December 2009 Archives

Feeling jaded? Christmas getting you down?  Then what better way to celebarte the just-aroung-the-corner New Year of 2010 than with Biglorryblog's annual brain-teaser 'I'll name that truck in two' monster quiz...you've got 30 waggons to identify...not hurry...in your own time...(did I say there was a pie for anyone who gets them all right?) Starting NOW..what's this little drawbar above? Now click through here for more tantalising trucks (and a few vans and pickups too)...but before you do here's a tip. Don't try and get them all at once..your brain wil explode! Come back to them bit by bit and I'll be back with you all in the New Year..

OK this definitely IS the last oen for tonight. Are you bored with your PC or laptop wallpaper...do you fancy a change? Then why not visit the downloadable wallpaper section of  DAF Trucks' website and choose yourself a cracker from the several nice cloggie waggon photos available? It's easy to do by clicking on this link here http://www.daf.com/EN/DAF-Experience/Pages/Wallpapers.aspx?Page=1 there's even a seasonal' CF85 Space cab shot but if you don't fancy snow and prefer a bit of sun why not click through here.....?

Have you voted for your 'Favourite Scania' asks Biglorryblog? And if not why not? It's easy enough. Just go to the 'Favourite Scania' section of the Swedish manufacturer's website using this handy link and you'll find all sorts of fun http://www.favoritescania.com/main.php including a whole shed-load of smart operator photos like the one above, which as I'm sure you all know is the smart Topline tractor submitted by Martijn Heemskerk of Holland..and click through here for some more super-Swedes....

OK Pie time you lucky people...although this bridge quiz excludes Bob 'Mr Classic' Tuck who was driving this WH Malcolm AEC Mandator at the time..so for a (Scots mutton) pie what's the bridge he's just driven over? And if you can't work it out you'd better click through here for another Gyles Carpenter 'special'....and a clue..

Yes it's 'Two Capitals' on the road. Gyles Carpenter has piled in on the Biglorryblog/Pollock blog stream and says: "Hello mate, not sure if this Pollock's Atki shot will be of interest, seen crossing the sea to Skye on the 2006 West Coast run Regards Gyles." Well for a shot like this I can find some room.....and I could hardly disappoint those avid Atki twins Chris G and Pete Lynch now could I? (And I've got some more Pollock stuff from John H to post up soon so kep those eyes peeled!)

Whoops a daisy...can anyone tell Biglorryblog what's wrong with this picture? Not what you'd need much help to guess--or to want it to happen but thanks to Stuart Mitchell who sent me these pictures I can reveal that it all has a happy ending and it involves a classic truck too...and click through here for the full story... 

Last one for today and I wouldn't want to meet this beastie down a dark alley...would you? What you see here is a Biglorryblog exclusive roll-out of the completely redesigned "Water Cannon 10000" based on a three-axle Mercedes-Benz Actros 3341 with all-wheel drive. The 'H²0 Howitzer' (see what I did there?) recently broke cover at an official ceremony at the German Federal Police headquarters in Sankt Augustin and it will be tested during early 2010 with several Federal states...so if you're planning a bit of bother in Germany, BLB's advice is take a reinforced raincoat! Now click through here for the full story!  

Hellooooo....this doesn't look very promising now does it? Seems to be a slight problem with the landing legs on this trailer...err...the problem being they've just been knocked right out the way! And how did this unfortunate event happen? And whence comes it to Biglorryblog...? Well click through here where all will be revealed.....

No sooner does Biglorryblog reveal that Warburtons Bakeries in good old Blighty have put a natural gas-powered Mercedes-Benz Econic artic into service than I learn that the same thing has happened with the German supermarket giant ALDI SÜD. What's more I'm told that not only is the low cab Teutonic tractor "tailor-made for food distribution operations and city logistics..." but that "...the natural gas powered semi-trailer tractor has received the 'Blue Angel' environmental award." Presumably named after the late Marlene Dietrich? Anyroadup, ALDI SÜD's NGT high roof Econic will run with a reefer trailer delivering goods to various supermarkets on the left bank of the Lower Rhine from the company's central warehouse in Mönchengladbach. And click through here for more....

Steve Grainger has sent me this and says: "Hi Brian, well after seeing the recent Scammell Showtrac photo I went deep into my photo album for these two pics Regards, Steve." Worth the effort I'd say and click through here for one more...

Following my recvent pre-Christmas post on the book 'Beyond Birdum' Cam McFadyen has come back with this beauty and says: "Hi Brian, Gary forgot to mention that Barry Clough has an immaculately-restored B model that looks like the truck on the cover of Beyond Birdum. It looks like a good book too. All the best for the New Year, Cam.".

Ken Duggan has been delving into the rust-belt for Biglorryblog...and says: "From the position of the steering wheel and the number plate on the rear of the chassis, it's hard to believe that these were taken in a yard in South Australia...but they were." So for an Aussie pie name these elephants in the graveyard....and click through here for more!

last one for tonight...and it's a tale of snow and frustration from Biglorryblog's wandering reporter Nick Garlick who I was hoping to meet up with at Ashford truckstop recently but he got well and truly held up. He says: "Hi Brian, here are a few snaps from my last trip leading up to Christmas. Sorry we weren't able to catch up, but I didn't clear Dover until 21.30! They said "there would be snow this Christmas".

Having left Zeebruggee I had a nice steady run up to the north of Holland or so I thought on Thursday 17th. Just past the Lokeren exit I ground to a halt and spent the next 4.5 hours crawling along the motorway towards the Kennedy Tunnel on the Antwerp ring...." Now click through here to continue the story...

Having just finished reading Tony Gibbs' excellent book on the T26 Sterling, go-anywhere, chain-driven, 8x8 WWII army truck and tractor (available through JeapJack and his terrific website at http://web.me.com/tony.gibbs2/Sterling_T26_/Home.html ) I noticed in the same book a picture of this rather unusual tank transporter with two cabs....it's the Mack T8 and Tony has responded to a plaintive e-mail from me for more information and duly provided me with a whole shed-load of new material on it for which I am most grateful. So in true Biglorryblog fashion I thought to myself 'It's time for more push-me-pull-you trucks!' The T8 Bulldog was powered by two x 240hp 17.8-litre Hall-Scott engines (not sure whether that's petrol or diesel..anyone?) and carried a crew of six---it drove a bit like a typical American hook and ladder truck (i.e.) with a tiller at the rear...now click through there for more... 

Brian 'Mr Foden' Lomas has joined in the 'When Foden built Kenworths' fun and has sent me this and the message: "Photo of a Kenworth bonneted unit recieving its cab on the production line at Foden's Elworth round about late 1984. We only did bonneted units as I recall. They were exported to the Middle East by PACCINT (Paccar International). If you have a contact in Paccar the man who can give you chapter and verse is Roger Smith who still works for Paccint. I've copied this to John Ormandy,Mike Shenton and Terry Smith who may be able to help further....regards, Brian."And click through here for more from Terry...

