Author Archives: truckbloguk

Mr Trevor Dodwell

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Another great character and old school driver off to the big Truckstop in the sky – Trevor Dodwell.

Sadly another one gone to join some of the other names we all know and looked upto. If you were of my generation (I’m 41), then we were of the age where M.E. Opportunities were becoming a little thin on the ground, but hearing about and reading about those lucky enough to carry on doing the M.E. runs upto the end were what our driving dreams were made of. I was lucky enough to meet Mr Dodwell on one of my first trips across the water in my artic. Having tipped and reloaded in Meer, Belgium for Germany I had to call into Meer Truckstop to see what it was all about. While walking across the parking area what did I come across, yep, the above Volvo with Astran stickers on the doors. Of course I went over to have a closer look and Trevor appeared. To me Trevor was one of those proper truck driver types, a big man, looked like a tough old boy but he was more than happy to have a chat for 20 mins or so. Full of knowledge and he told me a few tips to help with my first trip to Germany, a local for him of course! As old school drivers become rarer and rarer to find I urge all you younger ones to glean as much info from our elders as you can. As the world of international transport continues to change quicker than you can say “what’s a tacho disc?”, tips and tales from those who have been doing the job since the golden years are truly invaluable and will be lost eventually. I could have stood and listened to Trevor talking about his travels for hours. A true Middle East regular he made loading from Gouda out to where ever it was, sound like a local, like my trip to Germany. After a while Trevor took me into the Truckstop showed me where everything was before getting me a coffee and giving me a couple of Astran stickers. I don’t drink coffee but how could a refuse, I was a little wrapped up in the moment. This happens a lot to me and I hope I’m not alone. I was at the Fox on the A1 with an old boy I shared a table with for dinner and he started talking about his M.E. Days until another gent came in and they hadn’t seen each other since 197? in somewhere east of Turkey, then again at the Astran weekend at Gaydon and I was stood in a ring of all the faces from Destination Doha, just awesome tales to take on board. Not to mention the Nick Bulls, Karl Skiltons and Graham Balls of this world, who were the last of the last on the Middle East run, that said I know Nick and Karl are both ready and waiting for the call!

Not to mention the tales of Uncle Dick Snow who Trevor knew as well. In a brief meeting in a Truckstop on the Dutch Belgian border I met one of the greats. Sad times as our elders get older, so rest in peace Trevor and for that matter Bob Headley who also recently passed away. Bob was also a well known face on the Middle East run.

For those who are interested the outfit Trevor had was know as a “seller”. Bought from UK customs I think he said, loading from NL to the Middle East, both truck and trailer would then be sold and left for a new life in the sun. If I remember rightly Trevor said the trailer had been impounded in the UK, as it was caught smuggling drugs, fags or both in the coil well under the main floor boards. I think the Globetrotter also came from the same source, a UK government auction having been impounded by HM Customs and abandoned after its dodgy crossing to the UK.

Condolences to Trevor’s family and friends.

Pickfords Atkinson View Line

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It’s not often I blog at the moment and even less often do I genuinely get sent decent blog material at the moment. Bucking the trend is this awesome little restoration article I have been sent by Sophie Gower from Pickfords. Happy reading bloggers;

A rare heavy haulage vehicle from 1970 has been restored to its original Pickfords livery by Logistics Consultant David Batty. David currently works with road tanker specialist Abbey Logistics and this project has been completed in his spare time away from the company and his other commitments..

David spotted the vehicle in a scrap yard in Stoke on Trent seventeen years ago and realised that it was a rare find. There were only approximately 200 Atkinson View Line’s manufactured between 1968 and 1970 and Pickfords acquired twelve of these vehicles to add to its heavy haulage fleet between 1968 and 1970. The Atkinson View Line was, at the time, a revolutionary design, designed to work on heavy haulage fleets such as Pickfords.

The cab was the first of its kind and revolutionary at the time, as it featured a distinctive one piece front windscreen giving greater visibility and improved safety. One of the reasons Pickfords chose this lorry. As a driver at the time, the Atkinson View line stood out among other lorries and was a highly sought after vehicle among drivers and was seen as quite a status symbol at the time.

David acquired the View Line and spent seventeen years restoring the vehicle to as near as possible to its original specification.  He researched and found the original build sheet from the Atkinson factory, sourced the distinctive Pickfords ‘Oxford Blue’  paint colour and matched the original Pickfords Clarendon font to complete the restoration.

