My editor, Edgar Reewright, wasn’t pleased when I told him last week that my next story, which in fact is the one you’re now reading, would comprise observations garnered and photos taken in my pursuit of nicely decorated motor vehicles.
“Edgar,” I said to him over the phone, “you know that I get a kick out of photographing these bad boys, and maybe an even bigger kick from writing about the photo shoots. What can I say? It’s what I do.”
“Well, Neil, editing your attempts at writing is what I do. And I don’t want to deal with yet another of your Art On Wheels efforts. You’ve done four of them already. That’s more than enough. Believe me, nobody has been praying that you’d turn out a fifth. Neil, if you insist on going ahead with Part Five, then you’re on your own until you come to your senses.”
Being more than somewhat of an asshole, Edgar then hung up. Screw him! Who needs an editor anyway? Well, I sure do, come to think of it. But if this story has to be editor-less, so be it. I’ll bring Edgar back on board after I launch Part Five into cyberspace. He may not be a fan of my journalistic output, but he damn well is in favor of the monies I pay him for his expertise.
Yup, I surely enjoy an occasional quest for trucks and other vehicles whose bodies are artistically painted canvases that advertise goods or services. What’s surprising is that relatively few commercial vehicles, maybe one out of 10, fit that bill. The rest are either very plain Janes or are decorated not at all. As for the latter (the totally unadorned ones), more often than not they are monochromatic homages to one shade or another of white. Sure, there’s something to be said for going about your business anonymously. But, vehicularly-speaking, I prefer a nice amount or more of splash.
Parts one through four of this series (which you can read by clicking here and here and here and here) describe expeditions in my immediate area (I live near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA). Each adventure was confined to one day, a day in which I spent a few hours trolling shopping centers, strip malls and wherever else I could safely and slowly drive my car. When I found my prey, I parked the car, exited from it, and documented with my phone’s camera the vehicle(s) that had caught my eye.
This time around, though, I took a different approach, which began on the first of this month while my wife and I were visiting The Big Apple. That evening, walking to Penn Station to catch a train that would take us part of the way home, we passed a trippy wonder of a truck that sold cannabis-infused sweet stuffs. Weed World Candies was painted in nearly every gleeful color under the Sun. Natch, I had to take its picture.
The idea for Part Five began to solidify in my mind at that moment. No need this time around to snap the photos in one day. And no need, necessarily, to troll in a car. Three days later, therefore, I wandered around my home area on foot, and found four victims that met my standards. But, lazy guy that inherently I am, I used my car the day after that to locate more artsy examples. The pictures of all the vehicles that passed muster on the various photo shoots are on this page, but in no particular order.
So, what do you think about the trucks and the one SUV (Kremp Florist)? Me, I’ve got to rate the cannabis truck as number one. It probably is as sharp as any example of art on wheels that I’ve ever seen. And my pick for second best is the Sysco truck. Its blues are calming, its message one of graciousness and welcome. The third-place prize? I grant it to the Trotter Services truck. The precise, hard-edged design, though severe, is oh so modern to my eyes.
By the way, when I was about 80 feet from Sysco, which was partially obscured from my view by plantings, I heard what I assumed was the opening or closing of the truck’s rear door. Not knowing which direction the door was moving, and not wanting to wait to find out, I quickly took up position behind some bushes, enlarged the truck’s image on the phone’s screen, and pressed the button. Man, I was lucky to get the shot. In the photo, that’s the driver only seconds away from climbing into the vehicle and taking off.
I tell you, the writing game can bring surprises. The longer you’re at it, the more likely your true nature and inclinations will emerge, not only in words and story lines but in real life. When I began this publication in 2015, never would I have expected that I’d be tracking down good looking vehicles, and liking it. I confidently say that, assuming I remain above ground for the foreseeable future, there will be another installment of Art On Wheels, Edgar Reewright notwithstanding. What, like I’ve got something better to do? As I’ve noted in my articles numerous times before, I’m an old f*cker. Humor me.
(As I almost always mention, please don’t be shy about adding your comments or about sharing this piece. I thank you.)
