Kelts’ Collection

A message arrives. Come view some trucks it says…we have some old big rigs. That has our attention. Now to make it happen. It’s not anywhere close to us, but as we always manage to do, we’ll find away. It might just take some time. And so the months pass and then out of the blue, it happens, we get an assignment in that area and we arrange to drop by. We’ll spend the evening, we’ll grill some steaks, we’ll chat as though old friends, and the cream in the coffee, we’ll take in the Kelts’ Collection.

Here we get to see some fine old Peterbilts, mostly, along with a smattering of other makes, some smaller stuff too and a couple newer rigs. The highlight of the it all is a 1952 model 350, an old warrior, a bit rough around the edges, but in running condition. And later, we’ll ride along as it’s taken out on the road. We’re giddy the whole time.

Kelts’ Collection: big love for old Peterbilts. Researched, written and photographed by Chris Doering & Connie Biggart (BIGDoer.com/Synd/Canada.com)

All the stuff here is mighty photogenic, made all the better by the fantastic sunset and later auroras mother nature served up for us. I’d say we’re blessed.

Let’s see what they have…

Most of the rigs here are cab-over Peterbilts from the 1980s, model 3XX series, sourced from the US. All run, nicely, and for the most part are in original condition. When we think of trucking in the old days, rigs just like this come to mind…cue the BJ and Bear theme. These are made for the long hall, with integral sleepers. A few parts trucks out back help keep them running.

Scroll down for photos and to comment.

It’s rare to see (class-8) cab-over-engine (COE) trucks these days. In fact you’d be hard pressed to find a maker, any maker, offering them, but back when these were new, for some applications they offered certain advantages. Being shorter than a conventional, for example, allowed for greater manoeuvrability. And there was legal issues in some places – a restriction on overall length – a more compact COE allowed one to keep within set limits.

1952 Peterbilt

Taking in the Kelts’ Collection.

Keeping the many Petes company is a “White Freightliner” from the 1970s. This one once ran for Economy Carriers. The firm was once big into bulk deliveries and operated all over Western Canada, but has since faded from the scene (via a takeover). Back when this truck was built Freightliner was distributed by maker White. The latter firm has ceased to exist since the 1980s, where as Freightliner is now one of the biggest names in the business. For the longest time they only made lightweight (relatively speaking) cab-overs, but today all they make is conventionals. Sitting atop the engine has fallen out of favour…

Keeping them all company is a small one ton farm truck. This is a 1947 GMC farm truck coming in from the Drumheller area. It’s in fine shape, nice looking and quite driveable.

Scattered about the property are some old cars and trucks in retirement. Included is a 1956-1957 era International Travelall (pretty uncommon), a Ford Thunderbird one year younger than your author (making it a ’66), along with another GMC pickup from the 1947-1955 era. A 1940s/1950s era Ford F-47 carries the markings of Na-Churs Fertilizer, a firm, interestingly, still in business today. We looked them up.

Also seen in a Robin’s Egg Blue Dodge LCF (Low Cab Forward) grain truck, circa early ’70s. The yellow license plate was phased out in the mid-1980s.

Kept under wraps, inside, is a real beauty, emblazoned with three digits that speak of nothing but speed and power. That’s one fine old Dodge.

Rounding out the collection is some modern stuff, Peterbilts of course. Working trucks. Those are the ones that pay the bills. And support the hobby.

Peterbilts are particularly popular with non-fleet owners and tend to be more highly appointed and customized than other mass produced makes. In rural Alberta, as cattle, grain or equipment haulers, they seem to be the truck of choice (along with “Paccar” sister make, Kenworth). Older Peterbilts are highly collectible. As you’ve seen here.

Custom Truck Mural

A little customizing…

There’s a few other trucks in the collection we missed this pass. It always happens…even when we plan. Maybe next time?

And now on to the star of the show (not that the rest weren’t amazing) that Peterbilt 350. This model was produced from 1949 to 1957 and was sometimes called an “Iron Nose” after that impressive radiator cowl. This one’s a ’52 and it runs.