Well I'll go to the foot of our stairs! Biglorryblog's 'Man North 'o' the Border' John Wood Henderson has some hot intelligence--to wit and viz he tells me: "Brian, news reaches us North O' the Border that ITV's longest running soap opera, Coronation Street will have an Eddie Stobart connection with its New Years Eve episode! And click through here tio find out more!!!! (And one of Newton & Ridley's very own delivery trucks..)

And click through for Eddie Spotter news too!

Steve Hales in Africa has found this treasure in his old album...and he says: "Merry Christmas Brian, not the best photograph but a stark contrast to the Pollock MAN's recently seen on BLB but this old girl is still earning her keep. This was in Lumbashi in the Democratic Republic of ,Congo around Christmas 2008. Steve." So who can tell BLB how old this truck is...or anything else about it? Is it ex-military?

As fully-expected, John Ormandy has kindly responded to the question of Glendinning Fodens (posed by 'The Boss') and he kicks off his response by supplying me with this superb photo which he says was taken by Tim Andrew for Trucking International back in 1985.(And I trust the guys at Trucking have no objection of me using it on Biglorryblog...) And if 'The Boss' and everyone else, clicks through here there'll find John's full story on it too!

Now here's something you don't see everyday, and thanks to Andrew Blacklock who has obviously be following the classic ancient Aussie tanker thread I can bring you this. AB tells me: "Brian, check out this restored Fargo prime mover and fuel tanker outfit, it was restored by the Lukes family who are members of the Hunter Valley Classic Commercial Vehicle Club.
Cheers Andrew." Anmd what's the truck in the background...(for a pie)

Those crazshee Dutch guys and their electric Santas! Biglorryblog's favourite cloggie  Iep van der Meer has sent me this Christmas selection and wishes us all the compliments of the season..now click through here to see more of Santa's 'sleighs'...

Here's a little something for AtkiPete and Chris G from Steve Grainger who's sent me a selection of showmans' trucks (check out tomorrow's BLB) and he says: "Whilst we're on the subject of fairground mobile power units here's an Atkinson in the livery of Crows photographed in 1972 at South Shields. " And click through here to see a shot of it fully restored in 2009 back to i's original Pickfords livery.

Thanks to Jarlath Sweeney Biglorryblog's Irish 'oppo' and fellow International Truck of the Year Judge I learn all about David Benjatschek 'Wow Trucks' Canadian Big Rig 2010 Calendar extravaganza which you can find all about on http://www.wowtrucks.com/page2.php and believe me it's well worth a visit. Only hurry the 2010 calendars are going like hot cakes!

Now here's a unlikely partnership...or is it? I need some help from the likes of John O or Brian Lomas. This picture has been kicking around in the Biglorryblog photo files for a while and shows a Foden 4000 Series 8x4 next to a Kenworth bonneted tractor...the caption on the back of the photo says: "'Foden Builds Kenworth Trucks': Foden trucks has built the first batch of Kenworth Trucks  at the Sandbach production facility since 1986. The T800B 6x4 tractors will operate on general haulage duties in the Middle east. the recent devaluation of Sterling has assisted Foden in pricing trucks for international markets." To help BLB click through here please!

How's this for a winter advertisement? It's from Bob Tuck who says: "I'm just waiting for the call for lunch so with so much snow still here in North Yorkshire (the 1pm temperature was minus 2 degrees C) I thought I'd try and re-create an old advert which Ford used involving Robsons Border Transport...." recreate an ad...? What can Bob mean? Well click through here to see what Biglorryblog is getting at!

I have Roy Larkin, Biglorryblog regular and editor of the excellent (and recently re-named) 'Journal' of the Roads and Road Transport history Association at www.rrtha.org.uk to thank for this. Roy has written an excellent piece in the journal on early snow-ploughs used on the M1 including this Scammmell Gritter chassis with strange snub-nosed cab and reverse cut-back sloping windscreen ala Oshkosh....now click through here for a shot of the chassis fitted with the actual plough....

Brendan is back on Biglorryblog: "Good-day Brian, In 2006 I fulfilled a long-held dream of mine and took a two week trip to New Zealand. I stayed in hostels and traveled through both the North and South Islands. Of course, most of the trip was scenery... New Zealand is truly a beautiful country. Along the way, I passed a small sign advertising a Truck Show, so I decided to stop by and see what I could see...." And what did he see? Well click through here to find out....

It seems I was mistaken..Santa doesn't drive a Volvo..he uses a Scammell Routeman! And this picture proves it. Andrew Blacklock has sent it to me and says: "Brian, I try to use my old vehicles to support local community events, and here's  photo of my Scammell delivering Santa to a children's Xmas party. Cheers Andrew." Well it's the perfect 'Santa's Little Helper' if you ask me!

Wot? Bored with Christmas ALREADY!? Well dont' worry because thanks to Iep van der Meer's picture of a truck-driving santa and Kate Gibbs, the 'Blond Bombshell' of her Majesty's Truck Press and PR corps Biglorryblog can provide his beloved anorak army with the latest news on Yuletide Health & Safety. And I have La Gibbs to thank for this extremely serious update on how to stay out of trouble with the elfins...starting with the correct risk assessment procedures for Chrismas Carols...

While Shepherds Watched
While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around

H&S response: The union of Shepherds has complained that it breaches health and safety regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year, they should watch their flocks via CCTV cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts. Please note; the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his/her glory all around she/he must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and 'Glory'.  Now click through here for more...!

Well guys that's me for the year...or at least for a while. I'll try and post up a post-Christmas Quiz before the New Year just in case you get bored. So to my beloved anorak army and all my contributors throughout the world (now too numerous to name individually but I'm indebted to each and every one of you) AN ENORMOUS THANK YOU AND CHEERS....Biglorryblog continues to grow from strength-to-strength, but frankly it would be nothing without YOU LOT!. Gentlemen (and Ladies too) I salute you! Have a safe and Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. I'm off to shampoo Bert the blogdog (Christmas eve task no#347...yes coming dear...No dearest I'm turning off the computer NOW honestly...)

I am grateful to Scott Pollock, managing director of Pollock (Scotrans) www.pollock.co.uk . I bumped into him recently and naturally we got talking about the company's fine-looking fleet complete with great individual tartan-clad livery and he told me that Pollocks were naming their trucks long before one Eddie Stobart got in on the act. And not a lot of people know that...What's more, to prove it he kindly sent me a copy of 'Pollock - The Early Years' written by Frank Richardson--a fascinating book.and that's 'Night Scotsman' on the cover (and for a pie what's the truck?). Now click through here for somethign a little more up-to-date....

Behold...'The Beast'. This red-nosed beauty comes to me via Brendan who says: "Brian, here's a selection of trucks that I just stumbled across while roaming around the beautiful scenery in New Zealand. The red beast caught my eye. Unable to identify the manufacturer, I had to stop and get some photos. Turns out it was a Nissan Diesel. What purpose it serves I really don't know, but I think it could be a fertiliser (of the bovine variety?) spreader....now click through here for more...