(If you click on any photo, a larger image will open.)
I laughed out loud when I saw the photo of the Trotter plumbing truck – pretty funny. 😀 The more you trot, the better my pay!
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You’ve brought a new insight to that photo!
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You should definitely check out the WICKED campers in Australia, you’ll lose your mind. Some of them are outrageous!!!
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Hi Lisa, and thanks. I’ll take a look.
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That Edgar Reewright sounds like a right pain in the a**!
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You’re not kidding.
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Very good, Neil. By the way, there’s no pressure, but I’m sure I could beat Reewright’s rates.
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I might decide to can Reewright and hire you instead!
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Love the Art on wheels!!!!!
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Mucho gracias, Joyce.
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To heck with that editor! Continue on with this fun project. And I’m with you all the way with your ratings of one, two, and three. Although I do have a soft spot for the Sun Chips truck, maybe because it’s a snack I buy when my daughter comes to visit, and I associate them with her.
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Sun Chips are delicious!
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Oh, I must look out for a few that I know would tickle your fancy!
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Found one: Plumber’s truck: It’s in Canada, I think. https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2016/08/30/Toilet-art-on-Canadian-plumbers-truck-makes-a-viral-splash/7681472579519/
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It’s a masterpiece!
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It’s hilarious and well-executed.
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I find every vehicle to be quite interesting. My favorite is of course, is the “weedworldcandies” van with a very professionally done 60’s vibe to it. I also like the Trotter Services truck with the bold graphics and design that make it look really solid and industrial. And I really feel the energy of the electrically charged Lowry truck and the little black lightning bolt guy running to help out. High energy advertising at it’s best!
You’ve made me realize I need to pay more attention while out and about in my neck of the woods. Fun post, Neil! Des
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I hadn’t noticed the lightning bolt guy on the Lowry truck. It makes me like that truck even more than before.
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Edit thyself. I like your photos so clearly you know what you’re doing here. I like Landes. Their tagline is a good one.
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Hi. It’s a good tagline. Landes respects their customers!
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Trotter gets my vote, but all kinda cool.
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There’s something about that Trotter truck!
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My favorite is the Jack & Jill truck. I love the colors, and right now I want to run right out and devour an ice cream cone, even though it’s only 8:00 in the morning. By the way, Edgar Reewright is a gem. May he go on annoying you forever.
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I know what you mean about ice cream cones. Delicious!
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Hi Neil – I read about an art museum that had an exhibit of picture frames. Just the frames, with no paintings in them. So your online exhibit of food trucks & vans doesn’t seem too crazy, in fact, great idea! The Weed World Candies truck is pretty eye-catching. Get Edgar Reewright a few treats to mellow him out!
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You’re not kidding about Edgar. He needs a whole lot of mellowing out.
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You are God’s gift to a camera shutter – keep on trucking! Jerry
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Hi Jerry, and thanks. Have an excellent week.
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I like these! I know it’s a different and more commercial concept but they sort of remind me of lavishly decorated art cars. In the past there have been one or two at the yearly arts festival here. They also bring to mind the Ken Kesey “Further” bus.
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Kesey’s bus was/is great. Here’s a recent story about it:
https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/zane-kesey-merry-pranksters-furthur-benefit/
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Cool! Great link, thanks!
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I just spoke to Edgar and told him he can stick his editing where the sun don’t shine!
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Thanks. He deserves that!
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You have me doing this too now! I am slowly building up a collection which might someday be released to the world …
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Taking photos of trucks is contagious!
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I generally see the most interesting truck art while driving and they are driving too and so it is hard to get a picture. The most fun art is generally on vans belonging to plumbing companies. My favorite plumbers are a company called LeapFrog and their trucks are covered with frogs which is generally not what you want coming up from the sewers while you’re doing your business but their motto is “we leap to it” and they do! So far, no invasion of frogs!
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Hi. Take a look at Paddy Tobin’s comment. He included a link that opens to a hilarious photo.
