Malta Commercial Vehicle Rally - success!

Have a look at what turned up for the First Annual Commercial Vehicle Rally on Malta - http://maltatrucksandvans.picturebook.org.uk/c1674030.html

Great to see such support for an inaugural event - a great variety of restored and still working vehicles.

If you're interested in finding out more about the old vehicles still getting around on the island visit the Malta Historic Vehicle Trust - http://www.maltahistoricvehicles.com/

Well done Peter Skerry and the team!

Conquering Australia's Northern Territory - with AEC

Thanks to Neil Fraser - AEC afficianado - for this publicity article. From my point of view, there aren't enough restored AECs on the road down here particularly the tin-front cab as is featured on the Mandator at top right. There's quite a few restored trucks getting around now with spread-axle McGraths and the like. How awesome would it be to see an old restored AEC loaded to the hilt like the one at bottom right? Time machine! Well, sure, it won't get anywhere fast but that's not the point...

Out and about in NZ with HP

Howard Pettigrew, Commer nut and owner of http://www.commer.org.nz/ , travels around a fair bit for work (and attending old truck rallies) so he regularly comes across old bangers that have seen better days, have been lovingly restored or, as is the case with this selection, are still giving their owners good service. Here's what H had to say about these three old girls:

The Inter was in the fog one morning - just up the road from where I live when I had an early start to Mid Canterbury. I was at the extreme of my camera's zoom. Must get a better one some time!

The Dodge/Commer RG was on a farm just outside the town I was working in called Methven. It had a load of seed of some sort on board and the farmer was sowing with his late model John Deere. There is another RG Commer on another farm nearby that is also in regular use. The interesting thing is that if you look closely at the Dodge you will see the lazy axle is in front of the drive and has only one wheel offset to the rear wheels, i.e. the track of the tyre is between the inner and outer rear. There are two TKs in the district with the same setup so it must be a local, and unusual, conversion.

Earlier this month after attending a commercial run of the Canterbury Branch of the Vintage Car Club around Christchurch I came across the early '60s KW which was being used as a tractor unit for a transporter.

The Beast from the Bush - by Ian Hinks

A ‘beast’ by popular interpretation can be anything out of the ordinary – big, ugly, wild-eyed, mulish, bad-tempered, forbidding, dark, monstrous, obstinate and downright evil. This beast, to paraphrase a popular saying, is “high, not so wide and definitely very unhandsome” (read ‘ugly’).

This Beast was first seen languishing in the dusty confines of a vacant house block in the south-western NSW town of Ivanhoe some 200kms north of Balranald and a whole lot further up than Mildura or, to be precise, Cardross. She is (or was) a mobile crane – untidy, unlovely, unloved, unkempt, uncared for and very, very much ‘ungoing’. Subsequent enquiries and negotiations across state boundaries and at long distances, telephonically speaking, secured The Beast.

The Beast is a mobile crane based on a 1925-6 International Model 63 of 3 to 3 ½ ton capacity. The Model 63, along with the similar–looking Models 33, 43 and 103, were the heavy end of the International ‘S” series, or “Speed” series, developed in 1924. This series saw a design change to a more traditional configuration replacing the ‘coalscuttle’ Models 21, 31 etc - those where the radiator was behind the engine - of the late teens and early 1920s. The Model 63 was available in two wheelbases: 140 inch and a 165-inch ‘special’. The truck was powered by a four-cylinder OHV engine with a bore of 4 ¼ inches and a stroke of five. This engine is similar, at least superficially, to that used in the McCormick 10-20 tractor of the same period.

Interestingly The Beast appears to be the 165-inch ‘special’ version. This example has some characteristics of the Model 54 introduced in 1927. These are the addition of external tow hooks and a rear which is a fully enclosed double reduction internal gear differential with full floating axles. This axle replaced the internal gear drive of the Model 63 which had power transmitted through a differential and driving shafts to pinions meshing with an internal gear on each rear wheel - the so-called ‘hub reduction drive’. This differential set up is the same as used on the smaller Model 33s, 43s, 63s and several other models of International trucks as well as the ‘coalscuttle’ series. The rear springs are heavier and wider with a couple more leaves presumably to cater for the extra carrying capacity.

