I'm Liking Trucks

Penn Yan Express --- A New Web Page

2011-12-12T17:12:00.000-05:00

Just up the road from me is the town of Penn Yan, New York. At one time it used to be the home of PENN YAN EXPRESS, and since they utilized, almost predominately, my favorite truck -- Brockway, I thought I would post this as way of directing some traffic to the new web site for this historic fallen flag.

So here it is --- PENN YAN EXPRESS --- Click on the link and simply ENJOY!!!

LEGO 10220 -- Volkswagen T1 Camper Van

2011-11-12T11:27:00.000-05:00

Just released by Lego in October, when I saw this I knew I had to get it for my collection. This is one of the most amazing Lego kits yet -- at least I think so. If you want one you had better act fast, as this is fast becoming a collectors item amongst VW fans.

Although the kit contains over 1300 pieces, and takes two manuals to build, it is a fairly easy build if you take it step by step. However, the hardest part of building with Lego is finding the piece you need. Lego packs the pieces in clear bags -- big bags for bigger pieces, small bags for small pieces. What I did was to empty all the big bags into an empty shoe box, doing the same with the smaller bags in another empty shoe box. This made it kind of like looking for a zig saw puzzle piece when looking for a parts as called for by the instructions -- somewhat easier though.

So here are some pics of the build --

Chassis and rear bed area

Chassis, doors, sink, front seat cushion

Build up of sides, passenger side, and front seat

Inside View from the rear ---

Doors, Windows, Curtains

Front Roof Section---

Ready for rear roof section --- removable for access

Pop Top Unit --

Passenger side looking in

All in all it took just over thirteen hours to build this beautiful example with many working details --

This was just plain fun --- YOU GOT TO GET ONE!!!!

Mercury Buses, Penn Yan Buses Division, Hammondsport, NY- School Buses -- 1945 -48

2011-10-17T19:30:00.011-04:00

It all started two weeks ago when I received an email from my friend Vern Tyler asking me to please check a web site and look at a picture there. This is what I found --

And so since they made school buses, that plaque lead to a two week intense search for any information about the company mentioned. The quest ended today with my finding some old newspaper articles relating to the formation of Mercury Buses of Hammondsport.

Also, until last week, no pictures of the school buses made by Mercury existed on the web -- I put an end to that with a call to Mercury Aircraft and the help of Laura Chandler.

So I guess now I will put the story of Mercury Buses, Penn Yan Buses Division of Hammondsport, New York into proper perspective I hope.

In 1945, Mercury Aircraft purchased Penn Yan Bus Bodies Inc. of Penn Yan, New York.

Penn Yan Bus Bodies was located on Liberty St. in Penn Yan and was formed when Whitfield and Sons Coach Builders of Penn Yan went bankrupt in 1933.

Whitfield and Sons Coach Builders of Penn Yan, New York had been building coach and bus bodies since 1885.

Willet Wetmore bought the bankrupt Whitfield and Sons Coach Builders and leased property from Penn Yan Boat Co. on Liberty St. in Penn Yan, New York to form Penn Yan Bus Bodies Inc. of which he was president.

In 1941, Penn Yan Bus Bodies Inc. was seriously damaged in a fire which may have lead Willet Wetmore to seek a buyer of remaining equipment.

This is where Mercury Aircraft steps in according to the article from the Geneva Times,Thursday, Septemer 20th 1945, and purchases remaining equipment belonging to Penn Yan Bus Bodies Inc. of Penn Yan, New York. They opened a new facility in Hammondsport -- Mercury Buses, Penn Yan Buses Division.

From 1945-48 Mercury Buses employed aircraft building techniques to manufacture 250-300 school buses. They utilized aluminium frames and riveted aluminium bodies. Mack and Brockway supplied most chassis along with Dodge and White. I also believe Ford chassis were used too.

Karl Kreutziger, sales manager of Mercury Buses, bought the Penn Yan Buses Division from Mercury in 1948 to fulfill Mercury's contract for 100 unfinished Mercury Buses. From that purchase, what was to become Coach and Equipment Mfg. of Penn Yan was formed.

To see all pictures relating to Mercury Buses, click on any picture above ----

The Trucks of Guy Robaye

2011-10-05T09:54:00.000-04:00

This past week I received another of those e-mails I so enjoy, this one from Belgium and a gentleman named Guy Robaye. Now Guy speaks french, but his English is good, but what he does best is draw trucks, not just European models but American trucks seen in Europe too. He sent me a few examples of his work, and I don't think he would mind my posting them here.

So Guy, this post is for you ---

Chevy Spartan 120

Ford N Series

1954 Ford F920

1952 Ford F7 V-8 4x4

European Ford Simca

These are just a few of Guys drawings. If you like what you see here, and are looking for saome good drawings of European trucks, visit Guy's site here through the dieselgypsy --

GUY ROBAYE

Narragansett Fire Dept. # 3

2011-09-05T14:45:00.003-04:00

It's just like my friend Jerry always says, "you never know where you're going to find an old truck". Thus it was last week when I was down in Rhode Island moving our son. We were on our way down to Narragansett via route 1 when I spotted one of the subjects of this post. We did not have time to stop that day, so I made it a point to go back the following day.

Fortunately I met up with a young lieutenant that showed me around the station and introduced me to one of the trucks that I saw, a 1927 Maxium that was used by the station up to the early 60's ----

"Ashes flew from Jerusalem’s traditional Independence Day bonfire, set ablaze on the eve of the celebration in 1959 by a group of mischievous youngsters in the middle of the night, reads the historical account of the history of the relationship between the Union Fire District and the isolated Narragansett neighborhood.
Wind carried burning embers through the sleepy community and across unsuspecting doorsteps. Cinders fell and smoldered on the rooftops and porches of homes. For more than 30 minutes homeowners waited for firefighters fromNarragansett’s Station No. 1 on Rodman Street to make their way around the Point Judith pond, through Wakefield and down Succotash Road to help them save their beachside cottages and squelch the flames of the untimely bonfire.
Although tragedy was avoided that night, Captain Emeritus Hilly Munson, a Union Fire District volunteer for the town of South Kingstown for since 1961, was a young man living in Jerusalem at the time. He said the bonfire scare brought to light the vulnerability of the neighborhood’s homes.
“They had a station there [in Jerusalem] at the time with an old 1927 Maxim Pumper, only when the call came in that night they couldn’t get the truck up over the hill,” Munson said, referencing the steep stretch of road known today as Beach Row that the truck tried to climb. “After it took Point Judith more than 30 minutes to respond, people were wondering why the Snug Harbor Station, just a mile and a half down the road, didn’t come."

Once I got over drooling on this magnificent piece of fire apparatus history, I spotted somethig sitting over in the corner of the fire station I hadn't seen the day before. WOW!!! Here sat another great piece, a survivor of the previous hurricane albeit with a broken head gasket --- an early Federal pulling a 1907 horse drawn pumper. My best guess is this is a 1911 Federal.

The Pumper

Picture found on the internet of complete unit

I would say that this was a profitable visit, getting to see these two marvelous pieces of fire fighting history. I hope the guys at station #3 approve. My sincere thanks for allowing me the time to add these trucks to my collection, and for keeping them in truly beautiful condition!!

Narragansett Station # 3 as it appears today ---

Note: These may be the only pictures of this particular Maxim on line. The pictures of the Federal are also the only other ones with the exception of the "whole unit" picture used above.

A little something extra found on You Tube ----

Keep On Truckin with Dave Snyder --

2011-07-23T08:17:00.001-04:00

It sure is nice to know that this blog is followed by good people like Dave Snyder, who recently sent me some nice e-mails and attached some photos of his builds. I am particularly fond of his latest, the Kenworth K-123. Also of interest are his builds of the "Hess Trucks". Yes, we do have these here Dave -- only not like those!!!

So thanks for the email. Keep on building those great models -- they deserve a "special" post!!

Truck Spotting -- Greigsville, New York --- AUTOCAR COE and others

2011-07-02T07:28:00.003-04:00

In the past few years, I can't count the number of times I have driven through this small town and missed this treasure trove of old trucks. This past week as Jan and I drove through, I spotted an old Loblaw's trailer that fortunately caught enough of my attention to make me turn around to take a picture. Am I glad I did!!!

As I parked, the first truck I spotted was this 1940's AUTOCAR COE staring at me. I believe this truck was once part of the KEMP TRUCK COLLECTION and purchased at auction in 2009 --

Next to this sat a marvelous collection of old Mack's ---

An old International and background Ford ---

A 40's Chevrolet and old Divco

The Magnificent Mack AC

This beautiful Brockway 260

And I almost forgot ----- the Loblaw's Trailer

You can check out some of the other trucks in my FLIKR SET -- Trucks of York, New York.

The Great First Gear Mendon Fire Dept. Dodge Power Wagon Caper

2011-06-25T17:09:00.001-04:00

On the way back from Rochester a few weekends ago, Jan and I decided to take the scenic route back home so I could truck hunt and we could take in a few antique stores on Route 20. It was at the Bloomfield Antique market that Jan spotted the subject of this post, a First Gear Dodge Power Wagon depicting a fire apparatus owned by the Mendon Fire Department in near by Mendon, NY. The only problem was that it wasn't marked with a price so I had to ask. The model did not belong to the store, but to one of their vendors and he

had to be called to get the price of $35.00. A little steep I thought, so I passed.

After getting home, I checked this find on line and found that this was a 1999-2000 release by First Gear limited to 720 produced. I was a little upset now that I had passed on this purchase, so I checked again to see if I could find one online and save a trip back to Bloomfield. I thought I had found one at Midwest Replica's for the same price and shipping was cheaper than the ride to and from the antique store. I ordered one to find out after several calls latter that it was a discontinued item.

Well fortunately, we had to make another trip to Rochester for Father's Day. And you guessed it, this was my Father's Day gift. The best part --- they had marked the price wrong, and I saved $10.00 on the purchase!!

A great find ----

Above is the Mendon Fire Dept. Dodge Power Wagon

Some Very Nice Folks with VERY NICE TRUCKS -- REGIONAL INTERNATIONAL

2011-06-05T06:40:00.001-04:00

I had to make a trip up to Rochester, NY -- well actually a suburb, Henrietta, this past weekend. On Lehigh Station Road is a wonderful bunch of folks with a wonderful collection of trucks, all for sale. They go by the name of REGIONAL INTERNATIONAL, but they also sell a variety of absolutely gorgeous used trucks. And the REAL NICE thing is they let me on the lot to take some pictures of my favorite trucks.

Here are just a few from my last photo op ---

BRAND NEW INTERNATIONAL LONESTAR

2008 KENWORTH W900

INTERNATIONAL EAGLE -- NOT FOR SALE

2008 PETERBILT 289 --

2008 PETERBILT 389 -- Picture from a previous visit

AND FINALLY -- REGIONAL INTERNATIONALS SHOW TRUCKS --- BAD HABIT and MAYHEM ---

While I must say that my heart still longs for the old school classics of the pre 1980's, I am truly glad to see that Kenworth and Peterbilt can still capture the old school look in their trucks. That is NOT to say I don't like the looks of the Internationals -- they are cool in their own rights for sure!!!!

Thank you REGIONAL INTERNATIONAL --- you made my page!!!

FREE MODEL -- Pete 379 and Borden Trailer

2011-05-23T18:13:00.003-04:00

This model is free to download, you will need at least 110lb card stock, ADOBE reader, and a good color printer -- did I say these were free? I just priced 500 sheets of card stock, well at this point it's still cheaper than plastic kits.

The model is one cool looking Pete 379 with a trailer in Borden markings, the download link is below the last trailer picture, or just click this ---- 18 Wheeler Series Papercraft: Peterbilt 379 Semi Truck & Borden Trailer. This will take you to a licence agreement page, agree and you will go to the pdf page. Save this so you can print the model -- password to open the model in ADOBE is paper-relika. com ----- You will also need to print out the instructions for this from the online page -- do this on regular paper and save some money!!!

Blogger Search Engine

2011-05-23T17:17:00.000-04:00

Don't know why I didn't think of this before???? I have now added a search engine to my blogger page -- that's it at the top of the right column on the home page. I hope this will help make my pages more convenient for the user by being able to search for a specific subject while on site.

