That Old Sleeper Cab

I have always been fasinated by those great old trucks with integrated or integral "Sleeper Cabs".
That is not to say that I don't like trucks that have a separate sleeper unit, like my 69 Pete 359 model.

This is a little video I threw together that covers in a round about way the development and evolution of the "Sleeper".





Hope you enjoy!!!

That Skeleton In Your Closet --

Spent this weekend on a project I have been putting off for way to long -- finding a place in our house for all my truck models and die-casts --- all 44 of them.

It was during that process that I decided the closet in my computer room need to be checked out --
glad I did, because I had forgotten that I had stored the subject of this post in a corner of that closet.

What I found was something I did back in 1972 when we lived in OKC, a jigsaw puzzle of a late 60's Kenworth and Thermo King Reefer. I'm glad I decided to mount it, and even happier that it has survived.

It now holds a place of honor in what will become my "TRUCK ROOM" ---

Those "OLD SCHOOL" Trucks

When it comes to a "favorite era" of trucks for me, I would have to state that anything goes before the 1980's. But if I were to narrow it down even more, then I would have to say the period between 1950 - 1970.

I really like what I call the "old school" look of those trucks, especially the 50's era. Those are the trucks I remember from my "early childhood", and into the 60's. To me, they looked like a truck should look -- simple, beautiful, and tough.

They didn't need to be dressed up - they looked fine just doing what they did. So, I've spent some time these past few weeks, finding some saved photos and doing some reworking to come up with these renditions .

You can also find them over on Hank's ---- but don't tell anyone!!

50's Mack H -- Nigro Freight Line










And who will fault these two fine GMC's?

50's GMC 850 -- NIGRO FREIGHT LINE
















50's GMC 950 Cannonball with Champion Grain Trailer

















And finally --- this Ford --

An early 50's FORD V-8 ---- Nigro Freight Lines


A note about "NIGRO" Freight Line ---

NIGRO, Tom Tom Nigro, 83, of Ashford, husband of Betty Jane Nigro, died peacefully in the presence of his family on Friday, (October, 17, 2008) in Mansfield. Born December 19, 1924 in Hartford, he was the son of first generation Italian Americans, Vito and Mary Nigro. Tom was a well known entrepreneur, a hard working husband with a wide network of friends and extended family. Seeing his family struggle and yet survive the depression years endowed Tom with boundless optimism and an irrepressible spirit that seemed larger than life. His zest for living was a boundless quest for the next opportunity and a joyful appreciation for family, friends and children. They learned to cook his Italian delicacies, grew up in a circle of love and returned again and again. Tom and Betty opened their home to numerous friends and extended family members who became generations of benefactors enriched by their loving care. They experienced deep and meaningful living and were absorbed into their ever expanding blended family. He received a Bronze Star Medal and an honorable discharge from service in the U.S. Army during World War II in Italy where he drove truck convoys through occupied combat zones. Tom founded Nigro Freight Lines, an interstate trucking firm in the 1950's. In the early 1960's he settled in Ashford where he began Hillcrest Farm and Equipment Company. With help from Betty, he launched the Wagon Shed Restaurant, bakery and antique shop. More recently he operated the Summit Farm Welding and Repair Shop and sold tools and machinery at local flea markets.

"Old School" Trucks --- A Pete and a GMC

Took some time out today to do a little something I enjoy --- thought you might too!!!

A 1950's Pete from the movie "DUEL"


And this 1950's Cannonball GMC Reefer Unit ---

Today is FLAG DAY - June 14, 2009

I was reminded by my daughter that today is FLAG DAY - she called a week early, thinking it was FATHERS DAY.

So to honor this day, I am posting a picture that my friend Jerry found.

I think it is appropriate ---

Half Tracks or Half Trucks and other Military Vehicles

It is hard to keep track of time and the fact that it has been a while since I last posted. I have been spending my time at Hank's Truck forum (see side bar), mostly on what is called "Jerry's Nostalgia Page" , specifically on two recent posts concerning HALF TRACK vehicles and the other military vehicles (trucks).

The first thread about HALF TRACKS is called "THE HALF TRACK: trucks with treads", and now contains 16 pages devoted to the HALF TRACK'S of WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and Viet Nam.

It was started on a whim, when I asked Jerry if Half tracks were considered to be trucks after looking over my truck collection and doing a "comparison count". I'm glad he replied in the affirmative and the following pictures were added to the numerous posts on the subject ----

WHITE M2A1 -- 50 cal. mount Half Track
















WHITE M3A1 - M-16 multi gun carrier
















That first model was built by me over twenty years ago, an old Monogram kit. The second is a Tamiya kit that was built completly by my daughter prior to my build. She was about 12 at the time, and would NOT allow me near it until it was done!!

"Our" second thread on Hank's is titled, "GEARS, GUTS and GLORY:Vintage Military Trucks". This thread is now 77 pages long and is devoted to Military Vehicles of all wars from WWI to present, and includes vehicles of all nations. It is still a work in progress that includes vehicle pictures and links to pages covering Vehicle types.

GMC CMKW - 1940's











How about this WWII Russian type based on a FORD --- RUSSIAN GAZ



















This is only a taste of what my "comrades", Jerry, Leo, Vern, and Mike have posted. The above threads are worth a visit --- YOU are always welcome to join in the passion for old trucks!!!

