Biglorryblog regulars AtkiPete Lynch and Vic Hungerford (that's Vic above)are on a road trip down-under. Pete says: "G'day Brian, here are a few photos from our recent trip up to Lake Goldsmith, which you might enjoy. First stop was at one of my favourite pie shops where I was able to polish off most of the 19 odd pies that Vic owed me!" Well for heaven's sake don't tell Clutchslip where this is---he already insists I owe him at least a dozen pies!
"Interesting old lorries spotted along the way included this TK Bedford and F86 Volvo, both still at work (well if you think they are old lorries stay tuned...)"
That's quite a long wheelbase on that bulker Pete--must be fun at T-Junctions...anyway I'll let Pete continue the story.
"Next stop was a mate of mine near Colac who runs a couple of old Atkinsons on tanker work. Andy is no fan of modern technology and finds the Atkis ideal for the rough roads and farm tracks in the Otway ranges. Old Vic was delighted to check out the big RP cab and would have been hired immediately if not for some awful difficulties with that Kiwi accent!" Hmmm..not so sure about that 'sleeper' Vic.
Pete continues: "Andy also showed us an interesting Steelweld crane he is restoring. Built on a massive I beam Carrier chassis, it is powered by a Chrysler V8 petrol, 5 speed box and Rockwell axles on un-sprung walking beam suspension." Now click through here for more of the terrible twins' travels....
Pete continues..."When we eventually reached the sleepy township of Beaufort, we found the Lake Goldsmith turnoff marked by this impressive mural done by one of the locals. His own lovely GM powered Diamond Reo didn't exactly spoil the photo either. Anyhow this is all before we even got to Goldsmith and old Vic will send you some photos of there shortly. Cheers Pete."
Great stuff Pete..we look foiward to the shots from the show too!
There is actually plenty of room in that sleeper, Brian, as long as you remember that it is meant to be a sleeper, not a living room!
It is marvellous how you are roughing it, I could be so lucky.
I doubt Vic would want to do a return trip out of Marlborough in the Atkinson!...
Vic would actually be quite happy to; in spite of its outside looks that Atki is actually in pretty good condition, is used on tanker work every day and inside the cab is pretty tidy. It's not speed limited, either!
Hey Vic,did you get giddy up there?Those Atkinson`s are a long way up.
HBaha aha ha LOL I would like a bed on mine one of those half cab dovies but I figure mine is in such good shape as it is a day cab and didnt get to run the road Quite a nice Mk 2 there Aki Pete... rough riding pigs and I want one
Ray jay
Notice the differance in the Mk 2 beside the Mk1 as I explained, raised and smoother sides more panel under the door and the radiator and filler panel remain...and its a long way up till you see a Mk 3 and that another step more ...
No I didn't get giddy, Cam. Remember I used to drive Atkis for a living for a few years with a whole variety of cabs, including the RP ones.
The Mk3 has a larger fibreglass step with the handrail extended down to form another step, ACCO door handles and different light arrangement. Andy's unit is fitted with a rebuilt 1674 Cat and 15 speed Roadranger, giving it enough legs to keep up with those young pretenders.