Happy truckin -- George

If it's truck pictures you want -- I'M NOW ON FLICKRIVER!!!

2011-05-22T14:47:00.004-04:00

Now I've gone and done it. Wasn't all that hard, but have been trying to figure out how to get my pictures on FLICKRIVER for some time now. SO, if you just want to look at some pictures of all types of trucks, models, toy trucks, vintage trucks -- well it's almost all trucks, CHECK OUT FLIKRIVER!!!

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/14024074@N05/

Hey, I gave you three chances!!!!

White Motor Trucks --White 3000

2011-05-01T18:33:00.001-04:00

Studebaker Trucks 1930 -50's -- Gone But Not Forgotten

2011-05-01T18:33:00.000-04:00

International Trucks 1920 - 1960

2011-05-01T18:32:00.001-04:00

Mack Mania - Mack Trucks in Ads and Art -- 1905 -1960

2011-05-01T18:32:00.000-04:00

GMC Trucks 1912-60's Ads and Art

2011-05-01T18:31:00.000-04:00

Signs Of The Time -- Two Vintage Truck Signs -- No More

2011-04-25T19:37:00.001-04:00

Once again I owe a debt of gratitude to my friend Jerry, for in part he is responsible for finding one of the signs that will be a subject of this post.

Once upon a time in NYC there was a truly magnificent sign that adorned two sides of a building located on 125th street and Broadway. The sign was one of those hand painted billboards and advertised the Chelsea Warehouse Moving and Storage Company. It is my guess that this bilboard went up in the 50's, but sadly it was painted over in the late 80's. It was a landmark that could be seen from the elevated line that ran near by, that is how Jerry found the original picture on the NYC transit board. Below a picture I found on FLIKR of that sign -- sadly now gone ----

And here, cropped from a picture taken from the el that Jerry found --

Well of course this find started something between Jerry and me, and during a phone conversation I remembered another NYC sign that I had seen back in 2000 when taking our daughter Morgan to school at NYU. This sign like the aforementioned was also erected in the 1950's by the YALE TRANSPORT CORP. of NYC and was located on 12th ave. and 40th street. When first erected the cab of this mock truck was done as a WHITE tractor -- note the mock driver seen through the drivers window.

The next series of pictures show the same sign as it appeared in the 80's with a modified tractor that appears to me as a Peterbilt. The sign still uses the YALE logo, but is now red, white, and blue --

After years of neglect, the sign was purchased in the early 2000's and restored by United Rental ( this was how I saw it). It was painted in United Rental colors and remained that way until it was torn down along with the buildings in 2010 -- I am hoping that United Rental had the foresight to save the sign after putting all that effort into its' restoration.

Here is a picture I took showing the only view in BING maps of the building and truck prior to demolition --

I would love to hear your memories of these two signs -- drop a comment or send an email!!!

1940's Autocar Truck Ad Art -- William Campbell

2011-04-03T10:17:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know that you will probably find some of the pictures seen in this slideshow on my various pages here. However, I thought it time to combine the art of William Campbell into a slideshow to highlight the AUTOCAR of the 1940's --- one tough looking truck!!!

WHEN NAVAJO SAVED THE NAVAJO -- PART 2

2011-03-25T10:19:00.000-04:00

Since the last post on the subject of the NAVAJO BROTHERHOOD RELIEF CARAVAN, I have started a thread over on HANK'S TRUCK FORUM. I have since found a few other articles and posted some other pictures on that FORUM. I have also contacted a library in Albuquerque, N.M. and the ATHS to see if they have any further info and pictures.

ALL THIS DOES NOT MEAN that if you the reader have any information regarding this I don't still want it!! PLEASE feel free to respond via comment or email.

This is a moment in trucking history that needs to be remembered and understood ---

A LOST MOMENT IN TRUCKING HISTORY -- NAVAJO Freight Lines role in the "NAVAJO BROTHERHOOD CARAVAN"

2011-03-15T20:35:00.002-04:00

I was recently doing some research for one of the forums I belong to and came across a series of pictures from the LIFE MAGAZINE photo archive that were labeled "NAVAJO BROTHERHOOD CARAVAN" and showed trucks from the NAVAJO truck lines delivering food and goods to the Navajo Indians of New Mexico.

The pictures were taken in 1947 and sparked my interest since I had spent part of a summer back in 66 in Ganado, Arizona in a Navajo Mission.

An internet inquiry into this event, which was also called "The Mile of Trucks" produced only two "hits". The first was actually a mention of this incident coming from a UFO magazine ---

Food for Navajos

The event was in December of
1947 and was called the “Navajo Brotherhood Caravan”
(or the “mile of trucks”) and
ran supplies from Albuquerque to Gallup,
NM. (roughly 90 miles south of Shiprock)
where the Indians took possession of
the supplies. The Navajos were having a
tough time of it and people throughout
the state were helping out.

The second "hit" came from an article that appeared in TIME MAGAZINE ----

INDIANS: Reprieve
Monday, Dec. 22, 1947

"Shocked at the discovery that the Navajo Indians face starvation and even death this winter (TIME, Nov. 3), the nation suddenly began sending them relief. The American Red Cross appropriated $100,000 for "immediate stopgap aid," rushed disaster relief workers to the barren Navajo country. A Navajo Trail Relief Caravan Association gathered up food and clothing in California, started seven truckloads on the way to the reservation. Utah citizens helped too. Congress, conscience-stricken after neglectful years, voted a $2,000,000 relief fund for the Navajo and Hopi tribes."

I think this is an important piece, and unfortunately a forgotten piece of trucking history. It must have produced a great deal of pride for the NAVAJO truck line as it gave back to its' namesake, the NAVAJO nation.

What I can't believe, is the lack of further information about this event -- so that is where you, the reader, come in. If you have any stories about this or know more of the story, PLEASE share it by comment or email me!!!

In the meantime -- enjoy the pictures, courtesy of the LIFE archive --

NAVAJO RELIEF CARAVAN LEAVING PALM SPRINGS CALIFORNIA

THE MILE OF TRUCKS

COMING INTO TOWN

UNLOADING THE GOODS

"MY LIFE THROUGH A BROKEN WINDSHIELD"

2011-03-11T09:04:00.001-05:00

My friend Jerry just sent me the link to this great little blog about one truckers experience in the trucking industry. A great read and some really great pictures!!! PLEASE, if you love trucks like I do, visit "MY LIFE THROUGH A BROKEN WINDSHIELD"----- truckers tales from the road of life.

Want Trucks???

2011-03-05T07:37:00.000-05:00

Although I have had a FLIKR page for some time now, it was not till recently that it went PRO. I use FLIKR to store the truck pictures I take and those I find on the net. There are also many groups that I belong to, and those are linked to my FLIKR site. I also have organized my pictures in sets, so if you are a truck modeler looking for ideas check out my FLIKR page ---- get the picture??

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14024074@N05/

INTERSTATE MOTOR FREIGHT SYSTEM PROJECT

2011-02-25T09:26:00.004-05:00

As I said in a previous post, I just recently obtained another memory from the past -- two kits from Round 2.
The first kit was the AMT Fruehauf 40' beaded trailer, which was done as a trailer for INTERSTATE MOTOR FREIGHT SYSTEM, a once big trucking concern that went out of business in 1984.

The second kit was also a Round 2 release -- the AMT Kenworth K 123. This kit actually contains the decals to finish the trailer and do the truck. You will notice in the attached video the erroneous addition of the newer logo to the truck cab -- that done because the truck is totally fictitious, IMFS apparently did not use Kenworths in their fleets.

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A Great Time for AMT/Round 2 -- Kenworth K-123 COE and Fruehauf Trailer

2011-02-12T19:12:00.000-05:00

FINALLY!!!!

After waiting since last November, the AMT Kenworth is available along with another long awaited kit, the AMT Fruehauf Beaded Trailer. Both these kits were ordered from TOWER HOBBIES on line ---

The Kenny comes with decals to make the fallen flag carrier, INTERSTATE MOTOR FREIGHT SYSTEM. The Fruehauf comes with the old AMT decals along with new Round 2 decals and a car parts company.

I chose to do the IMFS truck and trailer -- truck will be overall orange with a silver trailer. The trailer is finished, will post pictures latter. Currently working on the truck, frame is complete and primed along with the cab shell.

This is a beautiful remake of the old AMT kit with few fit problems -- BUT YOU MUST PAY ATTENTION to the old instructions!!!

The "box" photo, is actually the display box included with the model -- you got to put that together too, have some super glue for that.

A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT --- NOTE LINK!!!!

2010-12-29T15:55:00.002-05:00

Every once in a while I get the feeling that no one is looking at my blog, and then about that time I get one of those great e-mails from someone who has taken the time to not only comment, but also attach a very special gift.

I can not thank Curtis enough for this -- It will become my new and permanent header picture, IT IS THAT COOL---

Here is Curtis' e-mail ----

Hi George,

Terrific website you have. I do 3D artwork as a hobby, and the latest is a Mack B-61 - one of my favourites !

I was able to get some ideas from your website. Thanks so much.

So, I decided to do one with your name on the door, and send it off to you !

Hope you like it ! Let me know if I got any spelling wrong !

All the best in the new year

Curtis

IF YOU LIKE CURTIS' ART --- VISIT HIS SITE ---

ART OF CURTIS HEARD

1930 MACK AFM PROTOTYPE COE

2010-11-20T10:17:00.004-05:00

I NEED YOUR HELP!!!

Recently, I received a copy of John B. Montville's "BULLDOG" copyright 1979. Absolutely a must have for the BULLDOG AC lover. My dilemma is that I have become obsessed with 2 photo's found on page 118 of this book and posted here. These two picture show a rather modernistic looking COE, chain - driven truck obviously built using a BULLDOG chassis. Presumably,this truck was built in the MACK LONG ISLAND CITY PLANT and designated the "AFM" pehaps after the initials of MACKS chief designer at the time, A.F. Maury. Note that the cab design is like that of a huge BULLDOG hood, and the radiator cover resembles that of a MACK AC.

My problem is this. I have contacted the MACK MUSEUM in ALLENTOWN, and they have no pictures of this truck other than those from the book - although they do have a file. I am wondering if more pictures exist, and how Montville acquired these. What happened to this vehicle?

I am also attaching a list of contributors to Montville's book in hopes that someone in this forum might recognize a name -- yes I remember that the book was written back in the 70's, and that some of these guys were "OLD TIMERS" back then.

Simply put -- more info please if it is out there!!! THIS IS A FANTASTIC AND INNOVATIVE TRUCK!!!!

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS --

E.A. Hanauer --- former MACK engineer

Jack Winchester --- former fleet supervisor and early associate of A.F. Masuary

Henry Miller --- Mack executive engineer, retired

reply to my email -----

BROCKWAY SCHOOL BUS -- A SECOND CHANCE

2010-10-03T09:58:00.001-04:00

This is one post that evokes many emotions for me, both as a school bus driver and a student who back in the late 50's and early 60's rode a BROCKWAY bus to and from school. I have been following the fate of this bus on the BROCKWAY TRUCK FORUM in the following thread, BROCKWAY SCHOOL BUS FOR SALE since it first appeared. I am truly overjoyed by this final outcome!!

The picture above was taken by one of the members of the recovery crew, after the bus was pulled from the woods. I still can not believe the exterior condition of this bus having set for the time it did. This is indeed a rare find and will make for a unique restoration project.

Thanks to all who joined in to make this save possible -- you know that I will be following this project and looking forward to more pictures!!!

First Gear -- Tollway & Tunnel Authority

2010-09-07T19:16:00.002-04:00

I told you I have a good wife -- for my birthday she got me my second FIRST GEAR Tollway and Tunnel Authority truck. This is a 1960 Mack dumper that goes real nice with the 47 International K-10.

2010 ENDLESS MOUNTAIN TRUCK SHOW AND FLEA MARKET

2010-09-07T19:05:00.000-04:00

When I came home from this years BROCKWAY SHOW, I made mention to my wife that I had seen a poster about a truck show being held in Harford, Pa. -- THE 20th ENDLESS MOUNTAIN TRUCK SHOW AND FLEA MARKET.

