Renault AE Magnum = 1990-2013

Posted on March 9, 2014 by truckbloguk

Last Wednesday I put up a quick photo of a pair of Renault Magnums that I was loading at work. Surprisingly nearly 600 of you looked at it and it generated a load of comments, mostly positive but a couple of negative. I’ve always felt like the Magnum was a bit of a one-off if you know what I mean. It was always an individual truck not like the rest, with its huge block of a cab and a flat floor, it was unique almost right through to 2013 when production of the big French tower block ceased. Some of the comments were:

“An Icon”
“One of the best trucks I have driven on European work.”
“Good riddance to bad rubbish!”
and the best of all;
“We had 14 people in one at Truckfest once!”

Production of the Renault AE Magnum, as it was first know, started in 1990 (the same year I started secondary school!) at Renaults Bourg-en-Bresse plant. The truck was designed to be for long haul operators and by all accounts it did become a firm favourite with a lot of international operators. I can’t remember his name but there was a German owner driver who used to run right across Russia, an Astran subbie had a red one running to Middle East to name a couple of famous ones. Also Norbert Dentressangle ran them from Spain and with Aston Clinton Haulage. Eddie Stobart had some, I think long haul operator Ralph Davies had one. Countless F1 Grand Prix teams have used them as the flagships for the team and sponsors. All in all they have always been seen as something a bit special. These days you can pick them up for a few thousand pounds, perhaps they could become a collectors item in years to come??

Personally I never had the Magnum experience and didn’t get to drive one (perhaps there is still time) but it seemed to always be a truck that divided drivers. Either you loved it or hated it. Those who weren’t fans often claimed they felt sea sick, due to the cab being one of the first to be fully air suspended by I think 4 air bags. I’m sure you’ve all see a Magnum leaning well to one side when the air bags had gone. I can actually only remember sitting in a Magnum once, which was just a few years ago at the IAA Show in Hanover. I was a bit surprised that the cab didn’t feel a bit bigger, but then I guess if I had got in one back in 1990 it would have felt huge compared to most other cabs on the market then. Saying that I still got the feeling of a big cab, flat floor and a very high seating position, which along with the huge coach like windscreen, made for pretty good forward vision.

The AE Magnum was voted International Truck of the Year in 1991. At the time the truck was the first in production from Renault with disc brakes, along with some other mechanic firsts, it was thought that it was the trucks flat floor cab with its 1.87 metres of head room (this was over 2m when production stopped) that gave it the edge to win the ITOTY. The truck was known as the Renault AE Magnum, Renault wanted the range to be known as the Renault AE. This was the case for the 1st 7 years, then in 1997 it was decided that all trucks in the range would be named some thing beginning with the letter “M”, so from then on it was known as the Renault Magnum. A number of special editions over the years have almost gone by without notice, the Magnum Vega, the Magnum Route 66 to name a couple and the last was the Magnum Legend, which was a limited run of 99 trucks produced to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the truck.

Well that’s about all I can tell you about the Magnum, but I think its fair to say that the Magnum may be gone but I don’t think it will ever be forgotten. It was the truck that pioneered the way to big cabs and big living space for the driver. It was an eye catcher no matter whether in a good way or a bad way, it all depends on your own taste. I was a fan and will miss the big Frenchie, it’s a sad fact that the new Renault truck range just doesn’t have any outstanding about it. Good trucks they are yes, but they will no way near fill the legendary shoes left by the Magnum. A truly unique truck.

Renault AE Magnum R.I.P. 1990 – 2013.
Click this link for all you need to know about the Magnums life: CLICK HERE.

Truckstar Festival 2014

Posted on February 28, 2014 by truckbloguk

If you need the weakest excuse ever to go to the possibly the best truckshow in Europe, then you need to go so you can your hands on this delightful WSI model. The model is being released in collaboration with Truckstar. They produce an official 1/50 scale model each year, this year it is a Mercedes Benz Actros Big Space rigid, with a very tidy matching 3 axle frigo drawbar trailer. The WSI website says;

“The 6×2 truck features a tag axel and built-in cooling engine underneath. The chassis has been closed up completely. The trailer has 3 axles and also has a completely closed chassis with storage boxes and a Thermoking cooling engine at the front. The model comes in the colour combination white and orange.”