Top: the tow hooks on the front of the chassis. The indentations inboard of each hook are presumably for pushing. Above: huge reduction diff.

Above: the heavy rear springs.

The construction of the crane is the result of thoughtful engineering and adaption - thinking outside the box - and the very resourceful use of recycled component parts of former International vehicles particularly the ‘coalscuttle’ models.

The power for activating the cable drums comes from the power take-off (of which there are two) on the normal gearbox of the Model 63. This take-off drives, by way of a heavy chain, into a gearbox from a ‘coalscuttle’ truck located under the driver’s seat. The drive from the gearbox in turn acts on a ‘hub reduction differential’ (as described above). The differential has been turned upside down for some reason. Maybe it was easier to lubricate it through the drain plug?

A chain on each end of the axles (where a wheel would be) drives, on one side, the drum for operating the boom and, on the other side, the drum for the running rope and hook. One drum is located forward and the other to the rear. Each chain drive mechanism hides behind a large cover. The crane jib has only an up and down motion. There is no slewing ability.

Above: chain cover. Note the brake drum in position behind the cover. Below: the 'coalscuttle' truck gearbox below the driver's seat. Note the heavy chain drive from the gearbox. The levers to control the drums were formerly leg-vice handles!

Above: the jib in the lowered position.

Despite the original chassis being seven inches deep and ¼ inch thick with eight cross members, a piece of ½ inch flat steel, 3 inches wide, has been added to the length of the chassis to help cater for the extra weight of lifting machinery and operational stresses when operating as a crane.

Little is known of the history of the crane except that she was constructed and used in Cabramatta, New South Wales in the early thirties. One wonders what the crane was used for? Obviously there was a need for it to be built but the Model 63 trucks were slow, but strong, and already heavy before adding all the superstructure of the crane machinery and supporting steelwork. Steering would have been extremely heavy and difficult (with solid tyres?).

To overcome the difficult steering the diameter of the steering wheel was greatly increased to get an easy result for the effort exerted. Whether this was part of the original pattern or was increased when the crane was at Ivanhoe is debateable.

The engines of the Model 63s were governed to 1,350 revs. The 10-20 tractor revved only at about 900rpm. Local legend has it that for at least the last 8-10 years of its working life in the yard of a local transport operator, lifting stock crates on and off trucks as required, the engine ran and worked on three cylinders. Stories abound of owners of this series of engines disconnecting the governor mechanism to get a little more ‘go’ in performance. This led to perhaps predictable results as engines “threw a leg out of bed” with shattering results. This engine is no exception. There is one large, jagged hole in the crankcase. This, of course, accounts for the three cylinder configuration.

Above: testimony to an owner's folly.

The Beast is quite heavy enough without the added weight of the cables, cable drums, chains and gearboxes. Notwithstanding this, and the flat-at-the-bottom nature of the tyres, it took some four hours of heavy breathing, strident and unprintable profanities and other such imprecations along the lines of ”You don’t have to be mad but it helps!” and some heavy hand winching to get the beast aboard the Ford F700 which brought it home. Needless to say it was a slow trip back to Cardross.

Nevertheless there is another interesting feature about this vehicle. The original large solid steel wheels with the solid rubber tyres have been altered at some time. The original steel spokes and centres remained after the removal of solid rim and solid tyre. The wheels have been fitted with Goodyear pneumatic tyres on demountable rims. At this period of transport development in the late 1920s/early 1930s many tyre manufactures produced kits containing the necessary components and instructions on to how to make the changes. On many tractors one can see the name of Dunlop, Goodyear and other tyre manufacturers cast into the steel wheels. How do we know this occurred here? The spacers in the rear duals are stamped “Goodyear”.