I have said this before about my dear wife, "she treats me good!" She asked if that was what I wanted to do for my birthday. Of course the answer was yes.

So on Sunday, the 5th of September we packed up the MIATA and headed for Harford. It was well worth the 1 1/2 hour trip as I got behind two BROCKWAYS headed for the show.

This was the biggest year for this show, pulling in 181 trucks -- MAGNIFICENT TRUCKS!!

So sit back for a moment or two and click on the link below -- MY BIRTHDAY PRESENT TO YOU

2010 Endless Mountain Truck Show_2

Catching up with WALTER and my friend PLOWCHASER

2010-08-15T11:14:00.019-04:00

As mentioned in the 2010 BROCKWAY TRUCK SHOW post, I was supposed to meet my new friend PLOWCHASER at the show to go to Marathon, NY to the home of Jerald Jonson's collection of WALTER SNOWPLOWS.

PLOWCHASER (aka --Ryan Pedone) had flown in to New York from California to attend the BROCKWAY show but more importantly to him, photograph the WALTER COLLECTION.

As fate would have it, we did not find each other at the show. I left at 1:00 pm for a short visit to the up coming BROCKWAY MUSEUM and then headed to the WALTER COLLECTION.

I arrived just before 2:00 pm to find Jerald and his wife Ruth. I had thought after my last visit that Jerald was no longer around --- happily that was not the case!!! After introductions, he told me that he was there waiting for Ryan, who was SUPPOSED to have arrived at 2.

The two hours we waited were well spent with Jerald telling me about his fabulous collection and showing me his collection of magnificent and historical WALTER pictures -- I HOPE HE SENDS ME SOME!!!

Ryan did show up. I could not keep up with the pace at which he took pictures. He was a nice guy, well worth the wait!!!

RYAN --- THIS POST IS FOR YOU!!! I REALLY LIKED THAT BROCKWAY PLOW!!!

AND JERALD ---- THANKS FOR SAVING THOSE WALTERS

THIS SLIDESHOW INCLUDES PICTURES FROM MY VISIT IN 2009

2010 BROCKWAY TRUCK SHOW

2010-08-15T10:13:00.005-04:00

SOME WHO MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE

The day started early, leaving Horseheads shortly after 6:00 AM to arrive in Cortland about 7:30 AM. I like to get there early to capture some of the older trucks that are set up before the majority of the "BIG BOYS" arrive. I was supposed to meet a fellow from HANK'S TRUCK FORUM and THE BROCKWAY TRUCK FORUM named PLOWCHASER -- more about that in another thread!!!

This years show was HUGE!!! There were many more trucks than last year -- even a couple of tractors with trailers. The parade started promptly at 9:00 AM and lasted till 10:00 -- well over 140 trucks, I haven't gotten the exact count yet.

Road Trip Catch Up

2010-07-25T10:10:00.002-04:00

With our son in Buffalo, and my wifes desire to venture out on long car trips, there are many opportunities for me
to capture an occasional old truck. I find this a little more fun and challenging than photo logging the newer stuff, besides, I LIKE OLD SCHOOL.

So here is my CATCH UP -- 2009 -10

Brockway on a Mack in Mainesburg, Pa.

Brockway 359 in Pavilion, N.Y.

Ford Farm Truck, Darien Center, New York

Mack B in Fayette, New York

Studebaker Pick Up near Alden, New York

Oshkosh Snowplow in Alden, New York

Brockway Dump Truck north of Ovid, New York

Brockway of ROOT FARMS near Pavilion, New York

1930's Dodge - Old REA truck in Ithaca, New York

Until next time --- I'll be looking !!!!!!

Free for the building -- 1/24 scale PETERBILT 379 -- OPTIMUS PRIME

2010-06-04T19:13:00.001-04:00

This is an almost to good to be true find! Yep, a FREE model!!! Of course you're thinking, "there has got to be a catch." Well the catch is, it's paper, or should I say card stock? With some patience, this will build into a REALLY NICE TRUCK.

SO, get yourself to this page:

Peterbilt 379 - Optimus Prime Vehicle Mode

MAKE SURE YOU PRINT THIS PAGE -- IT IS YOUR ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS!!! At the bottom of the page is the download -- MAKE SURE YOU REMEMBER THE PASSWORD!!!!

HAVE FUN -- BE PATIENT -- AND IF YOU ARE LUCKY ---------- IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE THIS ---

PETERBILT AND THE MAGNIFICENT "MIGHTY MITES" and a PIECE OF PIE

2010-04-25T09:59:00.023-04:00

As usual I have been spending a lot of time over on HANK'S TRUCK PICTURE FORUM, and recently the subject of the PETERBILT MIGHTY MITES came up in a thread started by my buddy Jerry called "FOR PETES' SAKE" (VINTAGE PETERBILT APPRECIATION) .

So now I hear you asking yourself (while others may already know), "WHAT IS A PETERBILT MIGHTY MITE?"

Seems back around 1946 PIE (PACIFIC INTERMOUNTAIN EXPRESS) came up with an idea to highlight PETERBILT as this was their dominant truck at the time, and at the same time promote PIE throughout the trucking industry. So, in 1947 PIE constructed a 1/2 scale operational truck in their SALT LAKE CITY shop that was to become the first MIGHTY MITE.

Here is a picture of that truck beside the real truck it was patterned after, a model 344. It made its' first appearance August 2, 1947 at the opening of PIE's Denver Terminal.

This 1/2 scale truck was used by PIE to promote truck safety and the PIE trucking enterprise. After touring the country, this truck was put up for sale. Fortunately, there were no buyers, and PIE decided to give the old 47 a little face lift to make it a model 350 cab-over with a dromedary unit. Most of the conversion work was now done by Peterbilt, this included the lengthening of the 47's chassis and building of the cab. Note the drom unit and short cab in the picture below.

At some latter point PIE again made further modifications to the old 47 (now an early 50's BUBBLENOSE 350) by lengthening the cab with a sleeper and removing the dromedary unit to come up with this configuration shown here beside a full size PIE truck for comparison --

By 1965, PIE was once again in need of a replacement for the Bubblenose PETE. Again Peterbilt made a model 282 COE in 1/2 scale to fit the bill, shown here beside a KENWORTH COE.

Of course, it would be very sad indeed if these "one of a kind" trucks did not survive. Where are they now?
For that information, and more pictures, you'll have to visit HANK'S, specifically the MIGHTY MITE thread
to see how some wonderful people have provided the answers.

1926 MACK AC BULLDOGS --- MONOGRAM MODELS

2010-03-15T11:59:00.000-04:00

From the instruction sheet for the MONOGRAM 1926 MACK AC BULLDOG TANK TRUCK KIT -----

"Perhaps the most well known name in the annals of trucking history is the MACK model AC - or "Bulldog", as it became known by the American soldiers in World War I. Production of the famous Bulldog, with it's characteristic hood shape, was started in 1915 and continued through 1935. It served proudly and well in every conceivable function where a truck could be used. The term "BUILT LIKE A MACK TRUCK" became a popular phrase to describe anything solid and dependable."

Recently MONOGRAM re-released one of their MACK kits, the MACK AC TANK TRUCK --- shown above. Originally produced with TEXACO markings, this kit has two options -- the one shown on the box, and the one my build.

I chose to take pictures of the truck by itself and with my 1972 build of the Mack AC stake truck --

If you build this kit be careful to follow instructions by steps!! Pay close attention to frame build up that you square the ends of all cross-members so they fit against the chassis rails. Also make sure the rear engine cross-member support is mounted properly.

This was a fun build that I would do again. The red tank was painted, but the rest of the truck was not --- I would suggest painting cab, hood, and tank all red.

Mack R685 -- Transformation

2010-02-27T12:06:00.001-05:00

Last weekend was spent with our son Garrett in Buffalo, and of course I could not resist the opportunity to spend the gift certificate he got me for NIAGARA HOBBY in Cheektowaga, about ten minutes from his house.
I had already decided on my purchase if they had it, the recent release of the AMT PEERLESS LOGGING TRAILER.

Well, I walked in, went back to the model section and there it was -- along with all the other AMT truck releases. So, that was part of my "purchase". I will write about my other acquisition at a latter time.

What I had NOT taken into consideration (this being my first logging truck) was the need for a donor tractor to complete the rig.

I gave some thought to utilizing my PETE 359 -- NO WAY after what I went through to get that kit!! So I opted for the MACK R685 -- it looked just right for the job.

First I had to make some very minor modifications, like the removal of the MACK'S fifth wheel to make room for the front "bunk" and rack. That done, the rest was a cinch --

ROADWAY TRUCK ---- FINISHED

2010-02-26T20:51:00.002-05:00

A follow up on the AMT / ERTL MACK DM600 and AMT TRAILMOBILE Double Trailers -- DONE!!!
I tried decals and color was too thin and the decal would not form to the ribs on the trailer's sides. So, while not correct, I opted for signs with the ROADWAY LOGO -- I think it looks OK!!

Finishing Up The Roadway Trio --- AMT's DOUBLE HEADER

2010-02-02T19:04:00.001-05:00

This is one of those kits by AMT that I always wanted to build, and I thought it would look good with the MACK DM 600 Roadway truck.

One problem -- I knew this kit was a limited production kit, last done by STEVENS before AMT was acquired by ROUND 2 LLC. Also, where does one find 1/25 scale ROADWAY trailer markings in decal form?

The first problem was a fairly easy internet search that came up with three sites that "said" this kit was available. Of course you start with the cheapest offering and place an order -- thought all was going well until the order was canceled because the item was no longer in stock and the online store didn't know if they could still get it.

So, onto the next cheapest offering. Only this time I placed a call to check to see if what the site showed as available actually was. You can guess the answer.

Onto the third offering, called, left a message, and was called back --- HOO RAY -- they had it and it shipped out today!!! OF COURSE THIS WAS ACTUALLY THE FIRST PLACE I HAD FOUND THIS KIT AT!!!

That was one problem solved -- NOW PART 2, THE DECALS

HO scale only ---

I do not have the means to make my own, so I am currently using cutouts printed on paper from the blow ups of the HO scale -- NOT SURE ABOUT THIS!!

SO, does anyone have a better suggestion???? The ROADWAY lettering for the trailer sides nearly takes up a standard 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. I have sized the decals and they are in jpg format.

HELP!!!!!

Happy Birthday Jerry Austin

2010-01-09T12:26:00.004-05:00

Those of you familiar with that old TV series of many years ago , "CANNONBALL", will have no problems recognizing the character name of JERRY AUSTIN, he was MIKE MALONE'S sidekick. In the past year he has become mine.

But let's not get confused here, my JERRY AUSTIN is not the guy from that old TV series, that is just his handle over at HANK'S TRUCK FORUM - his real name is John.

Jerry is celebrating a birthday on January 12. This post is his birthday present.

Recently he started a post over on HANK'S TRUCK FORUM that concerns ROADWAY TRUCKS and how their markings have changed over the years. It was in part due to that post that I decided to rebuild a favorite model of mine mentioned in a previous post here -- THE MACK DM-600.

Well Jerry, I am sorry that I ain't giving this to you!!!! But you can enjoy it here and on the thread when I post it. In the meantime, have a GREAT BIRTHDAY my friend --- I'm looking forward to another year of your friendship!!

Oh yea, I forgot ---- THESE PICTURES ARE FREE TO USE!!!!!!

This model is available through MODEL ROUNDUP -- MAKE SURE IT ' S THE DM-600

OH YES -- A GOOD CHRISTMAS HERE

2009-12-30T14:43:00.001-05:00

Yep, thanks to all who showed up to the MURPHEY gathering for the wonderful gift of family!! And while all gifts were CERTAINLY appreciated, this is a blog about trucks.

So, a special thanks to my oldest daughter who got me --- oh heck you already guessed it ---

It came yesterday. Actually she said it was supposed to be delivered UPS on Monday, but that was not the case. I was out in the neighborhood yesterday and spotted the UPS truck making deliveries, and I was next.
I have completed the rear end and rear wheel hubs for paint. This is going to be a patient build, and yes, it will be done as a ROADWAY truck.---

Thanks guys -- GREAT CHRISTMAS all around!!!

