how many people know the story behind O&G switching from Mack. the same year O&G bought the triaxles , Hi-Ho Daddario bought some. the mack calendar for coming yr had picture of Hi-Ho fleet in their pit. O&G "brass" saw the calendar and were highly upset. "can't put our trucks in there , we won't buy Macks anymore". I had that and many more mack calendars. when west haven mack bought Waterbury the stuff thrown out was unbelievable. I saved some of the brochures for the macks( gave them to Matt P.).
Waterbury Mack had many high lights: first dealer to install B-C-R kits; pull b cabs off ; install R cabs, J C Pagono had a couple done. early '70's new haven truck rental : NHTR was changing over the fleet from B's, G's,H's to R- F - U models. over 200 trucks from 72-73. I had new truck prep division. Waterbury was given one of the first 866 experimental engines. came in a FL700 was given to scovill mfg to test. Waterbury was the dealership to "prove " factory wrong .. a MB firetruck was being delivered to town of Roxbury. all went well till someone said " where's the jake brake switch" . phone call later factory says: you cant put jake on that model. fire dept says we don't want truck.. junk the computers and do hands on. little modifications later truck drove out with jake .
glider kits were big back then, Sorensen trucking in Bethany did one. as with Mr Moffo; Mr. Lou Lombard and his brother Nick (Lombard Bros, trucking ) were good friends.
any one interested in the first R model sold R607T serial # 1001. sits in garage southbury ct. excellent condition. has had one frame off restoration. don't think it's for sale.factory tried to buy it back'
Blakeslee prestress had some nice trucks from NHTR . 11/24 rubber ; 4-6 in spacers under HD fifth wheels , DM611sx & DM611 s tractors with quadbox.
if we only knew then to take pictures or to save everything.