Old Macks...

 It may be true that old Macks never die. Some however appear to be in critical condition. Despite having lost its hood letters and bulldog this one is still easily identifiable as a Mack. Nevertheless this beat up R model was able to make it from New Brunswick to Halifax (a hair raising drive I expect - note the missing driver side mirror).  It will be exported to some distant land where it will be coaxed into a few more years of use.

R series are hard to date since they were produced for over forty years. The first Rs came out in the early sixties and the set back axle RB model (like this one) was discontinued in 2005.

The high breather and chrome visor make this one stand out. The pair of Mack air horns are also a nice touch too. I wonder what goodies are lurking under that tarp.

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Where's the Fire?

 A Mercedes 508D former fire department vehicle, originally from Austria, but now wearing a German registration plate (from Ludwigsburg) travels through a busy intersection in Halifax (no lights, no siren) May 21, 2023.

These panel vans were converted to "brigade bus" in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and perhaps other countries. They could carry four of five firefighters and a lot of equipment. Some were fitted with a tank and a front mounted pump, others were used as ambulances. The search light was a nice touch mounted just at eye level for the driver. I am not sure, but I doubt the rope on the front bumper was standard issue.

They have proven popular as a basic camper for those who want to travel on a budget.

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Oversize times two

 Two oversize loads were poised for departure today at the PSA Fairview Cove terminal. 

CFL Heavy Haul of Milton, ON (part of the HW Transportation Group) had a pair of large farm tractors - one Massey Ferguson and one John Deere, heading for Ontario.

Despite their North American brand names, both tractors arrived from Europe. Pulling the load was a well equipped Freightliner, in basic white.

 Beside it was a Volvo A30G articulated off road dumper (pre-owned).

In charge of the rig was another well equipped Freightliner, this time from TransMax Ltd of Winnipeg, MB, and wearing all red.

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Imports and Exports

 There seems to be no end to the RVs this year. I counted more than a dozen still to emerge from the Fairview Cove terminal, and with more due to arrive from Europe.

Among the ones I've seen recently were a small but rugged IVECO AWD from the Roth, Bavaria district of Germany:

 

I kept seeing the big Mercedes around town for a few days (see previous post) and finally figured out how they managed to get aboard.

The telescoping steps fold up under the door. There does not appear to be a railing.

Another small RV is a Dethleffs Globetrotter...

but I did not identify the cab/chassis manufacturer...

The map on the back includes Asia, Australia and the length of the western hemisphere, and certainly lives up to the Globetrotter label.

Not all vehicles moving through the port are imports. There is a large trade in used cars heading out to third world countries. There is the occasional truck too.

This Mack chassis concrete pumper arrived over the road from Sherbrooke, Quebec (that must have been gruelling trip). From the shape of the second steering axle mud guards I would say the chassis was prepared by Simard in Baie-St-Paul.

The pump is from Schwing, which makes many different models. Its North American operations are based in Minneapolis, MN. They aslo make fire booms and truck mounted conveyors.

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Hi-Rail

 Canadian National Railway (CNR or CN Rail) is in the midst of a major wood tie replacement project in the Halifax area. I have noted some interesting Hi-Rail (or Hy-Rail) vehicles working here, including one that I spotted for the first time today.

This extended cab Freightliner CN # 270318 fuel tanker is fitted with Hi-Rail gear, allowing it to go to remote work sites to refuel equipment. (It is carrying 1202 hazard placards for diesel fuel.)

Most tank trucks are difficult to identify from a distance but this one conveniently carries Seneca Tank mud flaps. The company Seneca Tank Inc is based in Des Moines, Iowa and sells new and used tank trucks world wide.

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BIG Merc

 A significant number of the European RVs that come through the Port of Halifax are giant off road types. Precisely where they are going and what conditions they are expecting is a bit of mystery. But comfort aside, I guess they are ready for just about anything. Typical was this gient Mercedes Atros that is in town this week. (May 8, 2023).

Apparently Swiss, the unit accommodates a family that includes small children. Getting in and out must require considerable agility.

 

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RVs again

 Another European RV spotted today was this FIAT Ducato with Carthago Chic C-Line RV body.

Buyers have the choice of the FIAT or Mercedes Sprinter chassis. The front plate gives me no clue as to its country of origin.

A new (to me) brand of RV was also to be seen around Halifax today, but this one was not from overseas. A product of the RV manufacturing capital of the US, Elkhard, IN, the Georgetown, Model 5 Series GT 5 comes from Forest River RVs, a division of Forest River Inc (a Berkshire Hathaway company) maker of many recreational products. It was wearing Ontario plates.

I would like to have seen it in better weather, with the pull out section and awnings in use.

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