It was a MAD, MAD, MAD Day

The Motorist Appeciation Day in Swansea, New South Wales on February 1 was a resounding success held under sunny skies. The Hunter Valley Classic Commercial Vehicle Club as usual had a good turn out as can be seen from this photo from Andrew Blacklock. Glen Richards' two AECs are parked either side of what looks like a former fire brigade ACCO. In the background is Keiran Jefferies' 1965 Albion Chieftain My Scotstoun Lass.

The Nullarbor Kid Trust

Pioneering long-distance driver and Road Transport Hall of Famer Ray Gilleland has set up a fund called “The Nullarbor Kid Trust". Its object is to help with school fees once a year for children who have lost their Dad in the trucking industry. For every book sold a percentage will be added to the existing fund. The interest earned each year from the fund will be divided among children whose names are submitted by anyone that knows of such cases. It won’t be a great deal for each child but even a small amount will help a struggling mother in these tough times. Donations are not asked for as this is not an accredited charity. The distribution of monies will be administered by a public accounting firm around the beginning of each school year on the recommendation of interested parties. Details and names of administrators apart from Ray will be posted here as soon as they are finalised.

Now, the book. Many of you will be familiar with Ray's book as it was released several years ago. I seem to remember Ray wasn't overly happy with the publisher's efforts and, as an editor of sorts, I can see what he means with some of the editing. Be that as it may, nothing is taken away from the enjoyment of reading Ray's escapades. Each "chapter" is committed to one of his many adventures and illustrated with magnificent period photos of the trucks Ray called home. It makes for a hell of a fun read and you're reminded that the drivers that opened up this country did it without airconditioning, 600hp, power-steering or, in most cases, a sleeper bunk. But then, that's why we love old bangers. Yes, they're uncomfortable and slower but they're honest, solid (maybe a bit too solid!) and you can still meet the men that stirred them into life. Ray's My Way on the Highway is one man's contribution to Australia's road transport history. If it's not in your library you're missing out.

The official bit. The remaining stock of this book is now being offered for sale at a reduced cost. It will never be released again in this form. It may be a collector’s item one day. If you have one buy a present for someone. At more than 220 pages, it’s a great read.

$35 including postage in Australia (overseas orders can be arranged - ask Andy). Prompt delivery.

Send money order or cheque to:
GILLELAND FAMILY TRUST
PO Box 759

Pacific Fair
Queensland 4218

Australia
Email: nullarborkidAThotmail.com (replacing AT with @)

Andrew McIntosh's Blitz transformation

Andrew McIntosh's dual-cab Blitz is approaching the end of her transformation and will be a welcome sight on the event scene. Here she in a state of slight dis-dress. Fortunately, the same cannot be said for Andrew...

Two double deckers - Leyland and AEC

Andrew Blacklock took his Leyland Atlantean (co-owned with Keiran Jefferies) out for a maintenance run a couple of weeks ago and came across this former Hong Kong AEC in Cessnock. They make quite the pair.

More than 500 visits before the end of March!

When I put the site counter up (thanks Roly Turner of http://magpie-obl.blogspot.com/) I did so for a bit of fun. I never thought it'd reach more than 500 visits before the end of the month. Thanks to everyone who has visited. I hope you have enjoyed the content of the blog. Thanks to everyone who has sent stories in. Please continue to do so!

WANTED: LONG-ARMED TK HELPER

Apologies to Ian Storrie but I couldn't resist this little story from him regarding reparing the timing case oil seal leak on his recently acquired 1978 Bedford TK. Ian is continuing to tidy her up after licensing but this little episode has slowed him down somewhat. The photo was taken mid-tidy a couple of months ago. Ian continues:

Not as bad a job as expected! Took around 1.5 hours to get the radiator out on my own with no damage. Had to borrow a puller from the local Holden dealer to get the harmonic balancer pulley off. Took the old seal out and went to a local engineers' supply to get a new seal and Speedi-Sleeve due to some wear on the shaft. The seal that came out was 2 1/8" and when he got the new one it was a sloppy fit on the shaft. He got on the phone to a mob in Tamworth and they tell him it should be 2 1/16" so now we know why we had a leak! Have to wait for a new seal from Tamworth as they don't stock the smaller one. That should get here tomorrow. Then it all has to go back together! We could have a problem though as my arms are not quite long enough to reach the radiator adequately so there may be a need for a friend with longer arms to visit! I was just able to get the fan shroud screws out but might not be able to get them back in!

