BigLorryBlog

Northchapel's new Volvo FH440 is 'Built to do anything'! Agent Reg has the story for Biglorryblog....

2009-11-20T16:34:39Z

I was just wondering where that slack-jawed idler Agent Reg had got to when he fires this over to me...it's Northchapel Transport's spanking new FH-440 8x2 rigid. "Why Volvo?" says owner Shane Lucking, boss of the West Sussex plant and general transport operator: "Because they're extremely reliable and they do everything we ask of them, since we can get them built to our exact specification. We need our vehicles to be able to handle anything from a mini-digger to a 26-tonne crane to a multi-modal container. They're comfortable, too - this FH is very much a driver's truck, pleasant to work in with plenty of cab space." Now click through here to find out more....

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As well as the spacious Globetrotter cab, Northchapel's drivers will obviously enjoy the Volvo's I-Shift auto while the 440hp D13C engine is fully Euro-5 compliant. Externally, the truck features factory paintwork and a versatile Andover body.

The front-mounted Palfinger PK36 crane dominates the deck, which is also equipped with a fold-over beavertail and chain lockers for plant work, as well as twistlocks for securing shipping containers. As Shane says, "It's built to do anything!"

Shane plans to run the FH-440 for five to six years "depending on the state of the economy at the time", during which period M.C. Truck & Bus will handle repair and maintenance from their Burgess Hill facility. Initially, this will be under a 4-year contract, but Shane plane to extend this on a rolling basis to cover the truck's entire working life.

Love those Bulldogs! And for once they haven't come from Gary 'Two hats' says Biglorryblog...

2009-11-20T16:14:16Z

"Good Morrow Sire" says a very polite 'Kepper of the Flame Martin Phippard."Not that it's any great shakes here at present what with murderous skies, howling winds the ever-present precipitation. Oh, me lumbago! But at least we can hope to add a glimmer of sunlight to Gary (hop-along) Richards' day. His affection for the big old Bulldog knows no bounds."

"So herewith a selection of what I hope are interesting (or inneresting if you're from the far side of the pond) images from the early/mid 1970s, some from Aus, a couple from Canada (the G M Smith outfits) and the massive Aycock heavy hauler from the U.S. Gotta love those Bulldogs! BR Martin P.". And click through here for more.....

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Not hard to see where the Leader came from is it?

And here's a REAL monster...

And here's an old dog too....

Those fabulous Fiat Ferrari race car transporters...old and new! Henk and Ron battle it out on Biglorryblog

2009-11-20T15:35:48Z

My good cloggie mate Henk Kruit has sent me this "Hi Brian, more pictures of FIAT-Ferraris!
This is a 1957 FIAT 682R Transporter." And by way of contrast here's a picture of the modern day equivalent from Ron Johl....

And Ron lights the blue touch paper by saying: "Brian, now here is a modern transporter from Truckfest Peterborough---complete with its racing car, and much nicer looking than that old Fiat!!" Hmmmm I'm not sure you'll have the Biglorryblog cognescenti with you on that mate...! And click through here for more old-time transporters from Henk!

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Henk says: "And this is a 1966 FIAT 643 NI Transporter.--athough a little bit 'shabby'..!"

Still there's no doubt who it's running for!

"Now a real beauty!" adds Henk...

Was this at Goodwood Henk?

and what is it? ....a FIAT 196 Bartoletti Scarab Team transporter.of course!

And for all you fans of the 'prancing pony'... I'll be sticking with the mighty Multipla thanks (same family different purpose)

Henk signs off by saying: "I don't know, this must be a French one! "

For one minute I thought it had a Bedford badge on the front but that can';t be right..can it?

See Ray Jay and his rare Mack on YouTube and Aussie Bigbangers! Don't miss it says Biglorryblog.

2009-11-20T15:16:06Z

"Hi mate," says David Hecker from the wonderful www.aussiebigbangers.4t.com website
"There's another Ray Jay movie on YouTube " and here's the link for it which shows yer man talking about his latest restoration project---an unusual resin cab (yes that's right) Mack 700.
http://www.youtube.com/user/aussiebigbangers#p/u/1/ySJLVPT9-pg

So get clicking---as it's a wonderful bit of history and thanks to Dave and Ray Jay for the great walkround..