And who exactly is the man in the mask I hear you say? Well click through here for the full story...and the truck is a dead giveaway

Steve Hales has sent me this and says: "Hi Brian, I think you should inform Ashley that the check-out chick at the South Mimms services has just ordered one Magirus Deutz 4x4 v-6 anti-correct change-giving customer's personal transport vehicle , (complete with her
initials "CC-01" on the tank). Certain member's of the general public who have extravagant tastes should note that this beastie doesn't necessarily stick to the tarmac or stay between the white lines. Keep one eye in those rear-view mirrors when you pull out of the
services and one hand on that biscuit packet. My advice , stay calm , carry the correct money and be happy with your purchase,( don't even think about a refund!) Cheers, Steve H."

"Season Greetings Brian," says Biglorryblog classic truck snapper Gyles Carpenter who has picked up on the long-distance Leyland post I did recently. "Steve Greenwood's immaculate Marathon, tractor unit seen on the road run between Kirkby Stephen and Brough, with tandem axle skele at Scarborough for the 2007 Jim Clarke Memorial run.Regards Gyles." And click through here for more marvellous Marathon moments.......

Les Freathy has e-mailed this to me and to say: "Brian, somthing a little different for the blog and one for Scammell fans, to my knowledge this showman's truck photo was taken in the early 1980s, cheers Les." I wonder if Bob Tuck knows anything about this?

It's Zetros time on Biglorryblog! And as if on cue I learn that Mercedes-Benz has achieved a first in the far North of Europe by supplying a 6x6 version of its big bonneted bruiser to Finnish energy supplier Eltel. Based in Espoo near Helsinki, Eltel didn't take long putting the 326hp 2733 six-wheeler to work. Eltel is Northern Europe's largest service provider of networks for energy supply and telecommunications companies and the Zetros's first assignment has been to help in the construction of a 220 kV high-voltage power line in Lapland. Some 310 pylons each carrying six cables are to be erected on the 90-kilometre stretch between Sodankylä and Levi, an area which is famous for the world cup ski races. Construction work is due to start shortly and finish by December 2010....now click through here for more.....

Ron Johl has sent this festive contribution "Hello Brian, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and everyone on BLG.All the best, Ron.".

Now this is a REAL desert warrior alright. Vladimir Chekhuta, Biglorryblog expert in Belarus has kindly sent me some more photos of the magnificent Caterpillar-powered 8x8 MZKT truck built at the Minsk Wheeled Tractor Plant...and wouldn't you know there's a lavishly illustrated feature written all MZKT in the Chrismas edition of Commercial Motor written by BLB and with help by Vladimir who also supplied facts and fotos for me too for which I am most grateful...now click through here for one more... 

Chris Gardner has sent me this classic yuletide Brian Chandler cartoon...Brian used to do a weekly cartoon in Commercial Motor which was featured on the 'Bird's Eye View'.  And no doubt the fact that it's got an Atki in the background prompted Chris to send it to me. Anmyway he says: "Hello Brian, just a quick note to thank you for the BLB over the last year - all thoroughly entertaining stuff! And here's a couple of suitable Christmassy images...! Cheers, Chris." And click through here for some awesome Atki snowploughs...

Last one for today and I have that young roister-doister James Keeler to once again thank for more wagon-based weirdness on Biglorryblog so say 'Hello' to the 'transparent lorry' which is being touted as a major step forward in road safety---and if you want to find out how it works I suggest you visit the wonderful Gizmodo website via this link for the full explanation.

http://gizmodo.com/5431966/transparent-truck-system-could-actually-save-lives

I can see it has some advantages...what do you think?

Biglorryblog's Man 'North 'o' the Border' John Henderson has obviously got the right bit of kit for the curent weather conditions! "Hello Brian, Seasons greetings from a snowy Scotland. I've attached some timely images old and new of how we cope with the white stuff up here. And anything those Finns can do we can do better! If you want to see good weather webcams click on the www.trafficscotland.org website---their 'live-eye' views provide an interesting look at how selected roads are fairing across the country." And go North for the best views says BLB....but back to his spectacular beastie...John says; "It's from James A. Cuthbertson of Biggar who did the official tracked conversions for Land Rover." They were also celebrated plough-makers and engineers and you can see one of their ploughs on an old Mack by clicking through here....,plus classic Scots snow-ploughs old and new!

Biglorryblog is forever in debt to Neil Halliwell, marketing services manager at DAF Trucks in Thame...I recently was in his company and naturally the topic turned to old trucks and Biglorryblog and Neil mentioned he had a Marathon brochure from 1973 (published by the Truck + Bus Division of British Leyland 'The Champions of Road Transport.') "Cor...!" says I, "Any chance of you sending it to me so I can scan in some pages for BLB?" "No sweat" he replied and he's been as good as his word as the other day a big parcel of old Leyland spec sheets and the brochure arrived. So thanks Neil. It's about time we celebrated the big Marathon! So click through here for more...

Timothy Cotton has responded to the ever-green Biglorryblog question...'What's on your windowsill?' And he tells me: "Well it's not strictly on the mantlepiece, it's on my laminate flooring because it's so big!  It's a WSI/Little Treasure Models Volvo in the colours of Torben Rafn of Denmark, pulling a Nooteboom MWT (Mega Windmill Trailer). The load is a Vestas windturbine generator. The Volvo has a clip-on tag axle just like the real thing. The other shot shows it unloaded with both ends coupled together. it's still big in that configuration...Tim." And if you don't believe me click through here...

Don't worry, it's not a scene from 'Duel'! It's Aussie Oshkosh time again thanks to Ken Duggan who says: "Hi there, just saw some photos of Oshkosh trucks on your site and thought I would send a photo of the one I used to drive from Adelaide to Sydney in the early 70s.    have other photos of old Diamond Ts, Commer Knockers. Atkinson, Foden if you're interested. Ken." Well I could be persuaded Ken! And in the meantime click through here for one more of Ken's Oshkosh...

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I wouldn't have believed it....James Keeler sent me this link to the Tastes Like Pizza website were there's this video clip of a Subaru pulling an artic out of the snow...not sure where but I think it's Holland....prepare to be surprised....!

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/20/behold-the-power-of-subaru-wrx-sti-tows-semi-out-of-snow/

And do we think the truck was loaded? Send your answers to Biglorryblog! And click through here for more fun in the snow with BLB's favourite cloggie!

Once again I am grateful to the Australian Trucking Associatiion's weekly 'Friday Facts' e-newsletter for showing us back in Blighty how to get the messge on road transpirt over to the general public and that Aussie operator Simon National Carriers has joined with the ATA to help spread its 'share the road safely' message across Australia. The company has donated one of its curtainsider trailers to allow the ATA to promote the industry, the association and its important safety messages. Imgaine if every artic operator in the UK with more than half a dozen trucks put a similar 'pro road haulage' message up on their trailers? Meanwhile, click through here for more....

