Pioneers of Middle Eastern Trucking! 'Crane King Cog has' put it all down in a book says Biglorryblog!

Crane King Cog continues: "The book concentrates predominantly on the early days of overland transport, when the men were fighting for something and finding it all very adventurous. I have been very lucky in finding almost all of the employees from that era and through their images and words, the reader will be able to gain an insight into something that most people never even dreamed of doing! I have now completed writing it (all 130,000 words!) and am just about through with the incredibly difficult task of choosing which images to leave out...! The size and price of the book has not been finalised yet, but the initial feeling is something A4-ish and hardback retailing at around £25 although I must stress, that is just an estimate at the moment. Release date has not been confirmed, but I am hoping it will be ready for the early part of 2010. My publisher Old Pond Publishing (www.oldpond.com) will give more details of progress in due course."

"If anyone would like to pre-order a book (I know it is a long way off yet, but no harm in getting an order in) please send me an e mail to:- ashleycoghill@aol.com  Astran International have become legends in their specialised field of the road haulage industry and I cannot think of any other company which is still engaged in ultra long-haul work after 40 years. Today the busines is very healthy and there seems to be an upturn in trailer movements to the Gulf, so things are looking good for Astran right now!  I have to say, researching the book has been a true labour of love for me, but something which I have thoroughly enjoyed working on and now cannot wait to see the finished article! And of course the men (and women) I have met during the research have been amazing, especially the Asian Transport drivers - The Long Haul Pioneers - who in my eyes are my ultimate heroes. A to whet your appetite here's a mock up of the front cover and a couple of images from 1968 and 1970! regards, Ashley"

Sounds like a winner to me Ash, I'll certainly want a copy for the Biglorryblog library. Keep us informed with how it moves along and the publication date etc. Perhaps you might even provide a copy for a pie quiz prize too?