Tedcamp

When I was a Mack salesman in the 1980's (a truck salesman's wildest dream come true) I was told there were more "R" model cabs installed on trucks than any other cab in history. I believed it then and I believe it now. Does anyone have a number? tedcamp@telus.net

In 1961 I was the store driver for Alberta Mack (now Western Mack) in Calgary we had a large S/A tow truck I "think" it was originally a B 85 with a gas engine. There were a few Mack gas engines around Alberta at the time, if one was needed the shop whipped it out and replaced it with whatever engine was available including a Thermodyne. Not 205 because that was turbo'd so it must have been 185. Dead slow of course because the gas engine ran good in the 3,000 RPM range and ENDT's ran 1800-2100. I was very relieved when the rebuild shop switched a gas engine back in.

In 1961 and '62 worked as the "store driver" for Alberta Mack in Calgary - that was before Hart Punt took it over and renamed it Western Mack. My job was demo'ing new and used trucks, I used to take a potential customer out in a new B-61, usually with a Triplex, occasionally a Quad. When I started down the Blackfoot Trail I moved my left foot under my right and pointed to it. "I won't use the clutch from now on." I was good on the sticks, up to 15 or 20 then back down, never touched a gear. I pulled to a wide spot on the road. "I'm going to let you take it, if you can't drive as good as me within a week we'll cancel the deal, refund your money and give you back your trade-in." NEVER HAPPENED. No one wanted to admit they couldn't drive as good as THE KID. Later I took a B-61 and a B833SX to Kitimat to haul logs for Crown Zellerbach. Never got a picture of either of them. Bob Dingsdale in Port Alberni B.C. is a pal of mine. I have pics of his 1955 LJSWX. Now retired I write truck-related novels. my website is www.truckerbooks.co

Seeing the frame hanging on chains reminded me of the old Hayes shop in Vancouver where everything was assembled by hand, upside down at first then rolled over, wheels on and hand-pushed down what was laughingly called an "assembly line" I worked for Mack twice, once in Calgary in the 1960's as the shop driver, demo new and used, appraised trade-ins, brought new from the factory in Plainfield and from dealers all over North America, I think I imported the last LJ into Canada. Later I was a salesman for Mainland Mack in Langley B.C. Sold tons of "R" models and MH's. I'll be watching your progress. Ted Campbell U R L for Trucker Ted http://www.truckerted.net/Trucker_Teds_Website.html

I'm looking for a photo of an "F" model, preferably tandem but I'll take what I can get. It's for a book I've written titled FIFTY YEARS OF TRUCKING FROM FLATHEAD FORD TO LONG NOSE PETE. Actually a lot of it talks about Macks because I worked for 2 Mack dealerships, Calgary and Langley B.C. and owned many Macks and Volvos. If anyone knows where I could find a picture I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks Ted Campbell

I met Bob Dingsdale through the BigMackTrucks forum, crossed on the B.C. Ferry to Van. Island then up to Port Alberni. The city built a new arena and gave the Historical Society use of the old one. What a great use of a building. The community has several retired old loggers who tinker around with very old equipment 'til it looks and runs like the day it left the factory. Bob came down and gave me a tour then we went to his house where he has a '56 LJ off-highway logger completely restored. This person is a walking Mack encyclopedia, he can look at the side of a truck and tell you the make, model and year it was built, even has details of dozens of trucks imported into Canada, model, build date, when it left the factory and was delivered, Customs brokers and original owner. Best 5 hours I've spent in many years. Thanks Bob. Ted Campbell

Mack12 speed was the transmission of choice for Super B trains in the Canadian Rockies for many years, it will be a good transmission for your job.I takes a bit of getting used to but they were well built and I'd go with one every time. Ted Campbell

When I worked for Alberta Mack in Calgary I had a B.C. licence, my boss said I'd better get an Alberta Lic just to be safe, after my next trip bringing in 3 new Macks piggy-backed I ran the lead tractor up to the D/L office, wrote the exam then went for the usual test-ride. I was crestfallen to say the least when the Examiner told me I was the worst driver he'd ever ridden with. He gave me my licence but said he thought he was making a mistake. A few weeks later several of my buddies and I were having a beer when I said. "I think I know the bartender." A pal said. "He works part time here but he's a full time Driver Examiner - when I took my test he told me I was the worst driver he'd ever tested but he gave me my licence anyway. He tells that to everyone - thinks it will scare them into being safer." Keep at it New Jersey, we've all been there. Ted Campbell

Hi - Ted Campbell here. I worked for Mack twice, once in Calgary as a dealership driver in the 1960's bringing new trucks in from the factory and demonstrating them to potential customers who were trading in gaspots. In the mid- 1980's I worked as a salesman for Mainland Mack in Langley, sold lots of MH's, RW's and a slew of R models (32 in one deal to Tenold Transport). I'd sure like to know about the MH you have for sale. Depending on the situation I could be a buyer. Power train, general condition, location. Pictures would be nice. You can reach me at tedcamp@telus.net Thanks TED

I logged on the west coast, started with a B-61 pulling a Columbia trailer. I replaced the bunks with 12', turned them parallel to the frame and ran out on the highway, passed the off-highway rigs who had to stay on the company road, swung the bunks, then came back with a full bundle to tidewater. After a year I realized the poor little END683 - 205 HP engine just wasn't going to last much longer so I traded it in on a B833SX and a 25 ton Columbia. That truck had a turbo-charged 220 Cummins putting out 262 HP. With the Quad box it made a nice unit. Our camp was all Rigid-frame Kenworth and HDX Hayes mostly with 12V92 and Allison Torquematics. Naturally everyone looked down their nose at anything with a bulldog on the hood. Three years and we never had a problem that was due to Mack. Tires and brakes wear out on every truck. To my great sorrow I never got a picture of either of them. I've written a book I call FIFTY YEARS OF TRUCKING FROM FLATHEAD FORD TO LONG NOSE PETE. I'd like to add a chapter about my Macks and sure would appreciate getting a picture of any B model logger to use. I'll send a copy of the book to anyone who can send me a picture and will add a by - line with your name on it. My email is: tedcamp@telus.net. Thanks By the way I also worked for Mack twice, once in Calgary as the Dealership driver, years later I worked as a salesmen in Langley B.C. My background as a trucker made it easy to demonstrate trucks to buyers and I sold a lot. Best of all I had many clients bring their brothers and sons into me to buy a truck.