Last one for tonight and what a cracker...Peter Geany in New Zealand has returned to Biglorryblog with tales of classic Kiwi trucking and he says: "Hi Brian, Vic Hungerford mentioned working for Freightways, well here are a couple of photos of an Atkinson of theirs in a spot of bother. Location Napier Taupo road August 70s sometime. Bu first this particular KW which was quite special. It was the first W900 sold in NZ a W923, HNC 250 Cummins, 13 speed road ranger, Rockwell SQHD 38,000lb rears with a torsion bar rear suspension for tanker work.  The chassis rails were a special steel and only 5/16th of an inch thick rather than the usual  3/8th This gave it un unladen weight of just 6 tons on the button, which was lighter than our 4x2 Fiats we had.  I wonder how this compares to today's units?" Now click through here for the full story from Peter

Now it can be told! Thanks to Biglorryblog's Swedish spy I can bring you an exclusive 'Scoop!' shot of Scania's new frontal-impact safety system. Forget about 600mm collapsible safety noses...we're talking TOG factor 15 goose down duvet here! Now click through here for the full story....

"Hiya," says 'The Keeper of the Flame'... Who's obviously been on the old Finnish Weather Webcams " Kinda reassuring to know that it's not just the M25 that gets a little snarled up from time to time isn't it? The evidence is is here in this street scene from the Finnish roads webcam showing one of the ring roads around Helsinki. I bet those people at the bus stop are a little chilly! Martin P". Looks like a Christmas card doesn't it...? And click through here for more and the weblink to the weather webcams...

Talk about a weird waggon! "Good day Brian", says Biglorryblog regular Niels Jansen: "I have a question for the BLB-army. Can anybody out there tell more about this big 8x4 cabover called the Innovator? It was photographed by a friend of mine, Karl-Heinz Wenzel. This intriguing sleeper tractor was parked outside an auto show in Mexico City back in September 1992. Further information was unavailable. I have never seen any other pictures of it. Do you know anything about it? Best regards, Niels." Well it's certainly a new one on me Niels... So who amongst BLB's beloved anorak army might have the answer to this mystery motor?... And click through here for a closer look at that cab!

Biglorryblog's Kiwi traveller 'The Old' Vic Hungerford has kindly sent me an update on the fleet status of one of B:B's favourite operators...Fonterra in New Zealand.. "Hi Brian, Just to show you that I'm not entirely-biased [whay you Vic? Never!] I thought I'd send you a photo of a small part of Fonterra's fleet at its dairy factory in Kauri and yes they're Scanias!!!! And fitted with automatic boxes too! Two of Fonterra's factories in the North Island have a Scania fleet, two factories still have Foden Alpha Mk2s and the others are Volvo FMs, some of them the new FM480 automatics. What is the world coming to? Cheers, Vic." Scania's...? What's the world coming to? Actually they're not bad motors--the drivers should like them. Anyroadup click through here for more of Fonterra's finest (with a guest appearance of Vic's Inter too...)

Les Freathy has joined in the snowplough fun and sent me this golden (well yellow)-oldie...Hi Brian, just to say a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and all the members. As we are in the gritting season how about this Leyland T45 I spotted in East Sussex about five years ago. I wonder if it's still 'on-call'....or moved on to new (snow-covered) pastures... cheers Les."

Good news! 'The Brochure King' (aka Rich Stanier) has returned to Biglorryblog with more of his commercial vehicle curios and he says: "Hi Brian, there's certainly been some very interesting topics on BLB whilst I have been away! (as usual). I loved the Panhard photo from Martin, and Atki Pete's contribution on this company's efforts in the Australian market was a real eye-opener to me. Any way you asked for a brochure scan, and ever eager to please, please find attached this beauty from 1948.". And note the beret wearing bloke in the foreground!

Meanwhile, Rich continues: "Now Panhard may have ceased manufacture of standard goods chassis many moons ago, but they are still in business producing military vehicles. Of particular interest is their TC 54 which is built using that perennial BLB fave - the Ford Cargo cab. The TC 54 is also built using an armoured cab, but the Cargo version (with the cab now supplied by Ashok Leyland) has been supplied to the Army of Togo." As ever TBK's archives astound me....and click through here for more!

Thus does blogging broaden the mind (and the photographic sales opportunity...) Now it's no secret that Biglorryblog likes a bit of 'dynamic' tilt on a truck photo and this is a good example of it without going over the top. Yet in a recent e-mail to me my favourite cloggie Iep van der Meer (check out his great Dutch trucking website on http://iepvandermeer.nl/) Iep days that 'tilted truck' shots don't sell in Holland--it seems that the local trucking magazines don't like them and won't use them. (I'm not sure Iep likes them either!) Anyroadup that's a  word to the wise if you plan to sell your photos in Holland!  Now click through here to find out what the Volvo shot is all about...(And as for tilted truck shots don't expect me to stay on the level!)

John Swan's earlier post to me on the classic MAN and Mercs he drove down-under collected a couple of comments not least from Atki Pete. Well Bigloryblog is delighted to say that John has come back with more to me shots of both and he says: "Hi again, I've given you the wrong reg for the MAN submitted earlier this week, its not FTR 385  it should be FTR 352, so as an apology here's some more, sorry about the quality of the pictures they are from half frame slides to digital Again here's the MAN seen here iunloading rolls of paper at Smiths Industries, Ferndell Street, Sydney,....now click through here for more...

They don't make them like that any more...or actually they do, in China. If you thought the FL7/10 Wendy House cab had gone forever it lives on in the Chinese Howo Sinotruk! And click through here to see how far it's travelled around the world!

Biglorryblog's favourite old curmudgeon 'The Boss' has sent me a Christmas message:i.e. Harrumph!!!! and it goes like this: "Blog Meister, since Renault have upset me and I haven't seen a decent Kenny for nearly a week thought I would begin a love affair with Volvo.This was parked in the BP Truckstop at Roye a while ago---great looking outfit,I want one for Xmas..." Well I'll ask santa for you TB....Meanwhile click through here for more and especially what the driver of the Volvo thinks of it.....

I'm obliged to Martin Phippard for alerting me to this excellent Xmas homepage on the Sisu website now click through here for a Rockin' Sisu Christmas too!

Steve Hales has sent me another 'Only in Africa' moment (or is that copyright to Jerry Burley?) Anyroadup he says: "Hi Brian, not sure what the 'over-width' boys would say but this crane was moved from Bulyanhulu to Buzwagi mine back in 2007. Link-belt lattice boom crane 150ton , real money she was 'only' 12-foot over-width , not too tall and not much of an over-hang. The gentleman standing proudly in-front was one of my driver's.The trip was 76 km on dirt roads and 12 on tarmac , no incidents or accidents and all home safe that night.regards, Steve H...' Now click through here for more.....

