Category Archives: Scania

Info Required Please….

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Anyone recognise this Scania jacket?? The owner of said jacket in New Zealand, yep New Zealand, is keen to learn a little more. I have to say I’ve not seen one like that before but I’m surprised Scania haven’t either! I’m sure their was a 1 series Scania jacket with pictures inside. Have a read of Matt Skinners email; 

“I am just wondering if you or your members would be able to help me. I have an old Scania Jacket which was given to me many years ago by a friend as a gift when I moved overseas. I believe he got it when he bought a new truck, as long as I knew him he was an owner driver. I would love to know more about it. It has never been worn. I have emailed Scania but they tell me they have no one there who would have worked there back then so can’t give me any information about it. I have attached a couple of pictures, it has the most amazing lining.”

  

From what I can see it’s a 2 Series jacket and I’m sorry but how arrogant can Scania be?! Why is it Scania still take no interest in their fans or the very heritage that has got them the name and reputation they have today? I think if they keep going as they seem to be they will be in danger of damaging that hard earned name. Any way can anyone shed any light on the jacket? I’m guessing it was a rather superior drivers jacket. Answers on a postcard or leave a comment below. Thank you. 

  

Scania For Sale

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One for the Saturday morning Scania club I think, those with an eye for something a little different. We all know about the Scania Black Amber edition, but may be most of us aren’t fortunate to own one. For me the Black Ambers best feature is the awesome paint colour, not sure it’s for me but it does stand out like the proverbial aching digit. 

 

Down here in Suffolkshire, there are a number of paint shops but there is only one I can think of that has continued to pump out trucks for sale that seem to be a cut above the rest. The name being Canacraft from Needham Market. The latest truck is a T-cab Scania painted up in the Black Amber style, although need I point out that it isn’t actually one of the special editions?! Anyway it is for sale and needs a good home, a few details;

Scania T470 4X2 – Year 2005

MOT to October 2015, Manual gearbox, air con, leather seats, new tyres, left hand drive, custom built chassis infil, 4.7 metre wheel base, painted wheels, genuine Black Amber decals.

Te Koop –  Zu Verkaufen – À Vendre – En Venta   

 

The vehicle is available now, but please as we always ask, only call if you are genuine buyer. This vehicle is well prepared and was stripped back to the chassis before being rebuilt and repainted and as you will appreciate there are costs involved in this. Please either give Howard at Canacraft a call on (UK number) 07799 778120 or contact myself through the blog and I can put you in touch. 

 

Something old something new…

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Something old, something new, something Moody, nothing blue!!

Always great to see a then and now and what better two examples than these 2 Swedish V8’s. I have to say that the 141 gets my vote every time! Can’t beat the raw sound of the V8 and the turbo whistle, that has all but disappeared on the younger of the two. 

If your interested in the 141 please give the Grimsby Gangster a call at Moody International. I don’t suppose it’ll be around for long so give it a good home someone. 

  

  

Skilful in Sweden by Chris Brooker-Carey

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Have a think for a minute, what do you think the standard is for being called a professional truck driver? Accident free driving maybe? keeping your truck the shiniest in the yard? Or just turning up on time? Well after last weekend, I have a much better idea of the standard of Europe’s best young truck drivers and I am proud to say that I am one of them. 20,000 applicants from around Europe and Russia were whittled down to 26 via national heats and finals in a competition organised by Scania globally, with other competitions being held in Brazil, South Africa, China and Australia.
  

As you might have read elsewhere, I managed to qualify as the United Kingdom’s finalist after a day of tests at Scania HQ in Milton Keynes, managing to squeeze in front of 7 other finalists from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. I had come 5th in the same competition in 2012 and had been determined to do better this time, but it was a great feeling to qualify for the trip to Sweden with the 2nd and 3rd placed guys coming along for the experience. I had roughly a month between the two events and aided by Scania’s Driver Development Manager Mark Agnew from Preston Scania and 2012 UK finalist Gareth Thomas, we pieced together what tasks would be set in Sweden.

