ATHS Wheels of Time Magazine

12/12/2024

In the new issue of ATHS Wheels of Time Magazine, we meet Adam DeNino who exemplifies the spirit of determination in life as well as truck restoration. He discovered a 1967 Kenworth W923 online—an exceptional find featuring a two-stick 4x4 manual transmission, rooftop Kysor AC, a ripple-back sleeper, factory air ride, and original aluminum wheels. Delving into its history, he learned that the truck was originally sold in Denver and spent its working life hauling fuel from Sinclair, Wyoming, and later transporting coal through the Rockies. Eventually, it ended up on the East Coast, waiting for someone willing to revive its former glory.

Once he hauled it home to Nebraska, DeNino began the careful restoration process. He fixed leaks, tackled rust, rebuilt the NTC 335 Cummins engine, and sourced era-correct parts. Even the factory 8-track player returned to working order. Guided by vintage photos, reference materials, and stories from the original owner’s family, he ensured every detail stayed true to the truck’s authentic roots.

Halfway through the project, DeNino was diagnosed with cancer. Rather than giving up, he continued working on the Kenworth, finding purpose and comfort in each step of the process. As his treatments progressed, so did the truck, reminding him that steady effort could produce meaningful results. Ultimately, he beat cancer.

When the restoration was complete, DeNino proudly showcased the rejuvenated W923 at the ATHS headquarters in Kansas City, MO, during Kenworth’s 100th Anniversary celebration. There it stood, gleaming and true to its heritage, a testament not only to the storied past of a classic truck but also to the strength and perseverance of the man who brought it back to life.

Read the full feature in the November/December issue of Wheels of Time! Members can also access it online at www.aths.org/membership/benefits/wheels-of-time. Not a member? Join there and get full access today!

09/12/2024

With Christmas Day just a few weeks away, it’s hard not to think back to the toys that brought excitement to truck-loving kids. Among the most memorable of the 1980s was the Tyco US1 Electric Trucking sets which ATHS member Tony Martin reminisces about in the new issue of Wheels of TIme.

Trucks didn’t simply speed along a track—they stopped to load cargo, hauled it down winding highways, and delivered it to action-packed stations. It was a hands-on experience that brought the trucking industry to life, one small-scale rig at a time.

The trucks themselves were the stars of the show. Whether it was a dump truck with a working bed, a Peterbilt tractor hauling a chrome-plated tanker, or a Kenworth K100 paired with a flatbed trailer, these vehicles were designed to do more than just look good—they could perform tasks. Tyco’s innovative action stations brought a whole new level of interactivity:

Dump trucks could back into a log loader, where plastic logs rolled into the bed, or stop under a hopper to load gravel.

Flatbeds could slide into freight houses to load crates and then deliver them to unloading docks.

Specialized terminals allowed tractor-trailers to drop off and pick up trailers, simulating real trucking operations.

The track itself was equally innovative. Tyco designed the system to mimic interstate highways, with modular pieces that let kids create their own layouts, from simple loops to sprawling networks. The turnouts and ramps added a level of realism and functionality that other slot systems couldn’t match.

While Tyco retired the Electric Trucking line in 1987, its impact has endured. Collectors and enthusiasts continue to seek out these sets, accessories, and action stations, keeping the spirit of Electric Trucking alive.

For those lucky enough to find a US1 Electric Trucking set under the treee, it was a gateway to the world of trucking, scaled down to a size that brought the action right into the living room.

Read more about the Tyco US1 Electric Trucking line in the latest issue of Wheels of Time. Available now for ATHS members. Not a member? Join today at www.aths.org/membership and get full access to this and other stories that celebrate the history of trucking!

05/12/2024

🚛 The Driver’s Lounge is Open—Share Your Stories! 🚛
Got a story from the road that’s too good to keep to yourself? Whether it’s funny, legendary, or unforgettable, The Driver’s Lounge in ATHS Wheels of Time Magazine wants to hear from YOU! Let’s get your best road memories in print—send your story to [email protected] and be part of trucking's legacy.

02/12/2024

🚨 DEAL ALERT 🚨

For just $24 a year (only $2 a month!), become a Digital Member of the American Truck Historical Society and enjoy:
✅ Full access to Wheels of Time magazine—digitally!
✅ Member-only discounts on insurance, parts, and travel
✅ Early invitations to exclusive ATHS events
✅ And so much more—all from your phone, tablet, or computer!

Take advantage of this Cyber Monday promotion and elevate your trucking history experience! 🚛
👉 Join today: aths.org/membership

02/12/2024

At the 2024 ATHS National Convention in York, PA, Mickey Pedulla’s lineup of striking Macks stood out with their unmistakable flair. His motto says it best: "If it ain’t RED, keep it in the shed."

