boardall pioneered with Gray & Adams nearly ten years ago. All the trailers have the new fuel-efficient Carrier fridge units. But by far the most interesting bit is that on top of the sloping aerodynamic roof there's a clever little solar panel to charge the lifting deck battery.

“The solar panels are photovoltaic,” Denzil Cooke, Reed Boardall’s compliance manager tells me. “This means whether or not the sun is shining, they are constantly helping to charge the batteries. In the past, the batteries were charged via the side lights which meant the drivers had to remember to put the side lights on. Now, it’s all done automatically. We are definitely experiencing less call outs for flat batteries.”

And here's a shot of Denzil looking justifiably pleased with himself---as naturally, fewer call-outs and breakdowns means a more efficient fleet (but you knew that didn't you?). Actually I seem to recall that Sainsbury developed a reefer trailer where the whole roof area was made up of solar panels---I don't know what happend to it. can any BLB reader 'shed light' (ouch) on the subject. With a picture perhaps?

Meanwhile, click through here for a close up of the solar panels and thoughts from an RB driver on is new tractor.

You would have to be a real vintage truck fanatic to identify this one - which looks like it has been used in a suicide bomb attack!
From my experience any trucks from this era seem to be Fords, but I'm not sure. Any ideas?
Check out the oversized load in the background.

Woops! It appears it wasn't a truck at all - but a Model T Fordor sedan. Thanks to Daniel Strohl from the world famous Hemmings blog for that tip-off.

I found this pair of old trucks lurking in the undergrowth in an old salvage yard, somewhere in East Montana.
While I'm normally pretty good at identifying American machinery from the 40s, 50s and 60s, I have to confess that the 20s and 30s stuff all look rather alike to me. But I'm sure someone out there knows exactly what they are. I look forward to hearing your comments.

Click below for a closer look

Clearly Bob Tuck has forgiven Biglorryblog for his appalling lack of knowledge of vintage and classic waggons--or at least I THINK he has anyway, he's sent me these pictures of old trucks and buses in Malta (who do you think you are Bob...Ashley Lovering?) Anyway he e-mails me to say: "I was looking about in my modest digital image files for a suitable Buffalo image to send you and wandered back to December '06 and a visit to Malta."

"Thought you might like to use (some of) the attached on the blog. Malta's still a great place to visit - as many of your blog readers know. Cheers Bob."

And you thought the Dodge S 50 and 75 series had all but disappeared....think again

And AWDs roam free...now click through here for more old-timers.

Now this is just the sort of "mobile blogging platform" that Biglorryblog needs. What you have here LDV Maxus AVP Sport Van which is a collaboration between the LDV Group and Prestige Motor Homes, the specialist motor home manufacturer and distributor based in Droitwich. Features on the APV Sport Van include:
· Double bed
· Dining area
· Entertainment system including CD player with MP3 compatibility and TV DVD satellite entertainment system
· Full fitted kitchen with three burner hob, sink and fridge
· Exterior styling includes roof rails, stainless steel nudge bars and rear door ladder

Sounds just what I need to blogging on the road. And click through here to see the interior too.

I've had this rather nice poster sent to me by the 'other' Ashley---Ashley Lovering who is the organiser of the National Transport Festival of Wales and the man behind all those excellent old-Malteaser trucks on BLB. Anyway he tells me: "I attachy my latest poster as I'm quite pleased with the entry list so far. I've seen some nice lorries aroudn the area but alas they either have mobile phone numbers--which I can't retain as I pass or no address. So I'm hoping their owners, or other interested operators see the blog and get in touch."

Ashley goes on to say: "It's all free and you get a £10 model and free classic bus rides." Sounds like a good deal? Then get in touch with Ashley and click through here to see what model you get.

Tom Cunningham, ace-snapper, provider of the excellent truckfotoblog and finder of all sorts of unknown treasures has sent Biglorryblog this photo of a pair of venerable Merc Powerliner STGO tractors and this message: "Hi Brian, knowing how much BLB just loves those hen’s teeth heavy hitters, I snapped this rare pair of 1996 Mercedes-Benz 3553SK 8X4 tractors on a Commercial Motor job today. Complete with 'Eurocabs', both originate from Denmark. I don’t have the full spec’, but I’m guessing the torque converter would be something like ZF’s WSK440 - fed though a manual box. The vendor (Bolton’s Trucks to Go) reckons they were amongst the last to leave the Mercedes factory before heavy haulage manufacturing was transferred to Titan. The 530 vee-eight lump would have been a big banger back in ’96 too."

Now click through here for a shot of one of them in indivisible load action!

'Crane King Cog' Ashley Coghill has sent me these pictures of unusual tippers as says: "Hi mate, great futuristic pics on the Blog ref the 'new Volvo FH tippers'. I wonder though if these drawings are indeed new....Take a look at the attached pics, although a little small, I'm sure you'll see a remarkable resemblance ! These Matchbox 'toys' date back to the 1970's. Interesting stuff eh?" You know Ash I think you might have stumbled on something here!

Does anyone else have pictures of futuristic trucks?

Tired of the ruthless domination of Biglorryblog by those Aussie anoraks (just kidding guys) Richard The Brochure King' tells me: "Hi Brian, I didn't manage to make it to the CV show due to some heavy work commitments, but the webcast was good and kept me informed. It seems there was an unprecedented amount of golden oldies at Brum too---which is nice to see."

Meanwhile he goes on to say: "Anyway in a desperate attempt to wrestle the blog back from our Antipodean friends I thought I'd send you this scan of a Dennis Eagle Sport. 'AtkiPete's' one-person operated ACCO refuse truck got me going through the files to find this one, which officially is a Single Person Operated Refuse Truck, equipped with a 'Rotalift' bin retrieval system---very similar to the Aussie system, but I've not seen one in action over here, so they apparently didn't catch on. Cheers! Rich."

Well either way Richard if we were hoping to play down the Aussie connection on BLB I think we might just have shot ourselves in the foot---after all, the Dennis is called by that familiar term beloved by Aussies everywhere..i.e. 'The 'SPORT'!

(PS expect a backlash any moment!)

Biglorryblog's regular contact in South Africa---Kenn Uys---and an unashamed Oshkosh fan and operator has sent me these shots and the following message of life through a windscreen..."Hi Brian, my sister moved to Australia recently, and sent me a few pictures of the rigs they are using there. It seems to me they are really into Kenworth. I wish we had more of them over here. This one looks like a K100E, or is that a K104?"

OK BLB's Aussie and Kiwi anoraks what are they? And click through here for one more.

In my recent Biglorryblog on the 60th anniversary of Alcoa and their wheels I posed the question as to whether the picture of one of the very first US trucks in 1948 to have Alcoa wheels was a Mack or a Peterbilt (there's already been a bit of debate on it from BLB's beloved anorak army).

However, BLB regular Niels Jansen has sent me this picture and the following e-mail:"Hi Brian, I just saw your post on 60 years of Alcoa wheels. The truck pictured was of course a Mack. To be precise a LTSW model built on the West Coast. And here's a shot of a similar model from 1951 that was completely restored by Mack enthusiast Martin Monné in Holland."

And what a beauty it is too Niels--and thanks for the post! But what threw me was there was no 'Bulldog' hood ornament on the bonnet---so when did Mack start putting them on the hood?

Meanwhile, click through here to see that mystery vintage bonneted truck again...

"Go East!" That's definitely the motto of Western European truck manufacturers right now, and especially for Scania. which is the market leader for Western European truck suppliers into the region for the seventh straight year (can you have a bent year I wonder?) But I digress for word reaches Biglorryblog that the Russian grocery chain X5 Retail Group has ordered 146 Scania distribution trucks after a previous order for 144 last year.

The new trucks (two-axle and three-axle nine-litre rigids with box bodies from a Russian bodybuilder) wil be used to make deliveries to X5 Retail Group's 600 stores and supermarkets in major Russian cities such as Moscow, St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, as well as to 600 more franchised retail units in Russia, The Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

Now click through here to read what Scania thinks about the Russian market and its future prospects there.

How low can you go? Not much lower than the exhaust on this Volvo F12 seen in the paddock at yesterday's British Superbike meeting at Thruxton.

Read on for a few more sightings from the paddock.

Road transport is often seen as a macho business, but no such accusations can be aimed at this Horsham VW Transporter dropside advertising some kind of ladies enhancement service (and no, the large bush isn't part of the load).

