By Simon Teahan
This mean looking Western Star nicknamed "Optimus Prime" is run by Hick Bros Heavy Haulage Ltd based in Silverdale, just north of Auckland. It is their first heavy haulage unit and is driven by experienced operator Robert Brown a.k.a. Magoo. The big Star was bought as a day cab but Robert needed the sleeper as jobs take him the from the top of the North Island down into the South Island. So a sleeper was sent over from Australia and Transpacific had the job of fitting the sleeper which gives the truck extra comfort for Robert for breaks and adds an extra dimension to the look of the truck.
Quite a few other things have changed on the Star since it was purchased. After the sleeper was fitted it went to Logan Signs of Henderson for the striking signage. Chris of Custom Truck Chrome , also of Silverdale, fitted the wicked looking boltless drop visor, which is the first on a Western Star in the country. He also did the stainless on the fuel tanks and side marker lights. The 6" straight cut exhausts were fitted by Robert. The truck also features Michelin X tires, Lodec scales on truck and trailer. Under the bonnet is a CAT C-15 550hp engine and the truck is rated at 90 tonne and mainly hauls Hick Bros equipment.
There are a few more things planned for the outside of the truck like extra stainless along the bottom of the sleeper. Big thanks to Robert for his time.
