kent transport

lawrence2765 · 16 January 2014 21:52

Mark R:
Ken Trowell had quite a mixed fleet at one time with most makes represented. He ran Mercs, Dafs, Volvos,& Ivecos as well as the Transcons. Most of the work was out of Milton Pipes in Sittingbourne. I also remember a particularly nice Scania (possibly a 143). I was subbing for Bournecrete at the time doing similar work so saw them at the builders merchants. Ron Wood already had a tidy fleet of his own by this time doing similar work.

any idea what ever happened to ken at all mark?

robert1952 · 18 January 2014 18:23

As it’s the weekend I thought I’d add a few more pics from my days driving for Kent-based hauliers. Bon weekend! Robert

robert1952 · 18 January 2014 18:36

OK then, just a few more now that I’m on a roll! Robert

robert1952 · 18 January 2014 18:45

You want more? Oh, all right then! Robert

robert1952 · 18 January 2014 18:56

robert1952 · 18 January 2014 19:16

These are all Harrier Express pictures. Faversham haulier, Simon Wilkinson, has to be one of the most tenacious transport men of the 21st century. He has rescued himself from dire straits more times than Harry Potter. Has anyone thought to refer Simon to the Chamber of Commerce in Faversham for some kind of award: personally, I think he deserves an OBE for surviving the impossible. In addition to this, perhaps (as I live in Cairo) someone might gently point out to the Faversham Society that Harrier Express is a vital part of Faversham’s history. They might start by examining this thread! Just ask for Arthur Percival: he is very approachable and actually, very interested in any haulage imput. Good luck chaps; and mega-luck, Simon! Robert

robert1952 · 18 January 2014 20:34

For the record, I wish it to be widely understood that CSB of Sandwich was a decent haulier to work for. The picture here shows the LHD Iveco I was driving at Tizi 'n Tichka, the highest road pass in Morocco, in the High Atlas Mountains. I drove for CSB for nearly two years. All their units were LHD Ivecos, fully equipped. CSB was operated by Clive Bull of Sandwich, Kent. During my period with CSB I drove to Hungary, Germany, Belgium, Holland, France, Morocco, Andorra, Spain, Norway, Italy and other places I’ve forgotten. Clive Bull was a clever, astute, intelligent operator: he knew his work inside out. He also knew how to get the best out of drivers without upsetting them, so he was an excellent industrial psychologist too! All in all, Clive was an excellent employer. Robert

mark_r · 18 January 2014 21:10

Nice to see the Francis Davis pictures Robert. Some of their drivers came to work for us (Woods) when FDs packed up. They always had a neatly turned out (if somewhat plain) fleet. It was also nice to see the A Woods Mercedes 1625 with third axle fitted!..I imagine the progress would have been ‘sedate’ to say the least with a modest 250bhp.
Thanks again Robert.

pirate · 18 January 2014 22:12

robert1952:
3210These are all Harrier Express pictures. Faversham haulier, Simon Wilkinson, has to be one of the most tenacious transport men of the 21st century. He has rescued himself from dire straits more times than Harry Potter. Has anyone thought to refer Simon to the Chamber of Commerce in Faversham for some kind of award: personally, I think he deserves an OBE for surviving the impossible. In addition to this, perhaps (as I live in Cairo) someone might gently point out to the Faversham Society that Harrier Express is a vital part of Faversham’s history. They might start by examining this thread! Just ask for Arthur Percival: he is very approachable and actually, very interested in any haulage imput. Good luck chaps; and mega-luck, Simon! Robert

I couldn’t agree more

robert1952 · 20 January 2014 16:46

jarvy · 21 January 2014 08:15

Robert, I too have done time at Gist so our paths must have crossed at some time.

robert1952 · 21 January 2014 08:27

Jarvy:
Robert, I too have done time at Gist so our paths must have crossed at some time.

Probably, I drove for them during spring and summer 2003 while I was setting up my business. I took loads of pics but I don’t want to swamp the Kent site with too many Gist photos! Robert

archie_paice · 21 January 2014 09:01

Whatever became of Pat Riley from Staplehurst I wonder.

mark_r · 25 January 2014 18:49

Cant say ive heard of Pat Riley Archie. Wrong side of the county for me. I do remember Aylward Bros though from Teynham. They used to do long distance work all over the country in their fleet of AECs and Leylands.

old_67 · 25 January 2014 19:06

What a cracking picture ! Captures the haulage scene of the time perfectly,weather worn paint,few dents here and there,just got in the yard covered in road muck,tyre wet from water in potholes.Drivers bits and bobs in windscreen (is that a packet of green Rizla ■■■ papers? )
I like to see nicely restored lorries, but photos like this really take me back,you can almost smell the hot engine and possibley warm brakes as well!!
Thanks.
Regards John.

driverjoe · 25 January 2014 19:58

I came across these photo’s. I would love to see if anyone has any pictures of Coulling Brother’s (when they had merc’s)

mark_r · 25 January 2014 20:19

The Mercedes wrecker has now ben bought by a friend of mine who intends to restore it back to its original condition. It started out as a 1626 tractor unit and one day will become one again.

driverjoe · 25 January 2014 20:41

Mark R:
The Mercedes wrecker has now ben bought by a friend of mine who intends to restore it back to its original condition. It started out as a 1626 tractor unit and one day will become one again.

That’s good as it looked in sad state when i took the photo

ringrose · 25 January 2014 21:41

Mark R:
Cant say ive heard of Pat Riley Archie. Wrong side of the county for me. I do remember Aylward Bros though from Teynham. They used to do long distance work all over the country in their fleet of AECs and Leylands.

Mark, great picture of Aylward Bros

tdl102 · 25 January 2014 22:30

If your friend needs any help with parts or info on the 1626 then let me know