  

A flight down to Heathrow on Wednesday night, I then met the UK team at Terminal 5 early on Thursday morning to catch the 0730 flight to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, everybody was bleary eyed, but excited for the weekend ahead. The competition is run simultaneously with the Scania factory open day on the Saturday, with the 1st qualification stages taking place behind closed doors at the Scania Demo Centre in Sodertalje on Friday, and the open day on Saturday with 6500 visitors (eek!) The OPPET HUS (Open House) event is worth the flight in itself, with factory tours, Svempa custom trucks, classic Vabis vehicles, Scania truck simulator, RC trucks, and plenty to do for the kids too!!!


The qualification round consisted of Defensive Eco driving, Drugs and Drowsiness, Cargo Securing, Checks before driving and First Aid, leaving the last qualifying round for Saturday morning, with everybody doing the “Combo” exercise in front of the main stage at the Scania factory. The event is run like clockwork, with briefings, technical meeting, jury members, Scania crew members ensuring fair play and that you are on time for each event. Whilst I was confined to a green room between events, Ryan and Dave (the runners up) and the other Scania UK guests were flying round the demo track in an assortment of Scania trucks and and Scania powered machinery, an experience that is not available to the general public and is a once in a lifetime experience in itself.

  

The mood in the green room was tense, but there was a great sense of family between the drivers, we are all the same type of people in this industry, and this was evident in the conversations that were had, despite a few language barriers! After the end of the 1st day I reflected on how I had done, and was slightly disappointed in a few areas, but Mark and I both thought we had done enough to stay in the top 18 and progress to the elimination event. That evening we attended a dinner where the contestant placing would be announced as the middle 9, bottom 8 and top 9, but without a specific placing. Each country cheered when the groups were announced, with a chorus of the French national anthem holding up proceedings. Team UK were almost dancing on the tables when we realised that we were positioned in the top 9, I just sat there in shock as we were handed our individual scores. The night ended early for me, with most of the team hitting the hotel bar to celebrate our progress so far. The fun ended at about 3am when an employee of Schmitz Cargobull had managed to drink enough of the 5.2% Falcon Export to win the informal drinking competition!
 The final day started with another technical meeting and a walk of the 1st manoeuvring course “Combo” after which the final rankings would be revealed. I completed the Combo with only one (controversial) penalty point and we were all ushered out to the stage to get the results in front of the assembled crowd which now numbered 2000-3000 people. Patrick (DE) was announced in 1st place and I was hoping to have stayed in the top 9, then I was announced in 2nd place and the UK supporters were jumping and screaming, waving flags and blowing air horns. WOW, I was shocked to have come so high on my first visit to the finals, especially as many of the other finalists had competed here before and the Swedish finalist had even won it in 2010. I was even more amazed when Mark pointed out that the disputed penalty point meant that I would have been in 1st position if I had done the clear round that I thought I had.

  

Two elimination rounds left before the final, Fire and Rescue and Knock the King. I chose to compete against the Romanian driver Ionut in Fire and Rescue, which is a new event for ScaniaYETD so there was a touch of confusion on how it needed to be completed, with it being a multi-part exercise based upon coming across an accident scene and putting out a fire before completing a slalom in reverse and popping a balloon. A photo finish between us meant the judges had to replay the live video feed on split screen. Only a fraction of a second between us, I was awarded the win and progressed to the next round of knock the king, where 3 drivers compete simultaneously with only one winner going through. As the higher placed competitor, I drew out who I was competing against which was Robert from Ireland and Thomas from Switzerland. 
Sadly for me, Thomas ran out as the winner in our heat. 

  

So the adventure was over but the grin on my face was a mile wide. I was so happy to have had the opportunity to compete, the downside of getting so far was that I had little time left to visit the open house events, but I managed to get some pictures and and a sneak peak at a RHD Bluestream that is heading to Ireland.

I hope you enjoy the pictures and my ramblings, but if you are under 34 now, you need to enter the next competition in 2017 and try to get on that plane to Stockholm, as it is a true money can’t buy experience.

