Driver Crafts Wooden Trucks In Spare Time

Robert (one of our readers) has sent in some photos of his work, and proven himself to be quite the craftsman! So – we thought we’d share his work!

According to Robert, he’s been around trucks and heavy farm equipment for most of his life, and he started trucking for Poole truck lines in 1985! Since 1999, Robert has been working as a steel fabricator delivering materials to customers on the East Coast and in the Midwest.

Robert said that he began woodworking as a hobby and because he needed something to fill his downtime. One fateful day in 2004, he looked out at his barn, realized that it was empty, and decided that it was time to get busy. He went to an auction, bought some tools and lumber, and found plans for trucks and other equipment at a Springfield, MO tool show.

Over the years he’s put together some cedar blanket boxes, remodeled the exterior of his home, and worked on neighbor’s small projects. – He’s also built nearly one dozen trucks!

His next trailer will be a 9 axle heavy haul beam at 1/16th scale. Robert uses maple wheels, walnut frames for the trucks, and makes the cabs from cedar, walnut, african rosewood, and hickory.

He uses oak for the step boxes and dashes, walnut for the seats, and includes two shift levers that come out of the floors of most models!

Robert’s got other toys too, including a 1949 International that he drives in parades, and delivers his finished projects with. This one’s loaded with a king sized bed, and matching cedar lined walnut/cherry blanket box. – For these particular pieces the 125-year-old wood actually came from one of his farms after the trees were downed in a storm!

Awesome work, Robert!