The ThornyCroft ML 'Mastiff' "Hallo Dere"
SAMCI member Ian's Thornycroft Model ML MASTIFF "Hallo Dere"
The ThornyCroft ML 'Mastiff' "Hallo Dere"
written by Samci member Ian
Welcome to the story of one of Australia’s most recognisable vintage working trucks — a Thornycroft that spent its early life with Aboods Transport and went on to enjoy decades of rallies, long‑distance journeys, and dedicated preservation. This page brings together its full history: from its hard‑working beginnings in the 1960s, to its second life transporting vintage tractors, to the many events and treks it proudly took part in across New South Wales and beyond.
You’ll find a detailed timeline of maintenance, upgrades, rallies, and memorable encounters, along with reflections on the people who shaped the truck’s life. In 2020, the story came full circle when the truck returned to the Abood family, ensuring its legacy will continue for years to come.
You’ll find a detailed timeline of maintenance, upgrades, rallies, and memorable encounters, along with reflections on the people who shaped the truck’s life. In 2020, the story came full circle when the truck returned to the Abood family, ensuring its legacy will continue for years to come.
IntroductionIn 2002 I commenced a search for a truck to replace the Leyland I had been using to transport my vintage tractors around for some years previously. Having retired, the cost of maintaining full registration and insurance on such a truck was prohibitive. To qualify under the concessional registration scheme, vehicles must be at least 30 years old.
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Thorny' and I with Bulldog Tractor
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Finding the Truck
My search led me to this truck, owned from new by Aboods Transport of Northmead, Sydney, which easily made the age requirement, and had the additional benefits of a fibreglass cab (rust had plagued me with previous trucks), Gardner 6LXB 180HP engine S/N 161515 with a turbo fitted, Road Ranger 10-speed non-synchro, non-overdrive gearbox, Eaton 2-speed diffs, Hendrickson rear suspension (rubber block only), power steering, 11R22.5 tubeless tyres, and full air brakes. The Chassis No is 62274. All these features except steering (Clayton-Dewandre) remain fully maintainable.
Early History
This truck was dispatched from the Basingstoke, UK, factory late in November 1960, and was first registered in NSW early in 1961. It was then a single axle prime mover equipped with Thornycroft QR6/353 engine of 130BHP, and was put to work hauling copper products from Port Kembla to Brisbane.
When it needed a major overhaul, Aboods decided to reconfigure the truck as it is now, and used it for local work around Sydney. It bore NSW registration FWK693 from April 1973 until 1981 when the plates were changed to KRE210 until it was decommissioned in 1997.
Interestingly, its last full registration certificate shows a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 26,000Kg, although for the purposes of adhering to the 2/3 of original load capacity permitted for historic vehicles, the standard 22,500 Kg GVM for this axle configuration is used. During this time photos show it carried two liveries, so it clearly received a repaint during its life. The load restriction on historic vehicles has since been removed.
When it needed a major overhaul, Aboods decided to reconfigure the truck as it is now, and used it for local work around Sydney. It bore NSW registration FWK693 from April 1973 until 1981 when the plates were changed to KRE210 until it was decommissioned in 1997.
Interestingly, its last full registration certificate shows a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 26,000Kg, although for the purposes of adhering to the 2/3 of original load capacity permitted for historic vehicles, the standard 22,500 Kg GVM for this axle configuration is used. During this time photos show it carried two liveries, so it clearly received a repaint during its life. The load restriction on historic vehicles has since been removed.
Aboods Transport Legacy
It is considered an icon of the local transport industry, as Aboods, in whose livery it remains, were highly respected transport operators over many years. It is highly recognized wherever it goes.
The owners gave names or identities to all their vehicles, this one being 'Hello Dere', which has unfortunately faded away and is indiscernible now. Most of their trucks however, were named after family members, 'Miss Rochelle', for example. There is a photo of this truck dated about 1991 on the internet that clearly shows the name at front centre.
The owners gave names or identities to all their vehicles, this one being 'Hello Dere', which has unfortunately faded away and is indiscernible now. Most of their trucks however, were named after family members, 'Miss Rochelle', for example. There is a photo of this truck dated about 1991 on the internet that clearly shows the name at front centre.
My Ownership
I took delivery of the truck in December 2002, and after obtaining Historic Vehicle registration, immediately put it to work, traveling to a rally in Victoria carrying a tractor, a round trip of about 3,000 Km (~2,000 miles).
The only issue that emerged was excessive steering play, and an overhaul of the main steering components with spare differential valve assembly, steering box and ram, obtained from Aboods, fully rectified this problem. The front brakes were relined using the existing brake drums in April 2010, when no further adjustment was found possible.
Apart from necessary maintenance, the truck has proven utterly reliable, and is used whenever a club activity offers the chance to show off the truck and one of my tractors. Occasionally two tractors are carried to local events.