Rod Simmonds in New Zealand has sent me this and the following message: "Blog or Picture post perhaps? Kenworth K104B Aerodyne belongs to Rudds, Reliable Transport, Auckland,who operate as a contractor to Booths Transport."

Rod goes on to say: "It's got a CAT C15-550,l8-speed Fuller Roadranger manual Air suspension throughout. Jackson Enterprises curtainsider and low profile 4-axle trailer. Wide Rim alloys with low profile tyres. Payload 28.5mt."

Well I don't know about anyone else but I reckon this is the cat's miaaoowww--especially those tight curtains--DAF's Richard Kingston would love them for fuel economy on a CM roadtest! Now here's a couple of detail shots...

And from the other side too....

Now click through here for a picture of the lucky man who gets to drive it!

.

Following on from my previous blog here are some more design studies from the talented (and tall) young automotive designer Miles Waterhouse who is a former student of the world-renowned Coventry Transport Design course and who also worked in the Volvo Truck design centre in Gothenburg. I met him on the Volvo stand at the CV Show. Meanwhile, let's kick off with some of his tippers of the future..

Now how about this for an airport fire crash tender?

And for a real surprise click through here for the dustcart of the future,..naturally on a Volvo chassis!

On the Volvo stand at the CV Show they had a very talented young British automotive designer who I got chatting to---and I promptly lost his card (I've asked that Towering Titan of truck tittle-tattle aka Volvo PR geezer, Nigel Hanwell to send it to me). However, since I posted this entry Volvo's John Comer has come to the rescue and tells me: "Miles Waterhouse was the designer who did these drawings, and his colleague who did the presentation of the 2020 Volvo truck and animation is James Dex. Both are former students of the automotive world renowned Coventry Transport Design course and work in Volvo Truck design centre in Gothenburg." And talented blokes there are too---meanwhile here's the artic of the future from Miles!

Very slippery I should think...though I'm not too sure about the sleeper pod in the back

This one looks more to me like the day cab version...Now click through here for more....

Got this message from 'AtkiPete' Lynch who has supplied me with a few more shots of the recent auction at Gatton in Queensland. Looks like it was good day. Anyway Pete says:"G'day Brian, After all those shiny new trucks at Birmingham here are some more old bangers from Gatton, thanks to Cameron McFadyen again. No clues on the Leyland, some of your UK fellows should know what it is." Hm,mm...well it's an Ergonomic (used on Buffalo) cab but I wonder if it is a Leyland. Could this be a 6x4 AEC in disguise? Answers BLB anorak army please!

And speaking of experts what's this Foden--come on Bob or Roy, fill in my knowledge deficit please.

Now a cracking International harvester---Pete, next time can you ask Cameron to move the 'fence' (Nicely as I understand he's a big bloke!)

Now click through here for an AEC and an immaculate Aussie Atkinson--well it has come from "AtkiPete!"

Nick Smith at Mercedes has sent me this picture and the following e-mail message: "Brian, I know you've got an interest in bold front grilles, but they're normally attached to the front of expensive cars or OTT bonneted American trucks, well how about this one? I just returned from a trip to Sardinia (it was a working visit) and standing in the hotel entrance was this coach, with a strange looking grille. Appeared to be very new, but didn't have anytime to investigate further unfortunately. Not sure who's bodywork is on it, but it has Mercedes running gear I think as it was being used by Mercedes-Benz for their event."

So whose coach is it? Cliock through here for a bigger picture of the whole vehicle.

Barring some rather nice design pictures of futuristic Volvos (they're coming later) I thought I'd use these show pictures as a sort of farewell to Brum. Starting with the smallest electric van--the NICE. And here's how you provide it with power...

Just remember to unplug it before you drive away...or you'll come up short in a hurry.

Now here's the previously mentioned Magic Bus VW Transporter celebrating The Who.

Now click through here for a Golden Oldie...

Now here's a interesting fact (well I thought it interesting anyway). Alcoa Wheel Products is celebrating its 60th anniversary with "... year-long celebration of wheel innovation." I can't wait. Anyway it does have a lot to be proud of on the grounds that it's the world’s leading supplier of forged aluminium wheels and more vehicles are fitted with Alcoa forged aluminium wheels than any other brand. So there.

But why the shot of a 1948 American truck? Well Biglorryblog can reveal that Alcoa's first forged aluminum wheels appeared in 1948 and what better way to prove it than feature this black & white shot of a Mack tanker with Alcoa wheels...or is it a Peterbilt? What do BLB readers think?

And what a selection you have to choose from the introduction of Dura-Bright XBR, Dura-Flange, the WorkHorse wheel, the 22.5 x 17.00 Wide Base Wheel, and most recently the new 22.5 x 15.00 trailer wheel. Now click thorugh here for more

What are the most important features of a decent refuse truck?
Well, if it’s going to be operating in an urban area (like New York City for instance), then it needs to have good visibility. A cab-over-engine design would be advisable, ideally combined with a nice low windscreen to allow the driver to spot pedestrians.
And don’t forget about good access, to enable the crew to climb in and out with ease. We’re talking low-entry, minimal steps and a wide door aperture.
Finally, what about an automatic transmission to make the driver’s life as easy as possible for this type of stop-start work?
In fact, we’ve just described everything that these New York garbage trucks do not have! But don’t they look great?

Mack

Click below for more New York garbage trucks

OK, I know it's not a commercial vehicle, but I couldn't resist publishing this photo I took in New York City last weekend.
What an incredible contrast there is between the Lincoln Towncar and Europe's idea of a town car! Perhaps now that petrol costs slightly more than tap water in the States we'll see a few more sensibly-sized cars selling over there.

Couldn't make it to the CV Show? Well don't worry, as once again we're running our special Road Transport TV webcast from all three days of the Birmingham show in association with Chevron Global Lubricants and presented by that famous double act of 'Salter and Weatherley'.

The webcasts will kick-off before 18:00hrs each evening of the show (that's Tuesday to Thursday inclusive) and we'll bring you all the highlights including all the major truck, van and trailer launches. And the last (Day Three) should be 'live' now (or it soon will be!).

Moreover, my team of Biglorryblog bloggers (including our very own webmeister Toby Clark who'll be doing his webby thing on the CM stand) will also be posting up the weird and the wonderful for all to see on this link.

Meanwhile, if you missed the first two webcasts don't worry as you can still see them, plus the final Day Three webcast click on this link for RoadtransportTV!

You won't pry the gun from this truck's cold, dead hands:

If Hollywood ever gets around to making an A-Team film, who’s going to play what parts? We’ve just had a chat in the office, and decided that the best men for the jobs would be George Clooney as Hannibal, Brad Pitt as Faceman, Jim Carey as Murdock and Michael Clarke Duncan as BA Baracus. As for the van, there can only be one choice, the 2008 Renault Trafic – NOT!
But if you think this is bad casting, check out some of the other attempts I’ve just found on the web.

Click below for more B-Team vans

The overwhelming impression at this show is that there are electric vehicles everywhere. Whatever you think of their true environmental credentials (all that electricity has to come from somewhere) they have certainly convinced the large companies which are queueing up to have at least a few electric vans or trucks on their fleets. UPS is a case in point, with this Modec:

You can see Andy Salter of this parish driving a Modec in the first of this year's RTTV video reports.

And then there's this thing (we're not quite sure what it is):

After seeing all the shiny new trucks and vans at the NEC, it was sad to see this Sprinter meet an untimely end on the M40.

Returning from the NEC extravanganza yesterday, I happened upon this intriguing tail end. Read on to see what was in front, and to see an equally impressive Italian.

Biglorryblog has Russell B. Hurley to thank for tbhis picture. Russell also opines: "The effects of the invasion of drivers from Poland, Ceczh Republic and Lithuania on British drivers wages can be plainly seen here...people will work for nothing these days."

Hmmm...clearly Iceland has been the victim of a phantom letter snatcher as clearly it doesn't pay its drivers £00.00 for working hard for them. Can any one tell me what the missing numeral is?

Following the decision to cancel the 2008 Dakar Rally Biglorryblog now learns from Renault Trucks that there is to be a replacement event-----namely the first Central European rally organised by ASO with former Dakar Rally competitors in the race itself or in a race assistance capacity.