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Fun photos! Weed World Candies is highest on my list (is that a pot plant beside the truck??)–and by the same tokin’, Sun Chips and Jack & Jill. 😀
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Are you high right now?
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Ha! High on life, maybe–with a high five for your taste in truck art!
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Edgar was wrong – editors don’t know everything, important as they are. Love the Weed World Candies and the Sysko – opposite ends of the artistic scale, I suppose.
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Those two trucks are excellent.
Hello Cath. Enjoy the day.
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I doubt that I give trucks much a look but I will now ! I do remember an electrical business truck used to have a slogan on the side that said ” let us remove your shorts!”. You had to be there, and that slogan seems to be gone now.
I do remember some of the motorcycles at Daytona Beach were works of art, probably you have seen some of those.
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Hi. Yeah, there is a nice amount of artistic vehicles out there. They brighten up the roads!
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It’s Weed World Candies for me – A popular pick it seems. Great pictures as ever. I don’t know if this will translate across the pond but we have ice cream cones over here and as I live in Scotland, our local purveyor of ice cream is called Phil McCone – Always makes me smile.
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Phil chose the correct profession!
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In no particular order, I particularly like Hearn Kirkwood, Kremp, and Sysco. They combine intrinsically pleasing form and color with succinct info. Edgar Reewright should contemplate them.
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Hi, and thanks for detailing your picks. As for Edgar: He has some life lessons to learn.
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Personally, I love your art on wheels posts! Editors aren’t always right….
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Hi Ann, and thanks. I appreciate that.
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we all need to get out occasionally without our editor yapping at our heels, and doing what we damn well like; I like your doggedness, Neil [ continuing the canine references\ in tracking down these arty vehicles and snapping them for us. thanks
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I have a feeling that my editor will be back for my next story.
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you can’t keep them at bay for too long, Neil 🙂
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Edgar Reewright is a soulless grouch. I love seeing the world through your eyes.
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I’m sitting here, sipping coffee and wondering if I need to cut the cord with Edgar. Maybe so.
Hi George. See ya!
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I don’t recall seeing funky trucks like that, but they’re probably around and I don’t see them because I’m not looking for them.
I love the cannabis truck’s motto: We recommend. You decide.
Happy middle of the week!
Stacey
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Hey there. Thanks for stopping by, Stacey. As always, I appreciate it a lot.
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Oh, you are a case, Neil… But you could be stalking women with naughty intent, so I think stalking painted and air-brushed vehicles and photographing them, is the most sensible option..YOU HAVE AN EDITOR FOR YOUR BLOGS? What luxury!!. Keep on writing… Cheers. xx PS And it gets you out of the house!
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Joy, you make some excellent points. And all of them are accurate!
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Oh yes, Weed World wins by a mile!
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It is one heck of a truck. See you!
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Another special selection of unusual trucks, Neil. You inspired me to pay more attention to vehicles, and I have started to click away and put my photos in a special folder. Once I have accumulated enough, I will put them in a post. 🚒
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Looking forward to it!
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Thank you!
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You’ve certainly opened my eyes to painted trucks. Or at least the possibility of them. I live in west London and have not hitherto noticed any. But is I’ll keep my eyes open. Do they have to be hand painted? There are lots of v colourful commercial lorries but that’s not quite the same , is it?
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Hi Basia. I suppose that some of the vehicles I’ve photographed for this series are fully painted by hand. But most, I think, use some sort of mechanized technique to get the designs/colors onto the vehicles.
Many thanks for adding your thoughts.
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What a fun and unusual post. I like purposefully paying attention to my surroundings like you did here and snapping photos when I find something interesting. The edible weed truck was surely the best one 🙂
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Hi. Yeah, it stopped me in my tracks as my wife and I were walking on Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.
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I don’t think my “like” went through the other day. 😦 Great post – I do, truly, look at trucks with new eyes. 🙂
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Hi Tyler, and many thanks.
