Stephen J Tabner

KEEPING TABS ON TANKERS!

Customised promotional model vehicle specialists, Search Impex, are pleased to announce the release of a 1:50 scale Volvo FH Globetrotter low roof (4×2) tractor unit with 3 axle, tanker trailer, customised in the classy livery of Cheshire based operator Stephen J Tabner Ltd.

The models have been produced exclusively for Search Impex by WSI Models as a certificated Limited Edition (155 pieces).

(Note : The model has been based on a 4×2 unit with side skirts, whereas the actual Volvo is a 6×2 with small pram wheels behind the side skirts. The customer is fully aware of and accepts this situation and also that there are other small differences in specification between the model and the actual truck).

The Company was established in Manchester back in 1999 when, with just one truck (a Volvo FH1 and tanker trailer), present day Managing Director, Stephen Tabner started out as a subbie for the UK arm of a large European haulier of condition sensitive and hazardous products. The work involved carrying bulk liquid loads throughout the UK and occasionally over to continental Europe. However, as a result of a change in management, the work as a subcontractor for the European haulier came to an end and Stephen took up a new challenge subcontracting for an Essex based business. Within four years of starting out, the Company had built up to a total of four trucks and so, in 2003, Stephen made the bold decision to stop all subcontracting work and go it alone and so to find his own work and customers.

With hard work and dedication came success and in 2007 the business moved from Manchester to a new site in Warrington. This was followed, 10 years later, by a further move when, in 2017, it purchased its own offices and depot premises and relocated to its present day site in Widnes. Various makes of truck continued to be added to the growing fleet including DAF, MAN, Renault and four very well-loved ERF units before a decision was made to standardise on Volvo. Interestingly, the Company still has the original Volvo FH1 to this day!

Nowadays, the fleet comprises a total of 15 trucks (all Volvo!) and 25 tanker trailers. With a passion for looking after its fleet, the Company is also still operating every tanker trailer it has ever purchased – the older trailers all having been fully refurbished in the in-house workshops. Employees at Stephen J Tabner must also be well looked after – because their longest serving driver has just recently completed 20 years of service with the business!

The specification of the Volvo truck on which the model has been based was the idea of long-serving driver, Tim Cook. When the time came to renew his truck, rather than replace it with the standard Globetrotter cab, he asked if he could have a flat top version. As a great fan of “old school” style trucks, his request was granted and the flat top cab, complemented by roof rack, headboard, ladders and side skirts and complete with a TIR plate – all looking rather reminiscent of an older F10 / F12 Volvo – joined the Tabner fleet.

The Company continues to specialise in the carrying of hazardous goods throughout the UK and occasionally over to Ireland and Europe. The trailer fleet comprises a variety of tanker types, including six multi-compartment tankers which are used to distribute a selection of products in one delivery.

Models, available from Search Impex, are priced at £164 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.