According to the PR blurb: "With the route from Budapest to Lake Balaton [don't ask me where it is, I haven't got a clue] the competitors will be driving some 3,000km in what will no doubt be difficult conditions on paths and tracks which, although very unlike the desert sands, will undoubtedly occasionally challenge the skills of all the competitors involved."

Meanwhile, click through here for another picture of a Renault Rally Trucks...

Now it's a well-known fact that Biglorryblog is partial to the odd dock-spotter and clearly things are going up in the world as witnessed by this lean, green and mean Terberg YT182 which comes with a Euro-5 Cummins ISBE engine. And in something of a BLB scoop click through here to read more about its gearbox options!

Yes I've been a bit slow in blogging today---Bigloryblog has been busy doing the old webcast stuff. But anyway here's some nice pictues of some classic trucks I spotted whilst wandering around the show. So for a midnight pie-fest what are they?

I must say I do like the idea of sprinkling the CV Show with a selection of Golden Oldies.

This magnificent tanker was the 'Gate Guardian' to the TankCon section of the show. But what is it? Now click through here for some more.

Can't make it to the CV Show? Well don't worry, as once again we're running our special Road Transport TV webcast from all three days of the Birmingham show in association with Chevron Global Lubricants and presented by that famous double act of 'Salter and Weatherley'.

The webcasts will kick-off before 18:00hrs each evening of the show (that's Tuesday to Thursday inclusive) and we'll bring you all the highlights including all the major truck, van and trailer launches. And the second should be 'live' now (or it soon will be!). And if you missed day one don't worry as you can still see that too.

Moreover, my team of Biglorryblog bloggers (including our very own webmeister Toby Clark who'll be doing his webby thing on the CM stand) will also be posting up the weird and the wonderful for all to see on this link.

Meanwhile, to see the Day Two webcast click on this link for RoadtransportTV Then don't forget to tune in tomorrow after five when you can see our Day Three webcast from the CV Show--only on RTTV!

I came to the CV Show at the NEC with the intention of looking out for any new products or services with an environmental bent - on fact, it's been more difficult to find a stand which doesn't have a 'green' angle.

Anything which saves money (or is claimed to save money) has been given a green spin, and even those stands which aren't explicit about their environmental credentials seem to feature a lot of green - the colour, that is. Thank goodness for Roadtransport.com's all-red stand (number 7-030 - come up and see us here tomorrow).

But a few of these environmental claims are rather more interesting:

Spotted on the Iveco stand this dynamic duo...of a red Formula 1 Ferrari and an equally 'well-red' Iveco Stralis tractor also featuring the famous 'prancing horse'. Now I know alot of people like F1. But I make no secret of the fact that it doesn't float Biglorryblog's canoe. However, I can't deny it attracts the punters. But given the choice between driving a racing car or a Stralis I know which one I'd go for...and the clue as to my final choice is you can couple up to an trailer a darn sight easier with it. Anyway, lest you think I'm an old grumpy, click through here for a picture of the racing car.

How about this for a 'used truck'? No really. The '05 plate is a giveaway--that and the fact that this immaculate Actros [Nick Smith has since quite rightly pointed out it's an Axor...BLB! I blame the bright orange colour] on Merc's CV Show stand had 140,000 klicks on the clock (is that all?). But either way Biglorryblog is VERY impressed by this superb 2543, which is yours for just £174.95 a week---a snip I'd say, if only for the striking pearlescent orange paint finish on it. As the lean, mean eating-machine on the stand (aka PR man Ian Norwell) quite rightly stated: "I dare you to find a better paint job anywhere in the show). Well Coles may argue with you Ian---but I won't.

Meanwhile, should you find the above a touch garish (and why would you?) then you can always have this Black Beauty--also used, and also an '05 plate, for a tad over £222 a week. And as the man standing next to this stunning 2546 MegaSpace 6x2 said in a loud voice: "Three years old--you'd never guess it"

Indeed, if this is the kind of quality that Merc is knocking out on its used trucks, why would you want to buy new? (And whatever happened to rhetoric questions?). Meanwhile, click through here for some really groovy seats!

Well whatever it is...it's NOT the new Volvo FH. The Swedes (and the Brits) aren't giving too much away. What you have here is a futuristic scale model which nicely complimented the design-it-yourself 'truck of tomorrow' computerised study which was also on the Swedish truck maker's CV Show stand.

Biglorryblog was hoping to get some more information about the new FH--it allegedly breaks cover sometime around June and apart from knowing that it's got a slightly different headlight cluster, reworked dashboard and overhead lockers, a passenger seat that swivels round and a bed that can be turned into a 'sun lounger' I can't really tell you too much about it. And while we're on the subject of futuristic Volvo trucks this isn't the new FH either....

But it IS a Volvo, or at least a Volvo design study which comes from North American..called the Bee Van. What's it got to do with bees? Heaven knows. Meanwhile, click through here for a shot of the 'design-a-truck' workstation on the Volvo stand.

After nearly 20 years of supplying ethanol buses, Scania has now unveiled its first ethanol trucks (and not before time too reckons Biglorryblog). And starting from next year road hauliers, local authorities and municipalities will be able to run both passenger and goods transport on the same renewable fuel.

The new trucks are powered by an ethanol-burning version of Scania's nine-litre charge-cooled diesel engine with EGR and according to the good folk of Sodetalje: "The engine easily meets the enhanced environmentally friendly vehicle (EEV) standard, which is slightly stricter than Euro 5." The nine-litre ethanol engine is now slouch either developing 270hp and 1,200 Nm of torque, resulting in excellent response and driveability. But what has caught BLB's eye is the fact that the ethanol truck pictured above has the same low-entry cab as Scania's refuse truck chassis. Although where you think of it a urban delivery driver needs the same easy access as a dustcart driver...

However, I digress. Scania says it's "...working together with other interested parties in establishing an infrastructure for ethanol fuel distribution. Once the fuel infrastructure is in place, it will also be possible for smaller transport companies to invest in ethanol-powered vehicles."

Now click through here to find out why Scania likes ethanol as an alternative fuel...

Hey ho and off Biglorryblog goes to the first day of the CV Show--and as I wander out of the Metropole Hotel before 8:00am in the morning I can't help noticing a 'herd' of at least half a dozen Anscough Liebherr cranes gathered outside my back door. What they're all doing there I have no idea---thery don't appear to have anything to do with the CV Show---rather something else going on at the NEC. I pass by none the wiser but do take a picture for BLB's readership. Now click through here for a close up of one with its legs out!

Can't make it to the CV Show? Well don't worry, as once again we're running our special Road Transport TV webcast from all three days of the Birmingham show in association with Chevron Global Lubricants and presented by that famous double act of 'Salter and Weatherley'.

The webcasts will kick-off before 18:00hrs each evening of the show (that's Tuesday to Thursday inclusive) and we'll bring you all the highlights including all the major truck, van and trailer launches. And the first one should be 'live' now (or it soon will be!).

Moreover, my team of Biglorryblog bloggers (including our very own webmeister Toby Clark who'll be doing his webby thing on the CM stand) will also be posting up the weird and the wonderful for all to see on this link.

Meanwhile, to see the Day One webcast click on this link for RoadtransportTV Then don't forget to tune in tomorrow after five when you can see our final Day Two webcast from the CV Show--only on RTTV!

What can one say?

Sainsbury’s (the place where good food costs less----unless you're like me and spend too much time in the wine section) has just bagged itself a new fleet of Mercedes Axor tractors. It seems that the supermarket giant was so impressed with its first consignment of 130 Axor 2540s, which went on the road late last year, it's now ordered another 200. How many shopping points is that worth I wonder?

The Euro 5 artics all qualify for a £500 VED reduction thanks to a Reduced Pollution Certificate-----and come with the latest Mercedes PowerShift 12-speed auto box which should keep their drivers happy. And to "top off" the high-tech package, "each unit also wears the latest air management kit, developed specifically for the Axor by specialist firm Hatcher Components in conjunction with experts from Cranfield University."

And for good reason too as according to the PR blurb: " In tests this has been shown to deliver a remarkable 6% improvement in fuel consumption over a vehicle with standard air management equipment – figures from real-life applications have delivered similarly impressive results."