It’s not completely original. The drive train and suspension are newer, and the sleeper came in from another truck, but visually it’s pretty close to as built. A previous owner rescued it from a farmer’s field, then it changed hands and was rebuilt to its present configuration and put back on the road as a heavy hauler. It worked commercially into the 1990s. It was picked it up a couple years back, out of Idaho, and there’s plans to keep it pretty much as is, save for some suspension changes (rubber blocks are hard on the kidneys) and of course a cosmetic make over.

Imagine it, back on the road, no show and shine, but earning a living.

In the meantime, it runs and looks pretty darn good considering its age. It’s a product of the era, with few creature comforts, tough as nails, hard steering, rough riding (the planned air suspension upgrade will help), noisy and drafty. But these are not disparaging comments, oh no. In fact, riding around those farm backroads, arrow straight, dusty, endless fields, and those big skies, was a special kind of heaven. This is how trucking used to be – no nonsense and all business. Simpler times.

The truck has a novel transmission set up, a ten speed main with a four speed auxiliary. It offers up so many gear combinations that one could easily get lost. Let’s see, there’s forty possible (likely with some overlap)…I’m in six, double under…no wait, that’s five over…no…wait…I’m lost. Then your head explodes.

Shifting a “twin stick” takes a level of skill not seen these days, and this one has a particularly broad range. Riding along, I watch in awe. You need to be a mathematician to keep it all straight…and if you miss a gear you’ll have to stop, pull over and start from the beginning. A set up like this might be more challenging than a Rubik’s Cube, but it does allow one to keep the revs in the peak power range with great precision. With light loads, or no load, not all gears are needed.

1950s Peterbilt 350

The highlight of it all, this 1952 Peterbilt 350.

The road trip ends. Sadly. Could do it for hours, even if my back says otherwise. Time for a little socializing, then a little shooting under the stars, before we continue on our way. Then something unexpected happens. The auroras come out to play, a little at first, but building with time. They weren’t even foretasted. So we shoot with delight, the resultant photos perhaps not perfection in anyone’s book, but still it was magic. Look past technical aspects and take it the sheer delight of it all.

Then it ends. The show’s over and we have to hit the road. Driving away, Connie turns to me with that look, one of being witness to something special here. Not just cool subjects, but a memorable experience. Old trucks, good company, mother nature in all her splendour – wow, just wow.

The following morning, a quick side-view window shot, an old Studebaker and Fargo Truck, a drive by shooting. Next time we stop.

The miniature horse seen. As soon as it saw a camera it would drop its head. Each and every time!

And the following day…
CNR #1158 at the Western Development Museum (North Battleford SK).

More big old stuff still on the road…
The Big Red Bus – ex-Calgary Transit.
Autocar Coal Hauler – a monster mining truck also with a “twin stick”.
Scot King C1FD – ex-Revelstoke BC Fire Department.

If you wish more information on what you’ve seen here, by all means contact us!

Date: September, 2017.
Location: Special Areas #4, AB.
Article references and thanks: Coleman & Brian Kelts.
The Kelts’ Collection was visited with permission

1952 Peterbilt 350

Over sixty five years old and ready to hit the road.

1950s 350 Peterbilt

Mother nature shows us some love.

Old Farm Truck

In reflection…

Peterbilt Cattle Hauler

Something a bit more modern.

Big Rig Signal Light

The little details…

1950s Peterbilt

Old trucks – amazing skies – we are blessed.

White Freightliner Cabover

This 1970s White Freightliner.

Peterbilt 350 1952

Soon to head out…

Peterbilt 350 1950s

An old warrior.

Dodge LCF Truck

A Dodge “LCF” – yellow plate is an oldie.

Driving Peterbilt 350

Cruising the backroads.

Driving 1950s Peterbilt 350

Fields, arrow straight gravel roads & big skies – this is rural Alberta.

Driving 1952 Peterbilt 350

This beast of a truck is all business.

Old Peterbilt Collection

More of the collection.

Driving Old Peterbilt 350

Sitting back and enjoying the ride.

Twin Stick Transmission Peterbilt

Twin sticks, forty gears – it’d be easy to get lost.

Miniature Horse

A bit camera shy.

Vintage Peterbilt CollectionMiniature Horse

An impressive line up.

1980s Peterbilt Cabover

Blue and white Pete is from the 1980s.

Parts Truck Peterbilt

Out back, in retirement.

Old Truck Collection

Everything runs.

