Final instalment from the Hunter Valley Vintage Truck Muster

Above: a very tidy and fresh-looking Mack R-model. Below: perhaps not to everyone's taste but this eye-catching Pete from the Moss collection is certainly a latter-day classic.

Above: If I recall correctly, this C-model Inter was originally owned by Vic Pike in Victoria but now resides in NSW. She is being followed by Bruce Gunter's Commer C7 Mk III Interim model. These trucks were only built between 1957 and 1958. Bruce is an upholsterer by trade and the interior of this truck is, as you can imagine, rather marvellous. Below: the Volvo F7 is becoming a popular truck in the Australian historic scene. This is Paul Harrison's eight-legger and one of several trucks he brought to support the Muster. The Bedford ML on her back is a local truck that was for sale for several years until bought by another local.

Above: another classic Volvo, an F86 this time. The Hunter Valley Classic Commercial Vehicle Club is at the forefront of an effort to record the history of Volvo trucks in Australia. A worthwhile project so if you have an old Volvo, or know of one, get in touch! Below: still a familiar sight on Australian roads - the Denning coach.

Above: one of the more popular vintage vehicles at the lighter end of the scale is the ubiquitous Chev 4. Below: Andrew Blacklock, one of the organisers of the Muster, owns the Leyland Atlantean double-decker in partnership with Keiran Jefferies. The odd looking beastie next to it is also in local fleet colours but I have yet to discover its story.

Above: one of the better-known fleets in the Hunter region, Smith's, operated a number of older trucks for some time. The Scammell Routeman II at far right is owned by Andrew Blacklock and was only retired from regular beer deliveries several years ago. Andrew also owns (with Paul Campbell) the AEC Monarch in the middle. The G-cabbed Leyland and the 1419 Merc are still owned by Smith's. The LAD-cabbed Albion is owned by Keiran Jefferies. Below: this Cummins-powered Atkinson Mk III is a very tidy unit. If you want to learn about Atkinsons in Australia, look for a copy of the superb "Atkinson Down Under" by Peter Lynch.

Nothing midrange about this

Now for some 100% Australian content. This is Warwick Bryce's Leader Midranger looking like she's progressing nicely. I saw her in June last year as a rolling chassis and engine. Peter Lynch caught her in March looking decidely more advanced. Apparently, all she was waiting for at the time was a tray. Well done, Warwick!

A visit to Bob Addison's collection

On August 30 (I told you there was a lot of catching up to do!), members of the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club travelled to see Bob Addison's massive collection in Beaufort, Victoria. Spread across a couple of sites and numerous sheds, the members were able to spend many a happy hour admiring the trucks, crawlers, tractors and vintage machinery. The Peter Lynch photos below are just a small selection of some of the trucks seen on the day.

Above: early pair - D-series Inter and a K4 or K5 at rest in the paddock.

Above: as always the LAD-cabbed truck gets pride of place as per my perogative! A good looking Albion on what appears to be a Reiver chassis. She would be most useful around the home. Note the AEC Mammoth Major Mk III in the background recently purchased from restorer Ken Whitworth.

Above: marvellously original-looking Atkinson in Midland Milk colours. If I had Peter's Atkinson book handy, I'd be able to identify the model for you but I'll guess and say Mk I? Midland Milk, and its Shepparton plant, was acquired by The Dairy Farmers Co-operative Milk Co. Ltd in 1993.

Above: slap some plates on this Ford F8000 and she'd look ready for a day's work.