The new trucks are owned by Sainsbury’s but operated on its behalf by Wincanton. They will work from regional distribution centres across the country supplying the full range of goods stocked by Sainsbury’s network of almost 800 stores, which together serve more than 16 million customers every week. And for all you stat fans: "...The total fleet numbers around 1,000 trucks which between them travelled 164 million km last year."

“We buy vehicles from other manufacturers too,” Sainsbury’s Engineering Controller Gary King tells Biglorryblog. “But after completing a full-blown tender exercise, which examined all aspects of vehicle costs over a life of four years, we found that the Mercedes Axor was the most cost-effective of all the SCR-equipped options."

Now click through here to find out why Sainsbury's went straight to Euro-5 and a very green warehouse...

And was Jerusalem builded here, among these dark satanic mills....or was it the new VW Transporter Sportline kombi? Yes it seems that for van man, black is the new white and the latest 'must-have' light commercial colour scheme. And you clearly want to get back in the black at this year's CV Show where the Sportline makes its official debut.

And naturally along with a coat of black paint you'll want lowered suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome grilles and side rails, front and rear spoilers and body coloured bumpers, door handles and mirrors. What's more standard specification of the range-topping Sportline panel van and kombi now includes a new bespoke black leather upholstery with Sportline logo and white stitching.

And lo and behold it can actually carry something too---no really---thanks to the sliding windows for the rear seat passengers, a three-seater folding and tipping rear bench seat, and closed rear panels. Is Biglorryblog convinced...?

Anyroad up, according to Ralf Schueler, Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
‘We know the Sportline kombi will appeal to owner drivers or company car drivers needing a versatile and distinctive vehicle.’

Black certainly features alot at the show, not least on the Ford stand too where you can find a Transit SportVan revealed in 'Panther Black' with silver stripes. Oh goody. Meanwhile, click through here for a pick-up with a touch of Le Mans about it.

OK so the CV Show doesn't open 'officially' till tomorrow when it's press day but I thought I'd post up a selection of shots that caught my fancy. Starting with these two classic vans. Above is, I assume, a Ford Anglia, rather than a Thames...did they make their own version of the Anglia BLB anorak army? Then there's this rather nice Morris commercial...not sure of the date, answers please.

And now for something a bit more up-to-date, wandering around the halls I spotted this new, 'made-in-Turkey' BMC eight-legger---the bloke on the stand told me it's the first time they've had one in the UK. It's sporting the new, facelifted 'Professional' cab on top of a Cummins ISC-Series engine.

Meanwhile, click through here for a very FAST artic...and a picture of Volvo's new I-Sync auto box

Can't make it to the CV Show? Well don't worry, as once again we're running our special Road Transport TV webcast from all three days of the Birmingham show in association with Chevron Global Lubricants and presented by that famous double act of 'Salter and Weatherley'.

The webcasts will kick-off before 18:00hrs each evening of the show (that's Tuesday to Thursday inclusive) and we'll bring you all the highlights including all the major truck, van and trailer launches.

Moreover, my team of Biglorryblog bloggers (including our very own webmeister Toby Clark who'll be doing his webby thing on the CM stand) will also be posting up the weird and the wonderful for all to see on this link.

Meanwhile, to see a preview of the webcast and to get you in the mood why not click on this link too for RoadtransportTV Then don't forget to tune in tomorrow after five when you can see our Day One webcast from the CV Show--only on RTTV!

Those crazshee Dutch guys and their mega-axle tippers! yes thanks to Biglorryblog's cloggie chums in Holland we'll soon be bringing an exclusive special multi-wheeler group test to Commercial Motor readers. In Holland these rigid behemoths are allowed to run up to 50-tonnes gross weight (a bit like a typical eight-wheeler in Ireland...NO BLB! walk away from that one!) so it will be intersting to see how they perform compared to the UK's 'modest' 32-tonne limit.

And it being a Dutch multi-wheeler test we'll naturally be including the handiwork of those two Dutch 'specialists' Terberg and Ginaf who make groovy 10x8s, 8x8s, 8x6s and 10x10s...in fact just about every combination of steering, lifting and driving axles you care to mention. So if you want a real 'Dutch treat' kep an eye out for our test in Commercial Motor!

Now this is what Biglorryblog calls a proper 'Pastoral Scene'. Rolling hills, blue sky and a Kenworth waggon and drag belonging to Halls in the foreground....yes it could only be a Rod Simmonds picture---and he's sent me another batch of cool Kiwi Cruisers including this immaculate Foden (they just keep coming eh Martin? It's not deliberate)

Now click through here for a couple of Macks climbing up a grade..and a smart Freightliner.

Those Aussies! Talk about inventive (and handy with a MIG welder too by the looks of it) 'AtkiPete' Lynch has sent me these shots from down-under and says: "G'day Brian,
They do things the hard way up in Queensland, too much of that tropical sunshine I think!
A mate of mine Cameron McFadyen was at a truck auction at Gratton the other day and spotted a nice old White Road Boss going cheap. From the front all looked good, 400 Cummins, Roadranger box and roadtrain-rated to 85-tons."

But just like most things Pete sends Biglorryblog, there's more to it that meets the eye. But I'll let him continue: " Around the back is a different story, someone has welded on the back half of a TK Bedford cab as a sort of home made sleeper. (Maybe for dwarves---or maybe the owner just missed his old Beddy). Cam is a big lad, and would not have the slightest chance of fitting in the 'Beddy' bit. He is frantically working out how to remove the embarrassing appendage before the 'Boss' can be seen in public again."

I like the way you call it a sleeper Pete---more like a parcel shelf! Anyway click through here for a close up of the 'Custom TK sleeper pod' and a BLB for-a-pie quiz that should have you all stumped! And Rod S--this is one for you!

Now here's a couple of venerable old-timers, sent to me as ever by Rod Simmonds in New`Zealand. Then one on the left is the magnficent Mack Ultra-Liner, which if my meory serves me correctly had the old Mack E9 vee-gight big banger that also went in early model Renault Magnums...ahhh, says Rod...what's the bonneted beauty? A good question and one deserving of a early morning breakfast pie for the first to name it.

And here's a close up of it...got a vaguely old Scania T112 look to it don't you think?
Meanwhile, Rod says look it's raining.....well it makes a change.

And here's another shot of the Ultra-Liner. Now click through here for a very smart Volvo FH and the answer to the above quiz if you don't know!

Yes it's that time of year again when CV Show Fever hits us all...and you're wondering 'How on earth am I going to spare the time to get there?' Well don't worry, as once again we'll be running our special Road Transport TV webcast from all three days of the Birmingham show in association with Chevron Global Lubricants and presented by that famous music hall double act of 'Salter and Weatherley' (Surely 'Weatherley and Salter'--ed?)

The webcasts will kick-off before 18:00hrs each evening of the show (that's Tuesday to Thursday inclusive) and we'll bring you all the highlights including all the major truck, van and trailer launches.

And naturally I and my team of Biglorryblog bloggers (including our very own webmeister Toby Clark who'll be doing his webby thing on the CM stand) will be posting up the weird and the wonderful for all to see on this link.

To see a preview of the webcast and to get you in the mood why not click on this link too for RoadtransportTV

And for something 'completely different' why not check out ace-snapper Tom Cunningham's show blog by clicking through here...especially if you like contortionists!

I am grateful, as ever, to 'Two-Stroke' who very kindly sent me a shed-load of pictures from the RAF Museum at Hendon which he quite rightly says is: "A great day out for the kids (with entry via donation). The museum has many aircraft, a brilliant discovery area and the odd (and when I say 'odd' I mean odd) commercial vehicle."

And to prove it here's what old TS provided Biglorryblog We'll kick off with vintage crash tender which, according to TS proves undeniably that "..Alvis has certainly not left the building!This hunk of burning love is very much part of the display, complete with a central driving position"
.

Next, for lovers of mechnical horses (or should that be camels considering its desert camouflage?) there's this Scammell Scarab Mk 6 and a snap shot of its coupling too.

Which I know get's certain Biglorryblog readers in a right-old tizzy. And why not?

OK anorak army--Pie-time...what is it (and don't say an ambulance) and for a bit of custard (or gravy) on your pie what was the film set in the North African desert during WWII that starred a certain ambulance, and what was the model? Questions, questions, always questions...

More pies, what was the make and model of this artic--and if you're really clever, what's the aircraft on the back? And that trailer too if you're really clever!

And here's a closer look at the little bonneted beauty...