Sometimes it can seem as if everything is against you...and have you ever had a day like this? Kevin Miller spotted this and sent it to me: "Hi Brian, a couple of snatched photos taken this morning [in fact yesterday the 19th-BLB] on the old A428 just outside Cambridge. They show a DAF LF gritter. The nearside rear wheels lay on the verge! Regards, Kevin." Well at least the wheels didn't roll away..now click through here for one more...

Biglorryblog's Lords and Masters have commanded me to tell you what the TOP 10 Biglorryblog stories of 2009 were. And by top I mean based on those stories that attracted the biggest number of hits. What's interesting is that four of them featured the expression 'The World's biggest/strongest...etc'' which shows how people search the web. Any roadup starting off at Number 10 we have the an extended story on Volvo's decision to bring in the extra-long XXL FH cab into Europe (well Norway at least!) back in March 2009 which also featured shots of the aforementioned big-shed Swede sent to me from Oz. http://www.roadtransport.com/blogs/big-lorry-blog/2009/03/the-fabulous-aussie-volvo-fh-x.html Having tipped you all off back in late 2008 that XXL was coming it was nice to be the first with the news when it actually happened. Yours truly then went on to be the only UK journo to drive and sleep in one over in Norway. And since then Volvo has launched an almost identical 14cm stretched cab made by Estepe called the EXL. Now click through here for the rest!

This comes to me via John Swan who (I think) is a newcomer to Biglorryblog but welcome nevertheless--especially with rare stuff like this! John says: "The red MAN is reg number FTR 385,on Intrastate plates, and was taken 1972 between Miles and Goondiwindi, Queensland, on route from Yelarbon to Sydney, vehicle owned by Des R Foster, 407 Princes Highway, St Peters, Sydney." Now click through here for more....

You know, I'm just beginning to appreciate just what John Ormanday is sitting on! Obviously a vast archive of great Foden pictures including this latest selection for Biglorryblog. Anyway I'll let John tell the story:"Possible interest Brian? Earls Court 1972; the introduction of the S80 cab tractive unit and the same unit some months later at the Brussels Show. Regards John O" And I'd guess the one on the right is the S40. And click threough here for more classic Kite Marque chassis!

Now here's something you don't see everyday..or even on Biglorryblog. How about this for an open-air cab Bedford airport fire tender? But can you guess where it comes from? Well just in case it's got you bamboozled you'd better click through here for the full explanation....

Steve Grainger is clearly on a roll! Having originally sent me shots of a very nicely-reworked bright yellow Mack wrecker (reg no: VRA 284S) which I featured last night I asked him if he could tell me anything about it. He's gone one better and sent me these shots of the truck in a 'previous life'...namely a heavy haulage tractor. He says: "Hi Brian, here are a couple of photos of the Mack prior to being converted into a recovery truck and one prior to the current yellow paint job it's wearing. Steve." Fascinating stuff Steve...and does anyone else know anything about this particular Bulldog..like when was this taken?  Now click through for more...espacially if you're a Scottish member of the Biglorryblog anorak army!

Steve Grainger has leapt into action and responded to the Biglorryblog call for snowplough photos and says:"Hi again, as it's snowing today I've attached a couple of snowplough pics taken at Washington, Tyne and Wear in Feb 2009.I think that the Fodens are being replaced by MANs soon, regards Steve." What? Replace these classic icons of inclement weather surely not? Anyroadup click through here for more...

Last one for tonight and it's a bit of fun from Steve Hales who could well end up as a rival to Biglorryblog's 'Good Man in Africa' Jerry Burley! Steve says: "Hi ALL at Biglorryblog, the pictures of the Ward LaFrance taken through a chain link fence prompted me to send in the picture of the NL12 Volvo having a 'lie-down' after a very busy Friday ( it's true), we 'woke-up" the 6x4 tipper with a Komatsu pc-300 excavator at 17:00hrs , just in time for the bar to open at 18:00hrs!  The picture was taken through a chain link fence at Buzwagi gold mine, Kahama, Tanzania. That's myself looking at the camera with 'Mad Mick' Jones the safety foreman writing his resignation Steve......."  Meanwhile click through here for more shots from Africa... 

Now this should please Gary Richards...a British Bulldog! Steve Grainger has sent me these shots of what he says is "A re-born Mack for the Blog." It's not one I've seen before and I wonder if Steve or anyone else can post a comment on what its history is and who has it now...? The legend on the bonnet says: 'Born in the USA.' Now click through here for the business end..!

David Balkauskas hs e-mailed me to say: "G'day, This isn't one of my own photographs, but this shot from Flickr may appeal to you! http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosco500/3465581110/
There is also a selection in my own photostream if you're interested. http://www.flickr.com/photos/22132463@N07/sets/72157617547808438/" And Biglorryblog's thanks to whoever put this Aussie Scammell up on flickr..nice picture! If you post up your details I'll credit you on this entry. And for a pie what engine did it have in it? Now click through here for more.....

Cam McFadyen is back on Biglorryblog after being away for far too long. And he's sent me the latest pictures from his pet restoration project and he says: "Hi Vic (Hungerford) and Brian, I've finally got the Reo back off the painter, only it's been turned into a White, seeing as someone has pilfered the Diamond badges! They both came out of the same shed anyway. The painter has done a number 1 job. I've got to pull a lot of it apart again to finish off the mechanical work, so it was a good oportunity to take a pic of it together. See ya Cam." And click through here for one more.....

Where would Biglorryblog be without John Ormandy and Brian Lomas...? Answer without Fodens that's what!  And John has kindly allowed me to dip into his photo album of classic trucking magazine front covers from the 70s, 80s and 90s that just happen to feature a..well obviously Foden! And for the perfect friday night pie quiz what were the years? (Click through here for more...and the answers!)

"Hello mate," says Gyles Carpenter..."Regarding your recent posts on Macks with offset cabs It seems they weren't the only ones...check out this shot of Roger Mortimore's Scammell Mountaineer at play in a local quarry. Regards...Gyles." Mmmmm...taken a bit of a beating I'd say wouldn't you? But still going strong!

Look familiar....? Only this isn't the M20 or A12...it's in Holland....yes Biglorryblog's favourite Cloggie Iep van der Meer (the man with the great trucking website which you can see at http://www.iepvandermeer.nl/index.php?paginaid=7) says: "How about some snow? We've got about half a meter in the last 20 hours and there is still more to come!" Those Crazshee Dutch guys they have to go one better don't they...? And click through here for  artic (not arctic) snowploughs!

Now here's somethig you don't see every day....Biglorryblog readers with a long memory may recall me blogging on an unusual LNG-powered Mercedes Econic tractor that was engaged in trials with Vos Logistics back in 2007. Well word reaches me that Warburtons the bakers has become the first UK operator to follow suit by trialling an Econic artic complete with a low-entry cab and low-emission, gas-powered engine. The 4x2 Econic 1828LLG is on a six-month loan, after which 'Britain's Favourite Baker' will have the option of adding the vehicle to its national fleet on a long-term lease. Group transport manager Mark Sutcliffe tells Biglorryblog: "Mercedes-Benz is a relatively new brand to Warburtons, but I have worked with the manufacturer in previous roles and know from experience that its trucks are built to a very high standard."  Now click through here for the full story!