Oi! careful with that short range ballistic missile carrier, says Biglorryblog...you'll have someone's eye out with it!

2009-11-20T14:58:55Z

Continuing on the Le Tourneau 'weird machine' theme for a moment I asked Dave Powell if he had any more gen on the 'Corporal' surface-to-surface nuclear missile transporter--which was built by Le Tourneau---and deployed in,amongst other places, Bighty in (I guess) the late 50s early 60s. Dave says: "Hello Brian, I don't have any pictures of the transporter/lifter of my own---as I was about six when they were withdrawn, hence I remembered the Dinky and Corgi models! But I have found the attached photo which appears to be a US Military publicity shot.Incidentally the unit appears to be four wheel steer not just rear wheel." Now click through here for more...

]]> Dave continues: "The British transporter/lifters were supplied to the UK under the Military Assistance Program and remained US property. I understand that they were registered 01 BX 76 - 84 where the BX series indicated MAP vehicles that were to be returned to the US on withdrawal. I hope that the above is of use. All the best, Dave." Indeed it is mate and what a strange looking thing it is too,....

Jerry B finally gets his Tatra (and Foden and Iveco prison van)...and OB appears again on Biglorryblog!

2009-11-20T14:02:50Z

Oh hellooo....what's all this. A strange truck and an even stranger story...it could only mean one thing. yes Biglorryblog's 'Good Man in Africa' jerry Burley is back with more bizarre tales from the Dark Continent....and he says: "BLB, I think the midday sun is finally doing it for me, but let me squeeze out one further missive before checking in for my on-going Friday pm elbow-flexing therapy. After a 9 months 'gestation period', followed by a long and difficult trip along the 'delivery canal', our Tatra 815 has finally arrived here. It has been a long wait.....

"But first 'Nature Notes'", combined with a bit of an OIA moment, and the back of a slightly strange minibus. Owned by two Ugandan ex-national team rugby players I have known here for years, who run this surprisingly successful mobile disco business, under the name of PlatinumDJSug - as you would! 'Uganda's Illest' is some claim, believe me, although they may actually not be too far off the mark...Now click through hee for the full story on the Tatra...

]]> And here's is the complete story starting with the 'before' bit of the Tatra...

"It started life with the Czech military as a rough terrain crane, " says JB, "But has had the superstructure removed and since been fully rebuilt as a fifth wheel tractor unit, destined to be mated up with our fourth and final M747 trailer....

And you can see just how much they 'stripped it back too'...and note the trade-mark classic Tatra centre spine chassis...BLB

Right back to the bare cab in fact... before they put the two bits back together again....

JB continues: "It had been parked in a military base in CZ, before being sold and pulled apart for a total overhaul.and had only done 6000kms from new---so the major mechanical components didn't need too much intervention...

"...but it was repainted, retrimmed, rewired and new tyres and fuel tanks fitted amongst myriad other jobs. "

Where the hell do you get a 1990s replacement Tatra seat from I wonder...?

And here you can see the fifth wheel fitted...only JB,if you're planning to do some heavy haulage with it..shouldn't have a bit more flitching or a subframe around it? Not that I know much but it just seems a bit wimpy for what you want to do with it...? Anyroadup JB carries on to say:

"And then it was onto a trailer to the port in Europe, by boat to Mombasa, where, worryingly, OB snivelled into the act with a bunch of his degenerate mates..."

"....who can be seen here preparing to get up to no good in Fort Jesus, in the historic part of Mombasa old town...." And I spy OB with he baseball cap on looking very cool too..." It seems the mighty Tatra wasn't the only thing Jerry was waiting to have delivered. Indeed he reports: "We had a Foden Multi-drive..

