![TR260[1].jpg](http://www.roadtransport.com/blogs/big-lorry-blog/TR260%5B1%5D.jpg)
Rufo in Oz writes to Biglorryblog to say: "Hi Brian, Further to the Berliet/Transconti thread.The last big British Fords in Australia and NZ were the D/DT 1000,also badged as 2418s.The Transcontinentals didn't get a look in. Australia went the American way with the Louisville (some of these also found their way to NZ) while NZ had a rash of badge engineered Hinos. However, in Australia,the Great Western Group, Mack importers and builders of Leader Trucks, had a brief arrangement with Berliet in the early 70s that saw them import six
TR260s.This 1978 pic (at Forbes,NSW) shows one of two TRs that Nick Banavas was running on Interstate.They were RHD ex-factory but notice that this one at least, has had the windscreen converted to dual flat pane locally." Now click through here for news from Rufo of a new book on ERF too!
![ERFD[1].jpg](http://www.roadtransport.com/blogs/big-lorry-blog/ERFD%5B1%5D.jpg)
Rufo adds: "I've also just received from a South African mate,a copy of the book 'ERF,The Inside Story' by Dai Davies. I recommend it to anybody interested in ERF or old British trucks generally.The author doesn't pull any punches in the text and the book is full of totally excellent photos of working trucks worldwide especially S.A.,Australia,NZ and the Middle East." And the forward has been written by Peter Foden too...not sure who the publisher is. perhaps someone can enlighten the BLB army?
That windscreen mod was done because it was cheaper and easier than getting the Berliet ones made locally.One of those cabovers,with the same windscreens I last saw working around Brisbane as a tipper painted Red.It`s probobly been 10 odd years since I`ve seen the truck,hopefully it didn`t get sent to China.
Nick bought those trucks as he was friend's with the Mack people (Refer the Leader book )and ran his fleet from the shed next to Macks CKD shed Ex army Nissan huts really now has become the transport teminal. They would eat lunch together a the sandwich shop "White Pagoda" a different time of self man men a deals on a hand shake. Nick ran quite a spread of early Mack product a long with Nicko's, Arther Shumarker Etc
Digging Oz outta debt
Ray jay
I remember these Berliet's running Melbourne Brisbane when I was a younger fellow. Great to see the photo, and the history is great! Keep it coming please, and more old photos too, they are fantastic!
P.S There is a few more old aussie trucks on youtube, including a Schumakers Mack! Great to see..
Cheers
Richard
I drove this Berliet TR260 in 4*2 + semi-trailer 2 axles 30 years ago and when you had a movable complete weight of 38 tonnes it quickly did not advance and I do not explain you in mountain, I imagine this Australian TR260 with 6*4 + semi-trailer 3 axles.
Sorry for my whriting.
Best regard to the frenchy.
Jean-Pierre