The third model of Scot trucks, called the A2 was almost a hybrid, as it was a conventional like the previous A1 model but used the cab from the C model. Scot was not the first truck manufacturer to convert a tilt cab to a conventional - International did it by combining their popular Fort Wayne tilt cab with a new fibreglass hood. Several European builders did similar things, where wide tilt cabs were (and still are) the norm for over the road trucks.
Scot had purchased Ford Louisville cabs as shells from 1972 for their A1 conventional model, and fitted then out themselves with Scot dashboards and all other contents. At some point the decision was made to use the C model tilt cab instead and in 1976 the A2 superseded the A1. The wider cab allowed for a neater sleeper arrangement, and in fact Scot was one of the first modern builders of factory integral sleepers.(Most manufacturers had given up on integral sleepers years before, and factory installed sleepers were really add-ons for conventional cabs).
A newly-designed hood assembly, which was integral with the fenders (unlike the A1) was developed too. It was much larger, and could accommodate larger engines and rads and was better for service.
1. The basic A1 day cab model was not as attractive as the A1 but
certainly did the job. Irving- owned Midland Transport used them extensively.
2. The integral low rise sleeper met the demand for highway drivers.
3. Scot built to order. This reefer, seen at the old O'Brien's warehouse in Halifax (on Barrington Street where the Superstore is now) was hauling produce in 1978. A2 straight trucks were rare.
4. This rather plain looking day cab tractor was parked on Hollis Street in Halifax in 1977 and was still quite new.
5. Conrad Bros ran this sleeper model in 1981, with roof top air conditioner, and underlsung spare tire.
6. In 1983 this quad headlight version was showing Midland colours, but was likely running for someone else. Note the scoop on the side of the hood and foot vent on the cab.
7. This A2 looks like it might once have been a Nova Scotia government truck, but by 1995 (15 years after production had ceased) it was hard to tell for sure.
8. Scot did not confine itself to transport trucks, but also built a wide range heavy of heavy duties, all the way up to off-road ore haulers. Both the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick governments had numerous 4x4 snow plow units. In 2001 this Nova Scotia unit was ready for auction.
9. The same unit, 82652, seen from the curb side, is carrying a ballast body only, and high speed plows. it has the more durable steel fenders and steel panel hood to ease servicing.
10. Compared to the Oshkosh at right, the Scot's were among the biggest trucks in the Nova Scotia fleet. The front fender ladder seems to have been an "after-market" feature.
11. In 1985 these 1978-and 1979 models lined the fence at the Bathurst, NB depot. On the far left is a new Western Star-the truck that NB used after Scot production ceased.
12. The A2 Scot served the Irving interests well, as this Midland unit seen in 1983 exemplifies.
13. RST, an Irving-owned liquid bulk hauler often used owner/operators. This one added an extended sleeper to an A2 day cab, with slightly raised roof line. 1978 photo
14. In 1980 this A2 looked like it needed a boost to its cab suspension. Nackawic Mechanical, was based in the New Brunswick town of the same name.
15. Scot chassis were popular for well drillers, such as this Quebec operator, Puits de Charlevoix in La Malbaie, QC in 1984.
16. An owner/operator leased his A2 to CP Transport in 1984.
17. Cantins of Richmond, BC ran this A2 coast to coast in 1984 with their United Van Lines agency.
In 1980 Scot production ceased, as economic conditions no longer made them competitive. It is too bad, since it would have been interesting to see how the truck continued to evolve. For example a high rise sleeper would have been easy enough to add to the A2 model. Several Scots have been kept and preserved and no doubt a few are still running.
This would be Part 3 of 3 on Scots, but I forgot about fire apparatus - so there will be a part 4 coming up.
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