NOS ACCO guards available - Bendigo

Mark Holloway sent me an email at the start of the month regarding some new old stock ACCO guards he had found at Midland Truck Wreckers in Bendigo (03 5446 8722). Here's what he had to say:

The wreckers have these Acco guards for sale. They've never seen an angry day, never been fitted. Not sure if they fit both long and short door but definitely fit the short door.

Thanks Mark, sorry to take so long to get these up, mate. I hope they are still available.

Since we're talking Aussie Atkis...

...here's a pic from Ian Storrie of a fine example (a Tupperware truck as he called it!) he came across last year in Queensland. She was for sale (cheap!) and Ian seems to remember she had an 8-71.

Armed with a mobile phone 2

I was in the city yesterday and wandering around after an interview. I think I'd just turned into Lonsdale Street heading towards Heffernan Lane and the military bookshop there when this beauty got caught in traffic. I snapped a shot with the phone and was lucky enough to get a break in the traffic so the Atki can be seen from the wheels-up. I'm sure I've seen her before. Anyone?

The TK was seen today in the car park behind the Pakenham shops. I'll stick my neck out and say she's post-1973 (indicators and "modern" dash helped). Owned by AT and M Kozaris - Certified Organic Beef and Hay Producers and Sellers of Tynong - she appeared in very good nick. It's been ages since I've seen a van body on a TK so this old girl was particularly pleasing to see. Sorry about the front-end shot. I had to make do with the shadow!

Graham Kircher - Collectors - ABC TV

As many of you know and as was reported here recently, Graham Kircher's collection of classic commercials (and his wife's fire truck...) featured on Collectors on ABC TV last Friday. In case you missed it, you can see it again on the Collectors website or here (which might be the same thing):

http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/tv/collectors/O4062_Trucks.mp4

Tempus Fugit

It's amazing how time flies. Since the post below I've progressed with the job hunt, had a trip into the city for an interview, have helped Jodi organise for her work trip to India, managed the trip to and from the airport at 0430 and done some work around the house. That's just the things I remember and I definitely know I forgot to go to the working horse show at Nyora on Sunday, March 22! Have got some cool updates to post and a few things to catch up on (Dubbo) so here goes.

Armed with a mobile phone 1

Mobile phones with cameras are bloody useful when you're out and about and an old banger pops up. In my case, I'm usually driving so can only look on wistfully as the old girl bombs passed (as was the case with the bogie drive ACCO and bogie trailer today). However, sometimes it all comes together...and I find myself wishing I had a camera in the glovebox! Still, a camera phone is handy.

Yesterday, I managed this bad photo of a six-wheel ACCO (the sign in the body says Foundation Investigation Unit and that's an old R-Model Mack behind the Kenworth) and today, while getting some groceries, this C1500 tipper was parked nearby. Not a bad old girl but then I do have a soft spot for tippers! Note the farm licence.

Rare Fiat 682

Ian Storrie sent in this photo of a rare Fiat that he is considering adding to his collection. While he has just registered his Merc 1418 and Bedford TK, Ian is obviously after more of a challenge although he reckons it shouldn't be too hard to get some Rockwell rears! Apparently, two of these trucks (Ian I hope I have this right) were imported for the Snowy scheme. Note the Italian name on the driver's door.

Can anyone add to the history of what would restore as a rather impressive beast?

Golden Oldies Dubbo - July 2008 - Part One

Above: I can't remember what McCutcheon's Superliner delivered but I was kneeling on the edge of the oval with a low sun behind me as she reversed passed. The sun broke through the clouds and highlighted the golden Mack. Right place and right time and the result is one of my favourite photos from the weekend.