If you want to get one of the models then you can either pre-order on the WSI website from next week or you can get yourselves to the Netherlands for the last weekend of July. Having now been to Truckstar Festival twice now, I still can’t quite put into words quite how much I like it! Top trucks from all over Europe and a typical relaxed Dutch atmosphere and all without any hi-viz wearing Stewards or health and safety officers trying to make the show about them. Just awesome if you a real true truck nut.

Held at the Assen TT Race Circuit, just out side of the northern Dutch town of Assen, the Truckstar Festival is well worth a weekend visit. The dates for your diary are 26th & 27th July and I suggest you charge your camera’s and for those of you who are old enough charge your beer arm as the Dutch are a hospitable bunch. If your slightly smaller and not old enough try to persuade your parents to let you take your roller skates of even a bike, there can be a lot of walking if you want to see all 2200+ trucks! My ~~trusty drinking~~ truck driving partner Mr James Cartwright will be heading over to Assen by one way or another, hopefully by truck but if not car will have to do, at least if we go by car we might be able to find a supermarket that sells that amazing Dutch curry sauce. Other than that I will have to be-friend yet another Dutchman so I can recharge my camera as I usually use a full battery each day.

Northern Lights by Nick Ireland – Part 2

Posted on January 26, 2014 by truckbloguk

We took the direction Gothenburg, and then split off towards Stockholm. The roads were excellent, dual carriageway all the way. The extra bit of pedal left under the right foot really helped when having to push the little DAF past the massive 25m long Swedish outfits, I was in awe of them. Near Linkoping we went past some SAAB planes stuck on plinths by the side of the motorway, presumably to advertise the factory at Trollhatten although it was some miles away. Near Sodertalje we took on fuel, I could see the vast Scania factory on the opposite side of the motorway. It started getting dark about 10pm, but by 1am I was amazed to see light coming from the east, the nights are very short here. We stopped at 02:30 for a coffee in the middle of a forest area, and the light was the kind you would get around 5am in England in summer. I took some pictures of the truck and the flash still went off as it was a bit dull, but nonetheless it was light, this was messing with my head!

The scenery was spectacular, vast areas of forest with lots of lakes. In many places the roads were dead straight for miles, mostly single track now though, and every now and then we’d drive through a deserted town or village, although it was daylight you had to remind yourself how early it was. We reached Ostersund and parked next to some huge 8-wheeled tour buses that were carrying crew for the festival. Steve checked in with the Blondie production crew, and when we found we couldn’t position the truck for an hour or so, he got me a pass and we went off to the catering building for breakfast. When we sat down it quickly became apparent that we were sitting next to Clem, the Blondie drummer! He was giving somebody a brief history of the band and how they broke up and reformed. After breakfast Steve was able to position his truck next to our production crew’s Beat The Street bus and pull my card out. I said my thank you’s to him, and said goodbye, I was due to fly home the next morning. I got to my gorgeous, plush hotel, had a shower and went to bed, the plan being to grab a few hours before exploring Ostersund, then back to bed again in the evening.

I got up in the afternoon, and took a wander down to the concert area where I bumped into Steve. He was glad to see me, as he wanted to ask if it was a problem to stay on an extra day. He need to take a 24hr break, and wondered if I would drive the truck over to Oslo, where he would stay for a break and I could fly home from there. I had no problem with it, after all and extra days work, and an extra country to tick off my list! He also said as I had a pass I could go and watch the concert that evening, an extra bonus! I left him to make the arrangements while I took a wander around the town, and the fantastic lake that it sits next to. The town itself was nothing special, except for the fact that with no exception every single woman I saw was drop dead gorgeous, it was surreal! Near the edge of the lake I found a visiting fairground, and their trucks that were parked up were all classic Volvo F12’s and Scania 1 series, my camera was glowing red hot by the time I had finished there!