"And for one of BLB's infamous, invisible pies (shall we call them Dodo pies, as there is a similar chance of you actually ever encountering a real one), What exactly is the red cabbed truck seen snuck in next to the Foden, formerly owned by O'Neill Heavy Haulage (the name plus the horseshoe insignia leads me to believe they may be anm Irish outfit?), that is now one of the FFK fleet in Mombasa? Have a look at the end of this piece for a full photo of it which may help (and I've also found not one, but two, Tractomas' in Mombasa, but that's for another day)".

" and an Iveco prison van (a first-time-ever appearance on BLB for such a vehicle? And destined for an interesting new life too) "

plus three Toyota Land Cruisers coming up in the same convoy,"

"...all of which had to battle their way out of port through the waiting masses of other trucks - about 1000 trucks a day leave Mombasa to travel as far away as Sudan, Congo, Rwanda and Burundi, round trips that can take 2 months or more when the weather and roads conspire together..."

And that's the story of the arrival of the 815. Its having its fifth wheel moved back at the moment as it was incorrectly positioned at the factory and the Oshkosh wont currently couple up, and some genius has already managed to jack the cab through the front towing eye (why oh why didn't they open the bonnet first?!) so that too has to be repaired but otherwise green for go.....almost. Maybe.,,Regards JB."

Well at least you got the windscreen cleaned mate so stop complaining and as for that mystery truck here it is...

Anybody recognise it? And just to finish off here are a few more shots of the Tatra in restoration'...

I seem to recall the V12 engine is air-cooled though I might be wrong...

And that cab definitely reminds me of the old Motor Panels Foden Fleetmaster!

Two new seats? Luxury!

JB's model had the 'luxury' dashboard...

And this shows perfectly the distinctive Tatra 'toe-in' axle layout...Great stuff JB and thanks

Cam returns with more news of 'Project Diamond Reo' for Biglorryblog---slowly but surely mate...

2009-11-20T12:43:15Z

Can you guess what it is yet? Cam McFadyen of Queensland Tilt Tray fame has kindly e-mailed me to say: "Hi Brian, there has been a little bit of activity on the paint front. It is probably finished as we speak, However, I`m about to board the Kerosene Kangaroo and head off to what isn`t the tropical paradice of Melbourne to check the famous Sandown truck show.So more pictures will have to wait until next week. No doubt Pete will have the pics of Sandown, I`ll see if I can do a cameo appearance in the back ground! All the best,Cam." And click through here for more shots of Cam's Reo in the paint booth....

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I reckon it will be a winner when she's done!

Nice shiny stuff too...

Will it be in an operator's colours Cam? .I can't wait to see it finally finished?

Biglorryblog is taken by Goldhofer's easy-extending modular low-loader! And Andover Trailers have got one just for you....

2009-11-20T12:25:33Z

Got a big old lump you need to shift? And I'm talking 'indivisible loads' here not the mother-in-law (oh I don't know though..)...well thanks to that young whipper-snapper James keeler Biglorryblog learns that specialist heavy haulage trailer manufacturer Goldhofer has developed a new heavy-duty, expandable semi-trailer designed for demanding transport operations with a variety of payloads--and naturally you can get one in the UK and Ireland through Goldhofer's partner, Andover Trailers, Apparently the STZ-H8 trailer can be adjusted to suit your load simply adding or removing axles.. All you do is uncouple the extension tubes, unhook the gooseneck and after disconnecting the electrical and hydraulic systems, remove or add bogies with either a crane or fork-lift to suit your needs. Or as they donw my way."Bob's you Dad's brother."..And when you don't need the bogies they can be stored as they are supported by steady legs..neat eh? Now click through here for more and the ultimate heavy haulager gricer pie-quiz!

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And for a pie what's the somewhat truncated heavy haulage tractor pictured in the photo..?

Meanwhile, Ivan Collins, sales director at Andover Trailers, explains to Biglorryblog: "Goldhofer has once again raised the bar with an innovative semi-trailer that is unique in the market for offering a flexible concept that can be adapted to meet a range of requirements and budgets. In terms of user-friendliness, the STZ-H8 is aimed at heavy haulage operations with routine transport requirements. Not only does it meet this demand as an eight-axle semi-trailer, but by simply expanding the trailer with an additional axle, it can operate at higher payload capacities."

