Classic Refuse Trucks

CRT Archives

FEBRUARY, 2005 UPDATE

A new feature article with photos has been added this month, a look at side load packer trucks. CRT takes a brief look at the history of this long-lasting design which has proven itself adaptable to changing demands, from the horse-drawn era right up to the age of automation. Following the article is a photo gallery including some unusual and rare variations. The major manufacturers are mostly represented in their own albums, and the Truxmore album has also been updated this month with new photos and historical information on that make as well.

My sincere thanks to Jaap Mikkers of Zwolle, Netherlands, who sent in the photo of the Swiss Mammut rear loader featured as the Truck of the Month for February. Jaap also sent in some more information on the press mechanism of the Mammut, which is almost identical to the Geesink GPM2 "Vulture" , a truck currently popular in Europe. Made in The Netherlands, Geesink is owned by Oshkosh Corporation, who also happen to own the American McNeilus company. Check out the Geesink website by using the Industry Links button on the navigation bar; they have some neat videos on WMV that are worth a view. Japp also sent in some nice photos of a Geesink GPM2 packer as used by his employer, van Gansewinkel.

MORE FILMS!
Though many classic refuse trucks have disappeared from the streets, some good images still exist on film. Last month, a new CRT resource was added, chronicling the refuse truck as it has appeared in movies and TV. There are currently forty titles listed, and CRT is seeking your input if you know of any additions to the list. Chuck Franke sent a whole bunch of new entries from memory, and has even included reviews. I have added a "New" icon to these additions, so be sure to check them out in the Films section. Since Chuck first contacted me, I've had a chance to view one of the films he sent in, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978). You'll get a bonus here, as two classic packers are featured. The early, flat-paneled Dempster Route King I makes several appearances, and a really nice Gar Wood LP-720 that goes through a half-cycle, filmed from a second floor window.

I have recently acquired two 16mm educational films about refuse trucks, and though I currently do not have a projector with which to view them, they are certainly eligible for the list and a potential gold mine of information and footage. Particularly valuable are factory promo films of the 1950's, of which reels on the Sicard Sanivan and Heil Colectomatic are known to have been produced. I have added the latter to the list, though I have not seen them and the chances of finding a copy are remote. If you know of any other factory promo film titles, let me know and I will add them to the list.

Speaking of films, I recently viewed a title sent in by James O'Rourke (Staffordshire, UK) last month that really deserves a look if you are interested in classic refuse trucks. James mentioned that the movie Badlands (1973) showed a Gar Wood Load-Packer going through several packing cycles, and indeed there is great footage a 1950's vintage LP-200 series doing just that ! The film is set in the 1950's, and the producers (who could have easily cut corners without many people noticing) found the perfect truck for that period. While the editing could be better, you'll see one of the most famous classic refuse trucks of all time in color and in action. Most apparent is how fast these Load-Packers were, and one detailed close up shows the packer panel "lock in" from the float position. Fortunately, part of the rear sheet metal on the truck is missing, and the internal retainer panel is easily visible.

REPLICAS/MODELS
In scale model news, First Gear Models has added at least three new rear loaders to their lineup of quality diecast replicas. The Freightliner/McNeilus rear loader combo has been released in light blue City of Chicago trim, as well as a darker First Gear Club edition. A new version combining the McNeilus packer body with the existing First Gear Mack MR cabover chassis has also been announced, with Mack Trucks decals. We can probably expect to see many more versions, much like happened with their very popular Wittke front loader, of which no less than fifteen versions have currently been produced. Photos of some of these versions are posted on the CRT Toys/Models website at MSN. Don't forget that members may post pictures of their replicas here at any time and manage your own album. Up to 3MB free photo hosting is provided by MSN, and membership is free.

BOOKS
A new periodical title has been added to the Books section at CRT, the June 2004 edition of Special Interest Autos which features a photo spread of old refuse trucks by the late Don Wood. I had mentioned Don's passing in the CRT October update, but failed to mentioned this posthumously published article. This is nice multiple page photo layout, and back issues should still be readily available from SIA.

That is all for this month. Thank you for visiting, and a special thanks to all of you who have contributed this site over the last few months. Your input is appreciated !

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