It's not often I get to put some of my own photos in the magazine or blog so here's a good excuse to do so. My father-in-law, John, and I travelled up to Dubbo from Melbourne on the Friday before the Golden Oldies show. It was my first time driving in that part of the world so an excellent road trip was had. We arrived in the late afternoon and after checking into the hotel we wandered down to the showgrounds to see what had turned up and watch the new arrivals through the gate.

The photos below are from that Friday evening shoot. Over the entire weekend I took more than 400 photos. I am only posting the best ones (I'm pretty critical of my photos) so if you don't see a truck that you know was there please just ask if I managed to shoot it. If I did, I'll post it.

Above: the Knights' Diamond T parked up prior to giving its GM a "sound check" for Graham McKie! I think this is close to the first photo I took for the weekend. I've been getting returns from the Knights' email address. Anyone know them? Below: a very nice 1922 Model T tanker parked around the back of the unloading area.

Above: Bernt Damm's Merc 1924 in fine light. She sounded pretty good too. The Knight DT is in the background no doubt waiting for a clear run for the McKie camera! Below: this Dodge arrived earlier and really looked the part in her working clothes.

Above: this Bedford KM was powered, from memory, by a GM 6-71 and the owner had plans to put a 12-cylinder GM in her! For some reason I remember his name as Percy? Below: I really have no idea what this is. I'm thinking International but am happy to be corrected.

Above: Peter and Andrew Marquet picked up their new Leyland Comet on the way down to the show in their Autocar. I'll post the entire combination later but couldn't resist this semi-sunset shot.

As Found - Taswegian Leyland Terrier

From Jim Hawkes comes this rather forlorn but also rather fantastic Leyland Terrier patiently waiting her time to turn a wheel again. She looks relatively complete and full of character...thank goodness for pine trees. Here's what Jim had to say:

Seen just this month is this Leyland Terrier in northern Tasmania awaiting recognition and rescue. She was Unit Number 5 owned by Goliath Portland Cement Co Ltd of Railton (Tas) and was retired to the farm on which she now rests. She's not for sale as the farmer is happy to see her as part of his machinery graveyard around the farm. Tare weight was 9t on 6cwt.

Certainly one to keep an eye on although, given the price of getting a truck across Bass Strait on the ferry, she'll probably be a bit more attractive to a local enthusiast.

Barry's long-nose Mack

Above: then...photo by Peter Ramsey via Murray Langford.

Some of you will already know about Western Australian collector Barry Kitto's latest project - a Mack R767. Barry had been looking at a few R-models but nothing had really struck him as the "right" truck. It was while arranging to look at an L-model that we'd talked about for ages that he heard about this R tucked away at the back of the yard. It turns out she was quite a well-known truck - indeed, she was a Truckin' Life Rig of the Month winner in 1976 and was the first prime-mover in the Northern Territory to be rated for triple tanker work. Here's a then and now style photo presentation while I tack together everything Barry has told me about her. As you can see, she's got a way to go before she's returned to her former glory but if any of you saw Barry's R190 at Sandown last year, you'll know she's in good hands. For those who haven't seen her, I've attached a photo of the award-winning 190 pulling passed our place in the rain on November 22.

Below: now...awaiting the Kitto treatment she deserves.

The Duffin Worldmaster

This bus was built for the Municipal Tramways Trust (MTT) of Adelaide by Freighter Lawton in 1958. She operated as MTT bus No. 907 from 1958 until the early 1980s. After withdrawal she was sold to Colin Hirst of Melbourne, Victoria for preservation and kept with other preserved buses in Drouin (Ed – does anyone have any idea if these buses remain in Drouin or what happened to Colin’s collection?). ‘907 was used regularly at rallies and taken to displays. During this time the engine seized and a new one was sourced and fitted. This engine is barely run-in with less than 10,000 miles travelled since installation. Following the Colin’s untimely death, the bus was sold in 2004 to Graham Duffin for continued preservation. Graham grew up in Adelaide and used to travel to school on these three-door Worldmaster buses which is what inspired him to obtain ‘907. She is now displayed at Heritage Park, Pimpama where she gives joy rides and is taken to rallies and other events. She resides with sister bus No. 905 which is owned by the Heritage Bus Association.

