1:50 scale DAF XG+ 530 (6x2) tractor unit with 3 axle, curtain trailer, customised in the livery of Scottish operator, B&L Transport.
This is the first time that B&L Transport has commissioned an official production run of models and they have been produced exclusively for Search Impex by WSI Models as a certificated Limited Edition (125 pieces).
The release of the model coincides nicely with the 40th anniversary year of B&L Transport. Established in 1983 and based in Carnwath (a moorland village on the southern edge of the Pentland Hills of South Lanarkshire and about 30 miles south of both Edinburgh and Glasgow), the business started out with a DAF 2800 and tandem axle flatbed trailer. This original DAF 2800 is, incidentally, still owned by the business. Described as “a work in progress” in terms of restoration, it will, we understand, make guest appearances on the truck show scene at some future stage – so watch this space! Also in the workshop is another one of B&L’s early and much cherished trucks – a DAF 95XF Super Space. Originally purchased in Holland as 4x2 and converted back here to a 6x2, the truck is fired up every week to keep it nicely ticking over and the hopes are that it, too, will soon appear on the show circuit.
Having had up to six trucks in the fleet, the aim was never to build a massive haulage business, but much more to have B&L as a family run operation capable of offering its customers a flexible and personal service. There are presently three trucks in the fleet – two DAF XF 106 units and the DAF XG+, together with a selection of trailers, including three curtainsiders, a couple of flatbeds and a box van. Behind the wheels are business owner, Thomas Bollan (known to most people by his middle name - Neil), his brother, David and Neil’s son, Robert. Neil’s wife, Jessie, runs the office and so very much facilitates the smooth day to day running of the operation. The business specialises in the transport and distribution of forest products, including timber, plywood and chipboard, but also undertakes general haulage work. Whilst operating throughout the whole of the UK, much of the focus of the haulage work sees B&L Transport’s trucks travelling down the A1 corridor from Scotland to the London area and back. Continental trips also used to feature in the business portfolio until the decision was made in 2018 to stop the European work.
Attractively liveried in the Company’s long-favoured and distinctive black, silver & red colourscheme, B&L Transport’s trucks may already be a familiar sight to many a collector. The new DAF XG+ (on which the model has been based) is the very latest addition to the fleet and comes complete with the personalised registration plate – RB52 TNB. This plate has been transferred from previous B&L trucks since it first appeared in registration plate year 2002 / 2003 – and it represents the initials of Father and Son (or, more accurately, Son & Father!) – Robert Bollan and Thomas Neil Bollan. Keep an eye out for it on your travels!
Models, available from Search Impex, are priced at £155 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.