I also took a wander out of the town and found a parking area with some 25m combinations in it, a spotter’s paradise.

In the evening I went down and watched the concert, and was blown away, the band was fantastic. Steve spotted me down the front and called me to come round the back of the stage, and proceeded to take me onto the stage so I could watch it from the side, what a thrill.

After they had finished, we loaded the truck, and set off for Oslo. Heading for Trondheim it was around 5am as I crossed the Norwegian border. Being the first time I had been here I sailed through, and plodded on regardless. About half an hour later Steve poked his head out from the bunk and asked how we were doing, and how far away from the border were we? I replied ‘very well, crossed the border half an hour ago’. He asked what I had done about getting the carnet stamped? Whoops, didn’t realise we had to! So I had to backtrack, and got back to the deserted border at 6am. The customs office didn’t open until 7am so I snoozed in the seat, still feeling rather silly about my mistake. It didn’t take long to process the papers once they opened, there were only a couple of other trucks waiting with us. Then it was on past Trondheim, Lillehammer and to Oslo, the scenery was breath taking and I wish I could have taken more pictures. We reached the outskirts of the airport and found a place for Steve to park. Once again I said my goodbyes and set off for a stroll to the airport. It was a shame to leave, I would have loved to have seen a bit more of Norway, but I wasn’t needed now, Steve’s schedule was a lot more relaxed from here on in, but it was a trip I will never forget, and although I have been back to Scandinavia lots of times since I will always remember this one as the best, so far….!

Another excellent account of life of a Rock N Roll truck driver from Nick. I have used a lot of his photo in both parts of this blog, but to see all of his photos from this trip, CLICK HERE.

Cool Runnings

Posted on January 26, 2014 by truckbloguk

I like a Spanish fridge. Fact. I have no idea why, as in the grand scheme of things they are just a box and you’d think there is no real difference between them. Each time I load one they just catch my eye. Could be because the Spanish ones seem to be a bit tidier than the ones from the rest of Europe.

Does anyone else see what I’m talking about?? No, same as normal then! Campillo Palmeras are regulars at the moment and I think they are set apart from the rest of the Spanish as you don’t see many black Spanish trucks, but then again they still have plenty of white tractor units and they look equally as tidy.

Perhaps the old Spanish style liveries are more appealing than the modern, but even so they still look smart. Both Palmera above and Transportes Las Maravillas come with new sleek modern and old tradition style livery and I can’t decide which I prefer.

Traditional Spanish or Sleek Modern??

I can’t decide which is best but I know the Spanish are some of the smartest on the road. Probably because they have had years of experience in the frigo market. Year after year bring us our oranges, strawberries, broccoli, cucumber and what ever else. The Spanish have long been big fans of Renault Trucks, both Magnum and Premium since the demise of Pegaso. I wonder if the love of Renault will continue with the Renault T range?! If it does or not I think a Spanish frigo will always catch my eye, they look even better with a TB sticker on!!

North DAFrica

Posted on January 19, 2014 by truckbloguk

It had that look, you know the “I’ve been there done that dodgy ferry and got the scrapes to prove it” look. We booked a mega trailer to load for delivery to Malaga, I can tell you that it’s a bit of challenge to find them so you take what you can get. It was a Spanish DAF and trailer but with a far away look about it. I’m not sure what nationality the drivers were but I managed to get from them that they do hanging garments to Morocco and Algeria. The trailer was a monster and I’m sure the back end was over 3 metres internal height, it was huge! Although the truck and trailer looked like they needed a good holiday, the trailer had all the scrapes and nocks to show the hard life it’s lead between Europe and North Africa. I think I’m right in saying that the trailer goes unaccompanied to North Africa as often as it goes driver accompanied. Just to finish it off, the inside of the trailer was full of Arabic graffiti and what looked like counting. There must be some tall people out there for Them to reach the roof!! The day after loading this one came a brand new Krone Mega Garment carrier. Again a huge caesium of a trailer but all shiny new, I wonder how long it will take for it to look like the great white aircraft hanger above?!

On a side note if you know of any Spanish Mega Box operators please me know!

