MLG Transport

1:50 scale DAF CF Euro 6 Space cab (6×2, tag axle) tractor unit with 3 axle, cattle float trailer, customised in the brown and gold livery of Scottish livestock hauliers, M.L.G. Transport.

The model has been produced exclusively for Search Impex by WSI Collectibles and is a certificated Limited Edition (155 pieces).

Based in Forres, Morayshire, M L G Transport was established in 1991 by Mark Lawrence Gradon. As the son of a farmer, Mark was brought up in a farming environment but found that his growing interest in commercial vehicles called for him to leave the farming industry to become a mechanic. Work as a mechanic was enjoyable and a good experience but he soon realised that his true passion was not only fixing, but also driving trucks and so, when the opportunity arose to join a dairy and drive a 7.5 tonne truck, he jumped at the chance.

After about three years with the dairy, Mark heard (via the local farming industry grapevine), that another local haulier was looking to expand and to put another HGV and driver on the road. Mark applied for the job but was not optimistic about being offered the post because he was still to finish taking his HGV tests. To his surprise and delight, however, he was offered the job and his new employer offered help with completion of the necessary training. Mark successfully secured his HGV licence and remained with this employer for about the next 17 years until, in 1991, his employer announced his wish to retire from the industry. Mark saw this as an opportunity to start his own business and so offered to buy two of the livestock floats and a selection of trailers. Following constructive discussions, the deal was sealed and the decision was made to go it alone.

Since 1991, MLG Transport has grown steadily and in 2000, Mark’s son, Michael, joined in partnership with him. The business now operates a total of 8 trucks (4 x DAF CF 6×2 and 4 x DAF XF 6×2) and a variety of trailers (a mix of cattle float, curtainsiders, flat beds, timber carriers & a low loader). As well as livestock transport which is undertaken throughout Scotland, including as far afield as the Outer Hebrides, MLG also undertakes round timber & general haulage and operates throughout the UK.

Models, available from Search Impex, are priced at £139 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.