What Is It????

I'll make this simple. This truck is a 1953 COE made by a now defunct company. The picture was sent to me as a "reverse" reward from the last person who ID'ed this truck. I owe a debt of gratitude to Brian. Here it is.

What Make?

Where was it made?

What present day truck manufacturer bought out this company?

My Original AMT Peterbilt 359 and Fruhauf Trailer

I think I'm going to cry. I thought I had lost this picture, taken in 1969, of the original AMT issue of the PETERBILT 359 "California Hauler" and AMT FRUHAUF Trailer. This is the first truck I ever built!!!

That's right - the first of AMT's line of truck models. The truck that started my interest in model trucks. MY FAVORITE model of all times!! Note that it doesn't have the sleeper cab yet, the picture was taken shortly after I ordered it from AMT.

The picture was taken on the front porch of my childhood home. Both house and truck are long lost, but not the memory.

It's funny how things come back when you least expect them to.

On The Road With The Birds and Trucks

Every opportunity we get, my wife and I go out for LONG drives trying to get lost on the back roads of New York, and Pennsylvania. I usually watch for birds for her and she watches for trucks for me. It's a time we both enjoy - especially when I end up with ONE truck and she ends up with 15 or more different birds. THAT IS A GOOD DAY - for me!

It was on one of those trips that WE spotted this old Brockway on our way through Dushore, Pa.
















Our next weekend trip had us headed to Buffalo to spend Easter with our son Garrett. Of course we couldn't pass up the opportunity to head out Sunday morning for a drive near Lake Erie. I made even with my truck score and her bird score.

This was my result - a pristine Peterbuilt 359, with an interesting hood ornament.
















Then there was yesterday. A day trip to Ithaca and Dryden. I already knew I had at least one truck on my list. Jan clobbered me with birds!

My find was actually spotted coming back from Cortland during a bus trip. I believe this is a late 70's Brockway 359.




























If you look carefully at the interior shot, you will see that the keys are in the ignition. Lucky for Jan, IT DIDN'T start.


The next offering is from a local road trip in Elmira. I was thankful that this was close by as neither of us had brought our cameras. I went back the following day to capture this late 20's Chevrolet.
































So, I will have to admit ---- Birds and trucks are a fine mix, and those road trips aren't bad either.

1949 Mighty Joe Young / 1949 Impact - A Moving Movie Mystery / Evidence Is In

Not only is the evidence in, but the case of "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG" vs. "IMAPACT" , and what seems to be the same vehicle, now identified as a 1944 WHITE 810T is over. The jury has deliberated on the evidence based on a series of stills from both movies.

The VERDICT: While said vehicle, one 1944 WHITE 810T did try to disguise itself in the movie "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG" as a moving van for the company "GREAT WESTERN MOVING CO." and apparently also did the same in the movie "IMPACT" as a "BEKIN'S" moving van, the van appearing in both 1949 movies is one and the same.

What was most dificult about this identification was identifying the year and make of said vehicle
as a 1944 White.

Presented to the case was some new evidence in way of a 1945 advertisement for a White Delivery Van:


You can note the similarity both to the Bekins and Great Western Vans below:































Since the advertisement shows a 45 van that uses a latter style grill, it is assumed that "our"
two /one and the same van is a late model 44 WHITE 810T.


FURTHER UPDATE ---5 / 2 / 09 ---- EMAIL FROM DON MacKENZIE

Mr. Murphey.

I have some additional information for you in regards to identifying your "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG" truck. I believe the truck is a White Model 805, Cab Over Engine Chassis, vintage 1936 to 1940 with a Gerstenslager Co. of Wooster Ohio moving van body. Let me explain why I believe this to be the case.

When White chassis were used by body builders to build trucks where the entire body including the driving compartment was provided by the body builder (such as moving vans of this type) the only external means of identification of the chassis builder was usually the radiator grille and possibly some trim pieces. Gerstenslager followed this procedure when they built the "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG" moving van. The White 800 Series/Gerstenslager moving vans were built from 1936 to 1940 using the COE radiator grille and accompanying trim. In 1941 the 800 Series imodel dentification was changed to the WA Series. Most of the changes were to the power train and chassis but the radiator grille and accompanying trim was changed to distinguish the new WA's from the 800"s. The new grille and trim included a wider center strip, two circular ID badges and a pair of wings sprouting from the center strip. I have attached two photographs of White/Gerstenslager Moving Vans. The Allied Van Lines unit is an 800 Series Model 805 (1936 to 1940). The Dilner Storage unit is the WA Series Model WA-122 (1941 to 1948). As you will see the "MIGHTY JOE YOUNG" truck is an 800.series. Also notice that the truck in the White advertisement on your BLOG shows the distinctive wings making it a WA Series.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have questions feel free to E-Mail me at any time.

Happy Trails.

Don MacKenzie.

Mighty fine pictures Don, my sincere thanks for the info too!! Thanks for shedding some light on this VERY INTERESTING TRUCK!!!












For more information on "GERSTENSLAGER CO." check out this web page -- great photos too!!

http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/g/gerstenslager/gerstenslager.htm