Northern Lights by Nick Ireland – Part 1

Posted on January 16, 2014 by truckbloguk

Back in 2008 I had only done two jobs for Edwin Shirley Trucking, albeit both to Russia, so was pleased to get a call asking if I could do another double manning trip, this time to Sweden. Never having been to Sweden at the time (I have since made up for that many times over!) I jumped at the chance, and was told to be at Excel in London to meet the truck one evening. I duly made my way there on the train, and after a bit of searching found where the truck was parked, and awaited the drivers return. The concert was still on, Blondie no less, and as I waited back stage I enjoyed a couple of the last songs in the set. Loud cheering and applause told me it was all over, and suddenly I was surrounded by the band and accompanying crew members/hangers on! Feeling like a groupie I went and stood at the back of the truck, and after a short time the driver appeared to load his truck. I introduced myself to Steve, stuck my digi card in then watched the loading take place, not really enough room in the little 7.5 tonner for any more helpers! When loaded we didn’t waste much time in hitting the A2 with Steve at the wheel and headed for Dover. The passenger seat in the DAF wasn’t the most comfortable I have experienced, so I was quite looking forward to getting behind the wheel! After a quick stop for supplies in Ashford we reached Dover, and were loaded pretty quickly onto a boat to Calais. I quizzed Steve over dinner/breakfast about the tour he was on, and it seemed a nice little number. One 7.5 tonner to load only, one tour bus, nice quick loading and unloading, and he had got to know the band and crew very well. When we landed in France it was my turn to take the wheel. The truck was so easy to drive, almost too easy, and I had to keep reminding myself I was in a truck, not a car. Steve warned me to watch my speed as for some reason the limiter wasn’t working, he mumbled something about it being a new truck and they had not had time to get it set properly, which I gladly accepted as an excuse, vowed to keep it around the 60mph mark but was grateful of a little extra in case I needed it to get me out of trouble. The run up into Belgium was as usual uneventful, and Steve plumped for heading through Breda and into Germany through northern Holland. We had a good run, and made good time, stopping briefly for fuel in Holland. In Germany we hit a bit of ‘rush hour’ traffic, but were soon around Hamburg and heading for the ferry at Puttgarden.

We topped up with fuel before crossing the Baltic Sea on an impressive bridge and soon arrived in Puttgarden. Booking on the ferry we parked in the ranks and awaited the ferry which arrived rather promptly. As we pulled onto the ferry we were joined alongside by a passenger train, quite a shock! As Steve did a bit of shopping on the boat I watched the quayside disappear then joined him in the shop. We spent so much time choosing our wine we were soon nearing Rodby, the 45 minute crossing flew by, and we hadn’t even had any dinner! Steve piloted us off the boat and into Denmark, giving me a chance to take some photos of my first visit there. I found it a pleasant and green place, and was able to quickly indulge in a spot of Scandinavian truck spotting as plenty of Danish trucks were making their way down to the ferry in the fading evening sunshine.

A pleasant drive in light traffic soon saw us approaching Copenhagen where we were to stop for the night. I had a budget hotel booked while Steve was sleeping in the spacious high roof cab. The hotel was near the airport, which is right next to the Malmo bridge leading to Sweden, but in the morning we were to head off around the other side of Copenhagen and take the ferry instead. I didn’t sleep particularly well, the hotel was basic and the room tiny. Steve used my room’s shower while I stood at the busy junction nearby and did my sad truck spotting bit! (not sad – TB).

Then after a cuppa we headed off in the direction of Helsingor. Standing on the quay soaking up the sunshine while Steve booked us in I was surprised to see Sweden across the bay so close. Steve said it was only a 15 minute crossing but after a tiny breakfast in the hotel we were determined to get something to eat on the boat. After a short wait while the boat disgorged it’s cargo of mostly cars we boarded, and rapidly found our way to the tiny driver’s restaurant. I think the chef was surprised to get two orders for hot food, but he had them in front of us after around 10 minutes, which just left us enough time to bolt the meal down and get downstairs in time for disembarking. No sooner had we turned the ignition key we were waved forward, hounded off by an impatient Actros driver behind, and we rolled off into bright sunlight and the town of Helsinborg. So here I was, in Sweden for the first time.

