I received and email from Mike the other day wondering if I knew anything regarding the whereabouts of the truck you see below.
At first glance it may seem like just another truck in the weeds but there is a little more to it than that. We are looking at a Walter QKGS model specially designed for the NYS Thruway. Equipped with roll over plows and double wings, these trucks were modified to hit a top speed of 58 M.P.H. which is nothing short of amazing if you know anything about Walter Snow Fighters. This truck was one of three stationed at strategic points along the Thruway system. Depending on the need the Walters would race to the site of heavy snowfall. What a sight that must have been!
For many years this particular unit sat behind Greene Trucking outside of Amsterdam, NY. I remember seeing it many times myself during various journies but never felt compelled enough to stop for a closer look. Each day I bolster my claim to the title of world’s dumbest man! At some point in 2012 this truck disappeared. Some fear that it fell victim to the cutting torch but that gruesome idea has never been confirmed. Let’s keep hope alive. Do you know anything about this super plow? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.
I seem to remember a discussion about this truck somewhere. Perhaps Facebook? Mark Redman may know the fate of this truck and the others parked next to her. These special Walters were equipped with Detroit 6V-71N engines!
I too saw this truck many times over the years and never stopped so don’t feel bad Eric. You’re not the only one!
Frink plow setup, distinctly TWY, with ballast concrete blocks, all delivered in the old national blue scheme (not DOT color). There were three Diesel SnoFighters, purchased 1970-71. Remainder, one for each maintenance section, were 1966-67-68 model EFGS, powered by Ford SuperDuty 534 V-8’s. All equipped with Allison transmissions. The ultimate rubber-tired snowplow. There was seldom need for that big rollover plow, but the wings could “bench” snow back from the shoulders, skimming above the delineator posts. Handling characteristics at the TWY’s 45 mph plowing speed were downright scary, better suited for deep drifts on township roads. Walters were used very sparingly, more often as sign trucks on maintenance projects in the off season. They required lots of attention, always seemed to come back leaking or needing repair, despite programmed maintenance. Needless to say, captive parts weren’t easy to come by, and cost big buck$. Most were replaced with less than 30,000 mi use in about 10-12 years.