That's the trouble with chain-link fences don't you find...never quite big enough to stick a camera lens through! So what's the strange beast lurking behind the fence....? The picture comes to me courtesy of 'Two-Stroke' and if you're the kind of person that gives up easily you'd better click through here....

Regular readers of Biglorryblog will know all about the Leyland Gas Turbine Truck project...or will they? I say this because fans of Lancashire 'Hot Air Blowers' can read all about the ones that didn't make it onto the 1968 Motor Show stand...including this one above which had none of the fancy cab styling which featured on the original motor show chassis....in a terrific article on Leyland's Gas Turbine Trucks by 'Clutchslip' in the latest edition of Commercial Motor (the Christmas edition).

And as a special treat here's a cutaway (a bigger version of this can be found in old CS's article too) Now click through here for another surprise....

Is it me or is Biglorryblog not the only one to find the muscular Renault Kerax eight-legger strangely alluring...? That high 'Come over here if you think you're hard enough' chassis, the chunky sump and light guards, that purposeful stance (OK we get the idea--Ed). Indeed the minute I see one like this I find myself thinking that it looks as if it's just come out of a pod slung underneath Thunderbird 2. But I digress....once again BLB is delighted to accept this image from my favourite snapper Tom Cunningham. (Now 'Official new truck handover snapper to just about every manufacturer in the UK'...well almost every). And he's caught this example hard at work---it's one of three that have just joined Plant Hire & Excavation Contractors, JC Balls & Sons and to find out more (and see another Cunningham shot) click through here!

I case you think this is an AdBlue tank think again..and look at the nozzles leading down to the ground below it....with severe weather forecast for tonight 'down South' I thought this might interest Biglorryblog's readers....Whenever I get an e-mail from Gil Worstmann in the States it usually prompts a fascinating conversation and BLB regular Gil recently contacted me asking about the use of tag-axle 6x2 and 6x4s in Norway. From that we got talking about traction in snow and ice and he told me: "In my area of  Pennsylvania we have an area called 'The Poconos'  (Pocono Mountains) with an elevation of 2100 feet. There was a time when only double-drive axles were permitted up the mountain during snow storms. That no longer applies  because of locking rear axle differentials (diff locks.) Also, so many rigs are tandem trailers, that they exclusively use single axle tractors. A side note. THE NEW YORK TIMES newspapers always got through even with single axle tractors---they had (have) sanders in front of the rear wheels, actuated by the driver from the cab.   Actually it is a form of grit.  The sand would freeze if water mixed with the sand.   The newspapers are a precious commodity. If late, the entire load is rejected:meaning 50 trailer loads of newspapers now became available for recycling!".On-board gritters? Click through here to read more...

The burning heat, the swirling red 'bulldust', the majestic roar of a two (count 'em) 760hp Cummins QSK engines (on under the prime mover, the other on one iof the five trailers it pulls) ...it could only be one thing. Yes Bigloryblog is delighted to return to the wonderful Powertrans prime mover and roadtrain shifter thanks to Scott McFarlane, chief engineer at the Aussie specialist mining and quarry transportation providers...Scott tells me: "On page 18-19 of the Cummins 'Commentary' magazine you'll find some shots of our biggest roadtrain to date which has been operating with Bulkhaul. It has a payload of 420-tonnes which I think makes it the largest payload ore transport vehicle in the world!! Thanks Scott." Well I'm not about to argue mate! It's looks majestic either way! And click through here for more....

My thanks to all those Biglorryblog readers who commented on my recent question concerning the asymmetric nature of bonneted Mack cabs....and I thought you might like to see this shot from 1979 of one of the Macks run by legendary Barnsley-based tipper operator. R.J.Norman. I travelled up to see them for Commercial Motor in the winter of that year and this was what I had to contend with weather-wise!  I'm going to be out tomorrow (driving the new Scania R Series Highline) so new stuff will have to wait but I'll be back ...weather permitting!

Look familiar? Yes it's the armoured fighting vehicle version of Biglorryblog's beloved Fiat Multipla! (Now available with worn rear suspension bushes and 113,000 genuine miles on the clock but still going strong). I thought my Multipla was due a mid-life up-grade so I've gone for this...but what is it really. And click through here for the last knockings from Bovington!

"Himmel Hans! Da is das Biglorryblog mit zer fiendishly difficult pie qwuiz!" "Alarm Werner..Alarm!." "errr....Hans zis ist ein half-track nicht ein unterseeboot...dumbkopf!" And click through here for more armoured pie quiz questions from today's Biglorryblog visit to the excellent Tank Museum at Bovington in Dorset!

Who is this handsome chap? And why is he looking so cheerful? And for that matter what's he standing in front of? Yes Biglorryblog visited the superb Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset today not least to meet up with an old chum...and click through here for the full story and an armour-piercing pie quiz!

You know you're getting close to some interesting bits of kit when you see a sign like this...Yes Biglorryblog indulged in a bit of 'me-time' today when I travelled down to the Tank Musuem at Bovington in Dorset...and click through here for the first in a couple of posts complete with some 'armoured' pies up for grabs...

Don't you find that life is full of little coincidences..? I do. Today Biglorryblog trundled down to Dorset to the Tank Museum at Bovington where I met up with one of my most loyal contributors.(can you guess who it was?) But before I even got there I bumped into this little lot at the Fleet Services on the M3 having stopped for a cuppa....talk about old and new--amongst the convoy of army vehicles I noticed first this classic Foden wrecker and a new Oshkosh tanker...and click through here for more Khaki Karriers! (or camouflaged waggons?)

Now tell me you DON'T like this picture! What's got... It's got the lot. Dynamic tilt, bright colours, perfect positioning of the vehicle 'interesting background' lights on in the sun. Yep I'll buy that. Wonder who took it? Was it Mr Winstanley or someone else. Perhaps Scania's 'Laid-back' PR man Phil Sampson will reveal all with a comment... Meanwhile, click through here for the full story...

And now something for all your AEC fans... Les Freathy says: "Brian, a photo of one of the Matadors still in use by Harris brothers fair from Ashchurch west Sussex this particular one is the steed of brother Robert, cheers Les."

Peter Geany is back on Biglorryblog and he's brought with him a whole kennel-load of classic Bulldogs from the 70s! Why? because he can! Now click through here for more--including a trailer with a rather 'scrubby' wheelbase... But first a question... Looking at these Macks I wondered whether the cab wasn't slightly asymmetric - i.e. narrower on one side with that big air cleaner at the back of the bonnet? Or is that just an optical illusion?

Martin Phippard has obviously seen the Finnish weather webcam post for he says: "Another snow scene, this time a little farther West on the Dalton Highway North of Fairbanks in chilly Alaska! Martin." Now click through here for more...

