Mercedes Benz provided a personal Certificate (picture 2) and a Mercedes "Tie pin" (located LHS of Certificate) to the driver when he had completed 100,000kms. Some Blue truck drivers still have a copy of their certificate.The 1418 Benz in (picture 1) was taken along the sea wall at the Harbour, where coal was transported to on occasion.
The 1418 Benz Primemover was a very good truck however they were fitted with air over hydraulic brakes, so the drivers heavily relied at times on the full air s-cam trailers brakes when descending down hills. These trucks were renowned for the engine to seize when hauling out of the Valley because of high engine coolant tempertures. Drivers would let the truck sit for a while then restart the truck and continue on. Coal transported out of "Valley Coal" was generally transported directly to Glenlee Washery.
The 1418 Benz Primemover was a very good truck however they were fitted with air over hydraulic brakes, so the drivers heavily relied at times on the full air s-cam trailers brakes when descending down hills. These trucks were renowned for the engine to seize when hauling out of the Valley because of high engine coolant tempertures. Drivers would let the truck sit for a while then restart the truck and continue on. Coal transported out of "Valley Coal" was generally transported directly to Glenlee Washery.
Picture 1: Courtesy of Garry Martin
Picture 2: Courtesy of Geoff Martin