Thanks to Graham Duffin for the excellent photo and details

Forged by fire - a blacksmith's Volvo

Mark Holloway reports on a Volvo N10 in good hands.

Peter Embury is a very talented man. Based out of Bendigo he is a qualified carpenter who took up work as a farrier when his wife was a partner in a riding school. A logical extension to farrier work is blacksmithing and Peter applied himself to such an extent he went on to become Victorian Champion Blacksmith in 1994. His smithy skills have since won many awards at various shows though more recently he has been a stall-holder demonstrating his skill and selling hand wrought products. He still wins awards for best exhibit though!

Peter was the local smithy at Maldon for many years but can now be seen at shows as far afield as Sydney and Brisbane. He initially took his tools and stock in a 5th-wheel gooseneck van behind an HZ Holden twin-cab ute (both made by him). The overworked HZ was replaced by a Ford F350 diesel and the trailer was eventually superseded by a 20ft curtainside container (more on that later).

A good mechanic and skilled fabricator, Peter performed some crafty work to the container so that it unfolds to be an old fashioned blacksmith shop complete with veranda (Best exhibit Royal Melbourne Show). However paying someone to cart the container around the country was not good for the bottom line, so why not buy a truck? Admittedly Peter knew nothing about them but, undaunted, got his truck licence, searched Ebay and bought a Volvo - because it had hydraulic legs.

Top: the N10 as bought. Above: functional and well used office.

The N10 1985 model probably spent its early career with Brambles as a prime mover but was bought from Southern Farm Supplies of Bega by Peter in late 2007. It is not known if there were other owners or who did the chassis stretch and added the legs but they were probably added to suit Southern Farms as they used the truck to deliver bins of fertiliser products to farms for spreading. The empty bin was placed on the back of the truck and filled with fertiliser before being driven out into the farmer’s paddock. The truck would then lift itself up on its four hydraulic legs and the folding legs on the bin would then be set up. Once the legs were supporting the bin, the truck would drop down and drive out. The spreader could then load by driving under the bin.

This was exactly what Peter needed - a suitable truck with ready-to-go hydraulics. On inspection the truck was a little worse for wear but sound. In short order, Peter started making legs across his container’s ends. The lift is too great for a single stage so intermediate legs are required to hold the container halfway up while second stage legs are lowered - very clever. The container was then covered with authentic 1900s-looking weatherboard cladding and the result was a blacksmith’s shop on legs.

Above: the two-stage jacking system.

Tackling the Volvo, Peter attacked the front of the tray, slashed a hole in the back of the cab, slipped on an old Scott’s sleeper, plonked a scoop on the roof, cut in some container pins on new rails, slapped some Brambles orange paint about and with only days to spare he was off to Tamworth for his first trip January 2008…and all went well.

Very recently he bought another N10 prime mover for parts. How could you go wrong???? Easy. There are lots of differences - even the wheel nuts seem to be different. I know that won’t stop Pete. He can fix, mend, shape and create. You should think about all those original hinges on your dropside trays, rims on your wagon wheels, panel work and welding. If you want it, Pete can do it!

Postscript: the Volvo suffered an electrical fire recently. But for the quick response of the local CFA, the truck would have burnt to the ground. Fortunately, only the cab suffered major damage. In true Embury style, she has already received a new cab and scoop as can be seen below. Apparently it’s quite likely the new colour scheme will spread across the rest of the truck.

Graham Kircher's collection to be featured on ABC Collectors

Last year, the ABC TV Show, Collectors, visited Queensland collector Graham Kircher to film his extensive collection of classic commercials. We've since been waiting for notice as to when his collection will feature on the box. Andrew Blacklock, mover and shaker with the Hunter Valley Classic Commercial Vehicle Club, has let me know it looks like Graham's story will feature on Friday, March 20th. Put it in your diary!

Donington, UK - March 21, 2009