Regular Biglorryblog readers will know that BLB's man in Poland--Mariusz Kościński--has been travelling down-under meeting a whole load of loveable reprobates including Rod Simmonds in New Zealand. And Mariusz being Mariusz he's been taking shed-loads of pictures of trucks. Anway he's back home now but has sent me these pictures and this e-mail message: "Hi there Brian, seeing NZ Foden trucks in one of your recent blogs I'm sending you some of my photos of British trucks that I spotted in
And for you're delight here's a terrific selection of "Made in Britain" waggons still working hard in the land of the Kiwis--starting above with this moody dusk shot of an ERF EC14., followed below by this Foden 4000 Series in classic New Zealand waggon and drag configuration.
Next here's another Foden---only it's a second generation Alpha bulk tanker.
Yet another Foden--and another second generation Alpha, but running for Mainfreight as a B-train (although I still think it's a B-double!)
Ahhh that's more like it--back to ERF and a tough looking EC14 livestock rig.
And how true is this message...? Almost as good as 'My other car is a Fiat Multipla.." What?
Back to Foden Alphas again and a nice looking eight-legger with a four-axle logging jinker on the back. I do like the way the Kiwi and Aussie timber hauliers carry their own trailers around with them...
And here's the Western Star Mariusz was talking about. Yes it was basically an ERF built in the famous Sandbach Sun Works but with axle layout to suit local conditions (i.e. set forward US-style on cabover tractors). Had North American driveline too and usually a Fuller box/Rockwell axles. But still with a Plastic Fantastic ERF EC cab on it albeit with slightly modified grille and Western Star 'Big Dubberya' on the front.
Foden Alphas are two a penny in NZ! Now click through here for more British exports down-under!
Back to a real 'ERF' EC14 with a 14-litre Big Cam 'Hummin Cummins' under the hood hauling strange body and trailer. What's all this about Rod?
Foden 4000 Series again but with a livestock combination. And is Bob Tuck really telling me the cab ended up on a Fuso...mmmm.
More Foden 4000 Series moments..and another livestock hauler too. Your camera shutter button must have been glowing red hot Mariusz!
One more Foden--another Alpha but a six-wheeler with a quad dog tipping trailer on the back
And last of all Mariusz sent me this and the sign-off message: "I belive I missed this one in my last email. A rare truck even here in the U.K I think... Seddon Atkinson Strato 410." Sure is Mariusz it's probably one of the few still running anywhere in the world! And thanks for the best of British!
Comments (6)
The Godfrey ERF is used for carrying wood chips to one of the manufacturers of particle board - used for flooring, etc. Wood chips are very light, hence the high sided body, and are inclined to blow away in the wind, hence the rolled up tarpaulin covers on top. The thin ropes down the sides of the bodies are for rolling and unrolling the covers from the ground.
Posted by Vic Hungerford | May 21, 2008 9:19 PM
Posted on May 21, 2008 21:19
Yes Brian, my camera was sure busy. Got as much photos within 2 weeks in New Zealand as I got throuought whole last year. On my best day there I took around 350 photos if I remember well. I'm glad you liked the photos and thanks for the info about these Western Stars as I knew virtually nothing about them...
Posted by Mariusz Koscinski | May 22, 2008 6:54 AM
Posted on May 22, 2008 06:54
Yes Brian, my camera was sure busy. Got as much photos within 2 weeks in New Zealand as I got throuought whole last year. On my best day there I took around 350 photos if I remember well. I'm glad you liked the photos and thanks for the info about these Western Stars as I knew virtually nothing about them...
Posted by Mariusz Koscinski | May 22, 2008 6:57 AM
Posted on May 22, 2008 06:57
RODS TRUCK TRAGIC TOURS TAKING BOOKINGS FOR SPRING 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by rod simmonds | May 23, 2008 5:19 AM
Posted on May 23, 2008 05:19
Who pays for the pies on the tour?
Posted by Vic Hungerford | May 23, 2008 7:26 AM
Posted on May 23, 2008 07:26
U dont need to eat any more Vic. GPS will follow you to every PIE SHOP in NZ you know.....Tony is watching
Posted by rod simmonds | May 25, 2008 8:50 AM
Posted on May 25, 2008 08:50