We all have a fond childhood memory or two; they’ll raise a smile when we find ourselves in a daydream, reminiscing. This month, we take a look at Lance Warren’s three- dimensional memories that most definitely produce a multitude of smiles.

As a youngster growing up in the heart of the King Country, truck-mad Lance Warren’s backyard was the Progress Transport depot on Huia Street, in his hometown of Piopio. The connection to the PTL fleet was only strengthened with Dad, Rex Warren, employed as a career driver with the company for more than 35 years. The many hours spent in and around the yard with his father is embedded in Lance’s mind.

“I would head on down there whenever possible. I would go out with Dad in his truck for a ride, as well as with the other drivers.”

According to Lance, they were great times with a great bunch of characters, all of whom have guided Lance throughout his own driving career.

“The time spent in and around the fleet back then sure has given me plenty of inspiration for model truck projects now. I have built three replica model trucks from the PTL fleet now. The first was the V8 Detroit Diesel-powered R-model Mack, the second the Isuzu that Dad drove for some time, fleet No.4 – Moonlight Stroller. And now, fleet No.5, one of the FR Macks. This truck for me was one that I spent quite a bit of time in, both with owner-driver Keith Young, and also Dad, who drove it from time to time when needed.”

The FR Mack project started with the AMT ERTL ‘Mack R685ST’ kitset. Then Lance placed an order with our mates at Auslowe for the slimline day cab conversion, as well as wheel rims, air cleaners and plumbing, various suspension parts, air tanks and assorted finishing details. Next Lance decided to use Evergreen plastic extrusions to form his own chassis rather than use the one from the kit, this way achieving the correct wheelbase, as well as a little more rigidity. The trailer is virtually all scratch built, again using Evergreen product, and suspension items from Auslowe.

Painting of the model has mostly been achieved by using Tamiya aerosol spray cans, except for the blue on the crates. A close-enough match was unavailable in the Tamiya lineup, so the real paint was used, and applied with an airbrush. Where Lance has really topped off the build is with the signwriting. Most of us would now jump to the computer, grab a photo of the door, screenshot the lettering, digitally print it on transfer paper, and apply. However this is not the case for Lance; instead, he has taken a leaf out of the old-skool sign writers’ instruction manual and applied enamel paint via a brush, and it looks absolutely superb. The likes of Peter Green and Tony Hill would most definitely approve of Lance’s approach to the artform.

What Lance has captured here, with his attention to the smallest of details, is one of those trucks that perfectly depicts the New Zealand trucking scene throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s – some would say the heart of the glamour era. Here at New Zealand Trucking magazine, we salute you Lance for an extremely well-executed build. As for Lance’s parting comment: “Watch this space, there is more of the fleet to be built yet.” All we can say is stay in touch, mate. We can’t wait to see which one is next.

A great combination of Auslowe resin cast parts and Evergreen plastic extrusions get the build under way. Note Lance’s scratch-built chassis rails.

Thanks from Lance

“A special thank you to my very good mate, Keith Young, for all his input into this build of ol’ No.5. Lots of great memories tied up in this truck, mate. I truly appreciate all the assistance you gave on the phone to make sure I had everything just right.”