My Merry Christmas Trucks

2009-12-19T16:18:00.004-05:00

I was talking with my buddy Jerry last night about getting things ready for Christmas this weekend and having all our kids home for the holiday. It WILL BE GREAT!!

He reminded me however that I should have a "special" ornament on my tree -- of course a truck.

My reply was that we already incorporated a neat couple of trucks in our Christmas decoration theme --- I've sort of adopted them as mine.

HAVE A MERRY , JOYOUS, and WONDER FILLED CHRISTMAS !

I'M LIKING TRUCKS ----

AMT/ERTL -- Mack DM-600

2009-12-13T14:51:00.007-05:00

This post is about yet another memory now almost long gone, but brought to light once again by a post on HANK'S TRUCK FORUM. Recently there was a discussion on ROADWAY trucks, and the memory came flooding back.

One of my other treasured models, now long gone, was an AMT/ERTL -- 1/25 scale MACK DM-600 done up in ROADWAY colors. I am sad to say that I gave it away, and I don't even have a picture.

However, I AM EXTREMELY PLEASED that this kit has apparently been reproduced and I believe is available through MODEL ROUNDUP.

I am hoping this will be my Christmas present this year!!

Can see it now -- ROADWAY!!!!

Rare Ford COE Twin Engine

2009-11-29T13:06:00.013-05:00

Persistence has paid off in solving the mystic behind this mid 40's FORD COE TWIN ENGINE---

This is perhaps one of the rarest examples of Ford ingenuity in existence today -- for a fact it is the only one. Here is it's story quoted from another web page.

"As the fires of war engulfed much of the globe in the mid-to-late thirties, the free world that still existed turned to the United States for help. American factories began to reap the profits from that foreign war. As the firestorms of war engulfed more and more of the globe, it became evident to many in the U.S. that we must prepare to defend our way of life. The problem was that all of the possible aircraft plants in the U.S. had contracted all of the production that they could possibly handle to the British and others.

It was at this point that the federal government turned to Henry Ford with the question, "Can you build aircraft (bombers) the same way as you have built cars?" Mr. Ford replied, "I suppose, Let’s take a look," At this point Mr. Ford along with a group of company officials went to San Diego, California to look at Consolidated Aircraft’s B-24 Bomber assembly line and designs. From this visit and others the famous Willow Run plant and its production came into being. The main point with which we are concerned is that Lloyd Lawson of the E &L Transport Company was in the group to look into providing transportation of the components which would be produced at Willow Run Ill. The components of the bombers would be shipped to San Diego Ca., Fort Worth, Texas, and Oklahoma City Okla. where plant space was available.

Lloyd Lawson returned to E&L Transport Company in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designed the twin engine Ford truck tractors, using 2-100 horse powered Ford truck engines driving 4-speed Warner transmissions and Timken differentials. Each engine had it's own, ignition switch, gauges, radiator, Transmission drive shaft and rear end. This was basically two-one and a half ton trucks in one chassis using standard off-the-shelf cabover engine Ford truck parts. Some parts were modified, but all were Ford. The drawing board and blue prints consisted of the plans being drawn on the concrete floor with soap stone. The engineers consisted of the men working in the shop. The total production number of these vehicles was 96 to 98. About one half of these vehicles had the rounded cab as does #50. The other trucks were designed with the more square cab."

"According to the caption for this June 17, 1942, photo, this is simply a “Ford truck to haul bomber parts,” but our friend Fred Crismon, author of “U.S. Military Wheeled Vehicles,” has more:

Early in 1943 [which clashes with the date of the above photo -ed.] this highly specialized vehicle was shown to the public, identified as a tractor designed to pull a 60-foot-long “supertrailer” in which 34 complete tail cone assemblies could be carried. The tail cones were for the B-24 bomber of which Ford was one of several builders. The assemblies were carried between several manufacturing plants according to contemporary sources, invluding runs between California and Texas, Willow Run, Michigan, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Fort Worth, Texas, and between Loudonville, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York. Two Mercury V-8s were used, driving into synchronized transmissions.

Crismon also noted that the tractor was rated at 10 tons and that the trailer was loaded from the top by overhead cranes. About 70 of the trucks were built, and the twin engines were accessed by pulling them as a unit out the front of the tractor. Crismon provides evidence that, although Ford was often mentioned as the builder of the trucks, a company named Thorco Dual Motors built them – Thorco being a trademark for the Thornton Acle Company. However, James Wagner, the author of “Ford Trucks Since 1905,” wrote that about 100 tractors were built by E and L Transport of Dearborn, and the corresponding trailers were built by Mechanical Handling Systems."

source: HEMMINGS AUTO BLOG and THE OLD TRUCK HOME

A Rare and Unusual FORD COE

2009-11-28T09:50:00.007-05:00

My good friend JERRY over at HANK'S TRUCK FORUM has come up with another stumper. It is this FORD TWIN ENGINE COE.

If you look closely at the grill, you will notice two radiators. Why? This truck had two engines, that's why. Apparently FORD built this truck for military use. It had a 70 foot trailer used for hauling aircraft parts.

What is not known are the specifications, how many were built, what engines were used, what year was this manufactured in? As far as I can find, this picture found by Jerry is the only one on the net. It might have been taken at an ATHS show.

Any further info about this truck would be appreciated -- it certainly deserves more recognition!!

Please note:

THIS PICTURE WAS FOUND ON HANK'S TRUCK FORUM -- AT THE TIME OF THIS POST IT WAS THE ONLY PICTURE I COULD FIND ON LINE OF THIS TYPE OF TRUCK. MY SINCERE THANKS TO GARY MORTON FOR TAKING THIS GREAT PICTURE AND ALLOWING ITS' USE HERE!!

Beverage Trucks -- 1920 -1960

2009-11-26T09:02:00.004-05:00

While on a recent trip to Buffalo to visit our son, I happened into a flea market and came across this FORD COE beverage truck. When I purchased it for $15 dollars to add to my collection of models and die cast trucks, it did not have the A&W logos -- those are my doing.

Those of you that look at this thread from now and then know that I have been "absent" at periods -- this due to the time I spend on HANK'S TRUCK FORUM. This has NOT been time wasted though, as I have started a thread devoted to the obscure BEVERAGE TRUCK.

This thread contains lots of cool pictures of all kinds of "beverage trucks" and some forgotten brands of soda, beer, and dairy products.

Come take a look ----- The Beverage Truck -- 1920 -1960 -- Hey, you might even want to post a few pictures of your own, comments welcome too.

Round 2 LLC Release of AMT WHITE FREIGHTLINER DUAL DRIVE TRACTOR

2009-11-19T21:44:00.012-05:00

I have been watching for the re-release of the classic AMT kit of the WHITE FREIGHTLINER DUAL DRIVE TRACTOR promised by ROUND 2 LLC last year. Finally in mid October I heard from one of my online hobby suppliers that it was available -- I placed my order!!!

I was pleased when it arrived five days latter. Round 2 was true to the memory of that old AMT kit. The instructions were just like the ones from the old kit. The parts were clean and the chrome did shine. My only complaint was the decals were too thick -- even decal solvent didn't help. The build up was exactly how I remembered the original.

Here are some pictures of "SPIKE"

A Case of the WILLY'S

2009-09-15T09:58:00.012-04:00

This past summer brought about a pleasant surprise, a vehicle I hadn't seen in a long time and the chance to actually get in one for the first time since the early 60's.

Just up the road from where I live I spotted a Willy's Jeep FC-170. This was a former fire vehicle belonging to the small village of Millport, and it was being sold. Despite the fact that it hadn't run in four years and the brakes were not working it was in very decent shape otherwise. I have always wanted one of these as my dad had one back in the late 50's. It was my favorite of all the trucks my dad had. I should have jumped when I had the chance -- final sale price -- $5900.

Alens REO

2009-08-30T14:55:00.005-04:00

I recently received the following e-mail along with some GREAT pics of a REO belonging to ALLEN VERMAN ----

hi there

ran across your site with the pic. of the old REO truck and thought that since you like old trucks so much i'd send a couple pictures of my '34.

i have had virtually no luck finding pictures of a truck like mine anywhere, it's a model 1B, without a bed at the moment untill i find a suitable style to use as a model.

we are wondering what this truck did for a living, the thing has lots of miles, but the secondary springs are not worn, other drive train parts show quite a bit of wear.

another truck nut

allen verman
cuba, ohio

Thanks Allen for the e-mail and the great pics --- NICE TRUCK YOU LUCKY MAN!!!

In search of WALTER

2009-08-30T10:40:00.009-04:00

No, not the Jeff Dunham character, but great trucks known as WALTERS. My quest was to view and photograph the WALTER SNOW PLOW collection of Gerald Johnson in Lapeer, NY, just west of Marathon.

First, a little history about the WALTER

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

William Walter was a Swiss immigrant, and came to the U.S.A. in 1883 and established himself as a manufacturer of candy and confectionery machinery. He built himself a passenger car in 1898 and from 1904 to 1909 made high quality cars, at first in New York City and later at Trenton, N.J. Truck production began in 1909 a t the New York factory on West 66th Street, and in 1911 the first 4-wheel drive trucks appeared, which were to become the staple product of the company. Based on the French Latil and of similar appearance with radiator behind engine, they were made in sizes from 1 ½ to 7 tons. Conventional rear wheel drive and also front wheel drive trucks were also made, all with internal gear drive to the wheels. Engines were Walter's own make up to 1920, then mainly Waukesha during the 1920s. Gradually the rear-wheel-drive models were phased out, although a 15/25-ton rwd tractor with 5speed gearbox was made as late as 1924. By the mid-1920s Walters had assumed their characteristic appearance with engine projecting ahead of the front axle; in 1929 the first Walter Snow Fighter appeared, and this was a field in which the company later became well-known, as well as for highway maintenance work and carrying cement mixers. During the 1930's Walter supplied a number of fire engines to New York City. Articulated dump trucks were used in open-cast coal mining, and Walters were also seen in the logging industry. By 1940 there were six models, all with 4-wheel-drive, of 3 to 12 tons capacity. Engines were 6-cylinder units by Waukesha, Hercules and Cummins, the latter a diesel.

During World War II Walter supplied 4 X 4 artillery tractors with 672ci 6-cylinder Hercules engines to the U.S. Army, and also snow removal trucks with Waukesha engines to both U.S. and Canadian forces. After the war the 4-wheel-drive trucks were continued, and Walter entered a new field with the building of airfield crash tenders. These were developed in conjunction with the Federal Government, the Port of New York Authority and the National Fire Protection Association. Current production includes crash tenders with single and twin engines, refuse collection trucks and the familiar 4-wheel-drive trucks and snowplows.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our drive from Horseheads took about 1 1/2 hours, and I am sorry to say that upon our arrival Gearald was not present, the house across the road completely empty.
I had found out about this collection through my friends over at HANK'S where we have been discussing these brutes in a forum. Here is a taste of what I found --

This is just a small sampling of what I found. If you want to see more pictures, and read some more stuff about the WALTER, check out the post's on HANKS TRUCK PICTURE FORUM, the
WALTER THREAD --- remember to check out the previous five pages!!!

2009, 10th Annual National Brockway Truck Show

2009-08-09T10:25:00.008-04:00

WOW, even that does not describe my day with over 120 beautiful BROCKWAY trucks. No, you can not have TOO MUCH of a good thing!! I arrived in Cortland via route 13 at 7:30 AM to find this beauty parked along the road ---

I then found a spot to park, no problem. Then it was on to the parade route. The parade started on time and you could hear the trucks before you saw them, blowing those air horns, and jaking their trucks --- I wish I could have captured that in my pictures.

At any rate, you can enjoy my day here in VIRTUALITY by way of YOU-TUBE ---

Mystery of the "IRONSIDE" Paddy Wagon

2009-07-24T18:37:00.003-04:00

The popular TV series "IRONSIDE" was produced by Universal Studios and ran from it's premier in 1967 until 1975. The first thirteen pictures in this video show the Paddy Wagon that was used to carry Robert Ironside (played by Raymond Burr) from place to place during the first three seasons. It should be noted that while modifications were made to that vehicle, the overall body remained unchanged -- I like to think of this vehicle as "THE IRONSIDE PADDY WAGON"

The last three pictures show what I call the "Demise Vehicle". This similar looking truck was used early in the third season when the "PADDY WAGON" met its' death.