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That was fun. Now I’m going to notice trucks and vans when I go to the city. I really liked the florist van and the Lowry electrical truck. But my fav is the ice cream truck. Thanks for the tour and I hope your editor gets back on board, though you didn’t seem to need him here. 🙂
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Hello there. I was driving around this morning, running errands. I passed a beautiful truck for Troeg’s beers. I wish I had seen it when I was putting this story together. See ya.
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Lots f funky ‘Food Trucks’ in my area with cool paint jobs. There you go lurking again.
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I need to cool the lurking before I end up getting arrested.
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Lurk away. If you run into trouble I’ll be a character witness when I’m out on day parole.
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Thank you!
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Hi Neil,
I agree with you on the top two. Sysco is rather calming. Now you have me on the lookout for image vehicles in my area.
Have a super weekend,
Suzanne 😊
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Hi Suzanne. Enjoy the hunt. And many thanks for dropping by my humble site. I appreciate it.
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Another great post Neil! Funny thing, these vehicles are decorated as an attraction for business, but for photographers this art is a collection, a museum of art on wheels. One day the collection will be worth a lot of money!👍❤️❤️👍☕️☕️
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Hi AOC. You are an appreciator and lover of art!
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Anthropology and art are big, fun finds. Photography is yours!❤️👍
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What fun. Wow, you find a lot of these.
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Hi there. Thanks for stopping by. Yeah, it’s what I do!
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A worthy pursuit. 🙂
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Great to see another truck art installment, Neil. The rebel in me likes the Weed World truck, but I also like the simplicity, graphics, and soft green-yellow color scheme of the Landes truck.
Hope all is well with you.
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Hi Pete. Glad to hear from you. I just got back from a half-hour walk around my neighborhood. I’ve been doing a whole lot more walking than I had been. Supposedly, increased amounts of exercise are beneficial. See ya!
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Hi Neil! What a great project–I honestly hadn’t paid attention to the writing on trucks/cars, but I will now. Cheers!
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🚌🚑🚒
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Neil, seriously, ‘Pot Corn’ van?! I assumed this was an ice-cream van at first glance – I love the vibrant, jazzy colours! Reminds me of the colourful vehicles in India where there seems to be a competition to be the glitziest of them all!
I like this idea for a post and as others have said, will make me pay attention to the painted vans around my area! Reckon they’ll be dull by comparision to some featured here!
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Hi. Checking out the colorful vehicles sounds like a good reason for me to go to India!
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Oh, you’re making me long for Picasso. And O’Keefe. Or at least their truck-painting doppelgangers:).
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Hi. Are those two your favorite artists?
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Your photos have made me more aware of what I see in my town. Shall now concentrate on vehicle art. Another thing to enjoy. Cheers.
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Hi Muriel. Enjoy the trucks! I’m off to my local library now. I haven’t read a book in a month, and need to rectify that.
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In New York in January, I also saw a colorful canibus van, but a different company. I tried to get a photo but was on a bus at the time and it didn’t work out. Nice photo collection,
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Yeah, NYC undoubtedly is a goldmine for decorative vehicles. I should go there to do my next installment of Art On Wheels.
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Do whatever the creative muse leads you to do. As long as you stay responsive to her call, you’ll remain ever young, Neil.
Cheers,
Yvette
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Thanks, Yvette. When the muse taps me on the shoulder, I try to pay attention!
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Do what you love and love what you do! Keep taking those cool photos, Neil!
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Hi there. I’m glad to hear from you. And I like your advice. All I can say is: I’m trying!
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You’ve opened my eyes. I’ve never even noticed the artwork on delivery trucks. Now I’ll have to pay more attention.
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Hi. Yeah, there are some cool-looking trucks out there.
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Another superb collection of Art on Wheels!
My fave is the Trotter Services truck, although I don’t find it “pretty”. I do like how they made use of all the doors/compartments in their design. Plus, I like the green with that shade of grey.
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I like that one a lot too. The design is sturdy and precise.
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Hey, as a mother of two boys, I’m all too familiar with humoring a fellow’s love of trucks. 🙂
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I’ve seen some beauties since I wrote this story. There is a lot of good art on the roads. All the best to you and your family.
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