There I was, just wondering where that slack-jawed idler 'Agent Reg' had got to, when once again he pulls a veritable rabbit out of the hat... And what gems do you think would lurk behind the doors of the Donald Malcom Heritage Centre... Well what are you waiting for? Click through here to see the collection that carries the name of the great man! And there are mutton pies up for grabs too!

Hello... What have we here? It's a while since we paid a visit to the old Finnish weather webcams and in particular to Biglorryblog's favourite site at Ahvenkoski... And clicking on the webcam for 15.25 this afternoon what should I spy? Yes it's a SISU! And how appropriate that Finland's very own truck maker should be centre stage on a Finnish weather web-cam... It works for me. And should you wish to vist the webcam home site for yourself then why not use this handy link?

http://alk.tiehallinto.fi/alk/english/frames/kelikamerat-frame.html

Now click through here for some more...

Happy with your Foden? Not half Mr Cholmondley-Warner! Brian 'Mr Foden' Lomas has sent me this Yuletide gem and says: "Seasons greetings to you and your wonderful bloggers from all at Sandbach!" 1955... I would have been... Ohhh... (Well never mind how old I would have been) Now click through here for some more Xmas tomfoolery from Bob Tuck

It's Blue Lagoon time... Niels Jansen makes a welcome return to Biglorryblog. And he's obviously picked up on the recent post from 'The Boss' too! "Good day Brian, nice to see the French Volvo FH that 'The Boss' so kindly shared with us 'truck nuts' on BLB. Last year I visited a truckshow in Béziers and there was a whole fleet of Soulage vehicles. They operate mainly Volvo and Scania tractors. Enclosed are some pictures of these, plus a few other airbrushed Volvo FHs. Regards, Niels..." Abnd you can see all fo Niels' pictures by clicking through here.

Photo credit: Eddie Mitchell/Rex Features

Earlier in the year Truck & Driver asked its readers to vote on the best bits of the industry in the T&D/Iveco Stralis Driver Choice Awards. Well now it's time to hear about the worst parts too.

We have launched the Truck & Driver Hall of Shame, and we've got five questions we'd really like to hear the answers to.

1. WHAT IS THE UK'S WORST ROAD?

What is the UK's worst road, and why? You might want to consider accident blackspots, traffic bottlenecks, poorly designed junctions and bad road surfaces when making your choice.

Credit: Rex Features

2. WHO ARE THE UK'S WORST ROAD USERS?

We won't be surprised if the shortlist includes cyclists, OAPs, caravanners, farmers and BMW drivers. But who will be crowned the worst road-users?

Credit: Rex Features

3. WHERE ARE THE UK'S WORST SHOWERS, AND WHY ARE THEY SO BAD?

Maybe they are unhygienic, have low water pressure or are simply too expensive.

Credit: Roger-Viollet/Rex Features 

Click below for the next two categories

PAPER! GET YER MORNIN' PAPER! PAPER SIR? Word reaches Biglorryblog that Edinburgh-based Menzies Distribution, (which coincidentally delivers 45% cent of all newspapers and magazines to retailers in the UK) is on target to achieve a whopping 30% in its carbon footprint. And how is it goig to do that you ask? Well the vehicle pictured above may have something to do with it... And you can click through here to find out what it is!

Plenty of room... Get a bus through there mate. And yes lorries use that road all the time. Sound familiar? Mr Classic and Truck & Driver's 'man in the truck' Bob Tuck has sent this selection to me and to say: "Brian, I had cause to dig out an old CD of images taken a couple of years back when I spent a day with driver Eric Bainbridge and the Iveco Stralis artic tipper he drives for the long established Binks concern... Not sure if you know our superb Yorkshire dales but here's a glimpse of driving through Hawes and of course the famous Ribblehead viaduct... And click through here for his photos riding shotgun with Binks's Stralis!

Last one for tonight...I seem to recall Martin Phippard knows all about this Aussie Volvo roadtrain for Giacci. I'm sure he sent Biglorryblog a shot of it before...this comes to me via Dominic Billerwell

John O has sent me this----it was sent to him by his mate Sam Cottingham who says: "I'm clearing out my loft and have come across things I forgot I had including a box of old Commercial Motor mags from the '70/80's. Here's a seasonal front page from 1977!" Leyland Marathon....? Now you're talking Sam! 

AtkiPete Lynch in Oz has answered the call for information on French Panhard trucks..and sent me this! And he says: "G'day Brian, I was reading Martin's posting about Panhard trucks and I remembered copying this old advert from Truck and Bus magazine 1950. Air brakes, handsome appearance and that revolutionary Lanova cylinder head. Wonder what happened to Panhard?  Cheers Pete." And they came with an 85hp engine and five-speed overdrive box, plus a double-reduction back-axle  accroding to the brochure...but surely one must still exist down-under given the weather and the strong preservation ethic Pete?

Another in the famous Biglorryblog 'How to take a good truck picture' series of helpful foto hints! Now here's a good example of how to make the most of an interesting background..but without letting it dominate the picture. That's because the truck is well positioned so your eye is naturally drawn to it---and remember too that most people look at a picture from left-to-right so the truck's facing the 'right' way too. There's a nice angle on it too, it's well lit and the wide angle lens distorts it just enough (but not too much) to make it look different....good shot I say now click through here for another one and the story behind them both.....

Is this what you call a 'bridging loan'? Wonders Biglorryblog... What you see here is a trio of self-propelled heavy-duty transport systems made by specialist heavy haulage trailer maker Goldhofer which were recently used by the Central Nippon Expressway Company to move a 545-tonne bridge section forming part of the new Higashi-Meihan-Highway between Nagoya City and Osaka in Japan... But then you knew that already didn't you? You probably also know that Higashi-Meihan-Highway connects Nagoya and Osaka, South West of Tokyo, and is one of the most important road links in Japan. Construction of the elevated express toll road, part of National Route 302, will be completed in 2010, providing a six-lane highway for 2.5 million people. And to see the rest of the job click through here, it's impressive!

Oh..oh....I don't like the look of this...it looks remarkably like the beloved  Maggie belonging to BLB;s favourite old curmudgeon 'The Boss. and yes he tells me: "Blog Meister,I had the misfortune of breaking down in France this Saturday.Coughing and spluttering Maggie came to a halt,FUEL SUPPLY FAULT,so stated the onboard computor.Phone call to Renault 24hr service who arrived within 30 mins,excellent so far.The fitter and I use the term very loosely,certainly not a mechanic,looked around,listened to Maggie coughing then crawled underneath and emerged dragging the prop shaft behind him certainly not a part of the fuel system that I am aware of,then skedaddled..." And what happened next? Well you'd better click through here but be warned 'the Boss is NOT a happy bunny

Ron Johl noticed my recent blog on the Volvo VN for sale from North Norfolk Solutions on http://www.roadtransport.com/buyandsell/advert/1997_volvo_freightliner_430hp-norfolk-1799409.htm and he says: "Hello Brian, further to your Volvo VN for sale here's Mike Newman's ex-Canadian Volvo VN it is now RHD and has had more paintwork added to it , the 460 has covered over 1,000,000-Miles and has won a few cups at various truck shows. Regards Ron' And if you're wondering ..what 460? Click through here and all will be revealed...