Note very carefully that this is NOT the original vehicle. The rear fenders are different. The windshield is rounded, the door windows are different, and the box extends to hide the chassis behind the running board. Also, I do not believe that "THE IRONSIDE PADDY WAGON" had an air scoop vent just in front of the windshield.

It is my unproven contention that the vehicle used in the demise was a "parts" vehicle.

If that is the case, what happened to the "REAL THING"?

Give me your thoughts ----

That Skeleton In Your Closet --

2009-07-05T22:07:00.004-04:00

Spent this weekend on a project I have been putting off for way to long -- finding a place in our house for all my truck models and die-casts --- all 44 of them.

It was during that process that I decided the closet in my computer room need to be checked out --
glad I did, because I had forgotten that I had stored the subject of this post in a corner of that closet.

What I found was something I did back in 1972 when we lived in OKC, a jigsaw puzzle of a late 60's Kenworth and Thermo King Reefer. I'm glad I decided to mount it, and even happier that it has survived.

It now holds a place of honor in what will become my "TRUCK ROOM" ---

Those "OLD SCHOOL" Trucks

2009-06-22T20:04:00.020-04:00

When it comes to a "favorite era" of trucks for me, I would have to state that anything goes before the 1980's. But if I were to narrow it down even more, then I would have to say the period between 1950 - 1970.

I really like what I call the "old school" look of those trucks, especially the 50's era. Those are the trucks I remember from my "early childhood", and into the 60's. To me, they looked like a truck should look -- simple, beautiful, and tough.

They didn't need to be dressed up - they looked fine just doing what they did. So, I've spent some time these past few weeks, finding some saved photos and doing some reworking to come up with these renditions .

You can also find them over on Hank's ---- but don't tell anyone!!

50's Mack H -- Nigro Freight Line

And who will fault these two fine GMC's?

50's GMC 850 -- NIGRO FREIGHT LINE

50's GMC 950 Cannonball with Champion Grain Trailer

And finally --- this Ford --

An early 50's FORD V-8 ---- Nigro Freight Lines

A note about "NIGRO" Freight Line ---

NIGRO, Tom Tom Nigro, 83, of Ashford, husband of Betty Jane Nigro, died peacefully in the presence of his family on Friday, (October, 17, 2008) in Mansfield. Born December 19, 1924 in Hartford, he was the son of first generation Italian Americans, Vito and Mary Nigro. Tom was a well known entrepreneur, a hard working husband with a wide network of friends and extended family. Seeing his family struggle and yet survive the depression years endowed Tom with boundless optimism and an irrepressible spirit that seemed larger than life. His zest for living was a boundless quest for the next opportunity and a joyful appreciation for family, friends and children. They learned to cook his Italian delicacies, grew up in a circle of love and returned again and again. Tom and Betty opened their home to numerous friends and extended family members who became generations of benefactors enriched by their loving care. They experienced deep and meaningful living and were absorbed into their ever expanding blended family. He received a Bronze Star Medal and an honorable discharge from service in the U.S. Army during World War II in Italy where he drove truck convoys through occupied combat zones. Tom founded Nigro Freight Lines, an interstate trucking firm in the 1950's. In the early 1960's he settled in Ashford where he began Hillcrest Farm and Equipment Company. With help from Betty, he launched the Wagon Shed Restaurant, bakery and antique shop. More recently he operated the Summit Farm Welding and Repair Shop and sold tools and machinery at local flea markets.

"Old School" Trucks --- A Pete and a GMC

2009-06-16T22:30:00.009-04:00

Took some time out today to do a little something I enjoy --- thought you might too!!!

A 1950's Pete from the movie "DUEL"

And this 1950's Cannonball GMC Reefer Unit ---

Today is FLAG DAY - June 14, 2009

2009-06-14T20:07:00.005-04:00

I was reminded by my daughter that today is FLAG DAY - she called a week early, thinking it was FATHERS DAY.

So to honor this day, I am posting a picture that my friend Jerry found.

I think it is appropriate ---

Half Tracks or Half Trucks and other Military Vehicles

2009-05-26T09:39:00.010-04:00

It is hard to keep track of time and the fact that it has been a while since I last posted. I have been spending my time at Hank's Truck forum (see side bar), mostly on what is called "Jerry's Nostalgia Page" , specifically on two recent posts concerning HALF TRACK vehicles and the other military vehicles (trucks).

The first thread about HALF TRACKS is called "THE HALF TRACK: trucks with treads", and now contains 16 pages devoted to the HALF TRACK'S of WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and Viet Nam.

It was started on a whim, when I asked Jerry if Half tracks were considered to be trucks after looking over my truck collection and doing a "comparison count". I'm glad he replied in the affirmative and the following pictures were added to the numerous posts on the subject ----

WHITE M2A1 -- 50 cal. mount Half Track

WHITE M3A1 - M-16 multi gun carrier

That first model was built by me over twenty years ago, an old Monogram kit. The second is a Tamiya kit that was built completly by my daughter prior to my build. She was about 12 at the time, and would NOT allow me near it until it was done!!

"Our" second thread on Hank's is titled, "GEARS, GUTS and GLORY:Vintage Military Trucks". This thread is now 77 pages long and is devoted to Military Vehicles of all wars from WWI to present, and includes vehicles of all nations. It is still a work in progress that includes vehicle pictures and links to pages covering Vehicle types.

GMC CMKW - 1940's

How about this WWII Russian type based on a FORD --- RUSSIAN GAZ

This is only a taste of what my "comrades", Jerry, Leo, Vern, and Mike have posted. The above threads are worth a visit --- YOU are always welcome to join in the passion for old trucks!!!

What Is It????

2009-04-25T21:07:00.003-04:00

I'll make this simple. This truck is a 1953 COE made by a now defunct company. The picture was sent to me as a "reverse" reward from the last person who ID'ed this truck. I owe a debt of gratitude to Brian. Here it is.

What Make?

Where was it made?

What present day truck manufacturer bought out this company?

My Original AMT Peterbilt 359 and Fruhauf Trailer

2009-04-15T11:37:00.005-04:00

I think I'm going to cry. I thought I had lost this picture, taken in 1969, of the original AMT issue of the PETERBILT 359 "California Hauler" and AMT FRUHAUF Trailer. This is the first truck I ever built!!!

That's right - the first of AMT's line of truck models. The truck that started my interest in model trucks. MY FAVORITE model of all times!! Note that it doesn't have the sleeper cab yet, the picture was taken shortly after I ordered it from AMT.

The picture was taken on the front porch of my childhood home. Both house and truck are long lost, but not the memory.

It's funny how things come back when you least expect them to.

On The Road With The Birds and Trucks

2009-04-14T18:23:00.024-04:00

Every opportunity we get, my wife and I go out for LONG drives trying to get lost on the back roads of New York, and Pennsylvania. I usually watch for birds for her and she watches for trucks for me. It's a time we both enjoy - especially when I end up with ONE truck and she ends up with 15 or more different birds. THAT IS A GOOD DAY - for me!

It was on one of those trips that WE spotted this old Brockway on our way through Dushore, Pa.

Our next weekend trip had us headed to Buffalo to spend Easter with our son Garrett. Of course we couldn't pass up the opportunity to head out Sunday morning for a drive near Lake Erie. I made even with my truck score and her bird score.

This was my result - a pristine Peterbuilt 359, with an interesting hood ornament.

Then there was yesterday. A day trip to Ithaca and Dryden. I already knew I had at least one truck on my list. Jan clobbered me with birds!

My find was actually spotted coming back from Cortland during a bus trip. I believe this is a late 70's Brockway 359.

If you look carefully at the interior shot, you will see that the keys are in the ignition. Lucky for Jan, IT DIDN'T start.

The next offering is from a local road trip in Elmira. I was thankful that this was close by as neither of us had brought our cameras. I went back the following day to capture this late 20's Chevrolet.

So, I will have to admit ---- Birds and trucks are a fine mix, and those road trips aren't bad either.

1949 Mighty Joe Young / 1949 Impact - A Moving Movie Mystery / Evidence Is In

2009-04-13T09:40:00.008-04:00

Not only is the evidence in, but the case of "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG" vs. "IMAPACT" , and what seems to be the same vehicle, now identified as a 1944 WHITE 810T is over. The jury has deliberated on the evidence based on a series of stills from both movies.

The VERDICT: While said vehicle, one 1944 WHITE 810T did try to disguise itself in the movie "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG" as a moving van for the company "GREAT WESTERN MOVING CO." and apparently also did the same in the movie "IMPACT" as a "BEKIN'S" moving van, the van appearing in both 1949 movies is one and the same.

What was most dificult about this identification was identifying the year and make of said vehicle
as a 1944 White.

Presented to the case was some new evidence in way of a 1945 advertisement for a White Delivery Van:

You can note the similarity both to the Bekins and Great Western Vans below:

Since the advertisement shows a 45 van that uses a latter style grill, it is assumed that "our"
two /one and the same van is a late model 44 WHITE 810T.

FURTHER UPDATE ---5 / 2 / 09 ---- EMAIL FROM DON MacKENZIE

Mr. Murphey.

I have some additional information for you in regards to identifying your "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG" truck. I believe the truck is a White Model 805, Cab Over Engine Chassis, vintage 1936 to 1940 with a Gerstenslager Co. of Wooster Ohio moving van body. Let me explain why I believe this to be the case.

When White chassis were used by body builders to build trucks where the entire body including the driving compartment was provided by the body builder (such as moving vans of this type) the only external means of identification of the chassis builder was usually the radiator grille and possibly some trim pieces. Gerstenslager followed this procedure when they built the "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG" moving van. The White 800 Series/Gerstenslager moving vans were built from 1936 to 1940 using the COE radiator grille and accompanying trim. In 1941 the 800 Series imodel dentification was changed to the WA Series. Most of the changes were to the power train and chassis but the radiator grille and accompanying trim was changed to distinguish the new WA's from the 800"s. The new grille and trim included a wider center strip, two circular ID badges and a pair of wings sprouting from the center strip. I have attached two photographs of White/Gerstenslager Moving Vans. The Allied Van Lines unit is an 800 Series Model 805 (1936 to 1940). The Dilner Storage unit is the WA Series Model WA-122 (1941 to 1948). As you will see the "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG" truck is an 800.series. Also notice that the truck in the White advertisement on your BLOG shows the distinctive wings making it a WA Series.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have questions feel free to E-Mail me at any time.

Happy Trails.

Don MacKenzie.

Mighty fine pictures Don, my sincere thanks for the info too!! Thanks for shedding some light on this VERY INTERESTING TRUCK!!!

For more information on "GERSTENSLAGER CO." check out this web page -- great photos too!!

http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/g/gerstenslager/gerstenslager.htm

1949 Mighty Joe Young / 1949 Impact - A Moving Movie Mystery

2009-04-05T09:01:00.023-04:00

Okay, so this is what happens when you spend time over on Hank's Truck Forum discussing old trucks. It all started with a simple post from my friend Jerry Austin, a regular contributor to Hank's. He had posted about the "Great Western" moving van used towards the end of the 1949
RKO film "MIGHTY YOUNG". His initial question was, "what make is this vehicle?"

Well, it seems like the discussion had been going on for some time - his first post appeared in 2007.
At first it was thought the truck might be a MORELAND. I was somewhat exasperated by the fact that no one had put up pictures of the actual truck in question, and an internet search produced no results. So, I rented and watched the movie, taking the following shots for our evidence.

I posted these on a video in You Tube, and immediately got a response that it was an International Harvester. Our mystery got deeper as I suggested this possibility back on Hank's
Truck forum, and presented the pictures. My friend Jerry came to the rescue when he suggested that it looked like a WHITE frame had been used. I now had the basis for a new theory to put to the test.

Round 2 was about to begin. Find a White similar in appearance to this "unknown beast".

Hmmmm --- somethings look familiar, I have seen that grill before. Those headlights, the bumper, I think my friend Jerry was onto something. Our "GREAT WESTERN" movie van was a WHITE. But, how could this be? This was something special, perhaps as special as the following known WHITE, with a latter grill as in this picture of a horse hauler of the late 40's ---
LUCKY HORSES!!!

