Classic Refuse Trucks NEWS

MAY, 2005 UPDATE

CWR RESTORATION UPDATE
Paul has sent in some more photos of one of his two classic Leach Packmasters currently undergoing restoration, which I have added to the Leach Projects Album. This is the older, early style Packmaster and the historic importance of this packer can not be overstated. This was the first refuse truck design by Cyril Gollnick, whose later 2R Packmaster is the father of the majority of modern rear loader designs. Additionally, this was the first rear-load packer marketed by Leach, who had sold the successful Refuse Getter bucket loader since the 1930's. Being out of production for just about fifty years, it is a minor miracle that any example of an early Packmaster still exists. Fortunately, this truck will have a new lease on life and we look forward to seeing it returned to its former glory.

Though much work remains to be done, Paul hopes to have this truck at the 2005 ATHS National Convention and Show at Auburn, Indiana in early June. Confirmation and further details will be posted on the CRT Message Board at the MSN Members Area as they become available.

NEW DOWNLOAD: 1949 LEACH REFUSE GETTER

Speaking of Leach, this months free download is the Leach Refuse Getter, the very same bucket-type loader mentioned above. This is a four page, part color brochure from about 1949, when this famous refuse body was sold side-by-side with the new Packmaster.

EDITORS NOTE: This download is no longer available

CRT MEMBERS AREA at MSN GROUPS
I can't say enough about the tremendous contributions made by those of you who have posted to the Members Area, with well over 100 new photos being posted last month. For those of you new to CRT, this is a free-forum area to post photos of anything refuse truck related, and features a message board where members may hold discussions and help solve "unknowns".

Recently, when a member posted a question about an unknown model refuse truck from Greece, CRT members quickly identified the vehicle, and Tim Byrne even posted a multi-photo tour of Greek refuse trucks used on the island of Kefalonia ! CRT members have packed the photo albums section with great images of classic trucks, as well as today's modern machines still on the job in the refuse industry.

Photos of miniature model refuse trucks are always welcome, and one member from Sweden has posted photos of his incredibly detailed Lego Norba custom model which is simply amazing:

EDITORS NOTE: This album has since been removed from the members area. However, Martin has posted video of his creations at YouTube. Click here to go to his video page, or watch the sample below:

While this one is not at the MSN Members Area, I just had to show everyone this fantastic creation of Chuck Franke, who sent in some photos of his model creations.

This is a scratch built model of a Leach 2R Packmaster, of the type which were produced between 1963-1985. It is mounted on a standard AMT model truck chassis. The combination of superb detail and professional photography make this classic refuse truck appear almost real! I especially liked how the rear sheetmetal cover is partially removed, just the way many aging 2Rs often appear on the street today.

RUNNING CHANGES TO THE WEBSITE
Due to constraints of time, I will be probably be unable to update any of the photo albums here at the main CRT site for a while. Although I don't lack material, the time needed to write articles is in short supply, especially during the warm weather months. I will most likely keep to the monthly NEWS update schedule ( during the first weekend of each month, as needed ), where any changes to the site will be announced. Also, the Members Area at MSN is always open, and lately has become quite a remarkable site thanks to the contributions of you, the membership.

Plans for the CRT Video Library also will remain on hold for the time being, though anyone who has any video and would like to post it is certainly free to do so at any time.

Eric Voytko,
May 1, 2005