  


  

NEW: Scania Silver Griffin

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Here in the UK we had the Scania Golden Griffin, but over in the Benelux countries they have just  launched today, their own special edition……Silver Griffin. In my opinion it looks better and appears to have more thought put into it than it’s British cousin. Only 100 trucks available so if you want one you better get your passport out!

 

 

  

  

  

Big Boys Toys

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I have a son who is 5 years old and for a couple of years now he has been the proud owner of a Bruder Toys fire engine. It’s a big bugger and takes up a fair amount of space but what I really admire are the working parts. The turn-table ladder extends up to over a metre, the stabiliser legs extend out and take the weight off the wheels and best of all there is a fully functioning and usable water pump that shoots water out of the long rubber hose. If there was a small fire in our house I have no doubt that this machine would easily cope with the emergency. If you watch the first video above then could easily be forgiven for thinking that it’s a promotional video about the Arocs range by Mercedes-Benz!

This leads me nicely onto another chance mention of Bruder Toys I had on a training course at work. One of our top trainers who works with people all across the UK and is is regular liaison and consultation with those at world headquarters in Germany, made me aware of the Bruder videos and was quite insistent that I have a good watch. Now I’m please to say that following Mr Nick Smiths advice, my son and I spent the best part of 30 minutes (father and son bonding time of course Mrs Blog!) watching through loads of videos on the Bruder YouTube channel, including the tractor and combine harvester ones, you’ve got to have a look. Not only are they big boys toys in the true sense of the phrase, they really are, or could be a useful working truck! If only they came radio controlled, now there’s an idea Bruder, then you really could have a fleet of working vehicles to help with the gardening or building jobs. The cement mixer can even pour out its load and the gritter below does actually spread grit out the back, what more could you want?? Oh you want it big enough so your gorilla hands don’t stop you playing, well as the 8 wheelers are over half a metre long I don’t think you’ll have an issue.

It just so happens that I have a birthday coming up in the next couple of weeks and for the first time in a good while I think I will have something affordable that I actually want on my birthday list. For boy or girls, for truck lovers, young farmers or what ever, I strongly recommend having a look at Bruder. If I get one for my birthday then I’m sure said truck will last for a good number of years and will get a few metres under its wheels on family jobs and beach holidays! Great work Bruder, now how about the radio controlled versions??…….

 

Making Hay

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If your a Facebooker then there’s a good chance you’ve seen the project being undertaken by all at Phillip Judge International. The above Scania R620 is being fully converted to flat bed wagon and drag for carrying straw bales, tractors or what ever else you can carry on a flat bed (that’s quite a lot). The driver will be the one and only Will Pringle, yes he of other notable custom truck fame. As you can see the truck started life as a hydraulic loader and was bought from well known Dutch truck dealer VSB Groep. 



Over to Mr Pringle to tell us all we need to know;

“VSB stripped and fitted the new facelift grill and it had been to Steves Place (truck customiser in Holland) for the fitment of the changeover valve and pipe work also side pipe. Then James Burrow did the fitting of streamline corners additional lighting headboard roof rack and ladders,also rear bumper! The body was made by Euro Axles at Stoke on Trent. The chassis was extended by Northwest Commercials at Preston. The full paintwork was done by Ian Bone & sons and of course the airbrush work was done by Matt the painter. All the electrics done by Kev Larkin. Once finished at Bones’ it is going Coles Customs for full interior rebuild and the fabrication of lockers, tank wraps and various other little tweaks.”







What a change from how she started life back in 2008, a different country and a different way of life by all accounts; 

“Yeah I know, it’s originally from Norway and I think it was a fridge motor. VSB had just finished putting the cable lift side skirts bulbar and everything on it when we went to look at it in Holland.”