The RAF certainly loved their Austins (at least I think it's an Austin as I got TS's captions out of order..) DOH!"

And what's this one?

How about this truck with the ultimate 'traffic calmer' for the M25 on the back. But what's the truck and what's the name of the famous missile which was the mainstay of the RAF's Cold War Nuclear strike force?

Now click through here for a few more--if you're up for it?

After MODEC and Smith Electric Vehicles, there's now a new kid on the (electric) block - called Zeroed which is a conglomeration of three names in the business, specialising in battery technology, commercial vehicle bodybuilding and fleet management - i.e. Minitram Systems, Paneltex and VMS Fleet Management.

And together they've come up with their own range of electric-powered urban vehicles that make their debut at next week's CV Show. By using lithium ion phosphate batteries Zeroed has also been able to create battery packs around the chassis with no loss of floor space, or compromising of cab, or body door accessibility.

According to the, somewhat modest, press blurb:"This technology... Has enabled Zeroed's stakeholders to steal a march on any competition globally. It enables extremely quick charging times, with an initial full charge of 6 hours, while battery top-ups can be achieved in a hour whilst the driver is on a break, enabling a further 120 miles."

The Zeroed system (like its competitors) uses regenerative braking to also top up the batteries on the move and what's described as a unique electric refrigeration system developed in conjunction with industry leader 'GAH' Refrigeration, offers single or dual temperature with dual evaporator systems. The highly efficient scroll compressor based heat pump cleverly uses waste heat removed form the body or atmosphere to provide cab heating.

Now click through here to see what Zeroed is doing at the CV Show (and an unusual back-to-front tram).

The other day I was in e-mail exchange with Martin 'Keeper of the Flame etc' Phippard and he slipped in the expression 'Stone Slinger' into the conversation. "What's one of those?" I replied, and this is what he answered (and he sent me these pictures too.)

"A stone slinger is essentially a non-tipping body that uses a conveyor system to 'sling' the stone (typically quarter inch to one-and-a-half inch) into places inaccessible to a tipper. A good example (as demonstrated on YouTube) is where a truck is parked at the outer reaches of a building under construction and the driver/operator----via a remote control box---is directing the flow of material into the area at distances of anywhere between six and sixty feet. Chutes are also used to direct the product where possible."

Martin goes on to say; "As you will have guessed, it appears to be a North American idea.
I found this shot of the interior of the body."

Well thanks for that Martin, now I know what a stone-slinger is. And click through here to see what was on the frontof the above beast...

Want to save money on your tyres? Well here's a clever little device from T-Comm Tracking & Tracing of The Netherlands which means you can quickly check your truck tyre pressures at a glance and save money along the way. And you can see it at next week's CV Show too.

Known as "P-eye", the little gadget has taken two years to develop. It is easy to use. All you have to do is unscrew your tyre valve cap and replace it with the P-eye which measures the preset minimum tyre pressure. And if it drops more than 5% below the ideal pressure the LED lamp on the end starts blinking. The driver knows then that the pressure of that particular tyre is too low and that it should be inflated.

And the clever bit is when your fleet is parked up on site, you don't have to check every single tyre on your vehicles just look for those where the LEDs are blinking. Now clic through here for news of a anti-theft version...and the sums that make it good financial sense....

The other day I blogged on the latest Nissan pickup and got an ear-bashing from a Biglorryblog reader on account as it wasn't a BIG lorry. Well true enough, only I can hardly leave the 'little 'uns' out, especially if in the case of the latest Toyota Hilux it's now officially Britain’s most powerful production pick-up.

Yes next week the Commercial Vehicle Show marks the debut of a new stump-pulling Hilux, that according to the PR blather: "With numbers limited to just 500 units, promises to be one of the most sought-after." Apparently it's equipped with the 3.0-litre D-4D engine that already features in the Hilux Invincible---but thanks to a Toyota Motorsport diesel engine performance kit, maximum output is increased to a stonking 197hp which means it can do nought to "Good morning Judge" in 10.5 seconds (or a slothful 11.4 seconds for automatic versions).
There's an even greater hike in torque from 343Nm to 430Nm from 1,600 to 3,200rpm.

I know what you're thinking....WHY? Indeed as there must surely be a limit to how fast you need to carry half a tonne of ballast and a couple of bags of cement....But there are people who want this kind of thing so who is BLB to gainsay it? Anyway click through here for a hitherto little-known fact about the Hilux.....

No doubt following on from my recent Biglorryblogs on 'Green' Volvo garbage trucks, 'Atki Pete' Lynch has sent me this picture and the following message: "G'day Brian, the diesel-electric [Volvo] recycling truck you had was pretty good. Hopefully, it sounds as good as those GM-powered, diesel-electric locos the railways are still using out here. Those supercharged V12 and V16 motors are music to the ears of any GM fan---but they might be hard to fit into your average six-wheeler!" Mmmm sounds like the old Bedford TMs run by BOC Transhield--and speaking of which does anyone have a shot of one?

Meanwhile, click through here to find out more about the above, uniquely Aussie, one-man ACCO recycling truck!

Thanks to my blogging co-evil Ollie Dixon (he of World Truck Blog fame) I have the chance to once again show you pictures of the magnificent International Lone Star tractor on Biglorryblog. And how so?

Well, because International has been named the official truck of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. What larks! “We’re proud to make International the official truck of the Kentucky Derby,” David Johanneson, Navistar group vice president for global sales, marketing, and distribution tells me “The rich tradition of this great sporting event plus the proud heritage of the International brand make this a strong combination.” To which I can only say: "Magnolia! Where are you gal? I want anuther Mint Julep!"

International vehicles will be on display at Churchill throughout the week leading up to the big day on May 3 as well as on all spring and fall race meets while the water trucks that assist in maintenance of the racetrack between live races are International trucks too. How absolutely topping!

“We appreciate Navistar’s continued support of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby,” said Jim Gates, general manager of Churchill Downs. “Their products have been great additions to our operation and are designed with the needs of the horse racing and breeding industry in mind.” So yoiks Tally Ho! And click through here for another nice shot of the Lone Star!

Now here's a thing...I've had this knocking about on Biglorryblog's 'Must do' folder for a while but I've rather let it slip. Anyway, basically what you have here is a special 1965 'split window' VW Transporter 'Magic Bus' which you can win (yes win) as part of a special competition that was recently launched by Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who (as if you didn't know that) and patron of the UK charity Teenage Cancer Trust---for whom the competition has been created.

The Magic Bus has been on display outside the Royal Albert hall since last Tuesday as part of the annual TCT week of fund raising gigs which includes performances from Madness, Muse, Paul Weller, Joan Armatrading, The Fratellis and, of course, The Who. And it will be there until tomorrow when the last TCT concert takes place.

Not only has it been signed by Roger Daltrey CBE and Pete Townshend, and branded with a unique design by The Who’s art director, Richard Evans, it also features the band’s famous target logo together with images of the original band members, including Keith Moon and John Entwistle.

Now click through here to find out how you can enter the competition! And another shot of the Magic Bus....

Wait a minute...it's another one of those crazy photographers laying down again. But what's he photographing? And where has Biglorryblog been lately? Click through here and you'll find out---and you'll get an exclusive look-see at the latest contender in the UK middleweight market too.

Now here’s a Whale of a lorry reckons Biglorryblog. In fact it’s one of two High Volume JetVacs from Whale Tankers that has entered service with Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions (BBUS) for its local authority and utility contract work.

Built on a Daf 6x4 chassis, the 26-tonne JetVacs boast a capacity of 11,820-litres and fitted with a 120 metre Trelleborg sewer jetting hose, they can deliver up to 273-litres per minute at 2,200psi while the vacuum system features a 1,500cfm liquid ring exhauster with a Mistral 401 pump for additional vacuum and pressure. MMM…I love it when you talk dirty to me like that. [Snap out of it Brian there are people reading this]

Sorry, where was I? Oh yes, a special feature of the new JetVacs is the spiral boom storage system which stores 12.5 metres of hose in a cassette system. And obviously, this vastly reduces the need for manual handling and extra lengths of loading hose only need to be added when working at depths in excess of 8 metres below ground. What was that expression about never giving a sucker an even break? (And for a pie who said?)

‘Two-stroke’ has e-mailed me to say: “This 27-year old Sherpa CV306 pick up has certainly had the benefit of a “Silk-Road” [not to be confused with Silk Cut] experience and is seen on a daily basis working in and around Staffordshire.

