old bill:
Hi Kenny (greek) I retired in May 2004, I was 65 on the friday so I had to work the full week, I loaded and ran up to Stranraer on the Monday. Caught the early ferry to Belfast tuesday, Ran down to Dublin and tipped by 2 PM. Spent Wednesday and Thursday having a sightseeing tour of Ireland. Caught the 17.30 ferry to Stranraer, Parked up for the night. Got an early start back to Aycliffe, Got all of my gear out of the Truck and retired.Nes had absolutely no idea about transport. They had a collection for me round all the departments and raised £240 and a bottle of Jamesons, Ness made it up to £250. Ten bloody pounds for 14 years sevice. I have a canny little job now, delivering meat in a small van for a bit of pocket money.
Bill
Lawrence Dunbar:
Where about in FenceHouses is the wrecker parked, I know of a couple of Breakers yards there, Coats & the Monte lads. ? Regards Larry.
its in montys just over the railway crossing on the left, i seen it there a couple of years back two of my old wagons are in there too ,a couple of old fodens with " A LITTLEY" writteh on them
old bill:
1934 PT WAS MY FIRST TRACTOR UNIT IN 1969. IT WAS SLOW COMPARED TO THE OTHER ATKINSONS. IT HAD THE HEAVIEST CLUTCH PEDAL OF ANYTHING I EVER DROVE IN MY LIFE. I WAS TOLD THAT KENNY JOHNSON HAD PUT A BRAKE SHOE SPRING ON IT.
OLD BILL
Hi Bill, 1934PT was the only unit with the German box (6speed ZF o/d) in it.The clutch was like that from new and it went back to Atkisons a few times but it was never any better. If you tried to hold it down it sarted to lift you out of the seat (stopped you from ridding it).The 8 wheelers with the ZF box in were ok. The other motors had David Brown boxes and they had a different clutch fitted.The motors used to be faster but ZF kept modifing the o/d gear blaming the drivers for labouring the motor in o/d. From 1964 there was notice in the cab Overdrive should not be employed unless the vehicle speed exceeds 28 mph.
Regards Ken.
Lawrence Dunbar:
Where about in FenceHouses is the wrecker parked, I know of a couple of Breakers yards there, Coats & the Monte lads. ? Regards Larry.
its in montys just over the railway crossing on the left, i seen it there a couple of years back two of my old wagons are in there too ,a couple of old fodens with " A LITTLEY" writteh on them
Hi Kenny,Thanks for the info on 1934 Pt. I got it when Ted Lowes lost his license for drink driving, I seem to remember it having vacuum brakes but I am probably wrong, I usually am, some memories fade quicker than others. Just remind me, who had 684 MPT before I got it. It was a lovely motor and never let me down.
Bill
Don’t mention vacuum breaks Bill, the box van (which was then converted into a flat) which I had when I first started had them, what a nightmare they were. They say it’s always better to blow than ■■■■, sucking may be good sometimes, but not for trying to stop a truck
Hope I can still walk at your age Bill never mind a bit part time I have the game on now (arthritis) & still got just over 2yr to do.
It makes you laugh Victor make a couple of good records or a couple good films, tell a few jokes get yourself an MBE or Knighthood . Work in transport 40 odd yrs 60/70hrs a week never miss a beat, what do you get SFA
Vacuum brakes me first wagon 1969 was a 65 Thames Trader 7t on it legal 10t regular if we went for taties always made sure low gear top of the hill. Later on when on Northern buses still had a few with Vacuum brakes Watergate bank from Sunniside then Lobley Hill straight after it was always dodgy when fully loaded with early morning workers
greek:
Hope I can still walk at your age Bill never mind a bit part time I have the game on now (arthritis) & still got just over 2yr to do.
It makes you laugh Victor make a couple of good records or a couple good films, tell a few jokes get yourself an MBE or Knighthood . Work in transport 40 odd yrs 60/70hrs a week never miss a beat, what do you get SFA
Vacuum brakes me first wagon 1969 was a 65 Thames Trader 7t on it legal 10t regular if we went for taties always made sure low gear top of the hill. Later on when on Northern buses still had a few with Vacuum brakes Watergate bank from Sunniside then Lobley Hill straight after it was always dodgy when fully loaded with early morning workers
Hi Greek Should have worked at Dents, I have £16 a YEAR!!! for 10 years would not let me take a lump sum.
Regards Ken
greek:
No its been shut a while now bill, didnt recognise you on the pic wth the old moter. Did you retire from Ness or you still working. I waved at you once or twice when you were on for ness but I dont think you recognised me. Apologies accepted it didn`t bother me I spoke to you plenty afterwards
Kev you OK for work now?
Kenny, Still plodding on and struggling a bit work wise, I decided to stay where I am until my retirement date. (168 days to go). I don’t think I’m able to make a major change to my work pattern for just a few months, and if I moved now I would have to upgrade the tractor which realistically would be a stupid thing to do as I would then have to carry on for another couple of years as an O/D. Mind you if I could get a decent local job I would be happy to carry on working for someone else. (Any offers? ) Regards Kev.
Here is another oldie for you Bill. 617BPT as featured earlier, parked up somewhere in London.
Darren.
Just a guess, but could that Atki be parked at that cafe at the entrance to the northbound Blackwall Tunnel?
I can’t remember its name but the location looks familiar. regards kevmac47.
The photo of 617 was taken at Stephenson Way, Newton Aycliffe Taffy Davies lived in the houses on the left.Regards Ken.
old bill:
Hi Kenny,Thanks for the info on 1934 Pt. I got it when Ted Lowes lost his license for drink driving, I seem to remember it having vacuum brakes but I am probably wrong, I usually am, some memories fade quicker than others. Just remind me, who had 684 MPT before I got it. It was a lovely motor and never let me down.
Bill
Hi Bill, the first 4 Atki units,773PT,1934PT, 7819 and 7820PT,and the Ford Trader unit 772PT All had vacuum brakes.As did the 8 Four in line and 2 single axle BTC trailers.
One Friday night Ted Lowes took his unit 1934 home as he was going on a trip to Blackpool on saturday.Next morning Ted slept in,so he jumpt in his motor and chased the bus,when he caught it might have been at Kirby Stephen he left his motor and picked it up on the way back. Regards Ken
Here is another oldie for you Bill. 617BPT as featured earlier, parked up somewhere in London.
Darren.
Just a guess, but could that Atki be parked at that cafe at the entrance to the northbound Blackwall Tunnel?
I can’t remember its name but the location looks familiar. regards kevmac47.
The photo of 617 was taken at Stephenson Way, Newton Aycliffe Taffy Davies lived in the houses on the left.Regards Ken.
Ken - i don’t think it is Aycliffe as there what appears to be a London Underground sign and a power station cooling tower in the background to the left of the motor…i could be mistaken however.
I have the game on now (arthritis) & still got just over 2yr to do.
Later on when on Northern buses still had a few with Vacuum brakes Watergate bank from Sunniside then Lobley Hill straight after it was always dodgy when fully loaded with early morning workers
