Biglorryblog can see grown men weeping in the streets. Yes Foden is BACK with a bang with it's all new 'Aerodeck' created by talented automotive designer Alan Clarke -- and check out his website at www.alanclarkedesign.com.
And how to I come upon this veritable 'SCOOP!' (and note the Foden kite on the front of this baby)? Well because Alan very kindly posted a comment arising out of a previous blog and providied me with these stunning design 'visualisations' of a Foden for the future! Are you getting this Paccar?
Anyroadup, Alan tells BLB: "In terms of where the Foden Aerodeck Concept came from and who commissioned it, it was actually a personal design project. I used to go to work with my father in his lorry probably as early as 1970 when I was just 4 years old. We'd naturally be spotting lorries along the way, Bedfords, Leylands, Scammels, ERFs, Fords... Later on I thought the Foden was a really fabulous design with it's V shapes dipping into the front grill. We'd always keep a keen eye out for new new trucks on the road and my Dad's firm were one of the first locally to get a new Foden in the late seventies. [Ah...you see? haulage in the blood! BLB] What a fantastic sight to see, this monster struggling past in a tight cornish street."
Alan continues: "Needless to say, I recently thought Foden, a great and probably the last of the British truck manufacturers, could do with a boost and intended to send in some design ideas for the next generation Foden, I truly believe innovative design is the key to success. Anyway, after labouring away for a hundred hours or more I finally had the first of two designs ready, the 'Foden Areodeck'. I then called Foden to find out who to send it to only be told they weren't making trucks any more! What a disaster!" Now click through here for more...
Alan adds: "The drawings attached represent the first concept. The goal was to create a more aerodynamic form with smaller frontal area and taller cab to blend into the trailer roof, thus a design with the driver seated centrally evolved. Much like the F1 Mclaren sports car design, it is intended that two further drivers are seated behind and slightly to the side of the driver. The ideas is, that similar to aircraft which are nearly always in the sky, it would enable 3 drivers to share a 24hr shift and enable these expensive trucks to be kept moving. The advantage for a driver would be more rest, theoretically, and they can also get back home to the family quicker if they have a kind boss (my mum hated my dad being away on long distance!)."
"Also integrated into the design is the Rear Vision System, which would give the driver 360º visibility and you can imagine the displays would be sited in the black panels on the front glass section in the conventional position beside the driver. An added advantage also, not wanting to spy or track the driver en-route, the RVS system could be linked to the Satellite Navigation System and the web to give the depot a visual of where the truck is and what's around it. It could also be left running overnight to be used as truck surveillance/ security. Apart from the sleek, enclosed side skirts for improved airflow, that is the extent of the the concept."
Great stuff Alan, let me know when you get the call from Seattle. Meanwhile keep those CV designs coming! Of course, the real question is would an Aerodeck also have a special aroma dispenser inside the cab squirting in the fragrance of 'Just out of the mould' glass fibre? Now you're talking Biglorryblog.
And as a real treat for all Foden Fans here's a slightly less 'futuristic' model, the famous Foden 'Falcon'... Can't you just here that Cummins Signature beating?
So what am I bid for this beauty?
When can I order one?
John Henderson has responded to the Foden posting: "Amazing, if only! There's a wee bit of Renault Magnum in the bottom half of it.
Best regards, John."
Just what I was thinking myself re Magnum entry layout John...
Excellent, Alan , that is one bit of stunning design!
i drove lots of fodens early 70s for tilcons and tunnel cement i would like to see the old half cabs i used to drive i do know were there is a 6th wheel half cab tipper den,old great old truck.
There may or may not be any more Fodens, but we are trying to keep the name alive. Visit www.thefodensociety.org.uk.
As Archives Officer, I am also attempting to compile records of any Fodens, past and present. Contact details on the Society website.
THE ORANGE ONE LOOKS LIKE A DAF WITH A FODEN BADGE