We deduced that WHITE may have been doing more "specialized" work than their famous series of beer trucks. Could our "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG" moving van be a lost example. Was this really a WHITE?

THE PLOT THICKENS-------

Early on in the forum when we were thinking this was a MORELAND, someone suggested checking the movie files on IMCB.org for trucks in the movies. Of course, there were no MORELANDS to be found. But, had we overlooked some new evidence? No one had looked at
WHITE as the culprit!! I went back to serch the scene ----

AH, you noticed too!!! This is not the "same" truck. It is a BEKINS van. Why this van isn't from "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG", it must be from another movie.

You're right of course. This BEKINS van is from the 1949 movie, "IMPACT". It too is obviously a White.

BUT - 1949, two movies, same type of RARE vehicle - SAME TRUCK OR NOT???

IF YOU WANT TO WATCH A CLIP OF THE BEKINS TRUCK - you got it --

THE MYSTERY EVOLVES TO THE NEXT STEP -----------

PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!!!!!!

Federal Motor Truck Company

2009-03-29T16:00:00.004-04:00

I had never seen a FEDERAL until I started this blog and began searching for truck pictures. There is really not a whole lot of information to be found about these magnificent old trucks, even though at one time they were the trucks of choice.

I really like the looks of the 40's style of these trucks. My favorite is shown in the following video I put together - a 40's FEDERAL with built in sleeper.

I also found this web page about a guy who built a "housetruck" from a 52 FEDERAL. It shows step by step the building process to end up with a really neat truck you can live in!!

HOUSETRUCKS.COM

My morning banana.

2009-03-27T10:36:00.009-04:00

Every morning before I leave for my bus run, Jan leaves me a banana. It always makes me think of one of my favorite trucking songs. If you ask Jan what it is, she would qucikly reply, "30,000 Pounds of Bananas".

Yep, she would be right. She likes Harry Chapin too! But the song has to be the full version, the one with the four different endings, the 10 minute long version - THE ONE HERE!!

I remember hearing this song for the first time in the late 1970's. I even remember hearing that it was based on an actual occurrence, but had never REALLY verified that FACT for myself.

Until now -----

It happened in 1965, when a truck loaded with 15 tons (do the math) of bananas was coming down the Rt. 307 hill into downtown Scranton Pa. At the bottom of the hill, it turns into Moosic St. The trucker lost control of the vehicle (seemed to be a Brockway) and crashed into a house on the corner of South Irving Ave. The incident was the basis for the Harry Chapin song "30,000 Pounds of Bananas." 42 years later, trucks over 10 ton are still required to use I-380 to get into Scranton, forbidden from going down Moosic St. The signs are still up.

Nice Trucks Les!

2009-03-07T08:50:00.010-05:00

Once in a while someone actually sends me an e-mail about the post here. If I'm really lucky, they send pictures. That is what Les Warner did, so I will post his e-mails here with some really fine pictures and an admission that I am jealous of his 31 Model A Ford.

1st email from Les

Hi George, I enjoy your site. I have a 31 Model A pickup,not a big truck, in fact very small. they really made them small in those days. I also have been interested in old trucks of all kinds. The oldest big truck that I drove was a 1955 Sterling. I only drove it about ten miles. The newest was a 1995 K W.,then I retired. Raised here in Oregon,I have been around a lot of log truck's,and lumber trucks. Before I was a teen,I rode in log trucks. My favorite was the 41 Chev. They were big trucks in the 40's. Sending a picture of my Model A Les Warner

I belong to a Model A club,and they used my pickup for our Regional Convention web site. It is http://www.nwregional2009.webs.com

2nd email from Les

Hi George,Thank's for the reply.You have talent beyond words. I admire some one that has things going for their selves, and I am sure that you enjoy every minuet of the day. Sending a picture of a chev truck that almost makes me want to cry. This truck is still parked at a farm in my area. I and a friend was about 13 at the time, when we made our way over to the corral on his dad's farm to see the new Chev truck that was just brought from the Dealer. I always thought it was an early 47 that was made a few months before the Advanced series started. Maybe you could tell me if this is so,but any way it was the pretty dark green with black fenders. The new smell was present,and this was a beauty. The sad thing about it was how the owners,and hired men abused it beyond words from the beginning. Kind of like who could put a dent on top of a dent. Sending picture. Les

3rd email from Les

Hi George,I can't open the web page that you just sent. Have you been around a Mack Jr pickup? I Have only seen pictures,in fact one is featured in this months Hemming's classic magazine. I think they are one of best looking that was ever made. They derived out of the Reo Speed wagon.Later than yours. Sending a picture of the K W that I drove. I had 4 new ones in the 27 years that I drove for a building material co. They were all K W's. Sending my web site. it has custom furniture in it because my web master attached it to his. My "country filling station" has no gas. I pump a look alike gas "red prestone"from the quarter barrel. Les http://www.customfurniture.net/les-shell/

Thanks Les for taking the time to write. Great pictures - got any more ?

These are for you -

Think you might know what they are!!

31-32 REO Speedwagon - I got one more mile

2009-02-26T19:13:00.005-05:00

Yes, it's still there. Checked on it yesterday and took more pictures. "It" is that 31or32 REO Speedwagon found on a back road near my home. Like all the good finds, it sits pretty well protected in an old barn.

This old truck has a story to tell - to someone who is willing to put some life back into it. It's not a "fancy" truck, but underneath, she's a thing of beauty. All it's looking for is a good home and lots of care.

SHE IS FOR SALE! I think the price is fair. It's a solid truck, REO built em tough, and she has held up well.

If you are interested in a good restoration project - this might be it!

I think this old REO has still got a few more miles to go ---

Call 1-607-583-2546 for more details. Remember we are in E.S.T.

THIS TRUCK IS NO LONGER FOR SALE

Trucking through "LIFE"

2009-02-25T19:56:00.004-05:00

Hey, was over on Hanks the other day and found a Truck picture from the "LIFE MAGZINE PHOTO ARCHIVES". It made me want to check it out, so I did. What a treasure! There were enough pictures to put together another "video".

This video covers the years between 1940 and 1960. See how many trucks you can identify, and did you know that BOEING installed a gas turbine engine in a Kenworth back in 1950? It was the first gas turbine truck to deliver freight, you'll recognize it a the end of this video. It never went into production, but Ford actually had some gas turbines on the road in the late 1960's.

Enjoy ----

National Transit Corporation - A Challenge To Readers

2009-02-22T08:55:00.020-05:00

Those of you that have been reading this blog for a while know that one of my favorite trucks is the GMC COE's of the 1950 era. This post is about a particular GMC cab over that was driven by Joseph McKenna, father of John McKenna. John sent me the picture in an e-mail. This is what he wrote:

Hi George,
I like your blog. My father, Joseph McKenna drove 30+ years for National Transit Corporation out of Detroit Michigan. Their home office was in Lima Ohio. This is a picture from the mid to late 50s I am guessing. They moved to Dearborn Mi when a new Post Office was built at this location, or next to it in the early 60s, 62 it says on a plaque outside the PO. I remember him saying the terminal was moving because they wanted to build a new PO there. I think they must have moved in 59 or 60. I went to work at that PO in March 1998. Now I work in OKC

A few times he drove by the house and picked me up with this truck, asking if I wanted to go for a ride. What!! are you kidding me?? Oh yeah lets go. I was born in 52, so I was still pretty young. They eventually bought new trucks and over the years, rode in these 50s and 60s GMC city trucks. I remember him driving 70s and later GMCs as well, and a Ford Louisville. If you ever get any more National pictures, I would appreciate it if you would send it to me. There is a picture of the 70s model at Hanks Truck Pictures. They don't give permission to put it on the web. Maybe you could ask him. The yellow GMC pictured was driven by my father at one time, I am sure it has been to the house. National was bought by Holland, then TNT, and so on.

I have the ERTL 54 GMC Coke truck,and Great Dane 30ft trailer. I am going to paint it in National Transit colors. Kind of school bus yellow and black, with red wheels. I'll send a pic when I do it. I will have to decipher the colors of the National emblems.

He wrote again this morning with another story about his dad -

George,
I want to tell you a story about my dad. You can print it if you want to, it's up to you. This was in the early 80s. I was a big guy, Pa was a big guy. Once I was going down a two lane road, with light traffic, and saw my father driving towards me in the opposite direction. We were right near a place in Romulus Michigan where a lot of truckers stop. He saw me and pulled over. I got out and asked if he wanted to get a cup of coffee with me at Southern Boy restaurant, he said ok. Well, he made a U- turn right there with a 40 ft trailer, and maybe tied up traffic for a minute or so. I drove about a block to the restaurant and went in. A fellow sitting at the counter says to me, "Did you see that crazy S.O.B. turn that big truck around right there in the road?" I answered, "yes, I saw him" Then he says, oh look, he' pulled in here. Hey, he's coming in!" I said "Oh yeah, Huh.' Then my dad walked in and said "Hi son", I said "Hi Pa". The fellow talking to me threw his money on the counter and ran out the door. We had a good laugh. If the poor guy would have stayed, we would have bought him coffee and had a good laugh with him.

That first picture is of John's dad in that GMC COE known as a "Cannonball". The next picture shows a National Transit GMC parked next to an International with the Holland Markings - it is from HANKS TRUCK PICTURES ---

The following picture was also found at HANKS TRUCK PICTURES - it shows the National
Transit Terminal --

This photo is from John, appears to have been taken in the early 1970's.

I hope John will add his comments to this post, but we both are hoping that some more pictures of these National Transit Trucks might show up.

THAT'S THE CHALLENGE -----------

You can drop me an e-mail through my profile or leave a comment - I am always looking for new truck pics.

Thank you John!!

The Wheels Do What?

2009-02-20T19:47:00.003-05:00

Shame on me!!! I am after all a school bus driver. I first drove a bus at 19 in Oklahoma City, and now I have driven a school bus for my district for ten years, six of those years I have been a driver trainer, and for the last two years I have held a 19A Certified Examiners Certificate.

Shame on me!!! This blog has been going for two years, and I haven't posted any pictures of the best truck ever - a school bus. Now some bus drivers may not consider their bus a truck, but come on, we do carry cargo - the most precious cargo ever.

I have always wanted a bumper sticker for my bus, "WE HOLD THE FUTURE IN OUR HANDS".

So it's about time for some school bus pics. And since my district drives Bluebirds, the first bus after the title page is Bluebird #1.

One thing to all the School Bus Drivers that may read this - WE NEED MORE PICTURES OF THE OLD BUSES ON THE WEB!!!!

I'll take donations here ---

Highway 61 - 1/16 scale 1946 GMC Snowplow

2009-02-19T19:54:00.007-05:00

It was a little late, ordered for Christmas, it arrived shortly after Valentines day - the 46 GMC snowplow my wife ordered from Jeff's Collectibles for me. The timing of its' arrival could not have been better - SNOW!!!

This item and a similar 46 Chevy Snowplow are now available through Jeff's Collectibles along with a host of other great truck die cast models. However, if you all don't mind, I think I'll stick to my snow blower for the big jobs.

Thanks to my dear wife for putting up with my obsessions and to Jeff Mumby for providing me with this great truck.

Three days on the back roads

2009-02-18T10:55:00.005-05:00

I am fortunate that as a school bus driver, I get Presidents' Week off. It has afforded my wife and I time to explore some of the back roads of New York and Pennsylvania. As reported in my last post, this allowed for the finding of the 31 Reo Speedwagon. The following day we were on the road again near the hamlet of Risingville and spotted this old White Frieghtliner. Something doesn't look good about its' frame.

Then yesterday we had an unexpected but pleasant drive to Prattsburg. On the way through Savvona, NY, I spotted this Autocar Dump Truck.

I have to give Jan credit for these two photos, I never remember to carry my camera. All in all, it has been a good three days on the back roads of New York.

Early 30's REO Speedwagon - FOR SALE

2009-02-15T20:46:00.010-05:00

WOW x 3!!!!

Who would have imagined when we started out from our house this morning to run some errands that I would end up on a country road near Watkins Glen and run across two people standing by an old barn looking at the subject of this post?