And being the sort of knowledgeable bloke that he is TS goes on to say: “The van based pick up design was carried over from the J4 in 1974. For a Sherpa of this age it is in ‘vantastic’ condition and one of the last of its type before the Ogle redesign K2 with vertical body seams---the change from horizontal to vertical seams meant the demise of this body style, and the end of the premature oxidation----or the ‘FEO2’ model.” Hmmmmm rust in peace says BLB.

Now click through here for a side view…

Is this the world’s largest cement mixer asks Biglorryblog? Of course not silly it’s a 167-ton pressure vessel on Goldhofer 12-axle x 4 file load carrier and it comes to me courtesy of BLB’s mate in South Africa—Dennis Child, general manager of ROTRAN Multi-Axle and the man with the best toy set in town.

Moreover, Dennis tells me that the rather tough looking tractor doing all the hard work is a Vanguard Actros 8x8 Titan with 610hp on tap from its vee-eight. And what a beauty it is too. And just look at the knobbly tyres too---heavy haulage off-road!

Now click through here for a close up of the mighty Titan Merc…..

American hearses might be the last of the true coach-built cars – hand-crafted by skilled workers, rather than welded together by robots – but unfortunately professional vehicles carry very little value. When the vehicles reach the end of their working lives, they are generally worth bugger-all. While some end up in the hands of collectors or find niche roles as band tour buses or tradesman’s vans, the majority reappear in the local salvage yard. This rare 1950s Cadillac Superior has had to endure the added humiliation of being butchered – and turned into a pickup truck. And what a crap job they’ve made of it too. Check out that plywood bulkhead.
The car was pictured in a Las Vegas salvage yard a few years back.

Check out this incredibly rare and exclusive photograph that BigLorryBlog has unearthed.
Ford has always claimed that the Mk2 Transit was the first van in space, but up until now there have always been a few doubts. But hopefully all the conspiracy theorists will be silenced now that this incredible image has been unearthed!

And now a special 'For a Pie' picture caption contest on Biglorryblog. Have a go at this one....and click through here to see what the story is really about.

You couldn’t buy a truck for love nor money in 1944 – in fact you couldn’t buy much of anything at all. But that didn’t stop the likes of Commer from advertising anyway.
Like most of the UK’s numerous truck manufacturers, its vehicles had been working hard in far-flung corners of the world, and it would be keen to use this to its advantage when peace returned. The advert says: “Present-day conditions are adding to Commer’s vast experience. When normal trading returns, this specialised knowledge will contribute to new Commer developments.”
Apparently the truck’s a “Superpoise freighter” – but then you probably already knew that didn’t you?

My thanks go to 'The Brochure King' Richard Stanier who has sent me these fantastic pictures and says: "Hi Brian, I thought I'd send you a couple more contributions, in keeping with the recent 'heavy' theme on Biglorryblog---inspired in particular by the Macks."

"The first picture is from America's legendary 'Transportation Engineer' magazine of October 1970. It shows the novel approach to the problem of moving a 600-ton reactor pressure vessel adopted by Hoffman Rigging & Crane Service. Just get a 1000hp Mack mining truck and replace the tipper body with a 250-ton fifth wheel - job done!" What a wizard idea reckons BLB. Do any readers know of similar 'in-field modifcations'? And what did they do with the dumper body?

Richard continues: "Next up is the seriously big Hendrickson. This is an original photo, but it has no written details with it. However, I think it's one of two 6x6 tractors built for 360,000lbs GVW with 700hp Cummins V12 engines driving through Clark power-shift transmissions from about 1967. Any further info from fellow anoraks would be greatly appreciated!" Well you've got me Richard---although it's clearly begging the photo caption: 'Here, do you know your truck's parked on my foot?", answer, "No but if you hum it---I'll play it!" I thankyewww....anyway click through here for a mammoth logger!

Those crazy Frenchmen..is there nothing they won't do to find adventure in a biglorry asks Biglorryblog? After the original 'Silk Road Run' in 2005, Renault Trucks is planning a new adventure for 2009--the Renault trucks Adventure part 2!

According to the official press release( aka 'le blurb') six Kerax and six Sherpas will, from the beginning of next year, be travelling from the extreme north to the extreme south "....via an itinerary which will be revealed during the months ahead." Mmmm sounds like they're using a car sat nav...

Now click through here for more words and lovely pictures!

Well whatever else happens at Heathrow Terminal 5 and BA and BAA you can be sure that at least one thing works! And that's vehicle recovery! And why, amidst all the disaster, is Biglorryblog so confident?

Because VT Airside Solutions, the division of VT Critical Services which provides fleet management, maintenance and training for airlines and ground support equipment operators, has taken delivery of a new Dyson Commander Pioneer. The specialised heavy lift vehicle, featuring the renowned Pioneer axle system and Maxi Reach Underlift, will provide vital front line support for British Airways ground support equipment at Heathrow’s new Terminal 5 (T5).

Perhaps they should put it on the baggage clearance duty? NO Biglorryblog..! Walk away from that one!

Anyway, Keith Holland, VT Critical Services Technical Director, tells me that splendid Commander Pioneer wrecker is the largest recovery vehicle ever purchased for the fleet, adding that the group already operates Dyson vehicles elsewhere, including a number of Hydraloaders and slideback equipment transporters recently acquired to service Metropolitan Police contracts.

Now click through here to find out more...

Everyday Biglorryblog learns something new...not least when it comes to Richard 'the Brochure King' Stanier who is a veritable walking, talking, e-mailing dictionary of trucks and trucking. For example he's sent me these pictures of a manufacturer called 'Willme'. "Who?" was my reaction! Anyway he says:" Good afternoon Brian, Tut, tut for not being aware of Willeme - I hope none of our Gallic cousins will be offended if they read the blog!"

Richard goes on to say: "Willeme were quite a distinguished manufacturer of trucks from the early 1930's to the middle - late 1970's and they had quite close associations with a couple of British manufacturers. I have attached a scan of a nice Willeme artic from 1963 [that's it above]which was powered by the AEC 690 engine. You can see the AEC triangle on the front."

"Willeme - BMC was a bit of badge - engineering whereby British built BMC trucks were re-badged for the French market. Check out the "Willeme BMC B30", AKA the FG - surely uglier than a small - wheeled Mack, but kind of looking almost cute with some misty - eyed hindsight for British truck manufacturing."

You know that top cab looks rather attractive...meanwhile click through here for more on Willme heavy hitters and a MOL tank transporter.

Don't say anything...just enjoy. Actually I can tell you a bit more about this. It belongs to Lagan vally Steels in Northern Ireland and you'll be seeing a bit more of it soon in Truck & Driver when all will be revealed...but in the meantime just bask in the glow of a blinged-up ERF EC that's still earning an honest living. Picture by Tom Cunningham...who else?

Martin 'Keeper of the Flame' Phippard has sent Biglorryblog this rather nice lne drawing of a Trabosa 8x8 and asks: "Hi Brian, I wonder if anyone has any photos of this 8x8 tractor built by Trabosa? It was of course a Willeme TG-300 but I think Trabosa may have built a couple.
One for BLB perhaps?" Trabosa? Willeme? Both new to yours truly (don't get grumpy Bob!).

So what can my beloved anorak army tell me about tis truck--and if you have pictures send them in please.

Now click through here for another nice side drawing and news of the rather good website where where they come from....

It strikes me as rather unkind but Rod Simmonds in New Zealand has sent me these two pictures of a low-slung, little wheel Mack and asks: "Is this the ugliest truck in the world?" Well surely not, and like any Bulldog it may not be 'Beautiful' in the strict sense of beauty but it no doubt does the job. perhaps if it had bigger wheels? But then it wouldn't have such a low CoG...what do you think? With the small wheels and step-frame trailer that's got to be one of the lowest riding ISO-Tank Container carriers I've seen. How about you Chris G?

And click through here for another shot of a truck that only BLB (and it's owner) loves...

Fast yes...but no Euro-6! Word reaches Biglorryblog that Europe’s fastest drag racing truck, the MAKSAR Volvo from Malta, smashed the record for race trucks over a standing ¼ mile at Santa Pod Raceway over the Easter Weekend. Presumably after this run a special bloke swept up all the soot from the track and put it on his roses?