A Load of Pheasants 1969

Posted on January 6, 2014 by truckbloguk

This is a real eye opener! An excellent video of international truck driving from 1969. The link to the video was emailed in, by a modern day intercontinental driver of sorts, Mr David Shortis…….Thanks Dave.

Best Truck (Photo) of 2013

Posted on December 31, 2013 by truckbloguk

Please post your photos on the Facebook page, Twitter or email them to me at; ben@truckblog.co.uk and I will put them on the blog. Where can I start with what is my best truck of the year or my favourite photo. I’ve seen so many this years and have managed to visit a number of shows, which really makes it difficult to choose just one truck. Seeing as I write the blog I hope you will allow me to choose 3!
My first choice has to be the gorgeous Scania T500 from Dutch company Van Triest. I’m a sucker for a Tcab as it is, but this stunning truck just kept drawing me back each time I walked within 500 yards of the pit area at the Truckstar Festival, Assen back in July (if you’ve not been to this show, put it in your diary for 2014).

My only problem with the truck could be that its green, but as my Show partner, Mr James “Mick” Cartwright will confirm, me and green trucks had some sort of a weird bond going on at Assen this year. I think the Silver and green paintwork just looks awesome, just enough lights and bling for me too, and topped off with a cool mixed brown interior from Special Interior, NL. You have to agree it look just as good at night and I’m glad that I managed to make a half decent effort of a night shot. Amaze-balls.

In this case just 1 photo of the amazing War Machine built by Swedish trucknuts, Svetsab AB, is just not enough to do it justice. You might or might not like the mat black paint work. You might or might not like the artwork on the side. You might or might not like all the shiny stainless steel down both sides of the big Swede. But put the whole lot together and it becomes one of the most impressive trucks I think I’ve ever seen. Its got American big rig about it with all the stainless steel and chicken lights all over, but the clever Svetsab lads have put it all together so in no way does it look over done, in fact in my opinion it’s almost somehow got an air of “understated” about it, yea you know what I mean! Just because its NYE and I love this truck, I’ll spoil you with a video of said beast too;

Now if that doesn’t flick your butterfly valve then you shouldn’t be reading the blog, it’s just, its just…..i’m getting all misty eyed!! One more photo (ok 2) and onto the next truck.

Next up and to finish off, nothing quite so glam, but more to my own taste, which is why I want you to show me yours as I’ve shown you mine (oo-er!). This little Italian MAN TGL LX is my idea of perfection. I love the Tonka toys as it is, but this garment carrying, cool white TGL is just stunning. I have to add that this was not taken by me but the one and only Neil Jarrold from www.euro-wheels.com or if you’re a Facebook fan, go to his Wheels in Motion page, you wont find any better photos. If I win the Lotto tonight a little MAN like this would be first on my list of purchases. Note I did say purchases, next would be the War machine and 3rd would be THIS.

As its New Years Eve and all and sundry will be having a drink, like me I’m sure you’ll be checking your phones, so please get posting / emailing / Tweeting your fave photos/trucks of the year. Either join in or it makes me look like the sad old truck perv I think I am!!

Email: ben@truckblog.co.uk
Tweet: @truckbloguk
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HAPPY NEW YEAR BLOGGERS!!

Cows that for a Big V8?!

Posted on December 29, 2013 by truckbloguk

What a beauty, spotted parked at Cambridge Services having a break the week before Christmas by Michael Thompson. This stunningly plain example of a V8 Scania 730 was either on its way to on its way back from the Continent with another load of Irish Beef for our European cousins to enjoy over the festive period.

I’ve seen photos of this County Donegal registered V8 before coming in or out if Dover. I have to say that livestock is an area of transport that I know nothing about so why the choice of a 4×2 over a 6×2?? Some one will tell me I’m sure. Other than that who ever owns deserves a bravery medal for choosing a white truck and trailer to transport dirty cows from dirty farms but then again I guess that’s why the truck is so stunning because it’s not a livestock truck colour it’s a bit different. I think the trailer is one of those Italian built ones, Pezzaioli?? but again it would be nice if one of you could tell us a bit about livestock trucking.

