Old Glory

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Eric

I have to say, the website of the Nevada National Security Site is one of the more interesting government domains I have ever visited. And if the website is any indication than the actual 1,360 square mile physical facility (larger than Rhode Island) must be worth the visit.

Located in a remote, highly secure area of southern Nevada, the NNSS is a premier outdoor, indoor, and underground national laboratory. It is a preferred location for experiments supporting the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)’s nuclear weapons Stockpile Stewardship Programs, national defense programs, and national security research, development and training programs, as well as vital programs of other federal agencies.

That description sounds a little dry but the NNSS is home to BEEF, the Big Experimental Explosives Facility. Anytime your dealing with big experimental explosives you must have big cranes. Case in point, this Manitowoc.

I have a feeling this might be a one off model. Anyone out there have a guess? By the way, the NNSS was holding a crane name contest for this old brute. Last I checked Leona was in the lead. At least that is better that Craney McCraneFace.

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At the Dealer – What’s In A Name

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Eric

Here we see a pair of RH trucks, the latest regional haul offering by International Trucks. The RH replaces the Transtar line of trucks with what used to be the International Prostar. 

If your confused don’t feel bad. The Prostar name was dropped in favor of the LT, as seen below in daycab form. The LT is powered by the new International built A26 or the Cummins x15.

Most new trucks are flashing with plenty of accent chrome and aluminum wheels but this Western Star 4700 is nearly as plain as they come with steel rims all around and what even looks to be a steel box. Tastefully simple.

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Blue Oval Wonders

Posted on February 6, 2018 by Eric

I don’t have much trouble coming across heavy Ford trucks from the mid 90’s. Makes you think that maybe, just maybe, Ford had a good thing going for them and was a little premature in selling off their heavies to Daimler Trucks North America. Dump trucks come from one of two creation paths. The first type originates from a blank slate in which a truck is ordered from the factory for the demanding life of hauling and dumping. The second follows a path that sees it start life as a tractor. Commonly the frame is lengthened but here we see a chopped job on Ford Aeromax LTL9000.

And what about this L9000? Chrome, grill and other sheet metal are looking good. Cat diesel powered is a strong guess. Gearing through an 8LL trans makes even more sense.

So what do you think? Did Ford miss the mark by getting out of heavy trucks?

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The Star Next Door

Posted on February 3, 2018 by Eric

Time to take a look at some new Western Star snow plows. This first up is a Western Star 4900 for the town of Exeter, NY. This truck is rocking the 505 HP Detroit and an 18 speed Eaton. The manual transmission still exists!

Parked next the Exeter truck was this 4700 for the Town of Virgil. A more restrained DD13 and an auto transmission makes up the guts of this truck.

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Who Wore It Better

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Eric

I know these trucks are not exactly equals in terms of the body out back but they are similar in concept. Which one would you rather drive? This shiny and new Freightliner 122SD presuabmly with cruise, A/C, satellite radio and heated seats or…

This tried and true Mack RD with none of the creature comforts listed above? Which one will still be with us in the next 10 years. Only the magic 8 Ball knows that answer for sure but you can probably guess my choice. 😉

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Packers and Hackers

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Eric

Take a look at this cute little truck. In a few years with the proper nutrition and exercise it might just grow up to be a full sized front loader. I spotted this truck over at the local Mack dealer a few weeks back. It belongs to the County agency tasked with operating the sewage treatment plants. I can only imagine that the small size of this truck has something to do with the tight confines of where it operates. Many years back during a freshman college science course I had the pleasure of touring the main treatment plant of the area. One part of the plant housed two giant augers that churn out the “non biodegradble” materials from the main sewage outflow. You’d be surprised the kinds of things that make it down the drain. Everything from large pieces of lumber to car bumpers. Now you see why they need this truck.

Now there is nothing really special about this next truck other than its an International 4900. My guilty pleasure of modern era trucks. There is nothing too impressive about this model but I snap a photo of one every chance I get. Deal with it. 😉

Back on the small truck front what about this GMC T7500. The body is rough but it looks like it’s the process of a repaint. Odd combo for this area.

We’ll end this little sanitation vacation with a look at a new Western Star 4700 with Heil body. Wish I had more to say about it but I don’t. I wonder if this custom Heil license plate is a special add on?

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Autocar Mondays – Impending Storm

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Eric

Here is a cool shot of a vintage Autocar from a photo I recently purchased on ebay. The caption reads….

George Savard of Medford loads a truck with sand at the MDC Central Services North Central Garage in Stoneham in preparation for for tonight’s predicted snowfall. February 2, 1985 – Ren Norton

In case there was any confusion about where this photo originated let it be put to rest now. It’s “Bahsten”. The best I can tell the MDC was responsible for maintaining parks and other such facilities back in the day. Whether or not this truck was owned by the MDC or was a private contractor is unknow but the later choice is the best guess. Most likely this truck is DC model and just looks awesome with the massive blade out front. Pure 80’s snow fighter right here.

Do you have an awesome Autocar you would like to see feature on Autocar Mondays? Email eric@dailydieseldose.com today!

Posted in Autocar Trucks | 2 Comments

Supor and Sons Part II

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Eric

So the other day I made some comparisons to the GE turbine move I witnessed last year to that of the one Hugh shared with us. After seeing this second round of photos clearly I was comparing apples to oranges.

Hugh tells us..

The mobile platforms were manufactured by Kamag and the bridge structure which pivoted on the two transporters totaled approximately 192 feet in overall length.  The bridge structure carried the loads on two cross members suspended within the structure.  The reason for the overall length was to distribute the weight so as to comply with CT DOT wheel load requirements.  The rear platform had two additional diesel power pads to supplement the power pack attached to the lead platform.  The whole assembly was operated with a tethered control on the lead platform. 

Truly impressive. It’s hard to believe such loads could moved down any road. Thanks again for the share Hugh!

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Supor and Sons

Posted on January 24, 2018 by Eric

It was just about this time last year when a massive GE built generator passed through the area on its way to a new power plant in Pennsylvania. During that pull at least six heavy haul Kenworths labored to push and pull the load up the steep hills of the Cherry Valley Turnpike. If you’ve forgotten, click here to reminisce. Anyway, maybe so many trucks wouldn’t have been needed if one or two M-1070 has been put to use.

Hugh sends in these photos of some equipment used by J. Supor and Sons as they recently moved a similar GE turbine load through the countryside. The M-1070 is the primary tank mover of the United States military and many other members of NATO. Powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V-92TA it would have been awesome to witness this beast lumbering through the hillsides. A real treat for the ear holes too.

Now this Kenworth might just look like your typical heavy spec model but Hugh tells us the steering is actually on the right side of the cab. Things that make say hmmmm. I wonder what that is all about? Possible Australian import?

Do these color combos seem familiar? They should. Dan shared some shots of a Supor truck seen at job in Buffalo in a few years back. Click here to revisit

Thanks again to Hugh for sharing these photos with us. It makes me wish more heavy loads would pass through the area once in a while. 

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Autocar Mondays – Big Dog

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Eric

Here we have a spectacular 87′ DK of Columbus Square Auto. It seems like if you find a 31 year old tow truck on the job it turns out to be an Autocar. No surprises here am I right?

Brett sends in these photos and tells us a Cat 3406 tied to a 13 speed is the magical combination that produces the power and speed used by this truck to get the heavy loads home.

This truck is daily worker and you would like to see more stop by the Columbus Square Auto website by clicking here or visit their facebook page here.

Thanks to Brett for sharing these photos! Do you have an Autocar you would like to see featured on Autocar Mondays? Email eric@dailydieseldose.com today

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