Ivan goes on to say: "The STZ-H8 low loader incorporates a hydraulic raise / lower gooseneck to keep the bogie level, offering a load length of 12,300 mm, which can be extended by a further 8,600mm, allowing it to transport machinery up to 20,900 mm long. With eight axles in place, the new Goldhofer STZ-H8 has a gross weight of 115.6 tonnes and can operate at 80km/h with a payload of 89 tonnes, but with the ninth axle in position, this increases to 98 tonnes. The STZ-H8 not only facilitates the transport of heavy goods and equipment, but it will also help to deliver savings for heavy haulage specialists across Europe where in some countries transit fees are calculated by axle load, which in turn will mean that transport companies will save money through operating this model," he adds.

To maximise and enhance the range of capabilities offered by the STZ-H8, options include side extensions and auxiliary steering featuring Goldhofer's easyCONTROL remote control system, for use when the vehicle is negotiating urban areas or locations with restricted access, and a range of 50m for operation by an individual following the trailer.

And to get one all you have to do is call Ivan on 01264 358 944 or e-mail him at : sales@andovertrailers.co.uk Website:www.andovertrailers.co.uk

Wanted: Scania Longline tractor as a wedding limo for Sandy. I know a man who might just help you there says Biglorryblog!

2009-11-20T12:12:50Z

The things I get asked eh? Still it's all in a good cause. Sandy Austin has contacted Biglorryblog to say: "I'm getting married in May next year - I'm a truck driver, Scania being my favourite and since being with my partner she has grown to love them too--to the extent that her dream would be to have a white Scania longline as her wedding transport. Anybody out there know if this is possible at all and if so, how? Any ideas, contacts etc would be extremely welcome to sandy.a@hotmail.co.uk Sandy." Well I don't have a Longline myself (more's the pity) but I know a man who's been known to have the odd one or two now and then. Step forward that fine chap Mick, Mick Moody International fame (and you can visit the website) or call 01472 345600 http://www.moodyinternational.co.uk/trucks_for_sale I reckon Mick would be a good place to start...the picture above is one he used to have though suspect it's now been sold...but if you're after the ultimate wagon for your wedding why not this one--and click through here to check it out?

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Scania Topline T-cab with a V8..now that's what I call a wedding limo!!!! In fact if you speak to Mick nicely he might even rent it out to you as the Honeymoon suite too!

Flaming red Ferrari racing car transporter from the fifties...so what the flipping heck is it asks Pete J on Bigloryblog!?

2009-11-19T18:01:03Z

Last one for tonight and it's a Biglorryblog evening Pie Quizzer! So look sharp anorak army! It's from Pete Jones who says: "This photo is of a 1950s Ferrari racing car transporter---a bit different to the transporters of today's racing teams in Formula 1.Any one know the make of truck?" So coem on...let's be having you!

Le Tourneau US Army Load Carrier...now that's what I call a REAL big heavy hitter says Biglorryblog!

2009-11-19T17:28:21Z

You know, I just love you guys..as soon as ask a simple question 'BLAMMO!' You start piling in with fantastic stuff! (Stop in BLB you're gushing...) Anyroadup I'm most grateful to Ed Burrows who has sent me these pictures: "Hi Brian, thought you'd appreciate a few more LeTourneau images. And by the way, Eric Orlemann has just had new book out - although it's mostly on heavy plant/earthmovers, which of course is fair dos: LeT load carrying vehicles were few and far between. That said, the biggest was the best and the biggest wheeled vehicle cable of free movement there has ever been, or ever will be. Bold statement, but unchallengeable."

Ed continues: "I mean, would you want to argue with the US Army's 13-unit electric hub motor all-wheel-drive Overland Train MkII, built for the US Army Transportation Research and Development Command? A 'mere' 382 tonnes GCW and 'small' 137 tonnes payload! Okay, ALE - and indeed the lumbering South African Pacifics you are so obsessed with - could probably beat that, most days of the week. But the 382 tonnes of the Overland Train MII moved off-road, at up to 20 mph. And we're talking 1962, which was a very happening year indeed, on many fronts. So it was not at all untoward for LeT engineers - who thought under a big Texas sky - to decide to power their behemoth by four 873 kW gas turbine generator sets!" And click through here for more...

