Who would have known that the pearly gates to truckers‘ heaven would be found at the Rocklea Showgrounds on a warm weekend in May?

Photo: How much more Aussie can you get? A Ford LNT 9000 Louisville ready to hook up the tri semi with gates and tarps and straight out on to the Pacific Highway for a blast through to Sydney with a load of XXXX (Aussie spelling for beer).

The Heritage Truck Association Australia Inc. timed its annual show at Rocklea Showgrounds to coincide with The Brisbane Truck Show. The weather played ball, producing a typical mild Queensland weekend perfect for the outside display. Classic truck shows are renowned for presenting all manner of vehicles and machinery from all corners of the transport industry. The Rocklea show certainly did not disappoint, with as per original spec restorations through to highly modified creations all represented. From steam-powered traction engines of the 1900s through to current linehaul tractor units, the variety was jaw-dropping.

Examples of this included a road train pioneering Leyland Hippo, home-built Diamond T, a stunning W Model Kenworth and a period correct Ford LNT 9000 Louisville that looked as though it had just dropped in from the late 80s. Every vehicle has a use-by date where its economical life expires and abandonment prevails. Fortunately, on the global stage there exists a band of merry men and women whose passion and commitment ensures the history of our industry does not just simply rust away. We are pleased to report that restoration and preservation is alive and well on the West Island.

Photo: In all its glory. A 1985 Kenworth W925 with Detroit 8V92 power, RT14615T trans, and 44,000lb rears. Owned by Beth and Bernie Tobin.

Photo: All shapes and sizes.

Pastoral care
The North Australia Pastoral Company purchased six trucks and trailers between 1947 and 1949. The trucks arrived by boat in Sydney with bonnet and firewall. They received a box for a seat and were driven to Brisbane where coach builders Athol Hedges fitted cabs. The trucks were used to deliver cattle for shipment to abattoir, as well as carting wool and supplies to stations. Around 1960 they were replaced by B Model Macks. The Leylands helped to pave the way for the modern-day road train.

One man‘s mission
Freshly retired Evan Williams of Queensland was searching for a hobby to occupy his newfound free time. Travelling home from New South Wales, Evan spotted a 1966 Diamond T P3320 tipper beside the Pacific Highway for sale and desperately in need of immense TLC. After the best part of four years of contemplation, Evan negotiated the purchase and began the restoration. Evan‘s time at TNT during the 70s and early 80s influenced his decision to not only restore the Diamond T but also ensure it performed comparably with modern-day long-distance rigs. The result is ‘Red Bull‘, the combination and blending together of the Diamond T with a 1997 Western Star 3800E donor truck, Cat C12, Eaton 13-speed transmission, Peterbilt 63” Unibilt sleeper cab and a significant amount of custom fabrication.

Photos: The Diamond T sat for sale in a paddock while Evan contemplated a big project.