At The Dealer – Kenworth ???

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Eric

Yesterday Dan sent me these great photos of two brand new Kenworths.  I only have one problem with them…I have no idea what model they are.  They appear to resemble a T-800 but the hood is too long and not pitched as steeply.  Another guess would be the C500 but these two trucks have a single piece windshield not found on that model.  Future potential configurations for both trucks could included a plowing setup based on the extended front frame and stationary grill.  So Kenworth experts, what is your guess?

UFK - Click to Enlarge

Name that Kenworth - Click to Enlarge

Both trucks seem similar to this Onondaga County DOT Plow.

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M26 Tank Transporter

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Eric

I thought this was fitting video keeping with the Memorial Day festivities. Feast your eyes on this World War II tank transporter, lovingly refered to as a “dragon wagon”.

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ATHS National Convention 2012

Posted on May 26, 2012 by Eric

The American Truck Historical Society national convention takes place next week in West Springfield, MA.  I will be there.  My 1952 International pickup may join me as well.  Right now we’re taking it one day at time.  Either way, stay tuned for plenty of coverage.

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Kenworth T680 North American Tour

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Eric

The T680 is the most aerodynamic truck to ever leave a Kenworth Factory.  And much like the hair metal bands of the 80’s the T680 has embarked on a grandiose North American Tour.  Join Kenworth and their new truck as it travels from dealer to dealer by visiting the website kenwortht680tour.com

At times the blog entries read like one giant commercial but they do highlight some very cool features of the truck.  For instance, did you know the mirrors on the T680 can support 360lbs?  Or how about the NavPlus system that allows to stream audio/data/gauges/backup camera via wireless from your iPad or similar device?  It’s a neat page that provides an interesting sample of trucking life from the seat of brand new rig.

And for those that don’t like the new style of OTR Trucks, here is a IHC back hoe.

IHC Backhoe - Click to Enlarge

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Still Working – Fantastic Fords

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Eric

Every truck has a life cycle.  Some still have that factory fresh smell will others reak of leaking oils and fuel.  When I see an older model truck I always like to guess at how it is used and how much longer it will be on the job.  Take this Ford Aeromax L9000 for R+L Carriers.  Does this rig still hit the open road or is used just as backup for when a newer unit is sidelined?  Is it a yard jockey simply moving trailers around the loading docks?  Based on the clean and well maintained condition I’m guessing its role falls some where between a main line unit and spare.  Either way, it’s great to see a well cared for older truck still in the employ of a major national carrier.  Unlike many other L9000’s of this age the grill still has most of its teeth and rust has yet to make a significant appearance.  Here’s to many more years L9000!

Ford Aeromax L9000 - Click to Enlarge

Since we are on the topic of Ford, how about this LTL9000.  You don’t see grills like this one any more.  Is it just me or do those tire seem small?

Ford LTL9000 - Click to Enlarge

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13th Annual Brockway Truck Show

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Eric

The warm weather of summer brings many events. Most importantly, truck shows. Start filling your calendars now with one of the premiere truck events in all of the USA, the Brockway Truck Show in Cortland, NY. Fireworks, auctions, BBQ meats of all varieties and of course, the ever popular truck parade through the streets of historic Cortland.

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Ride of Pride

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Eric

Yesterday Schneider National and Cargo Transporters each took delivery of a brand new Cascadia for their fleets.  This may not seem like a big deal but these are not your everyday, run of the mill fleet, rigs.  See the photos below for proof.  Click for a full sized view.

  

These two Freightliners represent the tenth generation of trucks produced for the Ride of Pride Program.

“Ride of Pride symbolizes respect for and great pride in our servicemen and women, and our employees take a great amount of pride in building these trucks,” said Michael McCurry, Cleveland plant manager for Freightliner Trucks. “We are so pleased to present Schneider National and Cargo Transporters with these traveling tributes to veterans.”

Rolling Thunder uses the Ride of Pride trucks to further their mission of public education relating to prisoners of war and those missing in action.  As a non profit, Rolling Thunder supports veterans and their families through the donation of food, clothing and other daily life essentials.

Click the link below for the official press release.

FreightlinerTrucks.com

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Name the Mack

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Eric

The other day I was cruising the back roads when I came across a collection of trucks tucked in behind the brush. They were too far back to grab good photos but why should that stop the fun?  I know the make of the truck but do you?  So all you Mack experts, what is your best guess?

Name that Mack – Click To Enlarge

The truck below speaks for itself.

B-Model Mack – Click to Enlarge

Know of any old trucks or heavy equipment in hiding?  Email Me!

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Famous Trucks – Peterbilt 378

Posted on May 19, 2012 by Eric

The summer blockbuster movie season is underway and perhaps one of the most anticipated movies on the horizon is the third and final Christopher Nolan created Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises.  Thinking back to the last movie, which was nothing short of epic, I am reminded of the wonderful action scene involving a whole fleet of heavy duty trucks battling it out on the underground streets of Gotham City.

One of the main players in this sequence was an 80’s something Peterbilt 378.  To complete the shooting nearly twenty 378’s were purchased and modified to be identical.  If you are familiar with this part of the movie you won’t be surprised to learn that only one of the twenty trucks survived the movie.  See below.

The other trucks in the chase scene involved an White/GMC/Autocar Xpeditor garbage truck, International 4700 Armored Car and an E-One Fire Truck. Check out the clip below and see what you can spot.

Obviously, the Autocar and E-One didn’t survive the movie but the International did. I’ve seen it surface on eBay a few times in the four years since the movie debut.

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Rusty and Crusty

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Eric

That’s right, I can still find the plow trucks even though it is nearly June!

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Stats

1999 International 257

  • CUMMINS N14 ENGINE
  • 350 HP
  • 8LL TRANSMISSION
  • SPRING SUSPENSION
  • 20,000 LBS FRONT AXLE
  • 23,000 LBS TANDEM REAR AXLE
  • 43,000 LBS GVWR
  • 65R22.5 (FA) TIRES
  • STEEL WHEELS
  • 204″ WB
  • PLOW W 14′ GALION BODY
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