The restoration consisted of a completely rebuilt cab, along with all the main mechanical items such as engine, gearbox and axles getting overhauled and now working as good as they did the day the lorry left the factory. 

David shared the results of his work with Pickfords. Managing Director Mark Taylor said  “This is an amazing piece of work,  so much care has been taken to restore the vehicle faithfully and it’s a credit to David’s hard work and commitment” 

The vehicle is fully road legal and David plans to exhibit it at shows and events across the U.K.in the coming years – so look out for one of the UK’s most iconic lorries back to its former glory, and on the road again!

770 Swedish Horses

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Introducing the new Scania V8 range
• Four new V8 engines and powertrains offer fuel savings of up to 6%
• 530, 590, 660 and 770 hp – a line-up of unsurpassed V8 power
• Low internal friction, updated turbocharger and smart auxiliaries
• Updated aftertreatment system and performance
• Longer and heavier trucks offer increased transport efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, both with or without biodiesel fuels
Scania’s new V8 engines not only offer record level power but vastly improved fuel efficiency as well. The total savings can reach up to six percent – or even more – under the right conditions, when the new G33 gearbox is included in the powertrain. Fuel savings of that magnitude make a huge difference of course, both long term for the climate and here and now for the haulier.
“While shifting to fossil-free transports, we all must do everything to improve our current solutions,” says Alexander Vlaskamp, Executive Vice President, Head of Sales and Marketing. “You cannot let your house burn down simply be- cause a new one is under construction. The transition must be seamless”.
The fuel savings are the result of extensive fine-tuning and development by Scania’s engineers, involving technologies in the fore-front of internal combustion engine development. Among them, and provided by more than 70 new parts, are reduced internal friction, higher compression ratios, improved aftertreatment-systems and a new powerful engine management system (EMS).
While future, electrified transports are on top of the agenda, the world still depend on transports carried out with trucks powered by internal combustion engines – and that is why Scania’s new powerful V8 engines play such an important role.
“A typical long-distance truck in Europe covers around 150,000 kilometres per year,” says Vlaskamp. “A reasonable saving on markets where longer and heavier combi- nations are permitted can be up to 3,000–4,000 litres annually for a truck with our new V8 – a tremendous achievement in every respect”.

Most spectacular and of certain interest in the new V8 generation is the 770 hp, 3700 Nm top-of-the line version – probably the most powerful, factory-built truck engine in production today. Where and when is all this power asked for?
“This is, of course, not for everyone, but we see a growing demand for trucks capable of handling GTWs of 60 tonnes and above, especially for road-going combinations,” says Vlaskamp. “The fastest way to increase transport efficiency is with longer and heavier truck combinations. The added fuel for a heavier vehicle is compensated by the greater payload capacity. The CO2-per-tonne calculation is favourable, and in addition there is the opportunity to run your Scania V8 truck on renewable biofuels”.
It is natural that trucks with Scania’s V8 engines are highly in demand in countries where greater GTWs are permitted – particularly in the Nordic countries. But also countries such as Italy and Spain (and certain markets outside Europe) are fond of V8s, due to hilly terrain with many steep and challenging roads.
“We have a clear picture of where the first 770 hp trucks will start making a differ- ence,” says Vlaskamp. “There is a strong rationale for ordering such a truck. These customers are looking for the best total operating economy, well aware of the fact that more payload means better efficiency, increased revenue and higher residual value. But I know that some of our customers also will become extra heartened by the sheer joy and emotion of operating such a magnificent working tool.”

Actros Edition 2

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Actros Edition 2: limited special model with a “wow” effect

Whereas with the new Actros F, Mercedes-Benz Trucks especially focuses on customers who mainly want the greatest possible functionality from a commercial vehicle with the three-pointed star, the Actros Edition 2, which can be ordered from January 2021, caters to an entirely different target group: innovation-loving professional drivers and self-driving hauliers whose truck is their home and who place great value on individual style and high comfort. Actros Edition 2 drivers have a strong emotional bond with their vehicle, which is more than a working and driving machine to them. With the special model, hauliers enhance their company’s image while also holding a trump card against the current shortage of drivers.

Up to 40 additional options for interior and exterior as well as design elements from Edition 1 give the Actros Edition 2, limited to 400 vehicles, an unmistakeable character. The result: a premium Actros with a “wow” effect and features that highly distinguish it from the series models of the internationally successful model range.