The truck is nearing completion and does now look close to what the finished show ready article will look like. Knowing a little bit about Will in sure he’ll be doing all he can get all the little touches done to the truck that will make it a cut above most of the rest. I look forward to seeing it when it comes out if the Coles Customs workshop. I will do another update as and when it appears and before it hits the road to claw back some of the cost of creating such an awesome working truck. 

p.s. The 3 series sun visor is a perfect match to the High Line cab. 





Czech This Bit of Blue

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I know I know it’s another blooming BlueStream, but I just can’t help it. You know I get these infatuations with certain trucks and I certainly have the blues at the moment. On my way home down the A12 to Colchester and just as I’m about to come off at my junction there is this lay by which is where the 300 yard marker is for the junction. The lay by was empty and it’s a very clear night, I saw the back end of a very smart frigo trailer and the unmistakeable blue shine at the front end.. I went home and told the wife that I would be pooping out about 10pm once the traffic on the A12 quietened down. For what ever reason Mrs Blog doesn’t bat an eyelid when I say I’m going back to a darkened lay by, she knows why. For what ever reason my passion for trucks over takes and I just have to go back and try and get a photo. 

Now a truck photo in a lay by isn’t too much of a problem, or so you would think;

  1. The truck is at the end of the lay by
  2. The street lights are in the centre of the carriageway and finish about half way along the layby
  3. The layby is a drive through one with a small kerb separating it from the carriageway
  4. There is no light on the front grill of the truck
  5. My camera needs a tripod to take night photos
  6. There is still lots of traffic
  7. I don’t want the police to turn up thinking I’m about to run out on front of the traffic!

I managed to get some tips on how to use my camera through the Canon G12 group on Facebook. I still,have Mr Jensen Chua’s instructions saved on my phone and as you can see he knows his sh*t. They have come out quite well. All these photos have a 15 second exposure as there was no light at the front of the truck. Placing my camera on a tripod on the outside edge of the kerb of the lay by was the greatest idea nor was putting the camera in the middle of the drive through lane of the lay by………..but it was worth it, I’m very pleased with the results. Thanks Jensen and thanks to Neil Jarrold who suggested using the car lights to help, so I put the reverse lights on the car, in order to put a little light on the front grill. 



I think the reason why I love the BlueStream so much is purely the colour.  I seem to get blinkered by a gorgeous shade of blue and it seems to just lure me in. Romance isn’t dead Richie! Helped by being attached to a 730hp Scania V8 in this case, it really is a top looking motor. My only thoughts are it must look even more awesome all lit up, pity the driver was already in bed. The BlueStreams are available worldwide, but I wonder if this is the only one operated out of Czech Republic??





Scottish Blues

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The first two Scania Bluestreams to go into service in Scotland have done so today with J&G Riddell from Alford, Aberdeenshire. The two big Swedes are both R730 Toplines with rear tag axles. Both trucks sporting a mix of Kelsa light bars  and all the goodies and switches in the cab. The trucks will be engaged on UK general haulage and timber work. Riddells do do some timber work so these two will be heading off road and into the Scottish forrests as well as pounding the Tarmac up and down the UK.  As most of you have already probably guessed both trucks were supplied new by Moody International. 





Wilson Wednesday…..WOW!!

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Wilson Wednesday is back! Back with bang as well, a lot of entries this week from a lot of HC Wilson’s drivers including the illusive but awesome Arnie in R80 HCW. Now Arnie has a bit of a reputation for not hanging around for much so I was dead chuffed to get his photo in today, although please note that R80 seems to already be on its way out of its own photo! Seen here in France today heading down to Belfort. 



Next up is the “White Wilson”, WIL2217 driven by Matt Lamb. Seen here in Wilson’s yard loaded with Caterpilar D6 heading upto to Cannock. Seeing as it’s the only white truck on the fleet, Matt is often mistaken for being an owner driver, but I can confirm he is a fully fledged, long serving Wilson driver. The Scania R620 was already heavily customised when Wilson’s bought it off the South Wests original owner driver Tim Rigby, but driver Matt has added his own touch and keeps the red wheeled V8 is tip top condition. 



