The luck of the Irish?
How often do you arrive at a transport yard to be confronted by a large tank bearing the number plates GBH4U? Well if you ever have to visit Protranz Earthmoving, in Christchurch, that is exactly what you are likely to be greeted by – an Abbot FV433 Self-Propelled Gun. Protranz owner, Gerard Daldry, said he had always wanted to own one of these war horses, and when the opportunity arose to purchase one recently, he acted quickly.
Driving legends - Gary ‘Gazza’ Songhurst
With the recent passing or Gary, I feel is only fitting to remember his legacy and long service to an industry he was so passionate about. A good natured man of humility and humour, Gary will be missed not only by his family and friends but also those he touched during his outstanding career. Rest well ole mate.
Central NI logger EF Deadman Ltd recalled – Part Two
Eric Deadman began hauling logs in the King Country before the Second World War. From small beginnings his business grew from a single truck to a small fleet before selling the business to his son Bob and his wife Margaret. By the early 1980s the changing regulatory environment and declining business ethics saw the new owners sell up their stake and take up farming, a decision they haven’t regretted. Simon Vincent continues the history of this well-known logging business.
Mainfreight’s FR Macks
I am sure that anyone associated with the transport industry in the early 1980s will remember the five Mack cabovers of Mainfreight Ltd. The fledgling transport company placed the first four of its stunning new Mack FR700 eight wheeler trucks on the road in 1979/1980. We look at the history of these trucks here.
50 years behind the wheel
Russell Carnegie started his driving career at Horton, Bidwell & Co Ltd. Fifty years later he is still behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz Actros for Heartland Haulage Ltd. Along the way Russell has tried his hand at many different sectors of the industry, including several stints as an owner driver. Age is seeing him cut back to just four days a week but this sprightly 69 year old still finds time to DJ on weekends as well as to fuss over his special edition Holden Commodore. Simon Vincent sat down with Russell and discussed his lively career recently.