As the owner of Pedulla Excavating & Paving in Mooresville, NC, Mickey’s passion for Macks runs deep. His collection includes iconic B-models like the 1960 B6 and the 1966 B53, lovingly restored to their original glory. Whether they’re working on job sites or shining on the show floor, each truck reflects the same dedication and craftsmanship that have made his family business a success for over 40 years.

📖 Read the full feature in the November/December issue of Wheels of Time! Members can also access it online at www.aths.org/membership/benefits/wheels-of-time. Not a member? Join there and get full access today! 🚛

29/11/2024

🚨 Black Friday Alert! 🚨
75% OFF all back issues of Wheels of Time magazine. Explore the stories, history, and iconic trucks that shaped the industry! Don’t wait—limited quantities available. Order now at 👉 secure.aths.org/STORE or 📞 816-891-9900.

27/11/2024

The Grizzly: Canada’s Bare-Knuckle Pickup

It’s not every day you meet a truck that can out-tough the backwoods it calls home. The Grizzly, born in British Columbia, isn’t just a pickup—it’s a testament to raw durability. With only 13 built, this Canadian beast boasted a 5.9L Cummins diesel engine, 12-gauge steel panels, and a frame ready to take on whatever the wilderness could throw its way.

In the early 1990s, Geoff Buck, a former Hayes salesman, founded Grizzly Trucks Limited to create a truck tough enough to withstand the brutal demands of logging camps. The pickup trucks commonly used by loggers lived short, hard lives, battered by the rugged terrain. Buck envisioned a truck that could handle the punishment while remaining serviceable with parts already used in the logging industry. Grizzly Trucks Limited was born from that vision. Only 13 were ever built and today, fewer than 10 remain, each a piece of BC’s industrial history.

Thanks to Hagerty, a longtime supporter of Wheels of Time and the ATHS mission, for sharing this incredible story. Don’t forget—ATHS members receive exclusive discounts on vintage truck insurance through Hagerty! Not already a member? Join now at aths.org!

https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/the-rare-mighty-grizzly-truck-is-canadas-unimog/

If you see one of these rugged trucks in the wild, there’s no need to keep your distance: This Grizzly is even better up close.

25/11/2024

🚛 ATHS Wheels of Time Magazine: Chapter News Spotlights 📰

Each issue of Wheels of Time magazine celebrates the achievements of ATHS chapters across the country such as the Mohave County Chapter’s impressive debut at the "Run to the Sun" event in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

With a lineup of 14 trucks, including Paul Ogden’s 1923 REO Pumper and a 1948 mini-Peterbilt, the chapter turned heads at this traditionally car-focused event. Their hard work earned them the 2024 Sponsor Award, seven new members, and a total of 24 in just six months!

Here’s to the Mohave County Chapter and their outstanding first show! 🚚✨

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Discover trucking history for just $2 a month with the ATHS $24 Annual Online Membership! Get full access to American Truck Historical Society member benefits and the Wheels of Time digital magazine six times a year. Upgrade anytime for the print edition. Join now at aths.org!

18/11/2024

Meet Jake Van Pelt: Bridging Trucking's Past and Future

At just 26, Jake Van Pelt is rewriting what it means to be a trucking historian for a new generation, and his story is featured in November/December issue of Wheels of Time.

Based in Texas, Jake’s passion for the legacy of trucks shines through in everything he does—from building an enviable collection of vintage engine literature to creating hyper-realistic mods for the American Truck Simulator game.

Jake’s virtual engine mods are no ordinary game enhancements—they’re meticulously crafted tributes to the powerplants that defined an era. Inspired by iconic engines like the Detroit Diesel 6-71, Cummins N14, and Caterpillar 3406E, Jake spent over 1,000 hours perfecting the sounds and performance details to reflect the real-world experience of driving these classics. His work, downloaded by over 20,000 trucking fans worldwide, brings the roar of a two-stroke Detroit and the thrum of a big-bore Cummins back to life. “It’s not just about playing a game,” Jake says. “It’s about preserving history and giving people a way to reconnect with these machines.”

As a member of the ATHS Yellow Rose Chapter and the Next Gen Group, Jake is bringing younger enthusiasts into the fold by sharing trucking’s history in ways that spark an appreciation for the industry’s legacy.
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Discover trucking history for just $2 a month with the ATHS $24 Annual Online Membership! Get full access to American Truck Historical Society member benefits and the Wheels of Time digital magazine six times a year. Upgrade anytime for the print edition. Join now at aths.org!