Ross Gubby has fired this over to me in answer to the age-old Biglorryblog question: "What's on your windowsill" And you won't find a more unusual pair!

"Here's a little teaser for all the BLB anoraks on this overcast Sunday" says the 'Keeper of the Flame' Martin Phippard. "First off what is this neat little truck?" Search me MP but there's a pie in the offing if you do know - and click through here and you'll see more of them... Plus the answer if you give up!

Gary 'Hobble along' Richards is obviously keen to educate Biglorryblog as to theof driving trucks down-under..."Hi Brian, I saw the attached pic on my favourite Oz Flickr site (  http://www.flickr.com/photos/35885980@N03)  Just told such a good story of what hazards tend to wander around some Oz outback roads.. So how do you like hazards ?? - large (camels), medium (kangas) or small (wombats) !!! Add a few trees to limit the vision and it can be real exciting, especially at night !! Enjoy GR." Hang on Gazza how come there's no warning sign for wild bulls and crocs...?! And all credfit to the person who took this shot.

Dave has now joined the fun and to say: "Hi, I was riding my motorcycle by the electric company when I saw this truck carrying a huge transformer. Never seen one longer. Dave."

And what a strange-looking trailer - click through here for a close-up.

What was I saying about the Aussies and long loads....? John Shepherd has e-mailed this to me and says: "I took these photos whilst waiting to mobilise offshore in Portland Victoria.The turbine blades were being off-loaded then transhipped across the port and offloaded again to a storage site, John." Now click through here for more....

You don't see too many of these around....BLB's man on the road Nick Garlick completes his recent travelogue with this selection and says: "Hi Brian, heading back towards France came across this fine example of an eight-wheeler Pegaso parked near a 'pack house'. Now click through here for more...

Biglorryblog's roving reporter Nick Garlick has been on his travels and says: "Hi Brian, just back from a ten day trip taking in most of Northern Europe driving through France (4 times) Belgium twice, Holland,Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. Saw some interesting vehicles and sights along the way here are a few for the boys!" Welll Nick's opening ngiht-time shot is impressive..I'd have been please to take this one...you should sell it to Repsol Nick...meanwhile click through here for the lorries he spotted....

Les Freathy has fired over this shot of a night-time Foden S60 (?...Have I got it right yet Brian?) and says: "Hi,attached is the Marley Foden I mentioned I was looking for. I forgot that it was a really evocative night shot---this should please 'em. Cheers, Les." Well I know at least two BLB contributors who will like it!

Morning all Biglorrybloggers! I am most grateful to 'Seattle Spud' (crazy name, crazy guy) for alerting me to the fabulous Bauforum Baumaschinen Calendar--so if you're a lover of ultra heavy duty construction kit and mega-diggers it's the one for you and you can order your 2010 caledndar now---but equally importantly you can preview the pictures! Spud says to me: "Here's a link to the 2010 calendar showing some huge plant. It can be argued that the pix are over-processed, but I think they look good http://www.baumaschinen-kalender.de/ And the home site for the calendar:is http://forum.bauforum24.biz/ " Thanks SS I agree with you, super images and click through here to see a sneak preview for October...Cat daddy!. 

Last one for tonight..and that young Mr Salter has once again reminded me of the goodies that can be found on www.roadtransport.com Buy & Sell section and this week it includes this bonneted beauty....so who would like a left-hand-drive 1997 Detroit Diesel-powered Volvo VN 6x4 tractor? (I'm guessing it's a VN770) It's going for £17,500 and would make an ideal show truck! To find out more why talk to those splendid folk at North Norflok Vehicle Solutions via this link http://www.roadtransport.com/buyandsell/advert/1997_volvo_freightliner_430hp-norfolk-1799409.htm: Now click through here for another photo of the integrated sleeper Yankee Clipper....

Once again I am indebted to Dan Strohl at the excellent Hemmings Auto Blogs which you should visit on http://blog.hemmings.com/ (not least as it's got some great stuff on the site including a VERY weird 4x4 truck called a Walter which is one I've not heard of)....but I digress for Dan actually tipped me off on another US blog site called Chopped and Diced which is an equally splendid hot rod forum which has done a blog on pne of BLB's favourite topics---gas turbine trucks---including featuring this hitherto unseen by me colour shot of Ford's 'Big Red' from the 60sh

http://www.choppedanddiced.com/blog/2009/12/8/turbines-that-kick-ass.html  And you can see more GT trucks on the above link..However, for those of you of a nervous disposition I should point out that the wonderful Chopped and Diced site also features some rather unusual photos of young ladies who seem to have struggled to put the right amount of clothing on during the day...but doubtless you won't be interested in them.. (There's a great YouTube clip on their website too, of a drag-racing pick-up truck that finally over-does it...) Now click through here for a sneak look at the Walter....

Mike Ponsonby BA has just fired this over to me---having been prompted by the big tube carrier story I did earlier today from Oz. Anyroadup he says: "Hi Brian, This 61.5 metre Wind Turbine Blade hauled from Denmark Plant to German Power Station site in 2005 tops Gary Richards long Piling Tubes in Australia on Thu 10/11/09! Regards,Mike." Fighting talk there...you just know those Aussies will be back...

I'm grateful to George Fry for his comment that alerted me to the excellent DUKWs on the D-Day section http://www.d-daytanks.org.uk/articles/dukw.html within the website of the Tank Musuem http://www.tankmuseum.org/ Amongst the goodies is this cutaway and I trust the museuim won't object to me reproducing it here. And as a heads-up for all Biglorryblog fans I shall shortly be paying a long-overdue visit to the museum with 'The Keeper of the Flame' Martin Phippard next week so you can expect some armour-plated entries next week on Biglorryblog! It's a while since I've ben and well-worth a return visit!

Meanwhile, here's one Vic shot earlier of a DUKW Tour down-under....I used to know a bloke who lived near me at Brenchley who had one and we ended up using it for a Commercial Motor Xmas roadtest many years ago along with two of his DUKW-owner mates down at Rye Harbour...I only wish I had some shots of it.

There's nothing quite like having a 'one-stop-shop' when it comes to providing ready-bodied trucks. And that may very well explain why US truck maker Navistar has acquired Continental Manufacturing Company, Inc., the largest privately-held mixer manufacturer in North America. "This deal is another example of how Navistar is growing the business by leveraging what we have and what others have built," says Jack Allen, president of Navistar's North American truck group. And who is Biglorryblog to argue with that? Jack goes on to say: "Adding Continental gives us another opportunity to provide an integrated, one-stop shop for our customers and helps expand Navistar's industry-leading portfolio of purpose-built products."

In my never-ending search for interesting stuff for my beloved Biglorryblog anorak army I stumbled across this gem the other day...and was wondering who can tell me anything about it? Obviously a dustcar