kscarbel2 Posted June 10, 2015 Share Posted June 10, 2015 Owner/Driver / June 10, 2015Bob East’s unbreakable 1968 Oshkosh didn’t miss a beat during a decade logging in the Barossa Valley or a quarter century carting machinery to opal mines in the Outback.The truck clocked up 4 million kilometres (2,485,485 miles) before East retired in 2012.East, 73, took the Oshkosh for one last run in May when he drove it to Alice Springs and donated it to the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.The bright yellow truck will no doubt be a hit with visitors during the 2015 National Road Transport Hall of Fame Reunion from August 25 to 31.East hopes people will smile when they see the Oshkosh."It made me happy all my life," he says.East believes his truck was the second Oshkosh imported to Australia.It was assembled in Adelaide and pulled B-doubles between Adelaide and Darwin before he bought it for $10,000 in 1972.Its simple sturdy design and powerful 230hp 1673 Caterpillar engine were exactly what East needed to cart machinery around South Australia for his earthmoving business.East and his wife Bev shifted their operation to Coober Pedy in 1988. Since then the Oshkosh has spent most of its time on dirt roads. It carted machinery and water to opal mines throughout far north South Australia.Bev has been the backbone of the business since RN & BR East began in 1962. She took charge of the office and bookkeeping, leaving her husband to spend his days on bulldozers and in trucks.There is no sleeper on the Oshkosh so East slept in his swag. He carried a barbecue plate with him and lit fires to cook his meals.He plans to return to Alice Springs for the Reunion and has been nominated for induction to the Wall of Fame.Related photographs - http://www.ownerdriver.com.au/industry-news/1506/oshkosh-truck-donated-to-the-transport-hall-of-fame/ Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/40408-oshkosh-truck-donated-to-the-transport-hall-of-fame/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Maikshilo Posted June 10, 2015 Share Posted June 10, 2015 Great read thank you! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/40408-oshkosh-truck-donated-to-the-transport-hall-of-fame/#findComment-292823 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brocky Posted June 10, 2015 Share Posted June 10, 2015 I am looking forward to attending this Reunion in August.. Will be there for 3 days. Quote Brocky Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/40408-oshkosh-truck-donated-to-the-transport-hall-of-fame/#findComment-292838 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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