I don't quite know how the conversation started..but Biglorryblog has been talking to Dennis Child about Fodens in South Africa, especially those used on heavy haulage. And he's sent me this terrific selection of shots from his archives...starting with this one from around 1984. What struck me in particular was the sleeper pod on the back of the Motor Panels cab...was it a local conversion or something done in the UK by the likes of Jennings? If you know, post a comment to BLB some time.
See what I mean about that sleeper pod? But wait there's a new model in the pipeline..
For this one belonging to Frasers has got a sleeper pod AND a high-roof too. Corr..talk about pampered! Again all these pictures are of South African operators.
Now click through here for more Hultrans Fodens..but with very unusual drive axles...
So this looks like a 8x4 or even 8x6 with, I assume, the Fleetmaster cab. And if you think that's got a lot of axles try this one...
How about this one? Caption says Foden Matimba---perhaps you can tell us a bit more about it with a post Dennis--? Meanwhile, thanks for the great pictures.
Comments (3)
We had similiar Fodens out here with an Aussie made fibreglass / metal cab based on the UK original. Will try and find a photo.
Posted by Peter Lynch | June 22, 2008 10:04 PM
Posted on June 22, 2008 22:04
Those aren't Motor Panels Fleetmaster or Haulmaster cabs, or if they are they are quite different to the ones sold in the UK or NZ.
The Fleetmaster/Haulmaster range was available with either a steel cab or a fibreglass/aluminium cab for a time
Posted by Vic Hungerford | June 23, 2008 2:14 AM
Posted on June 23, 2008 02:14
Look like Fleetmaster/Haulmaster front cowls for export markets, to which local cabs have been added. Supply in this form might have cut cost/time in adding cabs for local tastes.
Posted by Ken Mann | October 7, 2008 7:39 PM
Posted on October 7, 2008 19:39