]]> "And here's one really amazing thing," says Ed..."The tracking was so perfect that when driven over sand, even around a curve, the whole 54-wheel outfit left the tread impressions of only two tyre tracks. The tyres? At 10ft diameter, we're talking Texan tall. And yes, that's a radar scanner on the roof. Satnav? Stick that. They didn't go in for gimmicks for folk who didn't know where they were going - and the satnav lady would be lost on the trackless wastes the MkII was designed for. The front control car of the Overland Train MkII is on exhibit at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground Heritage Centre as you see here below"

"Best regards, Ed---and I've got more on LeT wheeled load carriers - a brochure even - but for that you'll have to wait a day or few!" I can't wait Ed...oohhh the hairs on the back of my arms are sticking up already! And that LeT wheeled load carrier would have probably supplied the atomic cannon...another bee in BLB's bonnet!

The Atkinson Viewline returns to Biglorryblog thanks to Chris G..and what a unsong treasure it is too!

2009-11-19T16:45:24Z

Well it was only a matter of time before Chris G really started to show why he's 'Mr Atkinson' and he kicks off with this news story from Commercial Motor from December 1968 (though surely the sun didn't shine in the '60s after September?)

Followed swiftly by a great shot of the prototype Viewline cab..now click through here for much, much more!

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Chris says: "Here are some more photos of GTB 616F - it was exhibited at the 1966 Show and then used for development work by Atkinson until registered and sold..."

It certainly was an impressive cab too and the corner windscreen curved pieces are interesting....Triplex safety glass perhaps?

In Factory Plant Removals' colours..

Chris continues: "And a bit more about my old machine, sold with great sadness after 19 years' happy ownership - still, it's alive and well in Kent."

"Attached is a copy of a Frank Whalley photo, showing it with my Rear Steer Mk.2 tractor, one of it when newly-delivered to the RTITB in 1970 and one whilst taking part in a procession during the 1992 Preston Guild.."

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Chris goes on to say: "To be a REAL anorak, I should point out that there were three versions really: the wide grille prototypes, the first concealed rad, but with a front mounted filler, and then the final version with a concealed rad and a rear-mounted header tank, the same as the Mk.2. Sad to know these things, isn't it?"

"Now a drawing by Michael Tully of Atkinson," says Chris, "and a Viewline from your neck of the woods.. well, nearly!"

"The Kent Viewline I know to be a Peter J Davies copyright photo, but the drawing comes from the Atkinson house magazine from the summer of 1966, and prepared a couple of months before the Earls Court Show of that year."

"All the text about the rationale behind the design, and some of the features incorporated, makes quite interesting reading 43 years later! Ahead of its time? Having had the pleasure of driving one for 19 years, I think so! The final pic shows a modern impostor, itself all but 20 years old! Cheers, Chris," Thanks CG superb stuff...

Classic Mack mine trucks and Aussie Atkinsons... They don't make them like this anymore says Biglorryblog!

2009-11-19T16:25:47Z

Hello... What's that slowly rusting in a quiet corner of the yard?

Hmmm... Got a touch of down-under Bulldog about it don't you think...? And click through here to see it in all its glory in a previous life - and some classic Aussie Atkinsons too...

]]> Gary Richards writes to say: "The intrepid members of the Australian Road Transport Historical Association have recently made a 'rusty truck' expedition into the wilds of Westrn Australia. In their 10 days odyssey, well spend examining some of great old iron (pics to follow), Tony and the lads found some units that got my attention - an Atkinson and a set of rare Macks that still exist, albeit in an 'unloved state'... And the Macks are what you can see above... And here's what they looked like many years ago.

"And say hello to the Mack R897RSX 8x4 - A number (3??) were built in 1973 for the Goldworthy mining operation at Shay Gap (one of the hottest places in OZ!). By today's standards, these would be the equivalent to Mack BigFoots or KW C508 - unique purpose built mine haulage solutions but certainly lacked the vast array of health and safety features that are now common place on any mine site truck."