After yesterdays post about the old Studebaker, I could see this old REO being taken from out of the barn - some new spark plugs, drain and replace the oil, a new fan belt, battery, pump up the tires (duals in the rear with chains), about a gallon of gas, the keys were even in the ignition, (also note that newer oil cleaner), and she's ready to run.

The truck belonged to one of the two's grandfather, who passed away at 90. It looks a though it's been parked for a few years, and the original engine has been replaced by a Willy's. The flatbed was rebuilt, but the original bed is above the truck in the rafters. The original engine is across the street.

If you find yourself wanting a good truck for a restoration, this might be what you're looking for.
It's FOR SALE.

THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN SOLD -- POST UPDATE -- 4/10/10

Old Studebaker Truck - It's Alive!!

2009-02-15T08:21:00.002-05:00

You all have heard about those amazing "barn finds"? You know, where someone finds that old car or old truck as in this case?

Well here is one great video about a truck that had been sitting in a barn for thirty years - an old Studebaker Flatbed -

It's OK to comment - REALLY!!!

2009-02-03T17:05:00.007-05:00

Yes, it is OK to leave a comment on any of my posts and hey, if you leave an email, I'll write back. That's what Franz did - he's from West Germany and left a comment on a post I did on the Mack H-63. Franz is one great truck modeler, and he is currently working on a resin kit of a Mack H-63.

FRANZ's MACK H-63

Franz also sent some pictures of some builds he has done of some European Trucks - I am not good at identifying these models, so I will use the titles he gave.

MAN F8 Orientline No.1

Scania T142 H Silberente

I think this is Franz in the next picture with another of his great truck models. The picture says:

Austellung Haar bei Munchen (with two dots above the u in Munchen)

I know Franz's English is better than my German by far!! Franz also sent me this neat picture of a truck he photographed.

Hofbesuch Spiess Volvo FH16

I am always looking for trucks to add to my collection. Feel free to drop a comment, and leave a way for me to write back.

Thank you Franz -

Going Home - and a bonus!

2009-02-02T16:35:00.003-05:00

It was an interesting weekend. First a trip to Auburn, then on Sunday, a trip to Ovid. It wasn't supposed to be a day for trucks, it was to be a day to see a snowy owl. The trucks were a bonus.

I grew up in this area between the Finger Lakes of Cayuga and Seneca. It was a surprise to find that old Chevy, the Ford Pickup, and a VW - Bus. The other trucks have been sitting along the side of route 96 outside Trumansburg for as long as I can remember - that's a long time!!!

Here is my Sunday Truck Surprise ----

Something old - something new ---- 50's Mack LJ

2009-01-25T15:40:00.003-05:00

For those that follow this blog, you have probably noticed some new format additions. That is because it has taken me this long to figure out how to add the slide-shows to the sidebar and the videos to my posts.

Now I have a whole new media to explore thanks to YOU TUBE. I like the idea of video with sound as it captures not only the beauty of a fine old truck, but also can bring back the memory of a particular sound -----

Enjoy this 1950's Mack LJ, and remember what it was like back when -----

The History of Mack Trucks

2009-01-24T09:48:00.004-05:00

The Video below is from THE MACK TRUCK WEB SITE - it is a brief history of the Mack Truck.

Hayes Trucks in the Canandian West

2009-01-23T20:52:00.002-05:00

Hayes Truck Logging Video:

A Sterling example of an incorrect spelling -

2009-01-15T21:24:00.004-05:00

A great picture of a fine early 40's Sterling, pulling a MURPHEY trailer.

Sorry, but I couldn't resist. Love the air conditioning in these old trucks!! Can anyone tell me where this company was from, and what happened to it?

If I Had A Million Dollars -------

2009-01-15T19:29:00.009-05:00

Found this "Adult Die-Cast" toy site that makes some really nice "old school" die-cast "toy"
trucks. They specialize in older pre - 60's trucks. As can be seen from the picture above, these "toys" are built like the real deal - they are tough. They are put out by a company called SMITH/MILLER and have been in existence since 1979.

Now, if any readers out there would like to donate one of these fine models to my collection, I wouldn't mind at all!!!

The site deserves checking - better make that a big check!

Studebaker Heavy and Medium Duty - A New Find for Me

2009-01-10T12:58:00.013-05:00

Sometimes it pays to play "out of the box". Yes, I knew that Studebaker made trucks, but I thought only pick up trucks. Nothing wrong with that because they were good trucks - loved by hot-rodders and custom builders. In many design aspects they were ahead of the times. A fine example is the following------

1947 Studebaker M - Pick-Up

I had forgotten that Studebaker also made some very fine and innovative Heavy and Medium Duty trucks. Probably the reason for my forgetfulness is the fact that I don't remember seeing too many of these in the past - THAT IS NO FAULT OF STUDEBAKER! I fortunately found a picture of a 1960's Studebaker HD truck-------

1960's Studebaker Diesel

The picture above produced an inquiry to my friends at "straightstack.com", and since then a new item for their gallery. I asked if anyone knew how long Studebaker had been making HD trucks. No one there answered so I started my own research. I found that early in WWII, Studebaker was one of the first truck manufacturers to produce 6x's for the U.S. Army. These trucks were also used by the Russians who mounted rocket launchers on them - some of these survived into the 60's.

1940's Studebaker Army Truck - nice restoration

Furthermore, they aided in that war effort in the production of the "Weasel" and engines for aircraft. My search for tractor type trucks was a little more difficult - they are rare! Pictures are rarer! Again, that is no fault of Studebaker - they made fine trucks. My first find in the tractor category was this -----

1936 Studebaker M - COE with deluxe sleeper

I wasn't satisfied to stop here, so I found a latter model - color picture ------

1938 - 40 Studebaker K - with deluxe sleeper

If that isn't neat enough (note the classic sleeper windows - a change from the 36), I found a
Studebaker "conventional" tractor with a trailer --- and some paint scheme!!!!

1936 Studebaker 2W - 865 - Conventional

I will be posting more of Studebaker's fine trucks on the side-bar, so be watching. As I've already said, "these are a rare truck to find - even pictures".

If you have pictures of these old trucks, please contact me. COMMENTS are welcome too!!!

Don't forget your truck "tags"

2009-01-07T08:14:00.009-05:00

Going a little off subject today. A few days ago Jan received an email from one of her "blog friends" stating that she had been "memed" or tagged. Her task was to put up six comments about herself, and then tag at least one other person to do the same - kinda like that kids game we used to play! I got tagged ----

Well, after a lot of whining, I have decided to go along with it - she says it might help me get more readers. So, here goes ------

1. Born in September of 1952, my first ride was in a truck. To be more specific, it was a Willy's Jeep pick-up. I have no recollection of that - I was just a baby.

2. I am a collector of models. My wife says we have a virtual museum. My collection includes cars, airplanes, and of course trucks. My airplane collection is the largest and includes both 1/48
1/32 and one 1/16 scale aircraft mostly of WWII era with the exception of a few jets. Currently
this collection numbers over 85. I have always been fascinated by flight, remembering my grandfathers stories about his remembrance of the Wright brothers early flight and how I, years latter watched man fly into space through the early X-15 flights, then Mercury, Appolo, Gemmini, and to the moon.

3. This blog was started on a whim. I'm sorry for that confession because this blog has become an obsession. It got started when my father-in-law wanted to set up a blog himself. I had to talk him through the steps over the phone, so we both set up "Google Blogs". I have come across some interesting people through this blog, and found some interesting trucks for my ever expanding collection of photos. Since this blog is about trucks, mention of my truck model collection would be appropriate here - it includes semi trucks with trailers, and pick-up trucks.
I collect both plastic kit models and die-cast. My current collection of trucks numbers 20 - includes trucks with trailers.

4. Both my wife and I used to ride bicycles a lot! When I went away to college in Oklahoma City,
my first purchase was a Schwin Varsity 10spd. It was to be the first of many bikes I had in that time period as many of them were stolen - I actually trusted people back then. During my second year at college, Jan attended also. One of our first rides together was to go to visit one of her friends in Ponca City, Oklahoma. I planned out a route knowing little about Oklahoma roads and terrain. Our trip took us through the center of the Oklahoma Indian Nation - on a road that was often dirt. It was hot, and we both learned about what are called "goat heads", the hard way.
These are hard thorny seeds, and you don't want to sit on them. We stopped in a town that looked like something out of Stienbecks "THE GRAPES OF WRATH", picked up some Cokes out of an old style Coke water cooler, and headed north. We saw few cars, and Jan was beat. What comes to our rescue was an old Chevy pick-up (remember this is a blog about trucks) who takes us to the highway leading into Ponca City - we still had about 25 miles to go. With wind to our backs, that is still one of the most pleasant rides I remember through the gentle hills and plains of northern Ohlahoma. Then it happened, just in sight of Ponca City, I was not paying attention and my front wheel came too close to the kick stand on Jan's bike - it was then that I fell "head over heals" in love with the woman who would latter be my wife.

5. I married Jan at the age of 19, just a month before my 20th birthday. We were married in her house in Interlaken, N.Y. We returned to Oklahoma City where I had a job driving a school bus. After a year of driving a bus, I quit and found a job as an optical lab technician - finish person. We lived in Oklahoma almost 5 years, moving back to New York in 1975. I worked in three different optical labs, ending up in Horseheads. Ten years ago I quit my job in the optical business, and went back to driving a school bus - a lot had changed since I first drove a bus at 19.

6. Finally!!! The elementary children on my morning bus run all call me, "Mr. Nuts". This is all my fault. When I first started this run, I had this very talkative first grade girl that sat behind me in the first seat. Early on I told her that it was her job to watch out for squirrels, that whenever she saw one she had to tell me. Of course her curiosity kicked in and she asked me why she needed to watch for squirrels. I told her that nothing scares me more than squirrels. Again she asked me, " why?" I said, "What do squirrels eat"? And of course she said, "nuts". ----------------

And I said, "I'M NUTS"!!!!!

Thanks Jan - this was a fun little exercise, and yes, I love you -----

1940's Autocar with Sleeper Cab

2009-01-03T09:16:00.003-05:00

I could not resist the subject of this post, a 1940's Autocar with a sleeper cab. The original picture was in black and white, I wanted something with a little color. Using Photoshop, pencil, pen, red and black Sharpie, and a little lost talent I came up with this creation.

The drawing may not be that good - but that is one tough looking truck!

Drawings of 34pickup - Vic Vasselin

2008-12-30T09:05:00.011-05:00

I knew him first as 34pickup and I look forward to his posting on Hank's Truck Picture Forum in the truck drawing forum - he posts under 34pickup.

I have since come to know him as Vic Vasselin. He is a full time truck driver and does truck illustrations and cartoons on the side. Vic's cartoons about the trucking life can be seen at
Tenfourmagazine.com - look for "truckertoons". There is also a full biography there on Vic.

I have wondered why someone would give themselves a screen name like 34pickup? I guess I would too if I had one. Vic also has 35 Dodge street rod pickup.

Vic tells me, " I draw trucks because I like them, specially old trucks." He's been honing his skill for 40 years. Some of his drawing require 20-40 hours to create. Besides Tenfourmagazine, he also contributes to a trucking paper in Pennsylvania called "Movin Out".

I have to admit that I am a bit jealous of Vics' talent. While I'm cranking out stuff on Photoshop, he is matching whatever I can create the good old fashioned way - by hand, pen, ink, and pencil.

Here are a few of my favorites drawn by Vic ---

1953 Kenworth

Peterbilt -

1960 Diamond Reo-

1930's Mack Gulf Gas Truck -

These are just a few of Vics offerings. From time to time I will change some of the "side pictures"
and offer some more of his creations. Perhaps I might even add some of his toons -

Thanks Vic, keep up the great drawings!!!

Christmas Still Here - Dodge L-700 info too!

2008-12-27T08:14:00.019-05:00

It has been a long time since we have had a white Christmas here in the southern tier of New York. It would have been the opportune time for that Highway 61 - 1946 GMC Snowplow to have arrived, it will have to wait.

I did order another dump truck - a 1949 International KB8 -SA by First Gear. It should arrive next week, giving me time to think about where it's going to go - my wife thinks I need a room just for my models, I agree.

