INDUSTRY LEGENDAUSTRALIANEARTHMOVING.COM.AU 24produced torque up to 210 rpm. A lot of grunt
for 1968.
Speaking with Brian Wall, who since 1972, has
consistently cared for the “old girl” or FTK
(as it is known in the yard due to its number
plate) before Adrian was ready to take over
the maintenance you quickly realise that this
truck not only holds a special place in Adrian’s
heart but in Brian’s and many of the other men
at Mulgoa Quarries. Many of the new drivers
were given the keys to the FTK as a place
for them to learn the ropes. Adrian was one
of those new drivers and his mentor, Doug
Frater, took the approach that if you grinded
the gears you were quickly given a swipe to
the back of the head. It was in the FTK that
Adrian gained his truck licence. Many of us
learnt to drive in old beat up cars and trucks
but not many of us can look back and know
exactly where that piece of machinery was
when it was sparkling new or where it is today.The Wearn brothers do - along with its entire
history. They know that the FTK was originally
destined for another owner and that that sale
fell through; they know that the salesman was
sacked and that their Dad was delighted with
his deal and his new truck although sacrifices
had to be made for the FTK to join the
fledgling fleet. They also remember the green
(as it was then) Mack truck being parked
outside the family home at North Rocks. I
guess the day started early for all of those
living nearby as Mack trucks of that era were
air starts it were impossible to start up the