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Nicholas O Brien’s 650S 8X4*4

Nicholas Westward

It was a happy day for Nicholas O Brien as he took delivery of one of the most unique 8 X 4’s in the country. As you can see from our numerous Social media posts over the past few months we were quite excited about this truck. Not many trucks warrant a post when they are at an “Incomplete” Stage. The post of the unfinished truck reached almost 1 million views!

Scania 650s Rigid 8x4*4 incomplete
Scania 650s Rigid 8×4*4 incomplete

The truck itself is a Scania 650S 8X4*4, which means the first and last axle steer, while the third and fourth axle are driven. The body system on the truck has the ability to change from a tipper to a flatbed body which Nicholas uses the majority of the time for transporting concrete blocks from his base in Roadstone County Galway. The truck has this swap functionality due to the quality work carried out by Thomas Small and Sons bodybuilders in Claregalway, County Galway. Nicholas explained to us how easy it is to perform a change of truck bodies and that he can complete the whole task in under eight minutes.

Same but Different:

Nicholas explained to us about his business and operation and where the love for Scania began.

I started off driving for my father over 20 years ago, driving Hino’s and after a few years of that, I branched off and went out working for myself. I’m with Roadstone now over 22 years. I got the first Scania in 2000 and haven’t looked back since

Scania 650 S Block Lorry
Nicholas 650 loaded with blocks in Clifden

Nicholas explained to me the differences between his older model 580 and his new 650.

A lad I know who had an R series tractor unit and he changed it for a NTG S cab, said there was no comparison between the old PGR model and current NTG. I didn’t believe there could be such a difference. But the way the new model truck handles the road, the quietness when you’re inside the cab and every other little detail is what really sets the newer model apart

When asked what was his favourite aspect of the NTG compared to the PGR series, Nicolas said:

“If I had to pick one difference I like the most it would have to be the improved steering lock. The lock on the 580 was great, I couldn’t fault it. But the lock on this truck is even better and I didn’t think that was possible. But all in all it’s a combination of every little detail, the truck is the same in terms of wheelbases and configuration but there is no comparison between the two trucks”

The new truck is certainly an eye-catcher

Nicholas explained to me how he is blown away by the reaction he has received on his new 650S.

My previous truck was a 580 hp Scania of the same 8 x 4 configuration, and I didn’t feel it got the attention it deserved but this new 650 I have now has blown me away with the amount of attention it has received. Between all the text messages, WhatsApp, and Facebook messages I am genuinely delighted.

 

Scania 650 S 8X4 Yellow
Scania 650 s 8×4*4

Eric and everyone at Westward Scania wish Nicholas all the best with his new Scania and we look forward to seeing pictures of this truck hard at work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more up to date posts. Why not build your own version of this truck like Nicholas did on the Scania configurator 

 

 

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The New Adventures of Vabis the Scania Truck

Vabis The Scania Truck

Earlier this year, Emer Conlon released the sixth book in her children’s Vroom-Town series. Titled ‘The Adventures of Vabis the Scania Truck and the Sleeping Volcano’, this book is a Scania Official Licensed Product and introduces a new Scania truck to the already endearing cast of characters.

When thinking of a name for the new truck, Emer thought that Vabis would be a nice ‘nod’ to the history of Scania. Vroom-Town is a wonderful place where all types of trucks live, work, play and have exciting adventures!

“I came up with the concept for the series even before Disney made movies about cars and planes,” says Emer Conlon. “The initial idea for the Vroom-Town books came from my day job as Marketing Manager of a Scania dealership in Ireland. I would see little boys and girls coming in to the forecourt with their fathers to collect their brand new Scania trucks. The children looked in awe at them and I thought I am going to write books about trucks!” Emer Conlon continues.

The books are written for children 2–7 years. The 2-year olds love the pictures and as they progress through the ages, and the older children, read the books by themselves. But, above all, Conlon loves doing storytimes in schools, libraries and corporate events – she has read to thousands of children in Ireland, the UK, Spain and the USA.

As with the other five books in the Vroom-Town series, the new book deals with social issues such as bullying and the importance of friendship and kindness, as well as taking the children on a terrific adventure. Kind and brave Vabis encounters new less benevolent adversaries during his adventures, but will he be able to save his friends?

“I get a lot of good feedback from parents and children – the excitement and engagement on their faces as I read the story makes all of the hard work worth it. That’s humbling. Hopefully, my books will contribute to attracting future drivers and dealers to the profession and indeed bring a ‘softer’ and positive side to the industry.”

This book is available from our webshop, click on the link below to find out more.