General News
22 November, 2023
Bill’s trucks a hit with the community
CREATING hand-made trucks has been a labour of love for 83-year-old former engineer Bill Slimmon. Mr Slimmon, a Camperdown native, estimates he has built more than 100 trucks over the past few years, which he retails at local newsagents. He said he...
CREATING hand-made trucks has been a labour of love for 83-year-old former engineer Bill Slimmon.
Mr Slimmon, a Camperdown native, estimates he has built more than 100 trucks over the past few years, which he retails at local newsagents.
He said he first had the idea for building the trucks as he looked to keep his engineering mind ticking in retirement.
“When I retired I was looking for a hobby to do and decided I would make the little trucks,” Mr Slimmon said.
“I designed one up and tried to improve on it as it went along.
“When I first started off I drew them up to scale and I used medium-density fibreboard (engineered wood product) and Paddle Pop sticks.
“I used to make the headlights on the lathe but then I found little Christmas bells.”
The colour scheme and signage allowed for each truck to be personalised for businesses and individuals alike, with football themes proving especially popular as demand has consistently outweighed supply.
When the trucks are built Mr Slimmon visits Western District Newspapers to pitch design ideas, which are then printed as stickers and placed on the bare trucks.
He then matches the colours to create a finished product, which has become widely sought after in the community.
Mr Slimmon thanked Noela and Shane McCann at Camperdown Newsagency and Chis O’Brien at Terang Newsagency, both of which provide space to retail the trucks.
The trucks have proven a hit with the wider south west community, with stores and households across the region now home to their own handmade early 1900s delivery-style truck.
Mr Slimmon will be slowing down on how many of the trucks he builds, acknowledging his age is beginning to catch up with him, but he had been delighted to know his little creation has brought so much joy to others.
“It’s very pleasing to know how much people enjoy the trucks, and I get a lot of enjoyment out of making them,” he said.
“It helps me to keep busy and active.”