Last year the Cat CT660 hit the trucking scene in a big way. After all, it’s not everyday that a new truck hits the market by a company more adapt at building bulldozers. As part of the CT660 marketing blitz Cat ran a contest in which they promised to award a brand new truck to one lucky driver. All you had to do was submit a video outlining your need for the massive rig. I promoted this story last July and then promptly forgot all about it. Thankfully, Cat was more on the ball. Ladies and Gentelmen, you winner, Coley Mulkern and LPA Marine of Peaks Island, Maine!
For more video and photos of the events click here.
Once again our old friend chain link fence returns to mar an otherwise nice photo. The trains below are EMD SD40T-2’s built in 1978. They belong to the New York Susquahanna & Western railroad and were sitting on the elevated tracks that cut through downtown Syracuse on the outskirts of Armory Square. The amount of information available online about these trains is simply mind blowing. Just typing the train number into Google brought me to websites with literally hundreds of photos of each locomotive. Clearly train spotters are the most rabid of any hobbyist group!
Random Wikipedia Facts.
312 SD40T-2 were manufactured between 1974 and 1980
Power provided by a 16 Cylinder diesel capable of 3,000 HP
SD40T-2 are commonly referred to as “tunnel motors” as they were designed to operate efficiently in tunnels
Unit 3014 has “snoot” nose for radio control equipment
At one point Southern Pacific (later Union Pacific) owned every SD40T-2
New York Susquahanna & Western 3016 - Click to Enlarge
Who doesn’t love a good auction? The prospect of grabbing something for below cost is exciting and the bidding process can be near gambling level addictive. There is a reason why eBay is still in business. Yesterday I attended an Alex Lyon auction in Canastota, NY. This auction truly had something for everything. Pickups, loaders, dozers, dump trucks, limos, tractors, support tools, the list goes on and on. Some lots were brand new with less than 10 hours on the clock. Others were decades old but still in decent shape. The best part about an auction like this is they ability to try equipment out before bidding. Nearly everything on the premise had keys, some equipment was even left running. Now, most people who started a truck or tractor up simply wanted information to make an informed bid. But others, me included, just wanted to have some fun. It was great to start up a Ford LTL 9000 and attempt to build air pressure. Moving the the AM General CCC (Crane Carrier) around was a blast. Sitting in the cab of Freightliner Classic brought back found memories of trucking school. Plus the the 515 HP Detroit under the hood sounded great. It was like a giant sandbox for adults!
Another day, another Diamond-Reo Giant. The Giant is no stranger to Daily Diesel Dose. In fact there have been three seperate stories about this classic Diamond-Reo model. Maybe they are not as rare as I thought?
Diamond-Reo Giant - Click to Enlarge
This truck was hanging out Carousel Center, the regional super mall soon to be rechristened as Destiny USA.
On this fine Friday the 13th enjoy this classic combination of a 1981 Kenworth W-900A hauling a 1957 Autocar. The owner of this truck said the Autocar was gas powered by a “Brockway” engine which means it could be a Continental. Continental was a large producer of engines back in the day of which Brockway was a long time customer. I’ve even heard tales that at one time Continental attempted to purchase Brockway Trucks. The doors on this Autocar held the faded signage of the Delaware County Highway Department. The inches of dried asphalt on the back of the bumper attest to this story.
Continuing my world class coverage of the CNY ATHS 2012 truck show I bring you this 1980 Kenworth W900. Check out the end of the video when the coal is poured on.
Next is this great Brockway 361, or to be more specific, a 1970 Brockway N361L.
We are taking a quick break in the truck show action to bring you this on the job shot of a Ford LTL 9000. This truck was working on a sewer project directly in front of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. I’m not sure how the construction workers on this job stand can stand it, the sweet aroma of barbecued meat hangs heavy in the air all day long.
Forld LTL 9000 - Click to Enlarge
You may remember this truck from a few months back when it was at the local Kenworth dealer.
The 359, the first long hood conventional to roll off the Peterbilt factory line and into the history books as one of the most iconic truck designs of all time. The styling cues this truck introduced in 1967 can still be found today in not only late model Peterbilts but nearly every other major American truck builder.
The final year of 359 production arrived in 1987. Fittingly, 359 special trucks were produced and sold that year to lucky individuals across the country. This particular truck is number 357 of that run. A special dash plaque, kick panel badge and fenders help mark the unique history of this Peterbilt to the trained eye. Of course these were details I was ignorant of until owner Andy Henderson pointed them out. This Pete was the last truck owned and operated by Andy’s father which perhaps is the most important detail of all.
Another year, another phenomenal Central New York ATHS Chapter show. There was a really great turnout of trucks and people to enjoy the perfect weather and scenic views of Long Branch Park. Take a moment to browse through the photo galleries below of many classic standbys and some new favorites. As always, stay tuned for video!