07/11/2024

WayBack Wednesday! 🚛🔧

Flipping back to the November/December 1983 issue of ATHS Wheels of Time Magazine, readers were introduced to a name most hadn’t heard before—Albert Mellentine. This inventive Wisconsin wasn’t content with ordinary engineering. He crafted a rig so powerful and unique it was dubbed the “9-Cylinder Radial Monster,” built from a mix of WWII surplus, transit castoffs, and junkyard finds.

At its heart was a 9-cylinder Guiberson diesel engine, an air-cooled brute pulled from a WWII tank. But Mellentine wasn’t just about raw horsepower. He paired the tank engine with a generator to drive propulsion motors salvaged from a Chicago Transit Authority gas-electric bus. And because he wanted true versatility, he added a second engine—a 6-cylinder Stearns Knight—to run the winch motors. This wasn’t just another heavy-duty truck; Mellentine was creating a powerhouse on wheels.

The cab, scavenged from a junkyard, still had the faded Veith General Trucking Co. decal from its former life—something Mellentine left untouched. He topped it off with a locomotive headlight and air horn, giving the Monster a rough, industrial look that matched its raw mechanics. Built as a mobile crane, this rig had one purpose: handling tough jobs. It was so reliable that the Wisconsin State Police often called on it to right overturned tractor-trailers, one of the only vehicles around capable of such heavy lifting.

In a 1958 photo taken during a University of Wisconsin engineering class draw-bar pull test, you can see the Mellentine's machine being put through its paces. Even with a GMC military truck acting as a dynamometer, the Monster’s tractive power was so strong they couldn’t fully test its capabilities.

The Monster was just one of Mellentine's inventive projects. The Doc Brown of his day, known for his offbeat ingenuity, also converted a Pierce Arrow to electric drive, built his own generator to cut electric bills, and modified his furnace to burn drain oil. Another of his creations combined a Pierce Arrow chassis, a Buda diesel engine with an industrial radiator and hood, a Crosley pickup cab, and a custom-built wooden truck box. His DIY spirit may have even rivaled Thermo King—he once mounted a full-size walk-in, glass-doored freezer in the back of a pickup truck to haul a freshly hunted bear from Wyoming back to Wisconsin.

This Wheels of Time throwback honors the man who proved that with a little creativity, you could build a machine that truly defied convention.
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Discover trucking history for just $2 a month with the ATHS $24 Annual Online Membership! Get full access to American Truck Historical Society member benefits and the Wheels of Time digital magazine six times a year. Upgrade anytime for the print edition. Join now at aths.org!

03/11/2024

The Nov/Dec Issue of Wheels of Time is Here! 🚛

This issue is packed with stories of passion, resilience, and trucking history that’ll inspire restorers, collectors, and enthusiasts alike.

Featured Articles:

Fresh Starts – A 1967 Kenworth W923 gets a fresh start in life thanks to one determined owner. It’s a journey of personal challenges and second chances, bringing this classic back from the brink.

Pedulla Excavating and Paving – Meet the Pedulla family, who’s keeping their legacy alive one Mack truck at a time. This family’s dedication to restoring vintage trucks shines through every gleaming red finish and authentic detail.

Shifting Gears – Learn how companies like Consolidated Freightways and J.B. Hunt tackled the challenges of the 1980 Motor Carrier Act and turned them into opportunities.

Tall Tales – Discover the truth behind the legendary Corbitt “Tall Boy” cab-over as we dive into the real story behind this unique truck.

Semis in Scale – Take a nostalgic look back at Tyco’s US1 Electric Trucking set, where miniature big rigs hauled cargo and ruled the living room highways.

Departments:
In Next Gen, we’re spotlighting Jake Van Pelt, a young enthusiast taking trucking into the virtual world. The ATHS Awards celebrate those making strides in our industry, while Chapter News brings you highlights from coast-to-coast events. From the Archives transports you to 1950s Alaska with Lynden Transport’s pioneering routes, showing just how far trucking goes to connect us all.

📚 Grab your copy today by becoming a member of ATHS and celebrate the stories, trucks, and legacy that keep history alive! Wheels of Time is published six times a year and is available in both print and digital versions. aths.org/membership/benefits/wheels-of-time

21/10/2024

ATHS Members: How are you liking the chapter truck show recaps in Wheels of Time magazine? Let us know your thoughts!

20/10/2024

Got a vintage dump truck, tow truck, lowboy, logging truck, fuel tanker, or even a work truck from the family farm?

