What was going on in 69 (mind out of the gutter you lot)

With cyclone Debbie I put my Library in the shipping container I call a tool box in the shed
When I was pulling out the Truck and Bus collection I came across this when a folder fell open and I wondered how many had ever seen or read this
We read on here about epic trips to collect a treasure every now and then but in todays world things are a lot different with mobile phones and GPS and the Interweb etc the adventure is no where the adventure it used to be

Anyway have a read if you like, it's good to see not a lot has changed with old truck fruit loops over the years

Owner of the Saurer Phil Symons left Grace Bros and was working for Heggie's Transport at Bellambi NSW in the early seventies, as fleet manager in charge of truck purchases. I remember the Saurer being parked in one of Heggie's sheds and covered with a tarp. Phil left Heggie's about the mid seventies and with his business partner started bulk haulage company Western Gold in Lithgow NSW. I don't think that the business lasted very long. About 25 years ago I heard that Phil had storage sheds for lease at Kembla Grange NSW on the corner of the Princes Hwy and West Dapto Rd.

xspanrman wrote: Owner of the Saurer Phil Symons left Grace Bros and was working for Heggie's Transport at Bellambi NSW in the early seventies, as fleet manager in charge of truck purchases. I remember the Saurer being parked in one of Heggie's sheds and covered with a tarp. Phil left Heggie's about the mid seventies and with his business partner started bulk haulage company Western Gold in Lithgow NSW. I don't think that the business lasted very long. About 25 years ago I heard that Phil had storage sheds for lease at Kembla Grange NSW on the corner of the Princes Hwy and West Dapto Rd.

Wow I had heard of Western Gold transport in the late 70's at a guess I could find out for sure
Im guessing cart coal or some such thing

Does anyone know if this truck is still around ???

Paul

Western Gold did cart coal.

Here's an Old Discussion about Western Gold..

www.hcvc.com.au/forum/truck_Chat/2452-looking-for-pics-and-info

Western Gold also carted magnatite to P. B. Coleman's yard (for storage) at Corrimal NSW which is used to wash coal. I remember one of the subbie,s being long term Mack operator Barry Sky. I think his 2 sons also worked for Western Gold with 1418 Mercedes Benz's.
The start of Western Gold came about when Don Heggie sold off the transport business at Wallerawang near Lithgow NSW to Phil and his business partner
Several rigid tippers were sent to Wallerawang prior to Phil and his partner taking over.
These included an 8x4 ERF. 8x4 Albion, 8x4 ACCO. 6x4 AEC and an Ex Lennon Towers bonneted 6x4 Leyland Hippo.

Where is it now

Twas th year before I started driving trucks.
The eve of this collision 48yrs ago . I used to drive this 23,000ton Aircraft carrier around.

If my Dad had been in his bunk, I would not be here now, or born orphaned. (that's how I under stand it) I think he was onboard the day before, or such. Must ask him.

Jarrod.

Just read an artcle in VTCM by Paul Tol about the history of this Saurer truck after 1969.
Participated at the Illawarra Vintage Car Club.s Gold Rush Rally in May, 1975.
In 1997 Bill Cooper purchased this Saurer "that was in a state of advanced deterioration from a paddock in Wollongong'.
Using this truck and 3 others from Yunta, Jeff Gransden Motors at Edwardstown managed to restore the Saurer back to its former glory in the livery of Cooper and Sons Ale.
It is now displayed at Coopers Regency Park Brewery Transport Museum