Still it very nearkly didn't happen. After 2 days of the worst Easter weather for many years, Easter Monday finally saw clear skies and a chance for the team to put the vehicle through its paces on the famous FIA drag strip for its first run of the 2008 season. And go through its paces the 12-litre, twin-turbo bonneted Volvo stopped cvertainly did, stopping the quarter-mile clocks in just 10.649 seconds, reaching a speed of 133 mph and setting a new world record.

The appearance of the Mediterranean racing team was a preview to the UK Truck Show which takes place at Santa Pod Raceway on 28th & 29th June. Meanwhile, the Maksar team will return to attempt to break their own speed record, plus this unique event also hosts the BTRA Sprint Cup, with teams from the British Truck Racing Association competing in ¼ mile sprint racing.

Meanwhile click through here for another picture of a souped-up truck 'in drag'....

The good folk at Volvo Trucks in Gothenburg have been having something of a 'Green Spurt' lately---if I can put it like that. For starters they've taken what's described as: " A major step towards commercialisation of heavy vehicle hybrid technology with the launch of two hybrid refuse trucks that will be tested in regular daily operations in Sweden by refuse collection firms Renova and Ragn-Sells." That's one of them pictured above.

“This test phase is the last-stage in the evaluation of our hybrid solution, ahead of the production launch,” Staffan Jufors, president and CEO of Volvo Truck Corporation tells Biglorryblog. “Since we presented our first concept vehicle in 2006, we have seen considerably heightened market interest in this technology."

But what makes our solution unique, says Jufors "....is that it is sufficiently powerful to drive heavy vehicles and more cost-effective than all other current alternatives. It is these characteristics that determine whether a hybrid can be commercially viable. We will start producing hybrid trucks in 2009.”

The hybrid dustcart combines a normal diesel engine with an electric motor, with the electric motor being used for moving off from standstill and for acceleration up to 20 km/h (12 mph). At higher speeds, the diesel engine takes over---but when the truck stops the diesel engine automatically switches off, thus avoiding unnecessary idling and nasty niffs. "

Now click through here for more and news on DME too!

How this for a Dutch old-timer? It's a while since this picture was sent to me but I'm pretty certain it's from Henk Kruit , one of my regular and much valued cloggie contributors. For a day-job Henk is also Commercial Manager for LDV Group Benelux B.V.. Anyway he says: "On the 26th April I organise a reunion for my old army comrades. My old company was a Transport Company with DAF 514 trucks. Somewhere in the UK there is one. For my reunion we want to know the owner of that truck. Do you recognise the name? You can also see the photo on my army website regards,
Henk."

OK BLB anorak army--who knows anything about this truck and can share it with Henk and me?

Here's a nice selection of New Zealand trucks for you on Biglorryblog...and naturally they've come from the crafty Kiwi Rod Simmonds who appears top be taking over the world with his ChemGroup operation. Starting off with this immaculate Foden 4000 Series livestock waggon and drag...

Then there's a great shot of this Isuzu...Rod tells me: "Progress Transport Ltd, Pio Pio (see if you find that on google!) Isuzu with sheep wool bales on the truck and sheep hides/guts on trailer.h" Hmmm best not run into that then..or at least not the trailer!

Kenworth K104 eight-legger and trailer has some very smart roping and sheeting! Now click through here for two more Kiwi Kroozers.

Biglorryblog's regular contact in South Africa---Kenn Uys---is an unashamed Oshkosh fan and operator too. We've featured his venerable Oshkosh tipper in BLB before. Anyway he's sent me this picture and the following message: "Hi Brian, I'm in the process of getting this old Oshkosh running again. It is still complete and needs a bit of TLC to get it back to its former glory. However, I hope to get it back on its feet in a short while." To which BLB replies well send us the pitcure Kenn when you do!
Rgards.
Kenn Uys.

Ahh...Biglorryblog anoraks..what would I do without them. Especially when it comes to some great shots of 'Big' Bulldogs. For example, Martin 'keeper of the Flame' Phippard has sent me this shot a mighty Mack four-trailer road train (lloks like a Titan to me) belonging to Wagner's Transport. "This should prove worthy of BLB, I hope!" he says. No chance Martin.

Now click through here for a rather smart 'double dog combo' from one of BLB's regular's in Oz.

'Atki Pete' Lynch has sent me this shot of an old Ford downunder and says: "G'day Brian, Seeing as how Biglorryblog has been talking about D Series, here's one I spotted yeaterday. It has a V8 Cat and a Roadranger box. Still not sure about operating at 44-tonnes, unless it was downhill?

Pete goes on to say: "I used to drive one of these with the Ford engine and it was flat out with only 8-tons on the back!"

Biglorryblog regular Andrew Cooper has sent me these shots of a splendid Volvo Globetrotter and this message: "Hi Brian, I thought you may like to put one of these photos of Philip Petreyens' FH16.660 on the blog. The truck came into us for a few days for some work to be done last week and when I was taking these shots the whole industrial estate just stopped working and came over for a look! Talk about a positive portrayal of the haulage industry if ever I saw one."

Too right, says BLB and to see it with the trailer on the back click through here..

'Welsh' Ashley L (not to be confused with 'Crane King Cog' Ashley C) has reminded me that it's only nine weeks to go before the National Transport Festival of Wales---which Ashley L helps to organise and he tells Biglorryblog: "I am still on the look out for lorries classic, working and new. I attach a photo of my mate's MAN and one of the Bedford CA vans that will be given to all vehicle entrants..."

A free Bedford CA van? Now that's got to be a good deal..and click through here to see it and how you can enter your truck in the NTFW too.

Amongst the other reasons why I haven't been blogging recently is that I've been charging around attending the new launch event for the all-new,and long-awaited,Isuzu Forward series up to 18-tonnes (and the new 'Grafter' range too). It was held at the Milton Keynes Bowl (despite some highly misleading signs which were no fault of Isuzu!) with yours truly and other assorted hacks from Her Majesty's Truck Press rubbing shoulders with real-life punters and Isuzu operators. So instead of as rather low key presentation we got the all singing-dancing customer event including ostrich feather-clad luvvlies, and various circus acts including these two daring young men on the flying trapeze....
,

However, as you can see from Biglorryblog's pictures they DID rather go to town on the dry-ice, which meant that when it came to taking pictures everything seemed to be surrounded by a Dartmoor fog! See what I mean?

Fortunately we'd already agreed with Isuzu Truck UK's genial marketing supremo and all-round good egg Keith Child to get some proper shots the following day--just as well really. Anyway you can read all about the new Isuzu range in a full four-page report in Comercial Motor this Thursday. But for the moment click through here to see the woman behind it all and read about the sales target that IT(UK) has set itself for the next three years....

I suppose you've been wondering why your regular diet of fresh meat on Biglorryblog was somewhat restricted last week. Well as mentioned, after a fantastic time on Truck & Driver I'm back editing Commercial Motor full-time (and don't be so cheeky Rod Simmonds!) and amongst my duties was the chance to attend CM's annual tipperfest aka "Tipper 2008" organised with great aplomb by the Boy Swallow.

And here's a line-up of our trucks including two Hino 700 Series (a sign of the times), a Merc Axor, an MAN, a Daf CF85, a Volvo FM, a Scania, and an Iveco Trakker,

Each truck got a good once over including a loading/unloading exercise, test weigh to get the 'true' tare weight of each and a hour-long road-run over a test circuit near our test quarry near Middleton Stoney. And if you know your UK quarries, for a pie, whose site did we use?

Now click through here for a rather unusual beast that also made a guest apperarance at CM Tipper 2008....

It seems that Biglorryblog spoke too soon (And not for the first time either!). Ashley 'The Malteaser' Lovering sent me a couple of e-mails with pictures from a recent classic gathering and road run in Sailisbury involving members of Commercial Transport in Preservation.

Ashley tells me: "We had a nice weekend there and met many old friends." What I didn't realise was how many shots of old trucks and vans he'd actually sent me. And here they are all are.

So for a mega-morning pie quiz get identifying!

Now click through here for some more!

Ashley 'The Malteaser' Lovering writes to Biglorryblog to say: "Members of Commercial Transport in Preservation held a road run yesterday and attracted many people to Salisbury. We had a nice weekend there and met many old friends."

