Successful shows over the weekend

Three major classic commercial shows were held over the weekend - one relatively new and the others well-established. The Hunter Valley Classic Commercial Club's Truck Muster - I think the last one was five years ago - was a great success and based on the text messages I was getting from Andrew Blacklock over the weekend, the organisers were beside themselves.

Similarly, the Heritage Truck Association held their regular Beenleigh weekend and pulled off a great show as always. Fine weather prevailed and the photos show this to great effect! Cam McFadyen will be writing a report on Beenleigh for ACC.

Over in Western Australia, the town of Bridgetown put on its bi-annual 'old time' show (I forget the official title) and there's a couple of nice surprises to feature there including what must surely be this year's best restoration. In the meantime, here's some pics to keep you excited.

Above: one of the highlights of the HVCCVC's Truck Muster was the line-up of Smith's Transport trucks - all now retired. From left to right: Andrew Blacklock's Scammell Routeman Mk II, Smith's Leyland Reiver, Andrew Blacklock and Paul Campbell's AEC Monarch and Keiran Jefferies' Albion. A lot of local history there. Below: Paul Harrison's rather impressive Volvo F717. Andrew Blacklock photos.

Above: Beenleigh is renowned for its large numbers of Macks in attendance but the range of smaller gear has to be seen to be believed. Here's a Dodge Power Wagon, Commer Superpoise and what looks like an Austin Loadstar fire truck. Perfect weather too. Cam McFadyen photo. Below: this Mack B85 is now owned by Des Hockley and is seen at the Bridgetown show. Mack only built just over 70 of this particular model of B85 and, IIRC, two came down here and she arrived in Australia substantially longer. As can be seen from the V in the roobar, she is a former Ridolfo truck (V for Vince Ridolfo). I first met her when previous owner Malcolm Macwatt bought her (I bought my old B61T off Mal). At the time she was pulling a float down in Esperance, Western Australia. She's Cummins-powered and sits on 24-inch rims. She certainly made my B look small! Barry Kitto photo.