1980s Peterbilt Cabover

Imagine all the places these trucks have been.

Herron Trucking Lacrosse WA

An old cab – Herron Trucking, Lacrosse WA.

1956-57 International Travelall

An uncommon 1956-57 era International Travelall.

1966 Ford Thunderbird

A Ford Thunderbird, one year younger than your author.

1950s GMC Pickup

A 1947-1955 era GMC Pickup.

Na-Churs Liquid Fertilizer

A Na-Churs Liquid Fertilizer Ford F47.

Old Peterbilt Truck Collection

They’re all nice but the Peterbilt 350 steals the show.

Dodge 383 Engine

Three numbers that speak of speed and power.

Old Peterbilt 350

A hint of Aurora.

Old Peterbilt 350 Truck

And here they really come out to play.

1950s Peterbilt 350 Truck

We could do this all night…

Studebaker & Fargo Truck

The next day, a random find, this Studebaker & Fargo Truck.

65 responses

  1. muerteh 650 says:

    Hi the air conditioning on the roof was put in 1952?

  2. Garnet St Pierre says:

    Gorgeous!

  3. Duane Hillen says:

    Beautifully done photos!

  4. Robby Beck says:

    Sweet mother!

  5. Connie Biggart says:

    Had so much fun here!

  6. Michelle Holly Elaine says:

    BRILLIANT…. BRILLIANT…. BRILLIANT…. BRILLIANT!!!! That sunset, that night sky. You two are amazing!

    • We try hard! Thanks a million for the accolades, we’re humble and sometimes we have a hard time accepting praise. But the photos, they are good. Thanks!

  7. Jamie Schuknecht says:

    I like that Fargo. You guys are some amazing writers and photographers!

  8. James Bronson says:

    Nice old trucks!

  9. Mandy Holiday says:

    There’s much awesomeness in this post. Love the photos with the Auroras. Come photograph our collection!

  10. Simon Steffen says:

    Back in ’52, the true “King of The Road” !!

  11. Michael Williams says:

    Neat article. The 383 comment Took me back to my street racing days and a friend who had a 383 road runner. Thought he was quick till we showed up with a car that had three numbers on it. The road runner lost both races. What car did we have? 442 !! Ahh the good old days.

    • Have a soft spot for Oldsmobiles. Owned one, a huge Detla 88 Land Barge that I just loved. It had the big 455 so was quite spirited, but man did it go through gas!

  12. Rodney Saxon says:

    Great pictures Chris and Connie good old Peterbilts.

  13. Mark Hermeston says:

    Learned to drive in one of those White Freightliners. Also learned how loud that old 6v71 was under my feet..

  14. Jack E. LaRocque says:

    …friends of my family shuttled their 5 kids around in one of these (the IH Travelall)!! I think there was even a seat for me, sometimes…

  15. Johnny Cobra says:

    Someone needs to save this one (IH Travelall), can’t be many left…

  16. Jared Wendt says:

    That’s some beauties.

  17. Jenn says:

    Make that cool photos, there was more than one cool photo!!

  18. Jenn says:

    Cool photo BigDoer! Love the aurora shot!

  19. Jeff Oliver says:

    Looks like the Aurora Borealis made an appearance as well. Nice pictures.

  20. El Critter says:

    The glory dayz of trucking.

  21. Jacob Smiley says:

    Had a 79 Peter COE with a 400 Cummins. Great truck but a bit cramped.

  22. Jo Tennant says:

    Wouldn’t that be cool to be in, cruising down the highway (IH Travelall).

  23. Michael MacDonald says:

    Awesome article!

  24. Rodney Smith says:

    Sharp looking Peterbilts and nice pictures.

  25. Ben Turley says:

    Love it 😍

  26. Brad Plumer says:

    All the trucks are awesome, I’m partial to the 52 Pete though. Beautiful trucks!

  27. Hazel Lockhart says:

    Great photos!

  28. Nando says:

    What a Cool place to hang out!!

  29. Mike Shaw says:

    Wow very nice!

  30. Tom Mallett says:

    Very cool ride. Beautiful!

  31. Evan Evans says:

    Amazing, kudos to the photographer!

  32. Glen says:

    Awesome photography especially with the northern lights.

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