Driving, working and living in a luxurious environment

A whole range of equipment features highlight the Edition 2’s sense of luxury. Among these, the stylish interior boasts a dashboard and door handles covered in nappa leather, several interior parts in a carbon-fibre look as well as a roof hatch with ambient lighting. The new home screen in the Multimedia Cockpit’s primary display as well as the Edition logo out of polished and brushed aluminium on the passenger side are also real eye-catchers. The top bed comes with bedding and has a width of 900 millimetres. An all-around curtain – almond beige on the inside, black on the outside – ensures privacy in a stylish way. This equally applies to the curtain with the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star in front of the bed.

The highlights of its exterior include, among other things, exclusive side wall decals with a star pattern, the “Edition 2” lettering in the lacquered sun visor, the Actros emblem in front, the Actros lettering on the upper side of the cab’s back wall, four additional LED spotlights in the sun visor as well as three LED working lights behind the cab. From the side, the stainless steel entrance steps are especially noticeable. The rear axle caps are also stainless steel, with protective wheel nut caps. Additionally, an illuminated Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star with black aperture and several decorative grille elements in dark chrome also comes as standard, while the headlamp surround is darkened.

The Edition 2 is offered for all two- and three-axle variants of the current Actros generation with GigaSpace and BigSpace cabs as a left-hand or right-hand drive. The cab paint is freely selectable and can be tailored specifically to the customer’s company colours, while the vehicle front is always painted in moonstone grey metallic, which ensures a high recognition value.

The Edition 2’s series equipment contains the following six packages:

  • Safety Package with a number of active driver assistance systems
  • Comfort Package with LED ambient lighting, shaving mirror, refrigerator and many other amenities for comfortable living
  • Driving Package with leather steering wheel, electric sun blind and more
  • Sight Package with, among others, bi-xenon headlights, rain sensor and LED rear lamps
  • Media Package with sound system, notebook holder, additional 12/15 V socket
  • Extra Line with LED position lights in the MirrorCam, LED indicators and Welcome Light

In addition, the Actros Edition 2 also comprises individually configurable service packages such as the new, mileage-based service contract Mercedes-Benz CompleteMile as well as made-to-measure leasing, financing and insurance solutions.

Excellent security features and tailored connectivity

Mercedes Benz Trucks’ goal with the Edition 2 is the same as its goal with the current Actros generation: to contribute to accident-free traffic and advance toward the vision of fully accident-free driving by utilising active safety assistance systems. For this purpose, the Edition 2 is equipped with the emergency braking assistant Active Brake Assist in its fifth generation (ABA 5), the optional Active Drive Assist (ADA) for partially automated driving (SAE level 2), the standard MirrorCam that replaces main and wide-angle mirrors as well as the Sideguard Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection available ex-works. In conjunction with these assistance systems, the further developed Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) is also impressive. The system not only saves a lot of fuel, but is also a relief for the driver on rural routes.

The driver is shown the activities and functions of systems such as ABA 5, ADA or PPC in the user-friendly Multimedia Cockpit, with its two colour displays forming the centrepiece of the Human-Machine Interface (HMI). In addition, further HMI innovations such as the display of the next navigation event in the primary display or the total weight of tractor unit and trailer are also included. For PPC, the kilometre display is no longer shown as a bar diagram but in absolute values, and the battery status is also displayed.

If you decide to purchase the interactive Multimedia Cockpit as an upgrade to the standard version, you also receive fast access to the Mercedes-Benz Truck App Portal. This enables haulage companies to harness the new opportunities of connectivity and equip their vehicles with efficiency- and comfort-enhancing apps such as telematics services from Fleetboard or third-party providers. The new logistics application HABBL from Fleetboard Logistics is new here. This software enables you to easily integrate trucks from your own fleet as well as from subcontractors into the dispatching process, provide assignment data and therefore facilitate communication with the drivers: Everyone involved in the transport process – driver, dispatcher and end customer – always receives the required information. This increases process quality while creating a high level of transparency

Essex Models Seek new Home

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Thought you’d missed out?

Every one needs a bit of Essex in their life. There are only a few of these models left up for grabs. A nice box set made by Tekno in 1:50 scale. There were less than 50 sets left at the time of writing so be quick and get your order in.

There were only 250 of these Essex International sets produced and most have gone, these are the last few sets available. They will of course be a collectors item set and will be sure to appreciate in value. If you’re keen then they are up for £175 posted to a mainland UK address or you can collect from Russell Oliver at Truckfest Peterborough this coming bank holiday weekend.