The only issue that emerged was excessive steering play, and an overhaul of the main steering components with spare differential valve assembly, steering box and ram, obtained from Aboods, fully rectified this problem. The front brakes were relined using the existing brake drums in April 2010, when no further adjustment was found possible.
Apart from necessary maintenance, the truck has proven utterly reliable, and is used whenever a club activity offers the chance to show off the truck and one of my tractors. Occasionally two tractors are carried to local events.
Driving Characteristics
It is a delight to drive, with an exceptionally smooth gearbox that makes clutchless gear changing a dream, and a comfortable cruising speed of about 90-95 Km/h. It is very rough riding unladen, but not too bad with the usual 3-4 ton tractor aboard.
Fuel consumption is 3 1/2-4 Km/L (~8-12 mpg) depending on load and terrain. Maximum revs are 1850 (95 Km/h), with 1920 the over-ride limit, not much of a margin when gathering speed downhill! It has many quirks like all old vehicles, the main one being total lack of engine or auxiliary retardation, so steep downhill grades must be undertaken with great caution. At 16 tons GVM on occasions, gravity cannot be allowed to prevail! The brakes therefore need to be kept in tip-top condition and adjustment.
Fuel consumption is 3 1/2-4 Km/L (~8-12 mpg) depending on load and terrain. Maximum revs are 1850 (95 Km/h), with 1920 the over-ride limit, not much of a margin when gathering speed downhill! It has many quirks like all old vehicles, the main one being total lack of engine or auxiliary retardation, so steep downhill grades must be undertaken with great caution. At 16 tons GVM on occasions, gravity cannot be allowed to prevail! The brakes therefore need to be kept in tip-top condition and adjustment.
Alice Springs Trip – 2010
In 2010, the truck was driven to Alice Springs and back between August 14 and September 6, a total distance of 6,800KM. The trip was to participate in the Transport Hall of Fame Reunion. It was displayed at the Hall of Fame for several days and was part of the Grand Parade on August 29.
It was a wonderful event, but showed up the poor presentation of my truck. I was pleased to see the testimonial to Cedric Abood, who was inducted posthumously a few years previously. Cedric essentially (re)built this truck in the early 70's.
One issue that arose was the movement of the windscreens to which new rubbers had been fitted just prior to the trip. They were threatening to fall out and were restrained by a ratchet strap around them and across the inside of the cab. Immediately upon return from Alice Springs, the windscreen problem was identified as cracking of the fibreglass on the passenger's side, and repairs were effected immediately.
It was a wonderful event, but showed up the poor presentation of my truck. I was pleased to see the testimonial to Cedric Abood, who was inducted posthumously a few years previously. Cedric essentially (re)built this truck in the early 70's.
One issue that arose was the movement of the windscreens to which new rubbers had been fitted just prior to the trip. They were threatening to fall out and were restrained by a ratchet strap around them and across the inside of the cab. Immediately upon return from Alice Springs, the windscreen problem was identified as cracking of the fibreglass on the passenger's side, and repairs were effected immediately.
End of an Era
The sudden illness and passing of Brian Abood in November 2010, and the windup of Aboods Transport, was quite a shock to me. It made my truck the last remaining example of an era, and I would like to display it in its own right in the future but not in its present relatively dilapidated condition.
Upgrades – November 2011
November 2011: The headboard was reconstructed using W-strap and incorporating a 9000 lb capacity winch, and the under-dash wiring stripped out completely and rewired with improved switching, headlight relays and fuse panel. The battery carrier was also rebuilt, having fractured on the last trip. Sadly, one of the batteries, 9 years old, had to be replaced.
Having acquired a set of new rear brake drums, it had been planned to replace the drums and brake linings. However, when one wheel was dismantled, the linings were found to be 80%, and inspection of all the others indicated them to be similar. So the effort and cost were avoided.
Below are a couple of photos. Despite its proximity to the turbo, the winch does not seem to get unduly hot.
Having acquired a set of new rear brake drums, it had been planned to replace the drums and brake linings. However, when one wheel was dismantled, the linings were found to be 80%, and inspection of all the others indicated them to be similar. So the effort and cost were avoided.
Below are a couple of photos. Despite its proximity to the turbo, the winch does not seem to get unduly hot.
Snowy Mountains Trek
The truck was then used to transport the Chamberlain tractor to a trek in the Snowy Mountains, a round trip of over 1000Km. No problem was experienced whatever.
Growing Interest in Historic Commercial Vehicles
There is a rising interest in historic commercial vehicles across Australia, and has rapidly risen in popularity on the back of some significant events such as "Haulin' the Hume" and the truck shows hosted at the Penrith, NSW, Museum of Fire. Other events have been inspired by the 50th year of local assembly of Kenworth, MACK, Volvo etc. All have been strongly supported by the magazine, "Vintage Trucks and Commercials", which gives a voice to the movement.