One "truck gift" did arrive, a gift from my wife which I will really enjoy. I think it might even help with my truck identification.

This is a great book about the trucks I remember from the 60's. It covers Autocar, Brockway,
Chevrolet, Diamond T - Reo, Dodge, Ford, Freightliner, GMC, IH, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, White, and others such as Marmon and Hendrickson.

One truck that I didn't find though was the Dodge L-700 introduced in 1966. Perhaps because it was considered for light duty purpose, that may have been reson for its omission. However, as a modeler I have found like others, there is not too much info on this model - so I thought I would put up some here in picture form.

Hope you all had a Great Christmas. I know I did! Looking forward to the new year - and some more old truck finds!

Farm trucks of younger days

2008-12-11T10:17:00.013-05:00

My cousin recently sent me a box of letters containing some that had been written between my grandmother and my mother around the time of my birth, some letters referred to some trucks we had while I grew up on the farm.

I was born in 1952, the third and youngest of my parents sons. My parents were farmers back then, running a dairy farm on 200 + acres.

Of course we had trucks - and that is what these posts are supposed to be about. So here, are some of the trucks I remember, and a truck my brother remembers from before my birth.

My parents bought our farm in the late 40's. Their first farm truck was a Ford F-1.

I hope my brother checks this out to verify his remembrance. The first truck I remember, bought either just before I was born, or that year, was a grey Willy's Jeep pickup - for some time we kept the Willy's brush gaurd, probably still on the old farm.

I can remember - barely - riding in this as a very young child. Our next truck was an orange International pickup, bought around 1956. I don't think my dad liked it because it lacked 4WD.

The next vehicle we had didn't stay very long - I saw it as an interim and don't know to this day if we bought it or borrowed it. It was a GMC Panel Van .

I remember it was a "hot" ride in the summer time - maybe that's why we got rid of it in late 1957. The truck we had just befor my sister was born in 1958 was a white over blue Willy's Jeep
FC-170 with a stake body. I have written in a past blog about this truck - my dad had 4WD again, and it was my favorite truck.

The Jeep lasted till about 1963. We then purchased a Ford Econoline Van - it took us to Oklahoma and back again. The van was a six cyliner window van with removable seats so my dad could haul his tools. My mom drove this a few times, once loosing control on ice and putting it into a ditch - she suffered a bronken arm.

The last truck we had before I went away was a 68 Dodge Sportsman. It was also a straight six and a window van. I dated my wife in this van when my mother wouldn't give up the dodge Dart.
When my dad died, my brother got this and drove it for some time.

The Dodge in the above picture is a 64 - the color is right, but this is the "short" version, we had the longer 68.

The Twelve Trucks of Christmas

2008-12-03T11:42:00.020-05:00

Time for a little sing along - you know the tune!! Don't forget the repeats!

On the first day of Christmas the truck man gave to me -

A GMC -950

On the second day of Christmas the truck man gave to me -

Two Mack Bulldogs - (repeat first truck)

On the third day of Christmas the truck man gave to me -

Three White Freightliners - (repeat second and first trucks)

On the Fourth Day of Christmas the truck man gave to me -

Four Autocars - (repeat third, second, and first trucks)

On the fifth day of Christmas the truck man gave to me -

Five Diamond T's - (repeat fourth, third, second and first trucks)

On the sixth day of Christmas the truck man gave to me -

Six Chevy's for haying - (repeat five to one trucks)

On the seventh day of Christmas the truck man gave to me -

Seven Fageols a brimming - (repeat six to one trucks)

On the eighth day of Christmas the truck man gave to me -

Eight trucks for milking - (by now you should know the routine)

One the ninth day of Christmas the truck man gave to me -

Nine Hayes entrancing

On the tenth day of Christmas the truck man gave to me -

Ten Willy's for Jeeping

On the eleventh day of Christmas the truck man gave to me -

Eleven Peterbilts' piping

On the twelve day of Christmas the truck man gave to me -

Twelve Kenworths' a humming

Merry Christmas - Happy Holidays -

1946 GMC Snowplow 1/16 Scale

2008-12-01T10:16:00.002-05:00

I've said this before, "my wife spoils me". She has ordered this from one of my favorite places,
Jeff's' Collectibles. So, I called Jeff this morning to ask if it would be OK to do a little advertising for him. If you collect die-cast trucks, I would recommend Jeff's. If these two links don't work,
try the link at the bottom of my sidebar.

Gosh, at 56 it's hard to feel like a kid again - this works!!

Jeff also has some real nice die-cast cars for you car fans. Thank you bears (my wife) and Jeff - I can't wait ----

AMT - Re-Issue of White Freightliner Dual Drive Tractor

2008-12-01T09:28:00.004-05:00

Good news for truck model builders, Round 2 LLC - AMT has announced the release of the White Freightliner Dual Drive Tractor. It will be available through TOWER HOBBY, they expect an early release late spring of 2009. I cant wait!!

The picture above was made using the AMT advertisement picture and re- coloring it. Hope I can build my future kit up like this.

Two Mack Bulldogs and a Mack H-63

2008-11-30T14:18:00.010-05:00

On our way to Auburn yesterday to catch up with the rest of the family for Thanksgiving. We stopped at one of our favorite stores in Seneca Falls, Sauders. It is a Mennonite run country style store offering all kinds of food stuff.

I was on the way out, when I spotted a basket with a sign above, "FREE CALENDARS". I took one
titled, "TREASURED TRUCKS".

It is from that calendar these pictures come. They were taken by a well known "cover photographer" named Ozzie Sweet. He is renown for his quality photographs.

MACK H-63 1954-56

1947 MACK LFT

1972 MACK R-685T

Great picture of neat trucks!!!!

Peterbilt 359 x 2

2008-11-19T11:38:00.006-05:00

What does one do when they don't have any truck models to take up some "hobby" time? Well in my case that's not hard. I go looking for great pictures on the net.

I found these two through Hank's Truck Forum (see my truck links). There are some neat trucks there, and some links to other truck related sites. I liked these two because of the way the picture was taken - allowing me to remove the background and artistically render the trucks.

I wish I could find more pictures of trucks with trailers - taken with a "corner perspective". The tractors alone are cool, but a trailer load makes it so much better.

My picture offering was modified once again in Photoshop. Two Peterbilt 359's - the beer truck can stop at my house any time!!!

As Homer Simpson would say, " HMMMMMM Beer!"

AMT Mack Cruisliner - BROWN NOSE

2008-11-16T09:49:00.003-05:00

This is another post about the AMT Cruisliner Kit from Stevens' International. One thing I didn't like about the build of this kit was the way the wheels attached to plastic "stub" axles. Back in the old day AMT used metal axles that ran through the axle housing. Of course there were some modelers that ran them through their fingers or palms - so they were discontinued.

So, last night, with nothing better to do, I removed the wheels in an effort to free them up so they would rotate more easily. I do miss those metal axles. Anyhow after it was once again put back together, with nothing better to do, I created this from a picture of what I now call -------

BROWN NOSE

Yet another Peterbilt 352 COE

2008-11-15T09:10:00.007-05:00

I will admit to the "trucker" readers of this blog that I am no expert at truck "aging" or even proper truck identification's. I get a little lazy when it comes to those details.

I believe this is about a 72 Peterbilt 352. I may be wrong, so feel free to correct me. The picture was found on the web and like the blue Pete of the previous post, I just liked the way it looks. I'll
admit a partiality towards the Peterbilts of that era 60's - 70's. They look like trucks - tuff, yet they invoke an art through their lines. So here, retouched in Photoshop again, is what I think is a great representative truck of that era - perhaps a 1972 Petebilt 352.

My thanks to C.J. Hall for his picture.

While looking through my "Pete Photo Files" I came across this Peterbilt 352 - so I'll go for a little Pete overload!!!

Nice trucks!!!

Peterbilt 352 COE - Blue me away

2008-11-12T10:26:00.009-05:00

Here is yet another truck I really enjoy. Back in 1972 I built a model of this truck, the kit was by AMT. It came with the trailer, and when built up it was a Budweiser truck.
That's another one of those models now long gone - given away when we moved here 24 years ago. I wish someone would re-issue that kit.

Well, I was on another truck site searching for pictures. I came across this one of a nicely done Pete 352 - simple elegance with just the right amount of pin-striping. I couldn't resist. If ever I find a 352 kit, I want to build it like this one.

Here is the picture as found ----

Here is how I did it up in Photoshop ----

Thanks to Hank's Truck Forum for the picture - special thanks to the submitter!!!!

UPDATE OF 5/30/09

Thanks to Jarrett Hallvin for his comment and sending me this picture of the model he built of his dads' truck --- subject of this post!!

69 Peterbilt Photoshop Transformation

2008-11-09T15:24:00.007-05:00

This is a post about how I transform some of my photos using Photoshop CS3. The subject in this post is my AMT Peterbilt 359 "California Hauler". It has been the subject of other post as well.

The first picture was taken with a white sheet as the background:

The image itself was sharpened in Photoshop, then the background was removed by a combination of cut /paste and flood fill of a solid color:

This picture was then softened using the "unsharpen mask", then artistically rendered using the poster edge and ink outline features. The result of all this changes the picture from a photo into a work of art. If only I could do this by hand -----

Of course, I already think this Pete is a work of art ----

Always Looking For Trucks - Leave Comments

2008-11-09T10:53:00.003-05:00

I am always searching for new truck models, and photos or illustrations of old trucks. If you have a site to share about trucks, or truck modeling, please include it in your comments. I will do my best to add the link to this page.

Tell me what you think. I'm having fun doing this..................

Paint and decal scheme for Revell / Germany Peterbilt

Susies Fords

2008-11-07T21:26:00.004-05:00

Was sitting having my traditional coffee and apple fritter with my friend and fellow bus driver, Susie Shoemaker. She was showing some old family photos and we came across these two. The first is a 1940's Ford COE Coke truck

The next set shows some 1958 Series Fords used in local Delivery.

Chevrolet LRDG 30cwt

2008-11-04T09:42:00.006-05:00

OK, I hear some of you asking what does LRDG and 30cwt stand for. This post is due to a book that was recommended on Straightstack ( see my side bar) . The book is called "Killing Rommel" by Steven Pressfield. It is a novel about the British "special unit" known as the Long Range Dessert Group or LRDG. Their objective was to go after Rommel, to kill or capture him during the North African Campaign of WWII. The book is based on the memoir of R. Lawrence Chapman, who fought with this group.

Early in this groups existence, they used Ford trucks. But after 1941, they switched to, and preferred the Chevrolet 1 1/2 ton (or 30cwt). This was a Canadian built Chevrolet supplied without the cab and modified for dessert war fare.

As my friend on Straightstack pointed out, imagine driving one of these in sand and when temperatures during the day were over 110 F. My hats off to those that did.

1941 Chevrolet 30 cwt LRDG

"They Drive by Night" - Sterling Truck?

2008-11-02T09:42:00.005-05:00

I found another picture of a truck mentioned in an earlier post about the Bogart / Raft movie, "THEY DIVE BY NIGHT".

When I looked closely at this picture, I noticed what appears to be another set of wheels behind the rear duals. I checked other pictures, and the only one that shows that this might have been the way the truck was set up, is the picture used in the earlier post.

If you look closely behind the left rear dual, you can just make out the shadow of another tire. I wonder if this is how the truck was set up? Anyone know?

Truck Hunting

2008-10-29T14:36:00.013-04:00

THE HUNTED - 1941 Chevy 1 1/2 ton

It was a good day for truck hunting, I had the day off and it was threatening to snow. I had an errand to run for Jan, so I took her camera along with the intent to head over to an old truck I spot every day on my bus route.

Well, I took a detour, and it as worth the time. I started my hunt at Sullivan's Fire Apparatus and found this Mack COE:

I drove out back to find this old Dodge waiting for some care.

Then I was off to my quest - to re-shoot a 1941 Chevy 1 1/2 ton. I found it like you see it in this picture.

Whoa, wait a minute, where's the hood? I found it. Half setting on one side, almost buried, the other half hidden in some brush.

I love the lines of this old truck. All together I took ten pictures - a beautiful late fall day!