You can contact Russell by direct message on either of the following platforms;

Instagram = diamondgeezer1974

Facebook = Russell Oliver

Dover Mystery Machine

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I say mystery machine but we can all agree that the evidence suggests it’s a lovely old SK Mercedes-Benz. That said, would you expect to spot it in a very windy Dover, waiting to ship out on a Tuesday evening?? No not really. Spotted by top #littlebigcabclub member Mr Marsh, this old girl was joining the lines waiting to head off to France last night. A few thing to consider, it’s a day cab, it’s a Luton, it’s got a rear loading well, it’s plain white, it’s not your average continental spec is it. Taking all that on board I think it is a regular on the high seas to Europe. Why? Well it’s an 18 tonner but why is it so low, especially for a Luton body, if it was UK only surely it would be taller??

Anyway a little bit of fun, any ideas who’s it is or what it’s doing?? Have you seen a regular shipper outer who doesn’t fit the shipper outer bill??

The Beast of BeneLux

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In the wonderful world of Mercedes-Benz and the family network across the world of Daimler Trucks, we sell a huge variety of different marques and models from Freightliner to Western Star, to Bharat Benz and the vast array of FUSO chassis available, I have to say I still think the best of the lot is the new Actros / Actros 5 / MP5 or how ever you prefer to call it. There is also a loyal following of truck sales staff across the world that we get to meet and talk to via social media these day and I can’t wait to see how my Australian colleagues get on with MirrorCam on their road trains and also how long it will be before Freightliner catch up the Actros on fuel. Anyway I do digress slightly, so back to the top. I have come to know a salesman from Mercedes-Benz BeneLux who by all accounts sells some belters and has already clocked up 30 SLT’s, those are the heavy haulage tractors. So when Geert Groeninckx messaged me and asked if I can keep I secret of course I said yes! Luckily now the secret is out and I can share these photos with you. This is how Mercedes-Benz Trucks roll in Belgium and Luxembourg……..

The press release from Our BeneLux friend reads as follows, this is a direct translation into English and I will follow it up with the words for our European readers too;

Last Thursday, some customers and prospects of Mercedes-Benz BeLux were introduced to the sporty AMG range at the Circuit of Zolder during the Petrolhead Days. During the break, our new show truck also had the opportunity to drive a few laps. 🤩

Thanks to Olivier Dekens “OlliVision” and Ivan Tarantsov Photo for these beautiful pictures!

Afgelopen donderdag maakten enkele klanten en prospecten van Mercedes-Benz BeLux kennis met het sportieve AMG gamma op het Circuit van Zolder tijdens de Petrolhead Days. Tijdens de pauze kreeg onze nieuwe showtruck ook de kans om enkele ronden te rijden. 🤩

Bedankt aan Olivier Dekens “OlliVision” en Ivan Tarantsov Photo voor deze prachtige foto’s!

If you fancy a new Actros in LHD that will give you some of the best MPG or KM/Litre then the truck is still for sale. Remember it doesn’t just look good, it has world leading technology to make this the safest and most advanced truck on the market, as a 4×2 it can be stage 3 autonomous. It’s just this one looks better than most of the rest! What an awesome looking truck, 4×2 tractors still look proper to me especially when being chased by a couple of AMG’s!

Right who’s got the phone number for Silverstone…….

Piggy Back to Burgos

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….a bit further to be fair but it was all I could think of! Hello bloggers it’s been a while hasn’t it. Been busy with lockdown, furlough, home schooling, back to work, DIY and what ever else, so apologies for the absence, certainly strange times for all of us.

If we could I’m sure we’d all do a “Graham” and get in the car and bugger off to our own vista in the Spanish countryside away from everything and everyone. I noticed GW shipping out in his trusty Galaxy earlier in the week. Please to say the old boss hadn’t forgotten me on his run to the sun. As it goes I have quite a lot of you thinking about me, well they are your words…..”saw this and thought of you”…… you know how it goes.

Anyway just a quick blog, in times of lock down, nothing like a couple of photos of a truly European set up with this trucksporter. Three new Swedish Scania’s made in French France, on the way to Portuguese Portugal, loaded on a Spanish based German made Mercedes-Benz, with an Italian built body. Any guesses on the nationality of the driver?? Mr Wilson took the photo on Thursday on a quick stop on the A1 near Burgos.