N5 HCW driven and co piloted by husband and wife team, Dave and Sue Ramm. Quickly, happy belated birthday to Sue. The big Scania R580 was on relative locals today but never the less still earning her keep and pulling some big machinery about south Essex and North Kent. The lump below is and industrial press weighing in at 110,000kg and standing at 4.38m tall, it was slightly more taxing than the 15,000kg piece above. 





Above is SW51 HCW driven by little Terry Alderton. Seen today on UK manoeuvres from Felixstowe to Pershore. Looks to me like this was lifted from a flat rack onto to Terry’s trailer as that’s clearly not Terry’s high standard of sheeting!

Another R480 Topline below driven by Nick Garlick. I bet Nick was dead chuffed to see the delivery point for his packing cases was near the Dead Sea. Unfortunately it’s only going as far as Felixstowe although I know Nick would have been more than happy to take it overland, it’s only 22 ton and 3.3m wide, a boys load. Well if Nick had started heading east it would have made a great tale. I quoted on a number jobs out to Turkey and even Azerbijan in my time at Wilson’s. For me that’s when it all start getting romantic, big red truck heading east, crossing the Bosphorus into Asia, dust in your air vents and cook ups with the locals, random animals in the road, oh the romance of the road!………………..Pity nick was only heading to Suffolk.



Above and below is part time driver turned office Waller James Cartwright out and about in HC Wilson’s gracefully ageing V8 HCW. More packing cases heading for Felixstowe, at least the UK seems to exporting something. The big case stands at 4.05m high on the floor so one of Wilson’s super low step frames was required to keep it under the UKS height limit of 5 metres. Wheels need a polish JC!





Above and below we have 2 of Wilson’s finest engaged on importing packing cases this time. Both loaded from Felixstowe to Melksham at 4.25m wide. As you can see they were escorted by an accompanying van as the law dictates for all loads over 3.5m wide in the UK. Both Doris DAF and the European Charger have their own Facebook pages, so click on the links and like the pages to start following their activities. Great photos taken by driver Steve Pattison below, with the moody skies against the red trucks it almost looks a bit arty. 







Not all the trucks are on UK work, two of the big boys are out on the continent bringing a pair of transformers back from Germany to Hertfordshire. N50 HCW is a 150ton GVW tractor unit driven by Graham Daniel and WIL 2580 is a 250ton tractor driven by the one and only John Stocks. WIL 2580 is a bit of legend in my own book. The best part of my time at HC Wilson saw WIL 2580 tramping to and from Austria with 90 odd ton of cargo on her back every few weeks. Bearing in mind every time she entered Germany from Austria both truck and trailer had to pass a German TÜV test (MOT type test carried out by the Germans) at the border before the long run back up through Germany, this truck has well and truly earned her name of European Giant. 



Two great photos of N6 HCW driven by Garreth Rowlands, loading out of a multi million pound development in London SW18 today. Great photos showing the dismantling of a tower crane, note the chap in his high viz right above the counterweight at the top of the tower crane. Some view from up there I reckon. N6 is one of the newest vehicles on the Wilson fleet.  The truck is an R560 V8 Scania, which by day looks like another in the long line of red trucks with the big white “W” on the front. But by night she looks a real treat, LED lights to the front, a fully lit big white “W” on the front grill, rear cab perimeter lights and a smaller red “W” mounted at the top of the back of the cab. 

Escort driver Sully sent the photo below in today. Three of the Wilson trucks loaded here in Immingham heading to Lesmahagow, Scotland. All loads over length and over width. 

Last but by no means least we have 3 photos taken by Simon Wilson himself. I have to say they are pretty good photos SW. Especially good is the one of N7 HCW below. A good looking truck with a well matched  trailer and load, all colour coded too. Even though they weren’t all taken today the following 3 photos were taken by Simon Wilson himself. In my book that covers any technicalities over not being out on the road as they are all his trucks anyway! 

Great photos all round today and a big thank you to all drivers who participated, as always it’s much appreciated.