J G McWilliam Scania 143

J. G. McWILLIAM AND THE SCANIA RESTORATION!

Derbyshire based promotional model vehicle specialists, Search Impex, are pleased to announce the release of a 1:50 scale Scania 143 (4×2) tractor unit and 3 axle, curtain trailer, customised in the original livery of Scottish operator, J. G. McWilliam.

The models have been produced exclusively for Search Impex by WSI Collectibles as a certificated Limited Edition (175 pieces).

This is the second model to be commissioned through Search Impex by this operator and follows on from the earlier sell out, release of the Volvo FH16 Globetrotter XL with walking floor trailer.

With its origins in the farming fraternity, J. G. McWilliam was established in 1970 by farmer, James McWilliam, whose diversification into the haulage industry came about simply as a result of looking for a new commercial interest. Initially selling and delivering coal & smokeless fuels, firewood & peat, today’s operation continues to haul coal, as well as grain and also offers a general haulage service throughout the UK and occasionally into Europe.

Now run by second (Kenny) and third generation (Bruce) of the McWillam family, the Company is based in Huntly, Aberdeenshire. With a fleet of around 10 trucks (a mix of Volvo & Scania) and a variety of trailers, including bulk tippers, flat beds, curtainsiders and a low loader, the Company is capable of meeting a wide variety of transport requirements. This capability was further enhanced by the addition to the trailer fleet of a walking floor trailer which is used to transport biomass and waste for recycling.

The Scania 143 was purchased by the Company about three years ago with the sole intention of restoring it to replicate one of the Scania 143’s which were a familiar sight in the J G McWilliam fleet in the early to mid 1990’s. Even though in first class condition when acquired (and with a modestly low mileage of around 440,000 miles / 700,000 kms!), the Scania 143 was, nonetheless, put through a very caring restoration programme by

J G McWilliam, before being fully liveried in the Company’s original colours. This included the red chassis (something which, from around 1999, was changed to the dark blue chassis seen on today’s J G McWilliam trucks). Not complete without a trailer, J G McWilliam also opted to restore a curtain trailer in the original livery – so making a complete classic truck and trailer. Whilst still actually capable of earning a living, the Scania 143 is now only made to endure fair-weather working on high days and holidays (as befits such a veteran) and much prefers making guest appearances on the truck show circuits!

Models, available from Search Impex, are priced at £145 each (including UK delivery & VAT).

For details of availability of this and other models, collectors can visit the Search Impex website at www.search-impex.co.uk or call on 01332 873555.