GR continues: "They were fitted with a Mack ENDT866 V8, producing a prodigious 375 real horsepower and just over 1000lbft... Truly huge output when it was introduced in 1972! There was a choice of Mack manual and Allison Powershift transmission and typically, the rear end was a Mack SWD69 Double reduction bogie on Mack Camelback spring suspension... Tough and rugged for sure!"

He goes on to say:"I have included pics of the various units in their respective heyday - clearly machines of strength and very original Aussie truck design! The tired ex Welsh Nominees Atkinson 3868 was one of very, very few ever fitted with a Cat 3408 V8 and if I remember correctly, it had a Brakesaver retarder. This made this Big A truly King of the Road in the late 70's... An awesome weapon!"

"I am very reliably informed that this particular unit was built at the original Atkinson plant in Clayton (Melb). The men saw another ex Welsh (the interior pic) Atkinson at the same location and I recall another Welsh Atkinson 3870 with a 3408 being built at the IH plant when I worked there (1979) then later, when I was with Caterpillar, seeing the truck at work in WA."

"...Regards, Gary." Pretty tough looking mcahine too, not doubt AtkiPete is pelased to see it on BLB and RayJay too!

Big beam carriers on Biglorryblog...the Chinese XCMG will do the job nicely!

2009-11-19T15:47:09Z

Now here's something you don't see everyday on Biglorryblog....got a big engine (you can tell that just by the traditor covers) and a very low slung cab...but what exactly does it do? Well click through here and you'll find out...

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It's an XCMG 'TY900' (as if you needed to be told) and I know this thanks to Brian Carlisle who e-mails me to say: Hi Brian, here are some images of a 1000-tonne capacity bridge beam transporter made by XCMG in China. I took these shots at the recent equipment expo in Beijing where I am currently living. Regards, Brian."

And it's quite wide too! Thanks Brian a most unusual thing...look like something Scheuerle might make too. And for the record the TY900 twp BF8M1015CP diesels producing 560hp os so each...driving (assume) hydraulic wheel motors. And would those engines be from Duetz? .

Welcome to the 'Maid 'o' Mansfield' says Biglorryblog...and Watt a beauty machine she is too!

2009-11-19T14:50:42Z

and who, or indeed what is the 'Maid 'o'f Mansfield wonders Biglorryblog? Well if you click through here you'll find out won't you? Come on, admit it, you're just the teensiest bit curious now aren't you?

]]> 'She' is the new Iveco Trakker AD340T41K.eight-leger (and the first Iveco to boot too) that's just joined the 18-strong fleet of tippers and mixers belonging to New Cumnock-based Iain Watt Haulage. The 8x4 on/off-road rigid has been fitted with Penta tipping gear and a Boweld steel insulated body are is expected to remain on the fleet for up to five years, covering approximately 90,000 km a year.

Boss Iain Watt explains to Biglorrryblog: "Until we took delivery of the Trakker our fleet was comprised solely of Scanias and Volvos. I had a previous relationship with Kerr & Smith dating back about eight years, when we used to run an Iveco Cargo. I'd been impressed with what I'd read about the latest Trakker, so I gave them a call. They were happy to accept a part exchange and were able to supply me with an 8x4 from UK stock, which meant we could have the vehicle on the road quickly. Since the Trakker entered service it's been performing well and the driver is very pleased with it. It's been working primarily on night time operations supporting our highways maintenance contracts and is proving to be a solid and dependable truck," he adds.

And in addition to its road maintenance duties, the Trakker will be used for the bulk haulage of aggregate materials including sand, topsoil and a variety of types of decorative gravel, supplied to a range of customers across Scotland.

As a dedicated tipper model, 410hp Cursor 13 powered AD340T41K features an 'Easy-Clean' cab, which removes much of the cloth-covered trim and replaces it with a wipe-clean finish, enabling the cab to be cleaned more easily when operating in harsh, dirty and dusty environments. Just the job I rekon...