He goes on to say: "I attach photos of some of the lorries on the run. I am off to Malta soon so watch out there will be more to come when I return! As for the big Keedwell Scania 8X4 you showed last week this was a regular at my early truck events!"

Great shots Ashley---now click through here for one more 'classic commercial'.

Clearly I'm having a bit of a 'heavy' time on Biglorryblog. This picture shows a set of turbines and generators destined for a major power station in Venezuela being shipped on the back of Scheuerle modular low loaders. And although the photographer cleverly managed to cut the first half of the lead truck in half...! For a pie, what is it and the one behind?.

Meanwhile the two turbines, each weighing 197-tonnes, along with two 240-tonne generators first arrived at the port of Maracaibo before starting off by road to their final destination of the Termozulia II power station, located around 25 clicks away.

The contract for shifting the turbines was awarded to the Venezuelan heavy load specialists "Transportate Faga y Bovinelli C.A.", one of the most efficient special transport companies in the country, which used heavy duty transport vehicles from Scheuerle's 'InterCombi' range. Now click through here for more and a close-up of the trailers...

No doubt regular Biglorryblog readers have been closely following the travels of the various parts of Dennis Child's latest Nicolas beam trailer as they get ever closer to him in South Africa. And naturally Dennis, who looks after the ultra-heavy-haulage movements for ROTRAN in SA, has been sending BLB various 'progress' reports and phtos including these two shots of one of the two multi-axle bogies being transported on the back of a low-loader. Just one of these 12-axle bogies is massive enough! No wonder the lady in red in the foreground is doing a double take!

Now click through here for another Dennis picture....

Word reaches Biglorryblog that the pint-size delivery truck makers Piaggio and Cold Logic, have joined forces to provide a carbon-free refrigerated solution to urban food deliveries. The 'Porter Electric' (that's it pictured above outside the charmingly named 'Cook House cafe' combined with the expertise of Cold Logic apparently "offers the perfect solution to getting about town and delivering fresh food to the customer’s requirements." And who is BLB to argue with that?

And how come The Porter Electric is so lean and grean? Well its long-life 'Lead-Gel' batteries are not only maintenance-free but, having zero emissions, it also means it's exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty as well as Congestion Charging.

And according to the press blurb: "Opting for the Porter Electric could result in a huge saving for businesses that operate vehicles in large towns, or a city such as London." It's got a range is approximately 80 miles between charges, (just right for those essential inner city deliveries) while there's a choice of 'charging options' (that's the battery not your bank account) of either the 8 hour standard recharge through a 13 amp socket or the 2 hour fast charge using a 3-phase supply."

But in a marvellous piece of PR chutzpah the press release says: "The Porter Electric Chiller is supplied in left-hand drive which ensures safety for the driver of the vehicle on busy roads as they will not have to step out into the traffic." Errr....is that the same as saying we don't make it in right-hand drive? And for all you techies out there it comes with twin side doors and a neat Hubbard fridge unit on the roof of the GRP mini-reefer body conversion.

Now click through here for news of a new Piaggio product that will break cover at the CV Show later this month...and you thought Piaggio only made three-wheelers eh?

You see? I told you my advice on how to take a good truck picture would pay dividends. Allan MacDonald has sent me this great selection of atmospheric shots of a Volvo FH and says: "Hi Brian, You must get tired of people congratulating you on your blog....but it is bloody excellent!!" Well it would be more excellent if only I could give up the 'day job' Alan but thanks for the kind words!

Anyway he goes on to say: "I was looking through some old pictures today and came across something you might like. I have to admit I am a bit of a fan of the 'How to take a good truck picture' feature, and found some photos that I hope you consider worthy. A bit of background. They were all taken in 2007, the daytime pictures in Gotland Sweden, and the rest in Malmo Sweden. All with the same camera. I guess the most interesting one is picture with the moving lights."

Meanwhile, click through here for some more GREAT night-time shots---and a tip on how you can achieve the same results!

"BLOODY CAR DRIVERS!" says Ashley 'Crane King' Cohgill. And for good reason as you're about to find out on Biglorryblog. Earlier this week Ash took this picture whilst politely queuing in a line to get off the motorway. Anyway I'll let him tell you the story. "Its not just the trucks causing agro on our roads, we all know the cars are bad too as this little scenario shows. Queuing anti-clock on the M 25 to get onto the M1, we were all stationary. The two outside lanes were moving quite smoothly until this 'joker' in the Fiesta decides to cut across at the last minute because he wants the M1. Because we were all nose-to-tail and stopped, he couldn't just slot in so he stops halfway across the lanes!! Great....now everyone who was going along nicely has to take evasive action to avoid him and before long they are all backing up.In fact I can honestly say as I watched them all in my mirrors, I saw a near shunt."

Now click through here for more...and a picture of our hero too!

Yes, yes I know I've been neglecting my beloved Biglorryblog army. Reason? For those that don't know I've been asked to come back and edit Commercial Motor on a full-time basis after having had a whale of a time looking after Truck & Driver. And that's taking up a fair bit of my time! Anyway Martin 'keeper of the Flame' Phippard e-mailed me to see if I was alright (based on the lack of new posts on BLB) which was nice. Indeed he says: "I am naturally solicitous of your well being but also because the amount of 'raw meat' finding its way on to BLB in recent days has been a little less abundant than we have become accustomed to. Attached you will find an image of a mighty Mack four-trailer road train belonging to Wagner's Transport. This should prove worthy of BLB, I hope."

Indeed it does Martin and this is the first of some new blogs I'll do tonight so be patient the lot of yer!

Bob 'Mr Classic' Tuck and venerable contribtuor to Truck & Driver has recently been on his holidays in Florida--and naturally, Bob being Bob, he found time to go and visit a local heavy haulier. You'll see what he got up to in a forthcoming edition in T&D. meanwhile he's sent me this rather nice picture of a smart red and white Pacific heavy hitter and this message: " Hi Brian, had a great couple of days with the US heavy haulers. Am attaching a taster snap of the pushing tractor which would have made a good story on its own."

Well it's made a good story on Biglorryblog Bob so that's at least something! I must confess that while I was vaguely aware of Pacific, it wasn't until Dennis Child sent me his pictures of his Pacifics in South Africa that I started to wake up to this fantastic marque.

And talking of venerable marques how about this from Rod Simmonds in New Zealand. Rod describes it as a 'Bizta White"...now click through here for a classic Kenworth too...

Back in 1972 Commercial Motor was unlucky enough to test drive the Renault 4 van (aka the Fourgon) – and here’s a picture of it taking a bend at 10mph!
Overall CM tester Trevor Longcroft was impressed by the van’s performance, although not necessarily by its appearance – stating: “It does not have a particularly attractive body shape.”
But what does impress him is the uncluttered cabin – a consequence of the Fourgon having bugger-all to clutter it up with. I think it’s safe to say that Guantanamo Bay detention camp cells have more in the way of creature comforts!

He wasn’t overly impressed with the non-cancelling indicators and the “inconsistent response to brake-pedal effort” sounded rather worrying.
But my favourite quote of all refers to the van’s handling: “Driving the unladen vehicle along stretches of derestricted road I on occasion experienced a floating sensation attributable, I think, to the soft suspension of the vehicle.”
No kidding! Check out the body roll in this photograph. Another 5mph and he would have scraped the mirror on the tarmac.
But, despite looking like crap, and having the same handling abilities as a blancmange, the Renault Fourgon did have a few positive aspects. For a start it was cheap – with an on-the-road price of £632. It also had an extremely handy roof flap for carrying oversized loads. Also, let’s not forget that dash-mounted gear lever. Thirty-odd years later and just about every van on the market has one of those.

If you think you’re an expert at spotting old commercial vehicles, then we’ve got a great competition for you.
Back in 1973 Commercial Motor ran a light van round-up – publishing a picture and spec table of almost every van on the UK market. The question is; how many are you able to recognise today?
The picture quality isn’t great, and some of the vans are in my opinion close to impossible to identify, so we’ll be giving the prize to the person who gets the most answers correct. Up for grabs is a copy of my book Roadside Relics, and collectable 500,000th Vauxhall Vivaro model. Good luck – I reckon you’ll need it.
Just email your 25 answers to will.shiers@rbi.co.uk
I'll let you know the answers and who the winner is on Monday.

Pic 1

Pic 2

Click below for the rest of the mystery photos