Actros Relief to Syria – Part 2

Posted on December 15, 2013 by truckbloguk

“Wings on Wheels – Combating the Cold” — second humanitarian aid convoy sets out to area along the Turkish-Syrian border

Urgently needed supplies worth a total of about €2 million: winter clothing, food, tents, and three ambulances
Daimler and its employees donate a total of €100,000

With the help of donations from Daimler employees, the second humanitarian aid convoy left the Mercedes-Benz plant in Untertürkheim today to carry supplies to Syrian refugees in Gaziantep in southern Turkey. Daimler Trucks and Wings of Help teamed up to send six Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks full of urgently needed relief supplies, including medicines and winter clothing, from Stuttgart to the refugees. In Adana, Turkey, the convoy will be joined by two more trucks carrying food and tents. The supplies are worth around €2 million in total. Gaziantep, which is located near the Syrian border, houses the logistics center from which the humanitarian aid will be distributed to the refugee camps. At the center, the relief supplies will be handed over to the Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay) and the International Medical Corps, which will then distribute them to the refugees.

The Daimler employees’ response to the first convoy in September was outstanding. The company gladly acceded to the employees’ request for a second convoy and their wish to do something themselves. In a campaign titled “Wings on Wheels — Combating the Cold,” Daimler asked its employees to donate money for the relief convoy until December 6. The employees donated more than €50,000. Daimler then doubled this sum to over €100,000. In the first convoy, 11 Mercedes-Benz trucks transported relief supplies worth €4 million along the nearly 4,000-km-long land route to the Turkish-Syrian border.

The second convoy was sent on its six-day journey today by Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management, Head of Daimler Trucks and Buses; Frank Franke, President of Wings of Help; and Michael Brecht, Deputy Chairman of the General Works Council and member of the Daimler Supervisory Board.

“The refugees are suffering greatly, especially at this time of year,” said Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard at the sendoff of the “Wings on Wheels — Combating the Cold” convoy. “Millions of Syrians have fled their homes and hundreds of thousands of them have found refuge in Turkey. Half of the refugees are minors, most of them under the age of 12. Many children are traumatized or in bad health as a result of the war. That’s why we want to provide concrete help with our convoy and give the people hope. We have a strong public presence in Turkey through Mercedes-Benz Türk and our production locations in Istanbul and Aksaray. We consider it our duty to help our Turkish friends in this difficult situation.”

Michael Brecht added, “Two of the six Actros trucks are carrying three Sprinter ambulances, while the four other trucks are transporting winter clothing and urgently needed medicines. The convoy will be joined in Turkey by two trucks carrying food and winter-proof tents for families. The relief supplies were largely funded by donations from Daimler employees. I would like to thank all of the colleagues whose donations or practical assistance are helping to reduce the suffering and distress in the Syrian refugee camps. Such expressions of humanity and solidarity are desperately needed in view of the refugees’ difficult situation.”

“The civil war in Syria is becoming more and more horrifying. Around 2.2 million Syrians have fled to neighboring countries to date. That’s why we’re glad that we were able to cooperate with Daimler AG and its employees to put together another convoy at this harsh time of the year,” says Frank Franke, President of Wings of Help, about the situation that the Syrian refugees are facing.

A total of 200 tons of relief supplies, tents for about 1,600 refugees, and winter clothing and medicines that will help more than 50,000 needy people were sent on their way today. The beginning of winter was an important factor in all of the planning activities. One of the refugee camps along the Turkish-Syrian border is located at an altitude of 700 meters, where temperatures often drop below freezing at night and snow can be expected to fall.

Wings of Help, which is based at Frankfurt Airport, has been providing immediate disaster relief worldwide for the past ten years. The organization uses aircraft to transport urgently needed relief supplies to people in greatest need. Wings of Help receives support from the airport’s operator and airlines.

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