We’d love to see them! Drop a pic and some info and specs in the comments and show off your classic workhorses.

You might even see your truck featured in an upcoming Wheels of Time feature on vocational trucks!
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Discover trucking history for just $2 a month with the ATHS $24 Annual Online Membership! Get full access to member benefits and the Wheels of Time digital magazine. Upgrade anytime for the print edition. Join now at aths.org!

05/10/2024

🚛 Small Scale, Big Detail! 🚛

In this edition of Wheels of Time, Lee Hartman introduces us to John Haley, a retired trucker with 45 years of road time who found a new hobby that keeps him connected to the trucks he loves—building incredibly detailed 1/87 scale model trucks.

His latest project? A mid-fifties Kenworth conventional that’s nothing short of a masterpiece. Starting with an old die-cast truck kit, John stretched the frame, swapped out the headlights, and even added 33 working lights—including headlights, cab lights, sleeper lights, and even green fender pole lights! He customized the sleeper, built it from scratch with polished aluminum and drilled 15 holes to install the lights. Every part of the truck is handcrafted, from the toolboxes to the mudflaps (made from 2000-grit sandpaper!), and he’s paid attention to every tiny detail, down to the window glass and interior.

But John isn’t stopping there. His next project includes a tank trailer with 16 more lights and a full truck stop diorama to showcase his work. For John, the scale may be small, but the dedication and craftsmanship he pours into these models are massive.

Catch the full story in Wheels of Time (aths.org/about/media/wheels-of-time) and see how John Haley’s tiny trucks are keeping his passion for the road alive!

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Discover trucking history for just $2 a month with our $24 Annual Online Membership! Get full access to ATHS benefits and the Wheels of Time digital magazine. Upgrade anytime for the print edition. Join now at aths.org/membership

30/09/2024

time to go to WORK!

28/09/2024

⭐ Supporter Spotlight: Watt's Truck Center ⭐

Family-owned and operated since 1967, Watt's Truck Center, in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, is more than just a trusted name in the trucking industry—they're a cornerstone for truck enthusiasts. As an Authorized Dealer for Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks, their expertise spans both modern and classic models, making them the go-to spot for parts that are hard to find.

Fans of the Bulldog will love their selection of Mack clothing and collectibles, perfect for showing off your brand loyalty. But Watts Truck Center isn't just about trucks—they're about community.

As a longtime supporter of ATHS and an advertiser in Wheels of Time magazine, we truly value their dedication to preserving trucking history and helping keep the wheels turning for enthusiasts everywhere.

27/09/2024

🚧 Built for Road Building: White Good Roads Trucks! 🚛

In the latest issue of Wheels of Time, explore how White Good Roads Trucks revolutionized road construction—doing the job faster, more efficiently, and more cost-effectively than the mule teams of their time. These heavy-duty trucks not only hauled 5-ton loads, but also compacted road surfaces and towed equipment with ease. With their powerful 60 HP engines, and wide steel drum wheels for unbeatable traction, they made building roads a breeze.

Check out Leigh Knudson’s feature, "Bad Roads, Good Trucks," and see how White’s innovations helped pave the way for modern infrastructure.

Get your copy of Wheels of Time and learn about the trucks that changed road building forever! 💪 aths.org/about/media/wheels-of-time
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Discover trucking history for just $2 a month with our $24 Annual Online Membership! Get full access to ATHS benefits and the Wheels of Time digital magazine. Upgrade anytime for the print edition. Join now at aths.org/membership/benefits/wheels-of-time

17/09/2024

🚛 Trailer Tales: A Quest to Preserve Semi-Trailer History 🚛

In the latest Wheels of Time (Sept/Oct issue), Rich Hilgendorf shares his mission to uncover and preserve the history of semi-trailers—an often-overlooked part of trucking. With a 43-year career in the transportation industry, Rich documents his search for vintage trailers and their emblems, collecting valuable pieces of American trucking history.

From finding a rare 1916 Utility flatbed trailer with solid rubber tires on 5-hole steel wheels to a step deck livestock hauler from 1936, Rich has tracked down relics that still sit abandoned in construction lots and farm fields. He’s even equipped his car with a compact ladder and toolbox, ready to recover emblems and VIN plates from these forgotten trailers.

🚛 Don’t miss out on this fascinating article. check out the digital edition of Wheels of Time at aths.org/about/media/wheels-of-time

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Discover trucking history for just $2 a month with our $24 Annual Online Membership! Get full access to ATHS benefits and the Wheels of Time digital magazine. Upgrade anytime for the print edition. Join now at aths.org/membership/benefits/wheels-of-time