 
JUNE, 2005 UPDATE NEW BANNER IMAGE June kicks off with a nice new banner image for the main page, from a hard-to-find color advertisement. This fleet of 42 REO trucks was purchased by National Disposal Service of Barrington, Illinois in 1963. The trucks were equipped with Leach Packmasters, appearing to be of about twenty cubic yard capacity. These would be among the last of the hoist-dumped Packmasters produced, as Leach converted to the Push-Out ejector system in that year. These stunning vehicles were posed beneath the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington, being part of the firm's expansion into that city. Chris Peichert of Manchester, Connecticut, has restored a truck almost exactly like the National trucks seen above; his 1963 Packmaster was featured on the Leach webpage, but that site has recently re-tooled. For now, I've added that picture here at CRT in a new Photo Album, but Chris is working on getting some more pictures to add later. Restored trucks are a high priority at CRT, and we look forward to seeing more of the this beautiful classic in the future. Another restored classic is featured this month, courtesy of Tom Duckham, of Jackson, Michigan. Tom sent photos of his spectacular 1952 Ford F5 with a Leach Refuse Getter bucket loader. These self-loading trucks were among the vanguard of mechanized refuse trucks in the 1930's, and remained popular well after World War II. You won't believe how nice this golden-oldie looks ! And finally, late word out of England via Brian Carpenter that the 1982 Shelvoke & Drewry Revopak owned by Steve Jones is scheduled to be among six preserved vehicles appearing at the SD Celebrated display at Old Warden Park, Biggleswade in September. The continuous-loading Revopaks are one of the most interesting and best-loved refuse vehicles of all time, and if you've ever seen one of these machines in action, you will never forget it. Be sure to check Brian's web page, The Unofficial Shelvoke & Drewry Site for details. Refuse truck enthusiasts are indeed fortunate to have these and other historic examples preserved through the efforts of individuals. A list of known preserved/restored refuse trucks is maintained here at CRT by clicking on the Restored Trucks button on the navigation bar at left. Once there, links will direct you to information about each truck, some of which is here at CRT, and others at various places on the worldwide web. If you know of anyone with a restored vehicle not listed, please contact CRT. NEW PHOTO ALBUM: DENNIS BROTHERS The refuse collection vehicles of Dennis Brothers were as popular in Great Britain as Leach was in North America. Like their arch-rival SD, Dennis built complete vehicles: chassis, cab and packer, and exported product abroad as well. This month, a new Dennis album debuts here at CRT, and while not nearly an in-depth history, many of the popular Dennis models are featured and should bring back fond memories for those of you in the UK and Europe. I would like to sincerely thank Roy Parker of Londonderry Garage, North Yorkshire, for granting permission to use a critical photo in the Dennis album, and for his fast reply to my inquiry. Also thanks go out to Jaap Mikkers who sent along two new titles for the CRT Books list that will be of interest to RCV enthusiasts and Dennis fans alike RUNNING CHANGES TO THE WEBSITE A change was made to CRT on May 30, to correct an error in one of the photo albums. The former Rey-SEMAT album has now been re-titled Rey-SITA, since the vehicles pictured pre-date the formation of SEMAT. In the 1950's, Fernand Rey was involed with founding SEMAT, which marketed his revolving type "Superpac", a version of which was made famous by SD as the Revopak. The SITA name appears to have been used on RCV's into the 1970's, which include the descendants of the original Reyloaders and the model 6000 "paddle-blade" packers. I hope to have a more complete history of this man (and his groundbreaking refuse equipment) here at CRT in the future. Eric Voytko, June 4, 2005 Click here to return to the CRT Archives All Rights Reserved Logos shown are the trademarks of respective manufacturers Photos from factory brochures/trade advertisements except as noted |