Joining the Events
I was hesitant to participate in these events due to my truck being a poor example against those highly restored trucks that grace the rallies. However, a visit to Penrith to the 2012 display convinced me to take part in some events, and I have done the 2013 "Haulin' the Hume" and Penrith truck show, where there was plenty of interest in the old girl. One outstanding message was not to repaint it, though the rapid deterioration of the paint dictates that something has to be done to preserve the fibreglass cab structure, especially the roof.
November 2014 – Climbing the New England
November 2014: I participated in the event "Climbing the New England", a truck display held in conjunction with an annual vintage machinery rally at Armidale, NSW, also taking a McDonald tractor for display.
A centrepiece of this was a visit to the Devil's Pinch Cafe and Truck Stop at Black Mountain which was famous from the late 1950's as a rest stop for the truckies of the period. One photo of my truck was published in the period with two young waitresses posing in front of it. On November 7, that photo was recreated – same place, same truck, and the same two ladies! How good was that! Needless to say, the truck at about 13 tonnes climbed the infamous Moonbi hills on the highway with ease in 6th gear.
Whilst in Armidale I agreed to be interviewed by Vintage Trucks & Commercials Magazine (VTCM), and the result can be viewed on the Youtube channel truckstop.tv episode 12. (see below for video link)
A centrepiece of this was a visit to the Devil's Pinch Cafe and Truck Stop at Black Mountain which was famous from the late 1950's as a rest stop for the truckies of the period. One photo of my truck was published in the period with two young waitresses posing in front of it. On November 7, that photo was recreated – same place, same truck, and the same two ladies! How good was that! Needless to say, the truck at about 13 tonnes climbed the infamous Moonbi hills on the highway with ease in 6th gear.
Whilst in Armidale I agreed to be interviewed by Vintage Trucks & Commercials Magazine (VTCM), and the result can be viewed on the Youtube channel truckstop.tv episode 12. (see below for video link)
Haulin' the Hume – 2015
A more recent outing was "Haulin' the Hume" in April 2015, travelling the old Hume Highway from Hawkesbury Showground at Clarendon, to Yass, with a lunch stop at Goulburn Showground. It was truly excellent, and many photos and videos can be seen on Facebook and other sites.
National Tractor Trek – 2016
In April 2016 it transported my Chamberlain tractor to Narrandera and return to take part in the 3-day National Tractor Trek. The outward trip of 550Km was accomplished in about 7 1/2 hours travel time, pretty good really.
Incidentally, one of the original 6V batteries still remains in the truck after nearly 14 years!
Incidentally, one of the original 6V batteries still remains in the truck after nearly 14 years!
2018 Update
2018 update: In the intervening period, I decided to replace the rear drums with new ones I had acquired, but when one side was dismantled, the new drums had to be machined to suit attachment, and the linings were pronounced quite serviceable. So the other side was left alone, as it is not a simple job to pull the wheels apart. The brakes were found to be wedge operated.
At the same time, one of the front wheels was found to have bearing movement, so a new set of bearings was fitted. Since then, the power steering pump started leaking badly, so it was removed and kitted out with new O-rings and seals. Also the fuel lift pump started leaking, and a kit was acquired and fitted, and now the truck is now clear of oil leaks.
Also, starting problems emerged with two batteries showing low voltage. These were replaced, still only the 5th and 6th batteries of the four in just on 16 years – pretty good! Also in 2018, the truck was used to transport the Chamberlain tractor to take part in the National Tractor Trek at Young, NSW.
At the same time, one of the front wheels was found to have bearing movement, so a new set of bearings was fitted. Since then, the power steering pump started leaking badly, so it was removed and kitted out with new O-rings and seals. Also the fuel lift pump started leaking, and a kit was acquired and fitted, and now the truck is now clear of oil leaks.
Also, starting problems emerged with two batteries showing low voltage. These were replaced, still only the 5th and 6th batteries of the four in just on 16 years – pretty good! Also in 2018, the truck was used to transport the Chamberlain tractor to take part in the National Tractor Trek at Young, NSW.
2019 Update
2019 update: The truck again transported the tractor to take part in the 6-day tractor trek, "Bashing around the Barringtons", an excellent event based at Dungog NSW.
Passing the Truck to New Owners – 2020
I sadly report that I have passed my beloved truck on to new owners as of April 2020. This is due to the impossibility of retaining the license class (HR) necessary to be able to drive it, simply age related.
It has in fact returned to the Abood family, who will ensure it will be taken good care of into the future.
It has in fact returned to the Abood family, who will ensure it will be taken good care of into the future.